Okuma’s highlights emerging CNC machining technologies

Charlotte, North Carolina – Okuma America Corporation, a world-leader in CNC machine tool manufacturing, hosted more than 600 customers, partners, and distributors at its Manufacturing Excellence and Technology Showcase events, December 8-10, 2015. The three-day event, held at Okuma America’s headquarters and Aerospace Center for Excellence, highlighted emerging CNC machining technologies with a special concentration on aerospace manufacturing. Attendees came from Canada, Mexico, and from 28 states in the U.S. to learn about cryogenic machining, IIoT, additive manufacturing, and many other leading-edge technologies.

The event included a wide array of learning sessions and featured machine demos from top CNC machining experts. Attendees learned how to apply emerging technologies such as eco-friendly cryogenics from 5ME and additive manufacturing from RPM Innovations to improve productivity and increase profitability. An overflow audience attended a session about the IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things), which demonstrated how connectivity in the shop can reveal comprehensive real-time data that can be used to maximize productivity. Attendees also learned how Okuma’s open OSP control and OSP suite allow each user to customize the OSP experience to specifically address their unique manufacturing needs.

Demonstrations featured exotic material cutting - such as Inconel and titanium – as well as stainless steel and aluminum. The demos were relevant to a wide variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, construction/farming (heavy equipment), die/mold, firearms/munitions, medical, oil/energy, and general job shops.

Members of Partners in THINC demonstrated how peripheral equipment such as tooling, gaging, workholding, and automation can be integrated with Okuma technology to increase productivity.

CNC Machining Technology Demonstrations
Each demonstration gave attendees tips on how they can utilize breakthrough technologies to create a competitive advantage in their marketplace. Examples included:

• The benefits and effects of machining in a cryogenic state
• Using high-pressure coolant to save money and improve part quality
• How multitasking machines and specialty tooling can improve efficiency
• Achieving process improvements with proper tool path generation (software/tooling) and taking advantage of the newest developments in metal cutting and machine tool technologies
• Okuma App Store and OSP suite – Machine tool apps can significantly impact the effectiveness and efficiency of machine tools

Keynote speaker, Robert Mudge from RPM Innovations, discussed laser deposition technology (LDT) and how a work cell that combines additive and subtractive technologies has the potential to increase productivity and quality.

Attendees were able to see more than 20 CNC machines cutting parts including a titanium engine case and a bladed rotor, stainless steel shaft and a turbine blade, and an aluminum rocker arm and bracket hinge. Machines on display included:

• GENOS L300-M (Kuka cell) - horizontal lathe
• GENOS L300-MYW - horizontal lathe
• GENOS L250E (barfeed) - lathe
• LB3000 EXII MYW – lathe
• VTM-100 - lathe with live tooling
• 2SP-150H - 2-spindle lathe
• LU3000 EX 2SW600 - 4-Axis lathe
• LOC 650 - oil country 4-axis lathe
• LU-S1600 - compact 4-axis lathe
• MULTUS B300 (robot) - multitasking lathe
• MULTUS U3000 - multitasking lathe
• MULTUS U4000 - multitasking lathe
• MB-5000H - horizontal machining centers
• MA-12500H - horizontal machining center
• MU-10000H - 5-axis horizontal machining center
• GENOS M560-V, vertical machining center
• MU-6300V - 5-axis vertical machining center
• MU-8000V - 5-axis vertical machining center

Source: Okuma America Corp.