Japanese Cutting-Edge
Solutions for Metalworking
Japanese Cutting-Edge
Solutions for Metalworking
Exhibition
September 22, 2025
By: Atsushi Kuwasaki, Staff Editor, SEISANZAI Japan
In the final installment of SEISANZAI Japan’s medical technology series, we spotlight the collaboration between MEIRA (Nagoya, Aichi; President: Dr. Makoto Ohashi), a specialized bolt manufacturer serving automotive, aerospace, and medical sectors, and Nakamura-Tome Precision Industry (Hakusan, Ishikawa; President: Shogo Nakamura). At MECT 2025 (MECHATRONICS TECHNOLOGY JAPAN 2025; October 22–25, Port Messe Nagoya), this partnership will demonstrate how advanced machining techniques can transform medical implant production through innovative process design and breakthrough machining methods.
The demonstration showcases the processing of two distinctly different complex-shaped workpieces from one material using a single multitasking machine—achieving reduced setup times while incorporating various technical elements including optimized process sequencing and the revolutionary “Orbit Machining” technique.
Nakamura-Tome Precision Industry’s MX-100 multitasking machine used in the machining demonstration
MEIRA has designed two original workpieces specifically for MECT 2025, both inspired by orthopedic implants used in bone fracture treatment. “We incorporated various technical elements into two different original workpieces designed exclusively for MECT 2025,” explains Hiroyasu Ito, Senior Engineer in MEIRA’s Medical Division Technology Group.
The demonstration will utilize Nakamura-Tome’s MX-100 multitasking machine, a dual-spindle, opposed-spindle configuration with 6-inch chucks featuring both a tool spindle and lower turret tool post. This single machine’s versatility makes it particularly effective for the medical industry, where complex-shaped workpieces are commonplace.
While MEIRA’s actual orthopedic implants—including screws and plates for bone fracture fixation—are typically manufactured from biocompatible titanium alloys, the demonstration will use brass workpieces.
Processing the “plate” workpiece while supported by a center mounted on the lower turret tool post
The first demonstration workpiece is a “plate” configuration, where two plates arranged in parallel will be machined from a single 30mm diameter bar. The innovative feature is the adoption of a “touch gate system”—thin connecting sections between the base material and plates that allow easy separation, similar to plastic model kits.
Managing workpiece rigidity challenges
The design incorporates seven gate sections, which significantly reduces workpiece rigidity and can potentially cause machining chatter if processing sequences are not carefully managed. “We were conscious of maintaining appropriate sequencing and timing for each machining step, considering workpiece rigidity throughout the process,” notes Junichi Goho from Nakamura-Tome’s Sales Engineering Department, Processing Technology Section.
Integrated multitasking approach
The plate manufacturing process includes planar machining, drilling, curved surface grooving with ball-end mills, and chamfering—operations typically associated with machining centers. However, the companies will demonstrate these operations on the MX-100 by mounting a live center on the lower tool post to support the workpiece, enabling all operations without operator intervention in a jigless, setup-free environment that promotes automation and efficiency.
The second original workpiece is a “bent pipe” that showcases a revolutionary approach to curved component processing. Traditionally, straight pipes undergo external machining and deep-hole operations before being bent using table benders.
“If we can machine pipes that are already in a bent state from the beginning, we can achieve both quality improvement and process consolidation,” explains Senior Engineer Ito.
The orbit machining innovation
Conventional turning cannot process “initially curved shapes,” and while end mills could machine curved external surfaces, uniform cutting marks are preferable for subsequent polishing operations. The solution is Orbit Machining—a new technique where an internal boring bar is mounted on the main spindle, and the cutting–edge phase is controlled while the tool rotates to machine the workpiece’s external surface.
“Orbit Machining enables turning of curved sections without rotating the workpiece itself, producing the same cutting marks as straight sections for higher-quality machining,” emphasizes Goho.
MEIRA operates through three specialized divisions: the Automotive Business Division producing automotive bolts, the Aerospace Division handling aerospace bolts (the company’s original business), and the Medical Division processing orthopedic implant workpieces.
Addressing a critical medical need
The Medical Division was established in 1994 to address a significant healthcare challenge. At that time, Japan’s orthopedic industry relied heavily on imported screws and plates manufactured by Western companies for Western body types, creating size compatibility issues for Japanese patients.
“We leveraged the titanium alloy procurement networks and machining expertise cultivated in our Aerospace Division to establish the Medical Division, with the goal of creating orthopedic implants suited to Japanese skeletal structures,” recalls Senior Engineer Ito.
Domestic manufacturing advantages
Hiroyasu Ito, Senior Engineer of MEIRA’s Medical Division (left), and Junichi Goho of Nakamura-Tome’s Sales Engineering Department (right)
MEIRA differentiates itself through the agility characteristic of domestic manufacturers, rapidly translating physician needs into practical solutions to compete with established European and American manufacturers. While the company has participated extensively in medical conferences and events to introduce its products to doctors and hospital personnel, MECT 2025 marks the first exhibition focused specifically on the Medical Division’s processing technologies.
“MECT 2025 offers a unique opportunity to promote our technology through a completely different approach than our traditional methods,” notes Senior Engineer Ito. “Through live machining demonstrations, we hope to gain insights that could lead to new business opportunities.”
– Dates: October 22–25, 2025
– Venue: Port Messe Nagoya
– Program: Live multitasking machine demonstrations with MX-100, features touch gate plate processing and Orbit Machining technique (by MEIRA/Nakamura-Tome)
– Location: Exhibition Hall 3, Concept Zone
– Demonstration Schedule:
Oct 22-23: 11:30 / 14:00 / 16:00
Oct 24: 11:30 / 13:30 / 16:00
Oct 25: 11:30 / 14:30
August 22, 2025
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