With more than 8,000 units sold and serviced around the globe, Okuma is a leading provider of double column machines for a wide range of industries, including aerospace, electronics and automotive.

Following an introduction to Okuma’s impressive line-up of double column machines, attendees were treated to live machining demonstrations on the MCR-A5CII. The latest addition to the Technical Centre was shown to be the ideal choice when it comes to heavy cutting and dynamic machining. With a solid cast-iron construction the machine provides high-speed multi-face machining in a compact footprint of only 6,830 x 12,550mm. Live demonstrations included 5-face general parts and die and mould machining as well as on-machine gauging and measuring.

Double column machining centres can be used for a wide range of applications by changing the spindle attachment head. However, this requires the operator to specify the swivel offset for each attachment, which is a very time-consuming process. Okuma’s auto attachment head compensation was shown to considerably shorten setup times by automatically and quickly setting the required values. In this way, a process that would usually take several hours to complete only takes a few minutes regardless of the operator’s skill level.

Increasing productivity by reducing downtime is one of ways in which Okuma is able to significantly lower the total cost of ownership (TCO) of its machines. Visitors were introduced to Okuma’s Intelligent Technology SERVONAVI. The application increases throughput and surface quality by automatically adjusting servo parameters. A presentation on Okuma’s Thermo-Friendly Concept highlighted its ability to stabilise thermal deformation and shorten warm-up times while reducing the need for dimensional correction during operation.

Over the course of the event, Okuma invited guests to take a look ahead at the future of double column machining centres: The additive manufacturing capabilities provided by Okuma’s LASER EX series will be available on double column machines. Customers will be able to apply technologies such as laser metal deposition (LMD), laser hardening and sectional repairs to large press dies and resin moulds.

120 guests from eight European countries attended the event and seized the opportunity to engage in one-on-one discussions with the Okuma experts. The Okuma Technical Centre (OTC) East is open to manufacturers around the world. In addition to the MCR-A5CII, various Okuma technologies as well as the latest lathes and 5-axis machining centres are on display at the OTC. Okuma engineers, service and sales experts are happy to discuss customer-specific requirements and options with visitors.

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