In 1975, Okuma introduced its first multi-tasking machine, the LM70-AT. It was capable of turning, drilling and milling in a single unit, providing a complete machining process. Okuma has continued to develop this principle over the years in line with market requirements. Today, Okuma says its Multus range is synonymous with technological innovation and the highest standards.

The benefits of multi-tasking machines for manufacturers are huge: they reduce the number of work steps, minimise the risk of manual errors or material loss thanks to continuous processes, shorten set-up times, and require less floor space. Order acceptance has also become more flexible: even urgent jobs can be accommodated quickly, requiring only a program change to the user-friendly CNC software. The same applies to jobs from new industries or to meet new regulatory requirements: Okuma says its multi-tasking machines enable companies to respond quickly to new requirements. This improves competitiveness, especially for small and medium batch sizes.

The Multus range comprises Okuma’s most advanced multi-tasking solutions. While the Multus BII series includes various standard models for simple entry-level applications, Multus B machines are suitable for complex workpieces with diameters up to 1 m and lengths up to 6 m. The Multus U series offers a choice of three models with an optional lower turret for increased productivity.

Okuma can also upgrade its multi-tasking machines with Okuma Armroid or robot cells for automation. This increases productivity and efficiency while maintaining the customary user-friendliness and precision machining.

As a further point of note, Okuma’s modern machine tools are increasingly focused on low and sustainable energy use.

More information www.okuma.eu

In today’s world, manufacturing companies are facing major challenges: increasing cost pressures, a shortage of skilled workers and rising energy costs. This requires machine tools that generate more output with less manpower and are energy-efficient at the same time. The MSC 5 Duo from Emag has been developed in response to these requirements and will be officially presented for the first time at the EMO 2025 exhibition in Hannover this September.

The MSC 5 Duo is a two-spindle front-loaded CNC turning centre for automated batch production. Characterised by an optimal ratio of functionality and capital investments, the machine focuses on high-productivity soft turning and combines proven Emag technologies with cost-optimised basic equipment.

Emag says the economic benefits for users are obvious: the MSC 5 Duo costs significantly less per spindle than comparable models from higher product lines but offers the same productivity for standard soft turning applications.

The split-bed concept forms the foundation for precision machining results. This design decouples the two work areas from one another, preventing the transmission of vibrations during simultaneous machining. As a result, users benefit from constant dimensional accuracy on both spindles, even during demanding machining processes.

The main spindles of the MSC 5 Duo have been designed for a wide range of applications. With a maximum motor speeds of 4500 rpm and a standard spindle power of 5.5 kW in continuous operation or 7.5 kW for up to 30 minutes, there is sufficient reserve power available for demanding machining tasks. A more powerful version with 7.5 kW in continuous operation and 11 kW for 30 minutes is available as an option.

More information www.emag.com

Machine tool manufacturer Starrag will present its latest innovations on stand T7 at the Manufacturing Solutions Ireland exhibition on 11-12 June. The stand’s centrepiece, a Starrag Bumotec 191^neo turn-mill machine, will be delivered to Smithstown Light Engineering immediately after the show.

Smithstown opened its doors for business 50 years ago with just four toolmakers; today it has three manufacturing sites and over 285 employees. With two sites in Shannon and another in Rzeszow, Poland, Smithstown has invested in the Bumotec 191 to streamline its throughput and maximise efficiency.

The company transitioned to medical manufacturing in 1990, and it continually invests in the latest technology. This sees Smithstown work with clients such as Stryker, Boston Scientific, Zimmer Biomet and Cook Medical, to name but a few. Producing over 14 million components every year, the manufacturer adopts stringent quality measures that are a necessity for ultra-precision medical device parts used in life-saving surgery. It is here that the Bumotec 191^neo will create an impact.

CEO Gerard Henn says: “We’ve been interested in Starrag machines for several years, and it was a case of finding the right opportunity for our business. The Bumotec 191 is perfect for small intricate turn-mill parts, and we bought it for a number of reasons. Primarily, it will support our NPI [New Product Introduction] team, which will eventually dovetail into production.”

At Manufacturing Solutions Ireland, Starrag experts attending the show will also be keen to discuss the merits of other solutions that include the Heckert H Compact and STC series of horizontal machining centres, as well as the new Droop+Rein FOGS HD, a six-axis overhead gantry-type machining centre.

More information www.starrag.com

Star Micronics is set to launch the SR-20RIV Type E, the latest evolution of its long-established SR-20RIV sliding-head lathe. Building on the success of the Type A and Type B variants, the new model has been developed to meet even broader application requirements across sectors such as automotive and medical manufacturing.

Since the original release of the SR-20RIV in 2012, over 2400 machines have been sold worldwide, thanks to key attributes like reliability and versatility. The new Type E introduces enhanced functionality with a customer-requested B-axis tool post capable of simultaneous four-axis control, enabling more complex machining tasks such as 3D milling. UK availability is scheduled from September 2025.

Alongside the powered tool unit featuring a B-axis with NC-programmable angle control, further features of note include a front-end gang-type tool post that incorporates Star’s proprietary uniform-load cross-guide structure. Here, eight linear guide bearings are evenly arranged around the guide bush, which is the cutting point where load generates during machining. By distributing the load evenly to eight linear guide bearings, the load applied to each linear guide bearing is minimised and tool post rigidity improves. The employment of this tool-post structure enables extended continuous operation with stable accuracy, while prolonging the service life of linear guide bearings.

Importantly, the machine can be switched between guide bush and non-guide bush configurations depending on part length. This capability optimises material use: guide bush mode offers support for long parts, while non-guide bush mode minimises bar remnants for short components, reducing waste and cost.

With capacity for up to 41 tools on a 27-position station, the Type E supports a wide range of complex and multi-process machining applications.

More information www.stargb.com