MT Magazine November/December 2025

THE INDUSTRY OUTLOOK ISSUE

IMTS+

32

Resilience by Design If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my 25 years in this industry, it’s that technology alone doesn’t define progress. People do. At Co-Line, innovation is rooted in relationships: between leaders and teams, between machines and software, and between technology partners like Hexagon and Mazak, who see partnership as a competitive advantage.

The Power of Partnership Of course, even the best software needs the right hardware. At Co-Line, that stack comes together through a partnership with Mazak and Hexagon, where world-class machinery meets intelligent software to turn precision into performance. Across the shop floor, Mazak’s 5-axis Space Gear and Fabri Gear 400 Neo laser machines deliver the kind of precision and flexibility that defines advanced manufacturing. Hexagon’s Radan software ties it all together into a single digital workflow, syncing every operation. “Behind us is muscle,” says Mark Mercurio, regional manager at Mazak, as we watch operators run the 26-axis Fabri Gear Neo. “But the brains of that muscle come from the software and control technology running it.” Not only does this software-hardware partnership enable Co Line to deliver precision components, but it also significantly speeds up team members’ onboarding time. One operator, new to CNC laser processing, began running the Mazak multiaxis system within four weeks. A decade ago, that kind of skill jump would have taken months. Now, smarter software and intuitive controls are helping new talent thrive on the factory floor in weeks. From Simulation to the Shop Floor For Co-Line, “digital twin” isn’t a buzzword. It’s how they operate. Using Hexagon’s 3D scanning and simulation tools, the team creates digital replicas of both parts and machines. Every process can be tested for collisions, verified for accuracy, and optimized before production even starts. Eric puts it best: “We can make a digital twin of a part in minutes. It saves us time, material, and headaches.” That’s the kind of quiet innovation that defines the modern manufacturing floor – practical, data-driven, and deeply effective. Co-Line is proving that small-town manufacturers can lead the way in digital adoption. What’s Next? Looking ahead, Co-Line is exploring how simulation can extend beyond parts and machines. The team is curious about humanoid robotics and how they might assist with repetitive or physically demanding tasks.

Technology sharpens their edge, but it’s the people who carry the blade. The same grit that built Co-Line’s reputation keeps them moving forward – one part, one process, one innovation at a time. That’s what makes Co-Line – and partners like Hexagon and Mazak – architects of modern manufacturing.

If you have any questions about this article, please contact Travis Egan at tegan@AMTonline.org.

Watch Episode 2 of “The Architect” now at IMTS.com or scan the QR code.