Open Possibilities at IMTS 2018

After spending my entire career working in the manufacturing industry, I am especially excited to participate in what is heralded as THE manufacturing technology trade show – IMTS.

Having joined Okuma in early 2017, this is my first opportunity to experience this show from a machine tool builder perspective, and I am very excited to share an overview of the experience attendees will enjoy when they visit the Okuma booth.

Upon entering booth 338500 in the South Hall, our theme of "Open Possibilities" will be prominently represented in a variety of ways. We'll have 21 machine tools there to greet you, each of them manned with experts from Okuma and our distributors partners. Yes, we're more than ready to show you our machines, but we also want to achieve something even more meaningful. Our goal is to show you how our machine tool technologies can open new doors to manufacturing possibilities that take your shop to the next level of productivity. Here are just a few of the highlights you can expect:

Something for Everyone: Machine tools will range from our most popular GENOS products (part of our Affordable Excellence lineup), to super-multitasking machines and automation.
Smart Factory Capabilities Powered by Connect Plan: Get to know the possibilities offered by Connect Plan, which helps shops improve utilization by connecting machine tools and providing visual control of factory operations and machining. We'll demonstrate how you can obtain a "factory of the future" today, powered by data monitoring that can be used to fine-tune plant operations.
Automation: Skilled labor shortage is one of the major issues facing our industry. This means automation is crucial to future success for all of us. We're highlighting seven machines with varying levels of automation, including bar feeders, gantry loaders, internal unloader, pallet changers, tilt loader/unloaders, and two custom robot solutions. These custom solutions will demonstrate how we can automate a machine by partnering with Gosiger Automation.
Our Most Popular Double-Column Machine: The heavy-duty MCR-5ACII is our most popular Double Column Machining Center, and it will have a premium spot in our booth. This machine will be displayed with a static laser head, highlighting its ability to perform hardening and metal deposition operations. Experts will be on-hand to discuss the merits of these technologies.
NEW 2-Saddle Lathe: The LU7000EX is a timely introduction to the market and builds on Okuma's continued success in large, and sometimes long, work pieces common to industries like Energy and Aerospace.
Main Aisle Machines: On the main (front) aisle we'll focus on “Affordable Excellence” with the GENOS M460-5AX, GENOS L3000MY and GENOS M560-V. Behind the GENOS product lineup will be two Okuma grinders, the best-kept secret in the industry. We will have a GA26W and GI-10NII on display. The last machine on the main isle is our super-multitasking machine – the MU-8000V LASER EX.
Key Products: Positioned behind the large machines and Affordable Excellence area will be a mix of key products. The MB-4000H is a horizontal machine that will be demonstrating cutting aluminum parts and high-speed machining common to automotive or semi-conductor industries.
NEW Vertical Lathe: The new V920EX with ATC will be shown - it will be this product’s debut in the Americas. This lathe increases productivity by providing stable machining of thin and odd-shaped workpieces.
Visible Machine Construction: The MA-650VB is thought provoking to begin with, considering its hybrid way system design. At IMTS the machine will also be used as a working demonstration of Okuma's advanced CNC control technology and workmanship. We'll do this by using clear panels so customers can visualize the inside cabinet and the control box.
Multitasking and 5-Axis: To focus on multitasking and 5-axis machining, we'll be showcasing the MULTUS and MU series of products, including the new MU-S600V with automation. The MU-S600V has the ability to pick up a part, machine the part, and then pass the part to another MU-S600V.
Service: When you need a part replaced, you can count on Okuma's distributor network - the largest in the Americas - to deliver what you need as quickly as possible. Find out more about Okuma's Service and Parts Exchange programs.

It is my hope that after experiencing Okuma at the show and beyond, that you will genuinely feel our passion for helping manufacturers enhance their operations and opening new possibilities for future business growth. I, along with the entire Okuma team, look forward to seeing you at the show!

Okuma Booth #338500

Annette Carroll is Director of Marketing, Okuma America Corporation.