Japanese Cutting-Edge
Solutions for Metalworking
Japanese Cutting-Edge
Solutions for Metalworking
Exhibition
June 17, 2025
By: Takuya Saito, Staff Editor, SEISANZAI Japan
Part 2 of SEISANZAI Japan’s special report on China’s largest-ever machine tool show
(Read Part 1 here)
The opening ceremony of CIMT2025.
In addition to the new energy vehicle (NEV) sector, the Chinese government is actively supporting the development of the semiconductor industry. At CIMT2025, many exhibitors focused on machining solutions for semiconductor manufacturing equipment components.
Okamoto Machine Tool Works focused its display on machines for semiconductor manufacturing components.
Okamoto Machine Tool Works showcased the UGM64GC grinding center and the PRG6DXNC rotary surface grinder—both suitable for processing brittle materials such as ceramics, which are often used in semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
“We have decided to prioritize the semiconductor sector due to the government’s support policies,” said a company representative. “As more local semiconductor equipment manufacturers emerge in China, we’re seeing a steady increase in machine installations.”
Makino introduced its a500iR horizontal 5-axis machining center in China for the first time, targeting aerospace and semiconductor industries.
Makino Milling Machine exhibited several models, including the V300 and V900 vertical machining centers (debuted at JIMTOF2024), the a500iR horizontal 5-axis MC, and the U86 wire EDM. The V900 and a500iR made their China debut.
The a500iR is capable of machining not only aerospace parts but also components for semiconductor production equipment. “There is clearly growing demand from the semiconductor industry in China,” noted a Makino representative.
China’s push for domestic production in key industries—including semiconductors—has fueled strong demand for high-precision machining. Manufacturers responded by showcasing advanced machining centers with micron-level accuracy.
Okuma highlighted its milestone of 10,000 double-column MCs shipped.
Okuma exhibited the MCR-A5CⅡ double-column machining center, ideal for industrial machinery parts, and the MB-80V vertical MC for mold and semiconductor component machining. Alongside the MCR-A5CⅡ, Okuma celebrated a major milestone with a display marking the shipment of its 10,000th double-column MC.
“Manufacturing is active in regions like the Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River Delta, particularly in the semiconductor sector,” said a Deputy General Manager of the Sales Department at Okuma Machine Tool (Shanghai). “There is increasing demand for high-end machines that can deliver top-level machining accuracy.”
Yasda Precision Tools introduced the YBM640V vertical MC for forging and press mold machining and the YMC650 for micro-machining.
“There’s strong demand for ultra-precision machining across various industries,” said a Manager of Sales Engineering Section, Sales Promotion Department.
Korean manufacturer DN Solutions (formerly Doosan Machine Tools) introduced the DVF5000 5-axis vertical MC and the DNX2100 multitasking machine for the first time in China.
“Customers in the Chinese market demand a combination of precision, efficiency, automation, and cost competitiveness,” said a senior executive from the company’s marketing and product planning office.
Chinese machine tool builders also put a strong emphasis on precision.
Beijing Jingdiao Group exhibited a wide range of high-precision machining centers.
Beijing Jingdiao Group exhibited a range of high-precision MCs, including the JDMGB300 5-axis vertical MCs for micro-machining and the JDSR1000 5-axis vertical MCs for medium to large workpieces.
A demo part created by the JDMGB300—modeled after the Ruyi staff featured in the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West—showcased the machine’s fine engraving capabilities, including intricate patterns and characters at the tip.
ZCC.CT showcased its high-end tool series, responding to growing demand.
Zhuzhou Cemented Carbide Cutting Tools (ZCC.CT), one of China’s leading cutting tool manufacturers, presented its high-end “Pan Gu” series designed for machining difficult-to-cut materials.
“There has been growing demand for high-end tools in mainly the aerospace sector over the past two years,” said a manager overseeing business in Japan.
DMG MORI presented automation solutions combining machine tools and robots.
As in Japan, labor shortages are an ongoing challenge for Chinese manufacturing. Several companies addressed this with automation solutions that combine machine tools and industrial robots.
DMG MORI presented live demos combining its NLX 2500｜700 2nd Generation turning center with the MATRIS Light robot system, and its CTX beta 450 TC multitasking machine with an industrial robot.
FANUC’s automation demonstrations drew large crowds.
FANUC introduced a compact automation system integrating the CRX-10iA/L collaborative robot, LR-10iA/10 industrial robot, and ROBODRILL α-D14MiB Plus machining center. The system automates both pre- and post-machining processes.
“Young people in China are increasingly reluctant to enter manufacturing jobs due to the tough working environment, similar to the trend seen in Japan,” a FANUC representative explained.
Haitian Smart Solutions displayed miniature models of automated production lines.
Haitian Smart Solutions, the engineering arm of Haitian International—one of the world’s largest injection molding machine manufacturers—displayed miniature models of automated production lines / provide automation solutions for production lines of various scales to meet different customer needs.
“We can provide automation solutions for production lines of various scales to meet different customer needs,” said a regional sales manager.
Local Chinese machine tool and tooling manufacturers, once viewed as lagging in quality and precision, are now offering products that emphasize accuracy. Some international attendees even expressed concern over the rapid technological gains of local competitors.
Looking ahead, solution-based proposals that integrate robots, digital technologies, and smart automation will be essential for success in the Chinese market.
Mao Yufeng, President of the China Machine Tool & Tool Builders’ Association (CMTBA), commented:
Mao Yufeng, President of the China Machine Tool & Tool Builders’ Association (CMTBA)
“China’s machine tool industry remains relatively stable compared to global markets. Foreign manufacturers are increasingly paying attention to China.”
Regarding U.S. tariff hikes, he added:
“For companies focused on exports, the impact is significant. But in the machine tool sector overall, only around 7% of Chinese machine tool exports go to the U.S., so the impact remains limited.”
Mao also emphasized the growing role of AI:
“Artificial intelligence will continue to drive transformation in the machine tool industry. China’s generative AI model ‘DeepSeek,’ which is free to use, is gaining significant interest among domestic builders.”
February 20, 2025
February 13, 2025
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