Editorial, News, and Products
Integration, Automation and Green Tech Highlight JIMTOF 2022
Known as one of the largest machine tool trade shows in the world, the Japan International Machine Tool Fair (JIMTOF) has a reputation for being a machining technology show more than a machine tool sales event. And this year’s show in Tokyo — the first in-person Japanese machine tool trade show in four years — did not disappoint.
Okuma America Corporation Recognized as a Top Workplace in 2022
The Charlotte Observer granted a 2022 Top Workplace distinction to the company based on a survey that polled 24 different topics related to job satisfaction and company culture.
Okuma America Launches Compact Double-Column VMC
The new Genos M560V-5AX offers a working envelope with a 500 mm table and wide axis travels, while still maintaining a compact footprint of 2,515 mm × 3,750 mm.
Tool and Die Shop Discovers New Opportunities With First CNC Machine
In a shop that stamps millions of parts per year, the arrival of a CNC machining center is opening new pathways for production and business.
Inside an Amish-Owned Family Machine Shop
Modern Machine Shop took an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of an Amish-owned machine shop, where advanced machining technologies work alongside old-world traditions.
A Show That Bucks the Status Quo
IMTS 2022 - The International Manufacturing Technology Show will feature more than the latest metalworking technologies. It will provide a strong case to American manufacturers that now is the time to bring production back home to the United States.
Vertical Lathe Executes Heavy-Duty, Long and Continuous Cutting
New VT1000EX Vertical Lathe from Okuma America Corp. possesses the capability to cut and machine difficult materials through, according to Okuma, its highly rigid, mechanical configuration, extreme thrust and torque.
Wide Range of Applications for Horizontal Machining Center
The MA-8000H joins Okuma America Corp.'s lineup of horizontal machining centers with applications from heavy-duty to high-feed machining.
Wide Range of Applications for Horizontal Machining Center
The MA-8000H joins Okuma America Corp.'s lineup of horizontal machining centers with applications from heavy-duty to high-feed machining.
Preparing a Shop for Automation
Ensuring a stable, predictable production process can prevent automation from multiplying existing problems.
Morris Group, Okuma America Open Technical Center
New joint facility in Elgin, Illinois, will serve as a product showroom and technical center for machine tool users in the midwest.
Okuma Names Gosiger as Distributor of the Year
The Okuma Distributor of the Year Award recognizes a distributor-partner for exceptional performance in the areas of selling and servicing Okuma products and services. Gosiger is based in Dayton, Ohio, and has been an Okuma distributor partner since 1980.
Horizontal Machining Center From Okuma Offers New Features
The new machining center offers a larger work envelope, enhanced chip and coolant management functions and automation compatibility, among other features.
Choosing the Right Automation for Your Shop
This robotic arm Is fully integrated into the machine tool, enabling machine tool operators with no previous robotics experience to operate it effectively.
Four-Flute Carbide Drill Increases OWSI's Feedrate Fourfold
Ceratizit’s line of WTX-HFDS drills saved OWSI 3.5 minutes per part on a difficult job and completely eliminated a secondary operation, increasing profitability.
Okuma Launches Conversational Programming on Select Machines
Okuma has launched its Advanced One Touch-Interactive Graphics Function (AOT-IGF) conversational programming software on select machines, increasing usability and speeding up setup times.
Okuma’s MCR-S Roughs, Finishes Press Dies in One Setup
Okuma's MCR-S double-column machining center reduces cycle time to rough and finishing press dies in one setup.
Growing a Job Shop into a Full-Service Manufacturer
By maximizing employee satisfaction, adding fabrication and other services, and always keeping open machine capacity, Square Deal has grown from a seven-person job shop to a full-service manufacturer that employs hundreds.
CNC Machine Shop Reaps Benefits of Hiring an IT Person
A database guru combined off-the-shelf technology with an elaborate proprietary shop management software to drive efficiency throughout all areas of a machine shop.
Manufacturing Association Aids Shop’s Pivot to Ventilator Parts
After reaching out to the Austin Regional Manufacturers Association, a shop that typically serves oil and gas and heavy industry was able to quickly fill an order for ventilator parts.
Sometimes the Trickiest Part of CNC Machining Is Holding the Part
Finding a way to fixture contoured marine propellors proved to be this shop’s biggest challenge in developing an effective automated machining cell.
Okuma's Genos M660-V VMC Handles Large Workpieces in Small Footprint
Okuma’s Genos M660-V vertical machining center combines a large work table, a compact machine footprint and a CAT 40 Big-Plus spindle for machining large, complex parts.
Taking an Automated Aerospace Approach
A flexible manufacturing system helps an Indiana job shop run a high mix of aerospace work for long stretches of time and function more like a contract shop.
Metalworking News of Note: November 2019
Orderfox.com adds an RFQ service for its users, Sandvik Coromant begins construction on new tech center in North Carolina, and other news from the metalworking industry.
What Can 5-Axis Machining Do for Your Shop?
If you haven’t looked at 5-axis machining lately, a lot has changed. Advancements in 5-axis machines, controls and software have made this technology so affordable and easy to use that it can benefit almost any shop.
Fabricator's Toolroom Becomes Captive CNC Machine Shop
Toolroom problem-solving yields high-production profit when a sheet metal fabricating business accepts a difficult machining contract.
Okuma Announces New Standard Warranties on Machines, Controls
The standard warranty now includes coverage for all Okuma core and high-tech products as well as OSP and FANUC controls.
Your Competitors Can Do What You Do
With the barrier to entry for machine shops so low, competitive advantage is not necessarily tied to the ability to machine parts. Increasingly, it is a shop’s ability to document and streamline digital processes that sets it apart from competition.
Is Robotic Automation the Key to Drawing (and Keeping) New Employees?
Robotic automation is transforming a job that was perhaps a machine operator’s least-favorite work assignment into one that is not a heavy lift.
Horizontal Machining Plus Automation Prove to Be a Rewarding Investment
After watching a machinist take four hours to set up a part on a VMC, Dan Olsen of Mach Machine knew he had a problem. The solution seemed clear: horizontal machining. The automation system wasn’t expected; but the novelty was well worth it before long.
5 CNC Apps Simplify Machine Shop Routines
Whether purchased online or made to order, custom control functions help a contract machining startup save time and avoid mistakes.
Boring Head Enables Sculpture Hardware to Be Machined on a Lathe
When small job shop Ansonia Manufacturing took on a tricky hardware component job for a “live” glass art sculpture, it realized a boring head would be needed to machine the part complete on its live-tool lathe.
Three Expectations for Robotic Automation
Shops take some modern robot capabilities as given, but a recent trade show in Japan demonstrated ways those capabilities continue to improve.
The Unattended Effects of CNC Machine Shop Automation
Automated machining and data collection have helped Custom Tool to not only grow its business through more lights-out production, but also to establish a continuous-improvement mindset that has enabled it to become more efficient in numerous areas.
New Okuma Hybrid Brings New Possibilities in Additive, Five-Axis and New Materials
The machine stands as an example of process automation within a booth showing other automation examples such as adjacent machine tools performing trunnion-to-trunnion handoff.
Shop Works to get the Most Out of Its Five-Axis Capabilities
Vertical machining centers with rotary tables helped this Indiana job shop set itself apart, but specific machine features and additional equipment have helped it use them more efficiently to grow its business.
Top Shops Winners Talk Technology, Tactics
Successful machining businesses implement effective processes and strategies both on the shop floor and in the front office. Recent chats with representatives from this year’s award-winning Top Shops shed light on some approaches they have leveraged to their advantage.
Open Mind Joins Partners in THINC
Okuma and Open Mind have collaborated on four- and five-axis projects for various Okuma machines.
Okuma’s LU7000EX Handles Large Parts with Ease
Okuma America Corp., a leading builder of machine tools, announces the debut of the new LU7000 EX, which is great news for manufacturers in the oil and gas industry.
Twin-Spindle Lathe Is Ideal for Mass Production of Small Parts
IMTS Technology e-Newsletter (Sponsored)
MU-S600V Connects Machines and Enables Built-In Robotics
Okuma America Corp.’s MU-S600V five-axis vertical machining center achieves maximum productivity with the ability to connect multiple machines.
Machining Center Combines 5 Axis Milling with Laser AM
IMTS 2018: Okuma America Corp.’s MU-8000V Laser EX multitasking machine combines five-axis machining with a Trumpf laser.
NTMA Members Spotlight Shop Additions
While traveling with some members of the National Tooling and Machining Association, a few highlighted recent improvement efforts from which their operations have benefited a good deal.
Introducing the Multus U5000 Multitasking Lathe with Longer Bed Length
From the IMTS Technology e-Newsletter
CNC Lathe Line Features Range of Spindle Motors
IMTS 2018: Okuma America’s LU7000 EX two-saddle CNC lathe has a wide range of spindle motor specifications for manufacturing large parts.
Machining Technology Trip to Japan
A recent trip with NTMA members to Okuma and Big Daishowa manufacturing facilities provided the opportunity to learn about their in-house production capabilities and new machining technology offerings.
Laser EX Combines Traditional Machining with Laser Metal Deposition
Okuma America Corp. introduces the MU-8000V Laser EX. A super multitasking machine that combines five-axis machining with a Trumpf laser to provide state-of-the-art laser additive technology.
Two-Saddle Turning Center for Large Energy, Aerospace Parts
IMTS 2018: Okuma America’s Multus U5000 two-saddle CNC lathe handles large parts for the energy and aerospace industries
Affordable Five-Axis Machining
Okuma America Corporation’s Genos M460V-5AX is a five-axis vertical machining center making its debut at IMTS.
Using Data to Do Better in Manufacturing
Although the Smart Manufacturing Experience 2018 event in Boston may not have provided a simple, clear definition of “smart manufacturing,” it did provide a broad experience of what smart manufacturing can be like.
May 2018 Product Spotlight: Machining Centers
This month’s Modern Equipment Review Spotlight focuses on a variety of vertical, horizontal and five-axis machining centers, some with dual spindles.
VMC Enables Precise Five-Axis Machining
Okuma’s MU-5000V vertical machining center is suited for five-axis, multi-sided machining.
Evolution of Performance Camshaft Grinding, Finishing
Comp Cams has made numerous improvements to its CNC camshaft grinding process. The company has also implemented what it calls its “Micro Surface Enhancement” finishing technology, which works in tandem with its enhanced grinding process to further improve camshaft longevity and durability.
Five-Axis VMC Increases Accuracy by Reducing Vibration
Okuma America has released the five-axis Genos M460V-5AX vertical machining center with rigid, cast iron, double-column construction and a high-speed spindle.
Hybrid Machine Combines Laser AM with Subtractive Processes
The hybrid multitasking machine tool combines traditional CNC machining with laser metal deposition capabilities.
What Does It Take to Succeed at Machining Hogouts?
Beyond the machining capacity, other important factors relate to the people and the understanding of the process.
An Automation System for a Job Shop Environment
A flexible robotic part-loading and unloading system enables a small Indiana shop to boost production without a large investment.
Two-Axis Lathe Features High Thermal Stability
Okuma’s LB3000 EX-II one-saddle lathe is available with milling function and Y-axis capabilities.
Partners in THINC Winter Showcase to Demonstrate Five-Axis Setup
The demonstration is intended to benefit shops that need to do five-axis work but don’t want to or need to incur the price of a dedicated five-axis machine tool.
Taking the Drag out of Automotive Machining Setups
Paired with the right cutting tools, workholding and software, multi-tasking and multi-axis equipment enables this race team to also bill itself as a full-fledged parts supplier.
Applying Automotive Machining Lessons to Aerospace
Although motorsports are a natural focus for a shop owned by a former NASCAR driver, five-axis machining and an emphasis on process planning have opened the door to new aerospace work.
Praemo Joins Partners in THINC
The company’s Razor technology connects to data sources like machine tools and provides information and recommendations for preemptive action reducing machine downtime and process optimization.
VMCs Can be Connected to Form Smart Production Line
EMO 2017: Okuma will demonstrate its MU-S600V five-axis vertical machining center, which enables five-face machining of workpieces as large as 600 mm in diameter.
CNC Grinder Provides High-Efficiency, Compact Design
Now equipped with the OSP-P300G open architecture control, Okuma’s GI-10NII CNC grinder features rigid, high-speed wheel spindles for high-performance production in automated environments.
Twin-Spindle Lathe Includes Three-Axis Gantry Loader
Okuma’s 2SP-150H horizontal twin-spindle lathe offers high metal removal rates in a small space and is ideal for small-part CNC machining.
Expanded Range of Multitasking Hybrid Machine Tools
The machining centers combine laser metal deposition with a range of subtractive processes.
HMC for Large Aerospace Parts
Okuma’s MA-12500HW horizontal machining center is designed to provide a balance of speed and cutting power in difficult materials like cast iron and aluminum alloys.
Why Machine This Boxy Part on a Lathe?
South Morgan Technologies has long thrived on its ability to mill boxy parts on a turning platform. Today, newer technology and techniques enable saying “yes” to more work than ever before.
VMC Features Larger Work Envelope, Smaller Footprint
Okuma’s Genos M560-V vertical machining center combines a high-column design and CAT 40 Big Plus spindle to cut large, complex parts.
Manufacturing News of Note: January 2017
Okuma showcases IIoT-enabled technologies, a large welding machine is getting developed for lightweighting R&D, and other industry news.
JIMTOF 2016 Report: Exhibitors Show a Strong Embrace of IIoT
The recent Japan International Machine Tool Fair reflects the rapid move toward smart factories in which smart machines are fully networked.
Okuma Hosts 400 at Annual Technology Showcase
The event’s theme focused on the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).
Vertical Lathe Precisely Machines Large, Heavy Parts
Okuma’s V920EX single-saddle vertical lathe features a powerful turning spindle and a larger work envelope, making it ideal for cutting a variety of large, heavy parts.
JIMTOF: A Strong Embrace of IIoT
The recent Japan International Machine Tool Fair reflects the rapid move toward smart factories in which smart machines are fully networked. Japanese providers of manufacturing technology have clearly embraced the concepts of the Industrial Internet of Things.
Grinder Integrates Machine, Motors, Drives, Encoders with OSP-P Control
Okuma’s GA26W grinder is now equipped with Easy Operation OSP-P300G CNC control.
Horizontal Machining Center Provides Speed, Cutting Power for Large-Part Machining
Okuma’s MA-12500HW horizontal machining center provides a balance of speed and cutting power for difficult-to-machine materials, cast iron and aluminum alloys.
Okuma to Host Technology Showcase Focusing on Data-Driven Manufacturing
The event will include sessions on coolant performance, the Industrial Internet of Things and more.
Okuma Receives ISO Certification for Quality Management
The company says it is the first and only CNC machine tool builder to earn this certification.
System Insights Joins Partners in THINC
The company develops systems for asset connectivity using MTConnect and OPC UA.
Thermal Stability Enables Lathe to Perform Heavy Cutting at High Speeds
Okuma’s LU3000 EX-M four-axis CNC lathe is designed for thermal stability, chatter prevention, heavy-duty cutting at high speeds and maximized uptime.
Cell Automates Multiple Part Change-Overs
An automated work cell on display in Okuma’s Booth S-8500 demonstrates not only robots loading and unloading parts, but also automated production run change-overs.
Okuma Welcomes Velocity/Briney to Partners in THINC
The new membership of Velocity/Briney brings the Velocity Smart Tool to use with Okuma machines.
Optimized Machining out of the Box
Four tooling-related companies partner to supply dynamically stable milling for improved productivity on existing machine tools. Users do not have to measure the dynamics of their machines. Instead, tooling tailored to the machine arrives as a complete assembly, along with software for quickly determining the parameters that tooling can be used to achieve.
Five-Axis Machine Features Large Work Envelope
Okuma’s MU-400V is a five-axis multi-sided machining center suited for the aerospace and die/mold industries, featuring a large work envelope and fully supported B-axis trunnion.
Tombstone City Joins Partners in Thinc
Tombstone City will be featured on Okuma machining centers at IMTS.
Automation Evangelists Cast Wide Net
This recent event was hosted by a network of suppliers in a single location touting a single message: Automation isn’t necessarily time-consuming and expensive, even for smaller shops.
Webinar: Additive and Subtractive Manufacturing for Productivity
An upcoming webinar presented by Okuma and RPM Innovations will address AM’s role alongside subtractive manufacturing.
VMC for Cutting Large, Complex Parts
Okuma’s Genos M560-VA-HC VMC combines a high column design and CAT 40 Big-Plus spindle to cut large, complex parts.
Multitasking Turning Center Performs Multi-Sided Machining
Sponsored Content
Five-Axis VMC Delivers Versatility and Superior Accuracy
Sponsored Content
HMC with W Axis Cuts Exotic Materials
Sponsored Content – IMTS 2016 Technology eNewsletter
Four-Axis Lathe Offers High Production for Automotive
Sponsored Content - IMTS 2016 Technology eNewsletter
VMC Features Larger Work Envelope
Sponsored Content – IMTS 2016 Technology eNewsletter
Compact CNC Grinder Now Equipped with Intelligent Control
Sponsored Content - IMTS 2016 Technology eNewsletter
Five-Axis VMC Provides Stable Design, Error-Compensating Technologies
Okuma’s MU-4000V vertical machining center is designed for five-axis multi-sided machining applications in the aerospace and die/mold industries.
High-Throughput Cell Segregates Additive, Subtractive Processes
Two industry suppliers say cells combining separate, dedicated equipment can outperform hybrid machines in high-volume industrial applications.
Okuma Announces Hemaq as Distributor for Central America, Cuba, Dominican Republic
The company has already been representing Okuma in Mexico for almost three decades.
App Connects Tool Presetter to Machine Control
Koma Precision’s Elbo Controlli tool presetter app is available through the Okuma App Store.
March 2016 Product Spotlight Slideshow: Machining Centers
This month’s Modern Equipment Review Spotlight focuses on horizontal, vertical and five-axis machining centers.
Okuma Adds Two Sales Engineers
Brian Sides and Tom O’Toole are both veterans of the CNC machine tool industry.
Okuma Hosts More Than 600 at Technology Showcase
The Manufacturing Excellence and Technology Showcase, held December 2015, brought visitors from North America to learn about CNC technologies pertaining to the aerospace industry.
Okuma Hires Coordinator for Houston Tech Center
Ted Winkle says that he first learned to program and operate a CNC machine on Okuma lathes, so working for the company now is a sort of homecoming.
Robot Control Apps Enable Uninterrupted Production
ABB’s new RobotStudio app incorporates the IRC5 robot controller software and is said to increase profitability by enabling users to schedule robot tasks such as training, programming and optimization offline without causing any downtime in production.
Industry 4.0 Was Big at EMO 2015
At Europe’s largest machine tool show, many exhibitors were eager to show how their products will help customers join the fourth Industrial Revolution.
Hot Chips in Ohio
Honoring the past while planning for the future, this entrepreneur launched a machine shop on the family farm, tending the cattle while manufacturing components.
CNC System Can Be Customized for Three Different Operators
Okuma America introduces OSP Suite, an open-architecture CNC system that combines the company’s “Intelligent Technologies” with various software applications to improve cycle and lead times while achieving optimum machine conditions.
Okuma to Host 2015 Technology Showcase
The annual event will take place in Charlotte, North Carolina, and will feature technology demonstrations, presentations and educational sessions.
Okuma, Sandvik to Co-Host Aerospace Technology Event
The December event will combine educational talks with technology demonstrations.
CNC Grinder Series Supports High Production
Okuma’s GPW/GAW grinder series is now equipped with the company’s intelligent OSP-P300G CNC control.
Using an App to Adopt CNC Technology Faster
Learn about a company that made the leap into CNC technology thanks to a custom machine-operating/program-generating app that enabled its inexperienced people to effectively run its new CNC turning center.
Shop Applies App to Adopt CNC Technology Faster
A custom machine-operating and automatic program-generating app has helped racing parts maker Moser Engineering quickly reap the benefits of CNC machining even though nobody there had any prior experience with it.
Okuma Launches Part Viewing App
The online application displays industry-specific parts and assemblies along with the Okuma machines capable of cutting them.
CGTech Joins Partners in THINC
The company’s CNC and toolpath verification software is seen as a boon to the network, which revolves around Okuma’s THINC control system.
Aztalan Aims for Rapid Adjustment
Aztalan Engineering shortened its lead times by switching to a short-run cell model for its prototype jobs and implementing a company-wide QRM strategy.
The Art and Science of Hand-Scraping Ways on CNC Machine Tools
Hand-scraping the mating surfaces of a CNC machine tool’s motion system offers myriad advantages.
Want to Test Drive Cryogenic Technology?
Okuma and 5ME have opened two test centers where you can give cryogenic machining (using liquid nitrogen as the coolant) a shot.
Five-Axis VMC Supports Consistent, Safe Work with Difficult, Heavy Workpieces
Okuma’s MU-8000V vertical machining center performs five-axis, multi-sided machining.
Okuma Supports Aerospace Excellence
The new Aerospace Center of Excellence at Okuma America enables manufacturers to visit, test equipment, confer with experts and learn about CNC machines that are custom-designed for aerospace industry applications.
5ME, Okuma Partner to Demonstrate Cryogenic Machining
The companies are opening two cryogenic demonstration centers where manufacturers will be able to test the technology.
Okuma and Chip Ganassi Racing Expand Sponsorship
The racing team will use Okuma machine tools for an additional race series.
VMC Accommodates Large, Heavy Workpieces
The base column of Okuma’s Millac 852V II vertical machining center features ribbing to counter chatter and twisting during heavy-duty cutting.
Secrets to the Art of Hand Scraping
Hand scraping of mating surfaces on a machine tool enables the surfaces to be flatter, more accurately aligned, longer wearing and freer to glide across one another. No automated or mechanical operation can match these benefits. Machine builder Okuma explains how this seeming paradox is true.
Vertical Lathe Provides High-Precision Cutting in a Small Footprint
Designed as an update to its V60R model, Okuma’s V760EX vertical lathe features a larger work envelope in the same footprint, accommodating larger workpieces with a maximum turning diameter of 760 mm.
Making Sure MTConnect Is a Good Fit
An MTConnect-enabled machine monitoring system gives shopfloor managers information that is driving up utilization rates and improving workforce communication for this manufacturer of high-pressure aerospace fittings.
Okuma Video Series Demonstrates CNC Procedures
The videos compare OSP and FANUC controls, both available on Okuma machines.
March 2015 Product Spotlight Slideshow: Machining Centers
Click through this slideshow for HMCs, VMCs, multitasking centers and more.
HMC Cuts Exotic Materials for Aerospace
Okuma’s MA-12500H horizontal machining center is well-suited for large-part aerospace machining in aluminum alloys, cast iron and difficult-to-machine materials.
Multitasking CNC Lathes Minimize Noncutting Time
Okuma’s Multus U series multitasking CNC lathes are capable of gear machining, skiving and hobbing operations.
The Case for Off-Site Innovation
Okuma says the point of its aerospace technology center is to provide a place for manufacturers to perform all the trial-and-error they need to perfect a new process. It’s also a place to find and consult with sources of up-to-date manufacturing technology expertise.
Okuma Opens Aerospace Center
A new facility dedicated to aerospace manufacturers opens in early December.
Okuma’s Aim Is True
This video series about how the company’s CNC machines are used to manufacture gun parts sets its sights on opportunities to enter a booming market.
Okuma to Host December Technology Showcase
The event’s “Make the Leap” focus encourages attendees to make simple upgrades to enhance their productivity.
VMC Offers High Rigidity, Heavy Cutting Ability
The Millac 852V II vertical machining center from Okuma is well-suited for machining large, heavy workpieces.
Okuma, Boeing to Present on STEP-NC ISO Implementations
The presentations are to include live demonstrations of titanium cutting processes.
Tooling Selection Keeps Big Aerospace Component In-House
Attention to the tool-up process enabled JWF Industries to launch a large-scale defense industry radar frame project, keeping production in-house and ultimately shaving weeks off of the expected production time.
VMC Equipped with FSM for Unattended Operation
Okuma will display its vertical machining center equipped with a Palletace flexible manufacturing system (FMS) for unattended operation.
Multitasking Lathes Feature Stabilizing Technologies
Okuma will display its Multus U series of general-purpose, multitasking CNC lathes designed to reduce setup time, improve accuracy and minimize non-cutting time.
Okuma and Hartwig Open House Offers Technology Preview
The one-day event will feature select CNC machines in addition to new technology, tooling and workholding that will be displayed at IMTS 2014.
The Costs and Benefits of Horizontal Machining
The shift from vertical to horizontal machining was even more expensive than this shop anticipated. It was also more valuable. Most of the shop’s machining centers are HMCs now—here’s why.
Multitasking CNC Lathes Reduce Setup Times
Okuma’s Multus U3000 and Multus U4000 general purpose multitasking CNC lathes are intended to reduce setup time, improve accuracy and limit non-cutting time.
Turning Center Enables Off-Center Machining
Okuma’s Genos L300-MY turning center features a Y axis for off-center milling, drilling and tapping capability.
Okuma Celebrates 50th Anniversary of OSP CNC
The company’s control technology will be featuring at an open house event.
120-Meter Long FMS in New Okuma Plant
With a broad product line and the need to meet tight delivery requirements, machine tool builder Okuma faces a challenge many of its customers would recognize. Namely: the need to manufacture responsively in an environment of high product variety and low production volumes.
New Okuma Plant Relies on Automation, Production Control
The company says the DS1 facility in Japan is capable of 2 times the production capacity and 1/2 the lead time of the previous site.
Horizontal Lathe Promotes Stability
Okuma’s Genos L250E horizontal lathe offers an 8" chuck with an 8.26" maximum turning diameter and accommodates workpieces as long as 500 mm (19.69").
This Blog is about Vlogs
Vlogs? That's the common name for video-blogs. Okuma America Corporation has launched a series of these educational videos on its YouTube channel that covers timely topics and practical tips for improving shop floor productivity.
Okuma to Host Technology Showcase
The December event will take place at Okuma’s Charlotte, North Carolina facility.
Okuma Opens First Building of Oguchi Campus
The CNC machine tool manufacturer is replacing former facilities in Japan.
VMC’s Double-Column Structure Promotes Accuracy
Okuma’s MU-6300V CNC vertical machining center is designed for efficient five-axis, multi-sided machining.
Programming Option Enables Turning on HMCs
Okuma’s Turn-Cut programming function enables turning operations on horizontal machining centers without secondary machinery.
5 to 10 for 5
An auto tuning option for Okuma five-axis machines is said to reduce tuning time for geometric errors from five hours to just 10 minutes.
Double-Column Machining Center Reduces Setups
Okuma’s MCR-A5CII double-column machining center features multiple heads to machine all five sides of a part from a single setup.
Okuma Launches E-Store
The online store provides branded company merchandise.
Automation at Aztalan Engineering
A contract manufacturer expands its capacity using various approaches to feeding the machines.
Okuma Goes International, Launches “Storytelling” Campaign
The company has opened a center in Mexico.
Cell Designed for Aluminum Wheel Manufacturing
The All-Okuma wheel cell for cutting and drilling aluminum wheels is designed to increase productivity and efficiency while minimizing downtime.
Okuma Renews Sponsorship of Target Chip Ganassi Racing
The companies have chosen to continue their partnership.
Lathe with Multitasking Capability Helps Shop Stay Competitive
Purchasing a multitasking turning center has helped Mercer Machine Tool accept a wider range of jobs to ensure the future of its business.
Technology Showcase Highlights Partners in THINC
The organization brings experts together to solve manufacturing problems.
Where Grinding Still Beats Hard Turning
For many critical applications, grinding remains the optimal machining process.
When Reshoring Really Happens
Bob’s Design Engineering illustrates how a shop that used to be organized for short-run work transformed its process for ongoing production.
What JIMTOF Had to Show Us
We present here some of the interesting and visually appealing snapshots from JIMTOF 2012.
Five-Axis, High Speed HMC for Large Parts
The MU-10000H, a five-axis HMC from Okuma, is designed for challenging applications in aerospace machining, heavy equipment and other large parts.
Okuma Hosts Technology Showcase
The event is scheduled for December 4-7 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Missler, Okuma Collaborate on Posts
Other important capabilities of the software tailored specifically for Okuma machines include simulation and spindle synchronization.
Okuma Schedules Multiple Open House Events
The events are scheduled for November 12-13 in Sao Paulo, Brazil; November 15 in Houston, Texas and December 4-6 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Okuma to Host “Jobtoberfest” in Chicago
The event is aimed at helping area manufacturers improve productivity.
Managing Machining’s Thermal Effects
Thermal growth is an inherent factor in any machining process. Here's how one company constructs its machines to adapt to changing thermal conditions.
Okuma’s Larry Schwartz Retires
Larry Schwartz, former president of machine tool supplier Okuma America Corporation (Charlotte, North Carolina) has retired. Mr.
THINC Group Welcomes Developer Organization
Okuma America Corporation (Charlotte, North Carolina) has announced the addition of a new member to Partners in THINC: the THINC Developers Group, which provides the company with feedback from developers and end users to assist in the continuous development of THINC technologies. The group focuses on de facto computer architectures in the machine tool environment.
Okuma, Partners Showcase Technology at TechTrek
Machine tool builder Okuma America Corporation and its distributors hosted more than 200 manufacturing professionals at TechTrek, a three-day event in early December at the Okuma and Partners in Thinc facility in Charlotte, North Carolina.
More Effective Camshaft Machining
A leading manufacturer of high-performance valve train components installed a twin spindle/twin-turret lathe to bring camshaft machining work in-house. Here, the company explains how it has become more effective using its multifunction lathe to produce small batches of custom racing camshafts.
Delivering Value in Program Production
A contract manufacturer specializing in ongoing production programs describes the investments involved in winning this work.
Making Lean Connections
When Nilpeter embarked on a lean initiative 14 months ago, no one at the printing press manufacturer had any inkling that they had already taken an important first step.
Cycle Efficiency
Automated machining processes enable this maker of high-performance mountain bike parts to manufacture efficiently with minimal staff.
Okuma Appoints New CFO
Machine tool builder Okuma America Corporation has promoted Lisa Rummel from vice president of finance to the chief financial officer (CFO). Mrs.
Productivity Help Via Online Experience
Okuma’s interactive, Web-based productivity tool is designed to provide real-time manufacturing solutions and ideas to help users increase productivity and improve CNC machine utilization.
Okuma Appoints New CFO
Machine tool builder Okuma America Corporation has promoted Lisa Rummel from Vice President of Finance to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Mrs.
Okuma, Partners Gear Up for imX
At the upcoming imX (interactive manufacturing experience) industry event, Okuma America Corporation will present a series of seminars, workshops and hands-on learning sessions that demonstrate ways to use existing technology and resources to improve quality, increase productivity and reduce costs.
Okuma, RCR Renew partnership
Richard Childress Racing (RCR) and Okuma America Corporation, a developer of CNCs and machining technology, have extended their partnership through 2017. During the partnership’s first year in 2000, the RCR Okuma Technology center housed four Okuma machines and five employees.
Troubleshooting and Monitoring Software
Okuma’s THINC-OSP-controlled machines are now equipped with Constant Care remote troubleshooting and monitoring software as a standard feature.
Leadership Change at Okuma
Jim King has taken the reins as president and chief operating officer of Okuma America Corporation (Charlotte, North Carolina). Former president and COO Larry Schwartz has been named chief strategy officer.
Disaster in Japan: A Spirit of Generosity Will Prevail
Despite last week’s horrendous disaster, Japan will carry on.
Okuma Personnel Changes Emphasize Technology
Machine tool builder Okuma America Corporation says its recently formed Technology Group will enable increased emphasis on the THINC-OSP control, the formation of technology partnerships and the utilization of the Partners in THINC and Okuma Tech Center facilities.
Okuma, York Technical College Offer Online Training
Okuma America Corporation (Charlotte, North Carolina) and York Technical College (Rock Hill, South Carolina) have expanded their training curriculum to include online courses for specific Okuma machine tools.The comprehensive courses cover some of the machine tool builder’s latest technology, including the LB-EX series of CNC lathes and the MB-V series of VMCs.
What It Takes for Oilfield Success
Hunt and Hunt’s president says adopting turn/mill machines was one of the most challenging endeavors his 55-year-old shop ever undertook. He also says it’s the best thing the shop could have done to become more efficient at contract work.
Partners in THINC Welcomes First CAD/CAM Supplier Member
Mastercam/CNC Software is the first CAD/CAM developer to join Partners in THINC.
First CAD/CAM Supplier Joins Partners in THINC
CNC Software/Mastercam is the first CAD/CAM developer to join Partners in THINC.
Double-Column VMC with Small Footprint
The M460-VE VMC features a double-column structure for increased machining capability in reduced floor space, the company says.
Okuma, Hartwig Contribute To Training Facility
Machine tool builder Okuma America (Charlotte, North Carolina) and distributor Hartwig (St. Louis, Missouri) will provide machine tool equipment to Davis Applied Technology College (DATC) for use in its Machine Tool Technology Program.
Saving Labor Also Safeguards Labor
A manufacturer that aims to expand its workforce, without a high risk of layoffs later, sees pallet cells that can run through the night as being key to this goal.
Aluminum Molds In Three Weeks Or Less
While aluminum molds are commonly used to create prototypes or to serve as stopgap bridge tooling, they are starting to receive greater attention for production work. This shop’s approach to creating aluminum molds in one day to three weeks is the same for each of these situations.
Okuma Opens Two New Tech Centers
Okuma America (Charlotte, North Carolina) has opened two new Technical Centers, located in Houston, Texas and Roselle, Illinois, respectively. The company and distributor Hartwig will celebrate the grand opening of Okuma’s Technical Center in Houston, Texas with a ribbon cutting ceremony and three days of machining and productivity seminars November 10 through 12.
Okuma Appoints New Chairman and CEO
Okuma Corporation’s board of directors has approved the promotion of Takeshi (Tad) Yamamoto to chairman and CEO of Okuma America, a position that has been vacant since Kirk Kitagawa returned to Okuma Corporation Japan (Nagoya, Japan) in 2008. Mr.
The Part Is Longer Than The Lathe
Here is one custom machine builder’s system for producing a 40-foot part that has to be passed through the turning center and out the other side. INCLUDES VIDEO.
Okuma Hosts 2nd Interoperability Symposium
The second annual Organization for Machine Automation and Control (OMAC) integration and interoperability symposium is quickly approaching. The event, hosted by Okuma America Corporation, is scheduled for December 3-4 at the Partners In Thinc facility in Charlotte, North Carolina. The keynote speaker is SAP’s Vivek Bapat, who is also the co-author of “In Pursuit of the Perfect Plant.
Agreement Links Business, Manufacturing Systems
Okuma America Corporation and Partners and Thinc say a recent agreement with Sap America, Inc. will allow manufacturers to link the front office with the shop floor. The agreement merges the technology of Thinc with Sap’s Manufacturing Integration and Intelligence (SAP MII) application to create a seamless solution for end users.
Automated Production Of Oil-Drill Couplings
A machining cell combines lathes, a robot and a conveyor system to enable automated production of precision oil-drill couplings.
Thinking About Shopfloor Interoperability-And Making It Happen
The significance of “plug-and-produce” integration for machine shops and manufacturing plants becomes clear from the perspective of an ERP software developer.
Machine Tools Used As Dedicated Equipment…For A Little While
Two keys to this shop’s success are versatility and speed. It uses flexible machining centers, rather than dedicated equipment, and constantly reconfigures them into new cells for new jobs. The speed at which it can do this, in addition to in-house tombstone manufacturing capability, provides the nimbleness to quickly respond to its customers’ needs.
Machining Center Tool Eliminates Camshaft Burrs
A special tool performs burr removal inside the part where holes intersect.
Hard Milling With Tandem Toolholding
A combination of toolholding choices lets this die shop get the most performance from its small-diameter tools.
Turning The Tide
When Briggs & Stratton decided to make the crankshaft machining lines in its Poplar Bluff plant globally competitive, it had to choose between CNC lathes and dedicated special machines for its main turning operations. The company chose the lathes.
Mainstream Technology Keeps Shop On Track
In its toolroom, Branchline Trains takes a practical approach to machining with end mills as small as 0.005 inch in diameter.
Machining Composites By Conventional Means
Composites machining is dusty, messy and hard on tools. But this company accepts these difficulties, and machines the material using standard metalworking processes and equipment.
Just Enough Automation
Automated gantry loaders helped this shop make the transition from job shop to product line manufacturer.
Sourcing Automation
A new kind of 'automation project manager' helped this company install a roboticized machining cell, the first of several now operating in its plant.
CNC Robotics And Automation: Knowing When To Say 'When'
In metalworking, a shop's move from one level of automation to the next can be a business-busting decision if badly timed. This article looks at what you should consider when taking the next step toward automating an operation.
Flexible Unattended Machining Helps Improve Part Quality And More
In its desire to use new methods, the shop looked for a product that would increase tool life, improve part quality and decrease changeover time. It found the One-Touch flexible manufacturing system (FMS) from Okuma and became the first to own one.
High Speed Machining: Aerospace -- Boeing's One Part Harmony
Faster, lighter cuts can let one solid part replace an assembly of hundreds of components. Better manufacturing and a better airplane both result. But before Boeing could realize these benefits, a more finely tuned process was needed.
Consider Closing The Loop
Looking for a way to reduce process variability, speed setup, simplify your operation? Automatic measurement and machine compensation (Closed Loop Machining) may be something to consider. Here's a shop where it's making a difference.
Sizing Up The Future
This shop installed a bigger CMM to meet its current needs, but the software that came with it has the shop ready for what lies ahead.
No Experience Necessary
This shop assembled standard machine tools and components into a process for flexible production of a series of complex hydraulic cylinder components - all machined from solid, all accurate in some dimensions to +/-0.025 mm - in quantities that can exceed 3,000 per day, using only two operators per shift to shepherd this production from bar stock to shipping container.
Okuma America Introduces Next-Generation CNC Lathe
Machine tool builder Okuma America Corporation has introduced a new CNC lathe to address the growing need for a family of products suited to the needs of both first-time CNC users as well as experienced manufacturers supplying diverse industries with precision turned parts. Designated the Crown, Okuma's lathe offers a high-torque spindle motor, direct-drive headstock, servo-driven tool turret, an ergonomically-configured machine enclosure, and a compact 95. 47 by 69.
Low Cost Turning Automation Yields A High Rate Of Return
Two CNC lathes, with live tooling, tool monitor, and auto-load short-bar bar feeders are helping this California manufacturer compete. They've seen impressive reductions in throughput time and manufacturing costs. And, they're just getting started.