From MacBooks to Machine Tools: My Visit to INTEC 2026
Why I went to INTEC 26 ?
When I got the MacBook in my hands for the first time, the first thing that stood out the most was not its display or the software. It was the rigidity and feel of the laptop chassis when I lifted it. I wondered how an aluminum sheet could be made this strong and later found that it was carved out of a block of aluminum. My passion for CNC machines started there.
I soon found myself going down the rabbit hole, learning about CNC milling, turning, and the many manufacturing processes that shape the products we use every day. I’ve always had a deep appreciation for machines, especially because power looms have been feeding my family for more than five decades. In a way, my interest in machine tools feels like a continuation of that connection.
One day, I heard about INTEC 26. It seemed like a perfect opportunity to learn about the machines that I am passionate about and an opportunity to take a look at CNC machines in person.
What is INTEC 26’
INTEC 2026 is a large industrial trade fair organized by CODISSIA in Coimbatore. With over 600 exhibitors and 1,100 booths, it showcases everything from CNC machines and industrial automation to metrology equipment and material handling systems.
Major companies present at INTEC 26 are:
- LMW – Lakshmi Machine Works
- STM – S&T Machinery
- Jyoti CNC Automation
- Elgi Equipments
- Macpower CNC
- Hindustan Hydraulics
International companies:
- Makino
- Zeiss
- Fanuc
- Haitian Precision
- Zoller
Product verticals:
- CNC Machines (3-axis, 5-axis) VTM, EDM
- Cutters (Laser and blade)
- Linear motion devices
- Advanced measuring devices and gauges
- Warehouse cranes and hydraulics
- Pumps and motors
It was an exciting yet demanding experience. We spent nearly six hours at the event and still couldn’t cover all the stalls. The most fascinating part was seeing the wide range of homegrown CNC machines from companies such as LMW, STM, and many other manufacturers from across the country.
For me, it was a real eye-opener. I had always thought of Coimbatore primarily as a textile economy. The exhibition made me realize how much the region has evolved—from an agrarian economy to textiles, then to foundries and casting, and now to the manufacturing of high-precision industrial equipment.
I did witness the progress made in CNC machine manufacturing and industrial automation. However, there is still room to catch up in areas such as measuring devices and motion technology. Most of the companies in these sectors were from Germany, Japan, and China I hope to see more Indian companies manufacturing world-class measuring devices at future editions of INTEC.
It took a moment for me to realize how the economy has evolved and how the profits from one industry became the capital for another. This evolution has not only shaped the economy but also the lifestyle of the people in the region.
How it affected my life
My grandfather was a farmer, but as water became scarce, agriculture was no longer a viable option for survival. My father had to work in the power loom industry and became the breadwinner of our family for over five decades.
The boom in the textile industry played a significant role in this transformation. More importantly, power looms were not extremely capital-intensive, which encouraged entrepreneurship and created more income within the locality.
Even today, the power loom industry remains the primary source of income for many families in my village. I hope high-precision manufacturing will do the same for many more families in the region.
Because of that, we were able to afford a decent education. Our family effectively skipped the foundry and manufacturing phase and moved directly into the IT and services sector. Looking back at the CNC industry gave me an opportunity to understand and appreciate the sector that our family never became a part of.