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When adding capabilities to your CNC machine environment, sometimes a bit of brain surgery is required. This means making modifications to the brains of your machine tool – the control. Open architecture CNC controls provide a platform for customization and ongoing upgrades that provide users with the kind of flexibility they need to maximize lean performance. Learn more in this quick story showing how we made a machine tool upgrade surprisingly easy.

Has this ever happened to you? When using a new technology, at first it seems awkward and alien. Then, before too long…nothing could ever get you to go back to the old way. Learn about the new feature on the P300 CNC control that combines functions into one “EASY OPERATION” run screen. Once you start using it, you’ll find some very pleasant surprises on the other side of your learning curve.

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to attend the MTConnect conference, learning about cutting-edge ways manufacturers can leverage data to improve business performance. While the conference was very good, I was surprised to see that the manufacturers that NEED to learn about using data to improve their businesses weren't even there to do that. In case you missed it, you can still connect with some of the profit-building resources from the conference.

With the potential for a 30% productivity increase or even more, there’s a strong incentive for automating CNC machining processes. But before you flip the switch on that robot, check out the surrounding tools and processes. If you address these areas first, automation will give you at least a 30% improvement in throughput.

When you have a down machine, finding the best solution to get you back up and running takes an orchestrated effort. Individuals must be standing ready, armed with processes that cut through the clutter and solve your pain NOW. Discover the variety of processes we employ for down machine support, and how this makes the difference between getting what you need in days rather than weeks.

The sizes of the parts we machine today are getting larger. At the same time, accuracy requirements have become more stringent, which requires CNC machining functionality that’s more sophisticated. Learn about a new machine that offers consistent CNC machining accuracy, power, and speed, providing a solid solution to traditional bottlenecks in the large part manufacturing process.

As a CNC machine tool builder, we at Okuma America live in a technical world. But there’s a personal side to us that makes us more like family. Our family includes co-workers, distributors, partners, customers, and our community too. Find out how you can help us support a great cause and build a stronger community.

The most critical question in determining the amount of money you can make with a CNC machine tool is: how is quality built into the product? But how do you recognize quality during a machine tool review? Consider these items a checklist for “built-in quality.”

CNC lathes are the most common machine tools found in every machine shop around the nation. But are you taking advantage of the latest technology in lathe workholding for your applications and processes? Check out this video to learn more about today’s options and capabilities.

It can be very stressful, the delicate balance of setting up a CNC machine while avoiding the consequences of even a very small mistake – broken tools, scrap parts, an angry boss and sometimes, unhappy customers. Discover some of the most useful CNC control features that can take a lot of stress out of your life.

What’s your reaction when you hear these words: “Un-scheduled downtime.” Horror? Panic? Hiding your checkbook? You’re right to have that reaction. CNC machine failure is always a cost; sometimes shockingly high. Learn three easy tips that help you protect your investment, maximize productivity and reduce your overall cost of machine ownership.

Speeding up changeovers and adjusting the ability to quickly change cam lobe designs during R&D are vital to the success of aftermarket camshaft manufacturers. Okuma’s GC-34NH CNC Cam Grinder and user-friendly PC-APT-CAM-G software streamline these processes, and can be used in many other non-round CNC grinding applications as well.

If you’ve studied the concepts that form the basis for today’s lean manufacturing, you may be familiar with W. Edwards Deming. One of his mantras was “Quality Always Costs Less in the Long Run.” Do your CNC machines and CNC controls truly optimize your processes and make the most of your investments? Find out why price is not the only cost you should consider--it’s quality that’s the real deal.

Can you imagine, with today’s technology, still being limited by CNC control memory and storage? Now your control can have memory buffer management and nearly limitless storage, and also enable new functionalities that go beyond just NC programs. Find out what kind of productivity gains you can achieve using our open architecture CNC control.

What’s the biggest difference between wired and wireless gages? A lot of aggravation, that’s what. With wired gages, it happens all the time: the CNC machine operator accidentally gets the cord caught inside the work envelope, or steps on the cord, or cuts it somehow. Wireless gages are a great solution – and may be a lot less expensive that you think.