MULTITASKING MACHINING

Multitasking machines combine the functionality of two or more traditional standalone machine tools to form one “super” machine. In their most common form, multitasking machines combine one or two lathes with a machining center. However, in recent years additional capabilities (grinding, gear cutting, even Laser Hybrid) have started to integrate as well. The beauty behind multitasking machines is that there are a variety of configurations available, so you can invest in what makes sense for your shop.

For example, our MULTUS U Series multitasking machines come equipped with an automatic tool changer, sub-spindle, and lower turret. Because of its ability to use different cutting processes on the same part, it can create contours, perform turning, milling, skiving, Turn-Cut, and gaging tasks all in one setup.

The above barely scrapes the surface of what a multitasking machine is, as they are highly capable machines – however, this guide is in place to delve into our most frequent questions and concerns so that you can hopefully come out the other side with a clearer picture about multitasking and its place in your shop.

Multitasking machines evolved gradually, the earliest multitasking machines combining only turning and milling capabilities. However, there’s a gray area around when they truly came to be because, for some time, they were only recognized as lathes with some machining center functionality and vice versa.

Okuma’s first official multitasking machine, the LM50-AT, was introduced in the ’70s and was the first step toward the concept of multitasking.

There are quite a few benefits of bringing a multitasking machine into your shop.

• Process simplification
  The part is completed on a single machine, therefore custom fixturing is eliminated.
  
  
• Setup reduction
  
  
• Improved accuracy and reduction of human error
  No need to move the part from machine to machine.
  
  
• Reduction in tolerance stack up
  If you have a heavy part, using a multitasking machine will be your best bet; there’s less moving of heavy parts, which ultimately means the part is done in less time.
  
  
• Flexibility
  You can set these machines up with the largest bar stock possible and schedule programming (i.e., run 6 of these, 4 of these, 2 of these). The machine will use that same bar stock for an array of different parts—making chips out of what it doesn’t need. This process saves time and, therefore, money—where time is worth more than the material evacuated. There are cases where this may not be true, but it is something unique to general multitasking.

One of the most common perceptions of using a multitasking machine is that for everything you gain, you also lose something. On much older machines, it was true that you had to give up certain things—for example, if you gained capabilities and functionalities, you often lost rigidity and the machine wouldn’t be able to take as heavy of cuts. But with newer machines, such as the MULTUS U, you no longer make those sacrifices.

Another common perception is that the machines are difficult to program and even more difficult to operate. For example, one job shop bought an Okuma MULTUS and struggled with it, to the point where they were convinced it was time to sell it. Before they did, the Okuma team came back into the shop and retrained the operators until they were comfortable with the machine (this is often necessary because these machines’ functionalities are so different).

It turned out they didn’t need any fixturing or additional handling; it was just a matter of getting comfortable with the new technology.

One thing we do notice is that the B-axis on a multitasking machine can throw some operators a curveball, and expensive machines, in general, can be intimidating to use. That’s why Okuma helps protect your investment with the Collision Avoidance System (CAS), as well as other standard tools, to help minimize any potential crashes.

We find that multitasking machines are a good fit for shops producing customized parts, prototype parts, or small- to mid-size production quantities. Multitasking machines can be seen as a big leap of faith for many shops, but in reality, they’re often a missed opportunity. Many shops already have lathes and machining centers taking up space on their floor instead of taking the plunge and investing in a multitasking machine that saves floor space.

At Okuma, we specifically tailor our controls to the machine – which gives operators more control over how the machine operates. Our OSP-P300SA control system can help shops simplify the user experience and get the most out of their machines. The OSP controls were designed to meet contemporary manufacturing needs and enhance the operator experience. While the OSP-P300A provides a variety of user benefits, its greatest strength is crystal-clear: it provides comprehensive machine operations in one easy-to-use interface.

Specific beneficial applications include the Collision Avoidance System (CAS), a lifesaving tool for avoiding costly mistakes, and the built-in quick-change functionality of the ATC, which is an incredible time-saver. In addition, if your tools are in the magazine and you do a changeover, you can change out the chuck jaws in which you’d get a quick-change chuck: the jaws take two minutes to changeover, select the program and then cycle start. You still must step through the program, but your change time goes to a couple of minutes, and it makes a huge difference when you want to run a lot of different parts.

For those who may not be as familiar with Okuma machines, here’s a little cheat sheet.