30 years of Open House Pfronten and a century of innovation

The company then became a machine tool manufacturer in 1950 and today DMG MORI Pfronten is the most important innovation and production center of DMG MORI in Europe. The manual milling of the early years has been replaced by digital control technologies and comprehensive automation, ranging from single part machining to automated series production. For laser structuring and drilling, the additive LASERTEC 3D technology in combination with machining has completely redefined the geometric limits of metalworking. Today, the Pfronten plant has developed into a center for precision machining, process integration and automation in the field of 5-axis milling. We spoke to Cornelius Nöß, the current Managing Director of DMG MORI Pfronten GmbH, about all this on the occasion of the 30^th anniversary of the Open House in Pfronten.

Mr. Nöß, DMG MORI Pfronten GmbH’s approach is always something special. For those who have never been here before: What are the current key data?

Cornelius Nöß, Managing Director of DMG MORI Pfronten GmbH

The DMG MORI site in Pfronten covers a total area of 149,000 m² and employs 1,600 people. Every year, up to around 1,000 machines leave the factory – spread over 50 different machine types, from the versatile monoBLOCK series to the XXL machines. The workpieces that can be machined with these machines range in size from 600 mm to over 6,000 mm and weigh from a few grams to several tons. We work here in an area where many other people go on vacation. The fantastic landscape in and around Pfronten is always an additional highlight for us, but especially for our visitors.

The foundation was laid 75 years ago with the legendary SK 250. Another milestone in your chronicle is the first Open House in 1995. Can you take us on a journey through time?

The 1990s marked a turning point in many respects. New production and value chains emerged. Outsourcing increased, vertical integration decreased, supply chains became longer and CNC manufacturing as a service became increasingly strategically important.

...and in machine tool manufacturing?

In machine tool manufacturing, technological advances had made CNC technology more affordable and user-friendly, which led to an accelerated spread even in small and medium-sized workshops and companies. Control technology also paved the way for the practical application of 5-axis machining. The same applies to the first (two-dimensional) CAD and CAM applications, which entered the manufacturing technology stage at that time, while manufacturing execution systems (MES) began to establish themselves in this decade as a link between ERP systems and the workshop level.

What was happening in Pfronten in the meantime?

Partnership-based exchange, inspiration and presentations: From February 10 to 21, 2025, visitors are invited to experience Machining Transformation (MX) up close.

From the mid-1990s, geopolitical, economic and structural changes demanded a fundamentally new market and, above all, customer orientation.

The switch to our own sales and service organization at that time was certainly the most important strategic decision. Technologically, the introduction of 5-axis machining was groundbreaking. And all of this basically culminated in the first Open House in 1995. Prior to this, direct customer responsibility had been delegated to national and international dealers; the machine tool manufacturer only built the machines. This changed in 1995, when more direct contact with customers made it possible to experience the needs and concerns of users live, to understand the background to their requirements and thus to develop individual solutions without losing sight of the standardization that is important for a machine manufacturer.

In terms of production technology, the event also set a pioneering example for the future of universal machining. The DMU 80 T in particular impressed the experts with its unprecedented precision, speed and flexibility. Today, this innovation is regarded as the mother machine of success and the source of subsequent innovations in the field of 5-axis simultaneous machining.

The developments of the 1990s were formative. How did DMG MORI Pfronten continue the wave of innovation in the following decades?

The world premiere of the DMU P series in 1996 was another milestone that led DMG MORI to the forefront of 5-axis/5-sided machining. This concept paved the way for continuous innovations, such as the monoBLOCK concept in 2000, which replaced the classic cross-slide design, as well as the duoBLOCK concept and the introduction of mill-turn technology in 1999. This technological transformation drove us to make the machines more flexible, more precise, more powerful and more productive and thus to always be one step ahead of customer requirements. One example of this is the development of portal machines. With the DMU 200 P, we were also able to launch XXL machining.

What happened next?

The success of the new large machines was so immense that a large XXL area was added to the plant in 2014.

The introduction of the DMU 600 P in 2011 brought the performance of special machines into a standard solution for the first time. This large machine was so successful that we opened the XXL Center in 2014 as an extension to our plant. In 2016, the DMU 600 G linear set new standards in precision and contour accuracy with linear drives. The series was developed together with our customers to meet their exact requirements for die and mold making as well as large part production in mechanical engineering. Another breakthrough was the introduction of CELOS in 2013 – the first APP-based operating and control system in machine tool manufacturing. This revolutionized digital manufacturing and offered customers decisive added value.

The developments of DMG MORI Ultrasonic Lasertec GmbH are also based here in Pfronten. With innovative technologies such as LASERTEC 3D, which combines additive manufacturing with machining, we are setting new standards in process integration. This mix of precision, innovative strength and technological progress makes Pfronten one of the leading centers in global machine tool manufacturing.

What part do customers play in the success story of DMG MORI Pfronten?

Our customers challenge and support us. Our strength lies in the process integration of different manufacturing technologies – 5-axis milling, 6-sided turning, grinding, gear cutting, measuring and now even welding (friction stir welding) can now be carried out in one machine in one clamping. In combination with the development of flexible automation solutions, the systems can also be perfectly tailored to the requirements of our customers. From the standard machine to the fully integrated production cell or flexibly automated production system – everything is designed to offer maximum flexibility, precision, efficiency and sustainability. Close collaboration with our customers drives us to develop pioneering solutions for the digital and green transformation of manufacturing.

The 30^th anniversary of the Open House is now approaching. What can visitors expect?

The 2025 Open House will once again be a highlight for the industry. From February 10 to 21, we will be presenting our latest technologies and solutions for Machining Transformation (MX). Highlights include the second generation of the DMU 60 eVo – a highly dynamic 5-axis machine – as well as the new DMX 60 and DMX 80 U models for 5-axis milling and the CTX 750 for universal turning. We will also be presenting the ULTRASONIC 20 linear, which sets standards in precision.  Automation solutions such as the PH Cell series, the PH AMR 750 and the ground-breaking e-PALLET system round off the innovation portfolio. It will be a feast for technology enthusiasts!