Nidec Machine Tool to Launch MPLJ Series: A Linear Position Detector for Large Machine Tools and Long-stroke Equipment

Ritto, Shiga – 15 JUN 2026 – Nidec Machine Tool Corporation announced today that it will launch the MPLJ series on June 15, a linear-type high-accuracy position detector capable of handling long strokes for large machine tools and long equipment. With its unique MP Scale that adopts an electromagnetic induction method, this new series realizes a position detection accuracy of ±2.5μm/m with a maximum stroke coverage of 255m. In addition, this product boasts high usability with an absolute system (which does not require homing during startup) and single-cable use.

As machine tools and transportation equipment have become increasingly larger in recent years, demand has grown for position detectors capable of supporting long travel distances, reducing wiring labor, enabling efficient startup upon activation, and minimizing power consumption during maintenance. The MPLJ series successfully addresses these challenges in desig, manufacturing, and maintenance processes to help reduce the burden on users.

1. Maximum coverage of 255m and improved maintainability
By connecting standard-length scales of 1,000mm, 750mm, 500mm, and 250mm in a modular configuration, the MPLJ series achieves a maximum stroke coverage of 255m. The use of standard-length scales simplifies transportation and installation, while offering improved maintainability when damaged, as only the affected section needs to be replaced.

2. Single-cable connection significantly reduces wiring labor
With an A/D converter and pre-amplifier function built into the head, MPLJ does not require an external signal conversion unit – which is necessary for conventional products. This improvement enables a single-cable-based direct connection from the MPLJ sensor head to the NC controller, simplifying wiring and reducing the equipment design workload. (Note: This feature depends on the controller equipment).

3. Absolute position detection enables faster equipment startup
The MPLJ’s absolute position detection function, which incorporates both incremental and absolute patterns, retains position information even when the power is turned off, and eliminates the need for homing during startup during activation. In addition, the MPLJ does not require a backup battery, which further helps reduce maintenance workloads.

4. IP67 to ensure high-accuracy, stable operation in environments with oil and machining chips
The MPLJ adopts fully contactless structure based on an electromagnetic induction method to be free of wear components. In addition, complying with IP67, the product realizes stable operations even in dusty and oily environments, while maintaining a highly accurate position detection capability of ±2.5μm/m, ensuring long-term, high-accuracy position detection.

5. Multi-head capability for multi-axis control and greater design freedom
With its “multi-head” capability, where the user can mount multiple heads on a single scale, the MPLJ can control multiple axes independently and provide greater equipment design flexibility. Furthermore, the use of the dedicated software, MP Checker II, enables easy installation condition check, long-term condition monitoring, and maintenance diagnostics.

See the full press release here: https://www.mynewsdesk.com/us/nidec/pressreleases/nidec-machine-tool-to-launch-mplj-series-a-linear-position-detector-for-large-machine-tools-and-long-stroke-equipment-3454358

NIDEC MACHINE TOOL AMERICA and WENZEL to Host Gear Up for Precision Open House

Wixom, MI – 26 MAR 2026 – NIDEC MACHINE TOOL AMERICA is pleased to announce a joint Open House with WENZEL America this June, bringing together manufacturing leaders for two days of technical presentations, live demonstrations, and industry networking. The Gear Up for Precision Open House will spotlight NIDEC’s latest advancements in gear manufacturing and its expanding portfolio of advanced manufacturing technologies, paired with live demonstrations of WENZEL’s high-precision metrology and CT scanning solutions.

Bridging the Gap Between Production and Validation

This joint Open House highlights the critical synergy between high-performance machining and precision measurement. Attendees will see firsthand how NIDEC’s production workflows are complemented by WENZEL’s inspection and validation technologies, helping manufacturers achieve higher throughput and tighter tolerances. 

Event Highlights and Technical Showcases

Throughout the two-day event, live demonstrations will feature NIDEC’s latest equipment alongside WENZEL’s metrology and CT scanning systems. These demonstrations will show how integrated measurement data can validate production results and accelerate process optimization.

Expert-led technical sessions will offer insights into current industry trends while addressing the specific challenges of modern manufacturing environments. 

Attendees will also have the opportunity to connect with representatives from several industry partners, including Takisawa, Federal Broach, and Gear Research Technologies, to discuss application-specific solutions and emerging technologies. 

Beyond the technical program, the Open House will provide ample opportunities for networking with industry peers and subject-matter experts to discuss the future of smart manufacturing. The event will also feature catering and entertainment, creating a productive environment for professional exchange.

Event Details

  • Date: June 9-10, 2026
  • Location:
    • NIDEC MACHINE TOOL AMERICA 46992 Liberty Dr Wixom, MI 48393
    • WENZEL AMERICA 28700 Beck Rd Wixom, MI 48393
  • Format: Two-day Open House featuring technical presentations, demonstrations, and networking opportunities.

Registration and Information

Space for this exclusive event is limited. To reserve your spot, please visit https://www.wenzelamerica.com/event/gear-up-for-precision-open-house/ or contact Samantha Hambleton at samantha.hambleton@nidec.com. 

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NIDEC MACHINE TOOL AMERICA Expands Advanced Manufacturing Portfolio, Rebrands Division to Reflect Broader Capabilities

Wixom, MI – 12 MAR 2026 – NIDEC MACHINE TOOL AMERICA has announced the
rebranding of its Additive Manufacturing division to Advanced Manufacturing Technologies, marking a significant step forward in the company’s commitment to delivering precision manufacturing solutions across North America.


The newly named division brings three distinct technology platforms under one umbrella:
LAMDA, the company’s metal additive manufacturing system; ABLASER, a high-precision
laser micromachining system; and BOND MEISTER, a room-temperature wafer bonding
machine built for semiconductor and MEMS applications.

“This expansion reflects where the industry is heading and where we stand as a company,” said Tyson Gregory, Advanced Manufacturing Technologies Sales Manager. “By bringing these specialized systems together, we are making it easier for our North American customers to leverage our full suite of solutions.”

About the Technologies

LAMDA – DED AM System

LAMDA is NIDEC’s Laser Powder DED Additive Manufacturing system, built for large-scale metal 3D printing. The series, comprising the LAMDA200, LAMDA500, LAMDA2000, and LAMDA5000, features advanced process control with AI anomaly detection for real-time monitoring and feedback, ensuring stability and repeatability throughout the build. Additionally, its local shield nozzle allows for the printing of reactive materials without a full inert gas enclosure, which simplifies setup and speeds up delivery.

ABLASER – Laser Micromachining System

The ABLASER is built around proprietary optical head technology and a prism rotator. This enables ultra-high precision helical machining, drilling micro-holes down to ⌀27 μm in materials like silicon, SiC, and ceramics with no thermal distortion. Its flexible taper hole control supports straight, forward taper, reverse taper, and hand-drum-shaped geometries.

BOND MEISTER – Room Temperature Wafer Bonding Machine 

BOND MEISTER joins wafers through surface activation bonding inside a high-vacuum environment; no heat is required. This eliminates thermal stress and distortion, allowing for the bonding of dissimilar materials like GaN, GaAs, and silicon. The lineup includes the MWB-04/06-R for research, prototyping, and small to medium volume production; MWB-04/06/08-AX for high-throughput production with fully automatedcassette-to-cassette operation; and MWB-08/12-ST for 300 mm wafer bonding in high-volume applications.

Availability

All three systems are available through NIDEC MACHINE TOOL AMERICA and backed by the North American sales and service network. 

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Nidec Opens New Global Technical Center to Drive Collaborative Manufacturing Innovation

Wixom, MI – 6 FEB 2026 – NIDEC MACHINE TOOL AMERICA, A Nidec Group company, is proud to announce the official grand opening of Nidec Corporation’s new Technical Center in Ritto City, Shiga Prefecture, Japan. Established as a collaborative innovation hub, the center brings together the technologies and expertise of the Nidec Machine Tool Business Unit under the “One Nidec” policy.

The facility serves as the flagship venue for demonstrating Nidec’s comprehensive machine tool lineup and developing integrated manufacturing solutions. Following a successful opening ceremony, the center is now fully operational and ready to serve as a global resource for NIDEC MACHINE TOOL AMERICA customers.

A Comprehensive “One Nidec” Machine Tool Hub

Located on the grounds of Nidec Machine Tool Corporation in Ritto City, the Technical Center houses an extensive lineup from across the Nidec Group:

Lathes

  • Parallel Twin-Spindle, Twin-Turret CNC Lathe (TT-2600IIG)
  • Multi-Tasking Machine (TMX-4000IISTT)
  • Combined Machining CNC Lathe (TS-4000IIYS)
  • Vertical CNC Lathe (VTL-760)

Gear Machines

  • Dry Cutting Hobbing Machines (GE15B, GE25B)
  • High Performance Gear Hobbing Machines (GE15HS, GE25HS)
  • High-precision Gear Hobbing Machine (GE15FR Plus)
  • Dry Cutting Gear Shaping Machine (SE25A)
  • Gear Shaving Machine (FE30A)
  • Gear Chamfering Machine (CF26A)
  • Gear Grinding Machines (ZE16C, ZE26C, ZE40A, ZFA260)
  • Internal Gear Grinding Machine (ZI25A)
  • Multitasking Gear Center (MGC300)

Machining Centers

  • Horizontal Machining Center (HM6300)
  • Vertical Machining Centers (VN5, VM53RII, VB53α)
  • 5-axis Vertical Machining Centers (VB-X650, VB-X650 with Vertical Pallet Stocker)
  • Vertical Grinding Center (GC53R)

Large Machines

  • Double Column Machining Center (MV12BxII)
  • Double Column, 5-Face Milling Machines (MVR30Ax, MVR30Hx)

Metal 3D Printers

  • Powder DED 3D metal additive manufacturing machine (LAMDA500)
  • Binder Jetting Metal 3D Printer (DM P2500)

From Demonstration to Co-Creation: Four Core Functions

The Technical Center is organized around four practical functions designed to meet the evolving needs of the manufacturing industry:

1. Explore: Discover Machining Technologies and Equipment

Live machining demonstrations allow visitors to evaluate cutting performance, cycle times, and system integration.

2. Experience: From Theory to Confidence

On-site test machining and prototyping on actual equipment enable customers to validate concepts and strategies before committing to a final process.

3. Lead: Guidance to Optimal Processes and Systems

The Technical Center team works with users to refine and optimize workflows, providing recommendations for equipment configuration, tooling, and automation to improve productivity.

4. Learn: Acquire Practical Knowledge for the Field Hands-on technical training and education programs cover machine operation, process engineering, and maintenance to help customers develop the skills needed for modern production environments.

The opening of the Technical Center marks a significant milestone in Nidec’s commitment to global manufacturing excellence. By integrating the specialized strengths of its group companies into a single, collaborative environment, Nidec is better positioned to address the increasingly complex challenges faced by modern machine shops. This facility serves as a vital link between engineering innovation and practical application. Through the “One Nidec” initiative, NIDEC MACHINE TOOL AMERICA remains dedicated to providing its customers with the advanced tools, technical validation, and expert support necessary to drive efficiency and success in an evolving industrial landscape.

    NIDEC MACHINE TOOL AMERICA to Showcase at 10th Annual Military Additive Manufacturing Summit

    Wixom, MI – 16 JAN 2026 – NIDEC MACHINE TOOL AMERICA will exhibit at the 10th Annual Military Additive Manufacturing Summit & Technology Showcase (MILAM), held February 2-5 in Tampa, Florida. Located at Booth 107 on Level 3, NIDEC MACHINE TOOL AMERICA will showcase its LAMDA series, a line of laser powder Directed Energy Deposition (DED) systems engineered for high-precision, large-scale metal 3D printing.

    As the premier event for defense and aerospace 3D printing in North America, MILAM provides a vital forum for industry leaders to address Department of Defense (DoD) priorities around readiness, sustainment, and supply chain resilience. The LAMDA series is designed to support these objectives through scalable metal additive manufacturing for production, repair, and overhaul of critical components.

    LAMDA technology offers two distinct advantages that set it apart from traditional additive manufacturing platforms:

    • Local Shield Nozzle: While many systems require a full inert gas enclosure or environmental chamber to process reactive materials, LAMDA utilizes a proprietary local shield system. This allows for high-accuracy printing in an open-air environment, drastically reducing setup complexity and footprint while speeding up the delivery of parts.
    • Real-Time Monitoring and Feedback: To meet the strict quality standards of the defense industry, LAMDA features an advanced monitoring and feedback system integrated with AI anomaly detection. This closed-loop control ensures a stable, repeatable process, providing the precision necessary for mission-critical applications.

    “The LAMDA series is built for the realities of modern defense manufacturing,” said Tyson Gregory, Additive Manufacturing Sales at NIDEC MACHINE TOOL AMERICA. “Our local shield technology removes the logistical headache of inert gas enclosures. When you combine that with AI-driven process assurance, you get a system that truly strengthens supply chain resilience and accelerates readiness.”

    NIDEC MACHINE TOOL AMERICA’s additive manufacturing solutions are part of a comprehensive portfolio, which includes strategic collaborations with NIDEC OKK, PAMA, Federal Broach, and TAKISAWA. MILAM attendees are encouraged to visit Booth 107 to see how the LAMDA series can help meet the military’s objective of deploying additive manufacturing to operational units.

    To register for MILAM 2026: https://www.militaryam.com/

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    Blaser Swisslube, Inc. and NIDEC MACHINE TOOL AMERICA Announces Strategic Partnership to Elevate Metalworking Performance and Productivity

    Goshen, NY, and Wixom, MI – 10 DEC 2025 – Blaser Swisslube, Inc., a global leader in high-performance metalworking fluids, and NIDEC MACHINE TOOL AMERICA, a leader in innovative machine tool solutions, announces a strategic partnership designed to help manufacturers achieve higher productivity, precision, and process reliability.

    By combining Blaser Swisslube’s Liquid Tool approach, which positions metalworking fluid as a driver of performance, with NIDEC MACHINE TOOL AMERICA’s advanced gear manufacturing and precision machining technologies, the companies will provide integrated, application-driven solutions that deliver measurable results on the shop floor.

    Under the collaboration, customers will gain coordinated access to:

    • Joint process evaluations that optimize machine, tool, and fluid interactions
    • Application-specific metalworking fluid recommendations and on-site support
    • Data-driven trials to improve cycle times, tool life, and surface quality

    When speaking about the partnership, Carsten Witthuser, Head of Americas at Blaser Swisslube, Inc. said, “We partner with machine tool builders who align with our mission: delivering high-performance fluids, technical expertise, and full-service solutions that help customers optimize their machining productivity. That’s why our collaboration with NIDEC MACHINE TOOL AMERICA matters. Seeing our fluids run in their machines, day in and day out, means manufacturers are getting the performance, reliability, and value they deserve.”

    “Our customers expect world-class precision and uptime,” said Scott Knoy, VP of Sales, NIDEC MACHINE TOOL AMERICA. “By aligning with Blaser Swisslube, we’re strengthening process performance, improving tool life, consistency, and surface finish while reducing total cost of manufacturing.”

    As the partnership progresses, the companies will collaborate on initiatives intended to enhance customer outcomes across a range of machining and manufacturing applications.

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    Todd Hughes Returns to NIDEC MACHINE TOOL AMERICA as West Coast Sales Manager

    Wixom, MI – 5 NOV 2025 – NIDEC MACHINE TOOL AMERICA (NMTA) is pleased to announce that Todd Hughes has rejoined the company as Regional Sales Manager for the U.S. West Coast. In this role, Hughes will oversee gear machine tool sales across Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and British Columbia.

    In addition to the full line of Nidec gear cutting and grinding machines, Hughes will also champion the company’s complete portfolio of gear cutting tools and related services. His responsibilities include promoting hobs, shaper cutters, skiving tools, and shave tools, as well as coordinating value-added services such as sharpening and coating to support customers end to end.

    “Todd’s return is great news for our customers and our team,” said Scott Knoy, VP of Sales for NMTA. “He was missed during his brief absence, and we’re excited to welcome him back.” With nearly three decades of military service spanning logistics and combat arms, Hughes brings a decisive, solutions-oriented approach to the role. “I’m looking forward to tackling the challenges of both machine tool and cutting tool sales,” Hughes said. He added that his hands-on background in manufacturing operations provides valuable insight into the needs and constraints of gear manufacturers.

    NIDEC MACHINE TOOL AMERICA delivers a comprehensive range of gear manufacturing solutions, including gear hobbers, shapers, grinders, shaving machines, skiving machines, and chamfering systems. Federal Broach & Machine of Harrison, Michigan, a Nidec group company, serves as the distribution and service partner for Nidec’s gear cutting tools.

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    NIDEC MACHINE TOOL Launches ZFA Series Gear Grinders

    New Models Offer High Precision and Efficiency

    Kyoto, Japan – NIDEC Machine Tool Corporation announced the launch of the ZFA Series, a new line of high-precision gear grinders designed to meet global demand for advanced gear machining. The ZFA160 and ZFA260 models offer exceptional performance and efficiency for a wide range of gear sizes.

    Designed for high-speed and high-precision finishing of gears, the ZFA Series features a twin-table structure and high-speed rotary performance, resulting in a significantly reduced non-machining time compared to previous models. The ZFA160 and ZFA260 also incorporate advanced features to ensure fast, stable and accurate machining, including stiffer work-table structures, grinding spindles, and dressing units.

    The ZFA Series is ideal for machining gears for electric vehicles and robots, offering features like simultaneous double-tooth flank bias adjustment and low-noise machining. Additionally, the models are designed with environmental sustainability in mind, featuring a circular, filter fabric coolant tank that reduces waste generation.

    As the demand for high-precision gears continues to grow, NIDEC Machine Tool is committed to providing innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of the global market. The ZFA Series offers a combination of precision, efficiency, and sustainability, making it a valuable asset for manufacturers worldwide.

    Main specifications of gear grinding machines ZFA160 and ZFA260

    SpecificationsUnitZFA160ZFA260
    Maximum work-piece diametermmφ160φ260
    Process-sable module*4mmStandard1 – 41 – 6
    OPT0.5 – 1.00.5 – 1.0
    Grinding wheel external diametermmφ208 – 275
    Grinding wheel maximum rotating speedmin-18,000
    Table maximum rotating speedmin-13,0002,000
    Electric source capacitykVA110
    Machine masskg15,000

    *1. By installing two work-accommodating tables onto a machine, one can set up machining on one side while machining is underway on the other side.

    *2. A component or material whose natural rock, etc. has been solidified with resin.  This material has a low thermal conductivity, is hard to be affected by temperature change, and has a high vibration damping.  In addition, unlike cast metals, there is no manufacturing process that discharges a large amount of CO2.

    *3. An index that indirectly represents the precision of a gear’s pitch circle.  “O.B.D” stands for “over ball diameter.”

    *4. Module: A value that represents the size of a gear’s teeth (i.e., the pitch circle’s diameter (mm) divided by the number of teeth).

    ###

    About NIDEC Machine Tool Corporation

    NIDEC Machine Tool Corporation is a global leader in innovative machine tool solutions. The company, along with NIDEC OKK, PAMA, and TAKISAWA, works collaboratively to deliver high-quality, high-efficiency machine tools that support various industries worldwide.

    Contact:

    Dwight Smith

    248-756-0894

    dwight.smith@nidec.com

    Website: https://www.nidec.com/en/machine-tool/

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