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.

MU-S600V Connects Machines and Enables Built-In Robotics
From the IMTS Technology e-Newsletter (Sponsored)

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.

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
From the IMTS Technology e-Newsletter (Sponsored)

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

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.

February 2018 Product Spotlight: Additive Manufacturing
This month’s Modern Equipment Review Spotlight focuses on various additive manufacturing machines, software and equipment.