Japanese Cutting-Edge
Solutions for Metalworking
Japanese Cutting-Edge
Solutions for Metalworking
Exhibition
December 27, 2024
JIMTOF2024 Post Show Report: Part 1
JIMTOF2024 Post Show Report: Part 2
In the automotive industry, a key user of machine tools, attention has been focused on equipment for the production of electric vehicle batteries and drivetrain components, as well as for the “giga-casting” of aluminum alloy parts with high clamping forces by die-casting machines.
Komatsu NTC introduced its “KV420L,” a large MC for post-casting finishing of giga-cast aluminum alloy parts. With dual spindle heads and rotary axes on the grid table, it enables six-sided, high-efficiency machining in a single setup.
Makino‘s horizontal MC “J5” and Yamazaki Mazak‘s horizontal MC “FF-1250H” also offered solutions for finishing large aluminum workpieces.
Shibaura Machine highlighted its vertical MC “UVM-450D (5AH)” for precision mold machining, addressing the demand for higher precision in automotive lighting molds driven by advances in autonomous driving sensors.
SEIWA G-TEC introduced the compact gear honing machine “LUXIS GH156” designed for EV gear components. A company representative has noted great interest from Chinese visitors.
Komatsu NTC highlighted the “KV420L” for finishing processes of giga-cast products.
Shibaura Machine proposed high-precision five-axis machining as an alternative to EDM.
SEIWA G-TEC introduced the compact gear honing machine “LUXIS GH156”.
HIWIN, a Taiwan-based manufacturer of mechanical components, demonstrated an automated system using its “RA610” vertical articulated robot, single-axis robots and linear guides to load workpieces onto KIRA CORPORATION’s vertical MC “PCV-30S”. The system demonstrated a hands-free automated workflow.
Beckhoff Automation highlighted its “TwinCAT” software, which enables PC-based NC control for machine tools. As an example, an application such as cutting force estimation using only accelerometer sensors was demonstrated.
Sweden-based Hexagon‘s Manufacturing Intelligence division held a press conference near the venue on November 6 to present the results of a global survey of 524 manufacturing executives. With 98% of respondents reporting problems with data utilization, the survey highlighted the common global challenges of the manufacturing industry in the face of digitalization and DX advances.
Innovations were also evident in key machine tool components such as bearings.
NSK showcased its “ROBUSTRIDE” precision single-row cylindrical roller bearing for machine tool spindles and previewed future technology references such as the “NSK Feed Drive Adjuster,” which compensates for screw shaft elongation to maintain machining accuracy over time.
NTN exhibited a prototype lubrication unit for grease-lubricated spindle bearings with a micro-pump that supplies oil from a tank inside the spacer unit. The system extends bearing life by 2.5 times, with a long-term goal of a 15-fold improvement.
November 25, 2024
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