GTJ 2025 Report (2/2): Automation, tool grinding, and strategies for hard and brittle materials

GTJ 2025 Report: Part 1

New proposals in automation and reference exhibits 

TAIYO KOKI (Nagaoka City, Niigata, Japan) exhibited its vertical multi-process grinder “Vertical Mate 85 2nd Generation,” launched last year. The upgraded model features increased spindle output and torque. President Tsuyoshi Watanabe commented, “Although capital investment remains sluggish, we see the demand for automation continuing. We plan to continue developing solutions also with this product in mind.” 

Shigiya Machinery Works (Fukuyama City, Hiroshima, Japan) showcased the universal grinder “GSU-20.” Its swiveling wheel head can accommodate two different wheels, allowing multiple grinding operations to be consolidated into a single machine. Compared to its predecessor “GSU-30” introduced more than a decade ago, the new model reduces the installation footprint by about 40%, making it more suitable for small workpieces. 

YUASA TRADING presented a full lineup under the theme of “Applications for Machining Brittle Materials”. Their offerings included grinding machines, coolant filtration systems, acoustic emission (AE) sensors to monitor tool and workpiece condition, and data analysis software to centrally manage this information. 

Futamura Machines & Tools (Nagoya, Japan) displayed its work-driving centers, which are ideal for cylindrical grinding after heat treatment as a reference. The booth remained busy with visitors interested in the company’s offerings. 

Tool grinders focus on software 

MAKINO SEIKI (Aikawa, Kanagawa, Japan) showcased the next-generation ultra-small diameter tool grinder “DB1.” At the booth, the company also promoted its “Tool Creator” software, which was launched at JIMTOF 2024, highlighting its high operability and scalability. 

Vollmer Japan, the Japanese arm of German tool grinding machine manufacturer Vollmer, exhibited the carbide tool grinder “VGrind 360S”. Equipped with two vertically arranged grinding spindles, the machine enables highly efficient multi-tool machining. It features the NUMROTO programming system from Switzerland, known for its user-friendly interface and high-precision simulation capabilities. 

The exhibition also featured a special zone hosted by the Japan Society for Abrasive Technology (JSAT), as well as technical seminars and expert panel discussions. Visitors were actively engaged in business negotiations, consultations, and information gathering throughout the event. 

Keynote Speech 

“Niche Strategies for Japanese Machine Tool Builders and the Role of Industry-Academia Collaboration” 

On the final day of GTJ2025, a keynote speech was delivered by Daisuke Shimizu, President of MAKINO SEIKI and former chairman of the JSAT. Reflecting on his 17 years as company president, Shimizu passionately emphasized the essence of what is most important for machine tool builders. The topic was particularly relevant as Nidec had recently launched a hostile takeover bid (TOB) for Makino Milling Machine, prompting renewed discussion on the industry’s future. 

President Shimizu defined what matters most as “survival with continuous development.” He explained, “Development does not mean expansion of scale—it means technological evolution. Because demand is highly diverse and volatile, machine tool builders are not inherently built to scale up.” He emphasized, “This is exactly why Japanese machine tool builders should pursue a ‘niche top strategy’,” and provided detailed examples from his company’s own strategic journey. 

As the former head of JSAT, he also highlighted the strong compatibility between industry-academia collaboration and the niche top strategy. He concluded with a powerful message: 

“The ideal model is for niche top companies to maintain their independence while forming complementary alliances through strategic partnerships and actively promoting collaboration with academia.”