Reliable, Precise and Highly Productive Machining Centers
Automated solutions and other advances on machining centers increase flexibility and productivity within your processes.
Posted: November 3, 2023
High-performance machining centers from leading machine tool suppliers ensure durability and versatility, offering an array of solutions for shops of all sizes.
EMUGE-FRANKEN Announces Partnership with Okuma
EMUGE-FRANKEN USA (West Boylston, MA), a leading manufacturer of high-performance taps, thread mills, end mills, drills, and other rotary tools, has announced its partnership with Okuma America Corp., joining the Partners in Technology program, founded by Okuma. Partners in Technology is a collaborative network of more than 50 companies that provide distinctive technologies and services that augment Okuma CNC machines for metal cutting and manufacturing applications.
www.emuge.com and www.okuma.com/americas
Machining Centers Offer Solutions for Every Shop
Mazak Corp. (Florence, KY) hosted DISCOVER 2023 the week of October 9-13 at its North American headquarters in Florence, Ky. The event featured four action areas of live machine tool demonstrations, which included a wide range of new Mazak Multi-Tasking, high production, advanced manufacturing technology and job shop solutions. This included Mazak’s affordable new Ez Series of machines. The full lineup of Ez vertical, turning and Multi-Tasking machining centers offer solutions for every manufacturer.
Among the featured machines in the Multi-Tasking action area were Mazak’s INTEGREX and QUICK TURN series that combine multiple operations for DONE IN ONE® processing of raw materials to finished part for increased cost efficiency and flexibility.
The advanced manufacturing technology action area focused on Mazak’s two new NEO Series of machines. The next-generation VARIAXIS NEO Series of 5-axis machining centers delivers advanced multiple-surface simultaneous machining capability in a fast, compact machine. Mazak’s HCN-5000 NEO Horizontal Machining Centers are the newest additions to the industry’s best-selling line of horizontal machines. Both combine advanced technology and outstanding value with high performance and high productivity to maximize output while decreasing energy consumption. All Mazak machines are powered by MAZATROL Smooth CNCs, the industry’s most powerful and versatile control.
New, Upgraded High-speed Vertical Precision Center
Mitsui Seiki USA’s (Franklin Lakes, NJ) VL30 Series high-speed vertical machining centers were developed specifically for high-speed/high-precision hard milling of mold components as well as graphite and copper tungsten electrodes. The VL30 Series features high thrust, high-efficiency linear motor drives for the X, Y and Z axes for machining hardened tool steel alloy components. The 5-axis versions use Direct Drive rotary axes for smooth and perfectly controlled complex contouring. Delivering up to 1,574 ipm cutting feed rate with 1G acceleration/deceleration, it provides superior speed and motion control in performing high-speed point milling in multi-axis contouring applications. For accuracy, the precision glass scale feedback system detects 0.1 micron increments.
The upgraded offerings include advanced features for process automation, workpiece and tool handling, and the latest FANUC 31i-B with i-HMI operator interface making it easier than ever before to realize improved output and profitability. The latest Graphite Package option allows customers to machine completely dry with no risk of electrode contamination or premature machine wear. All versions allow simple integration with robotics and in-process part inspection.
Next-Generation CNC Machine Control
Okuma America Corp. (Charlotte, NC) has announced the launch of the company’s next-generation machine control for its expansive line of CNC machine tools. The company is a world leader in controls, machine tools and automation systems. The new control — the Okuma OSP-P500 — is the company’s latest innovation within its OSP control line which dates back to 1963.
The OSP-P500 is designed with today’s high-speed, high-accuracy manufacturing operations in mind. The new control comes standard with dual-core computer processors which provide increased levels of machine processing power by enabling multiple processes to operate simultaneously. This results in reduced cycle times per machined part and shortened production run times. The dual-core processors also provide redundant operations, thus ensuring uninterrupted machining operations.
Most notably, the OSP-P500 is fully equipped with Digital Twin Technology, a technology that enables high-precision machining simulations to be created on a computer, while also providing real-time data feedback loops from the operational machine tool to the simulating computer.
The OSP-P500 is designed with the user in mind. Built on Microsoft Windows, open-architecture platform, coupled with on-board conversational programming capabilities, the OSP-P500 is among the easiest machine controls to program on the market.
The OSP-P500 is designed with robust protective features to manage data exposure risks, including tamper-proof protection.
The new control comes standard with Okuma’s proprietary ECO suite plus technology, a collection of digital features that monitor, control, and perfectly balance energy consumption with optimal machining performance. Additionally, the software has the ability to report on CO2 emissions at the machine level.
