FEATURE ON CNC LATHES AND TURNING CENTRES

Okuma Introduces Two Machines In The Multus U Series

Okuma has expanded its Multus U series with the launch of the new Multus U1000 and Multus U2000, two compact multi-tasking turn-mill centres designed to deliver high-precision five-axis simultaneous machining while maximising productivity and floor space efficiency.

Developed to meet growing demand for increasingly complex components in sectors such as medical technology, robotics and electric vehicles, the new machines combine turning and milling in a single platform, helping manufacturers reduce set ups, improve accuracy and streamline production.

The Multus U1000 and Multus U2000 feature X/Y/Z travels of 550/220/880 mm, together with B and C axes offering 240° and 360° movement. The U1000 is equipped with a 6-inch chuck and a main spindle speed of up to 6000 rpm, while the U2000 features an 8-inch chuck and spindle speeds up to 5000 rpm. Both machines come as standard with an automatic tool changer for up to 80 tools, with optional magazines accommodating up to 180 tools for high-mix production.

Automation options include integrated loading robots, bar feeders and parts unloaders, enabling manufacturers to increase productivity while minimising manual intervention. A flat-front machine design allows robots to be positioned closer to the machine, reducing the footprint of automated machining cells.

To maintain long-term accuracy, both machines incorporate Okuma’s ‘5-Axis Auto Tuning System’, which compensates automatically for wear and geometric deviations. Additional technologies include the Thermo-Friendly Concept for thermal stability, the Collision Avoidance System for enhanced process security and optional AI-based machine condition monitoring.

Despite their capability, both machines occupy just 8.2 m² of floor space, making them the most compact models in the Multus U range and well suited to manufacturers where production space is at a premium.

More information www.okuma.eu

Innovative CNC Turning Solutions Manufactured Locally

DMG Mori Bergamo showcased its latest production turning technologies at its in-house exhibition last month under the theme ‘Excellence Made in Italy’. The event highlighted machine tools manufactured in Italy alongside digitalisation concepts and efficient production solutions.

Visitors explored 18 machines in the company’s 1300 m² showroom, including 12 models produced at the Brembate di Sopra and Tortona plants. Exhibits ranged from Sprint and MultiSprint automatic turning machines to the NZ series, NLX 2500|700 1st Generation and CTX 550.

Making their Italian debut were the NTX 2500 3rd Generation turn-mill centre and the DMU 60 eVo 2nd Generation equipped with the compact PH Cell 300 pallet handling system. Designed for flexible, scalable automation, the PH Cell 300 accommodates pallets with transfer weights of up to 300 kg.

Also on display was the NZ TRE horizontal production turning centre integrated with the Robo2Go Turning 2nd Generation automation solution. The exhibition was complemented by technologies from DMQP partners Haimer, Horn, Tungaloy, Algra and FCS System, together with technical seminars and factory tours.

Recognised as a European centre of excellence for automated turning, DMG Mori Bergamo has benefited from major investment since 2014, creating advanced production facilities and a technology centre dedicated to developing innovative machining solutions.

More than 5000 Sprint, MultiSprint and NZ production turning machines have now been installed worldwide, supporting manufacturers in sectors such as medical, automotive, oil and gas, and energy, where demanding applications require high levels of process reliability, machining performance and component quality.

More information www.dmgmori.com

Ram Reman Reduce Machining Times Tith XYZ 320 LTY

Driven by a need to produce more accurate, increasingly complex components in shorter lead times, Dorset-based hydraulic engineering specialist Ram Reman Ltd has invested in an XYZ 320 LTY turning centre.

Established more than 30 years ago and part of the Rotec Group since 2015, Ram Reman designs, manufactures and refurbishes hydraulic equipment for industries including defence, marine, aerospace and utilities. The company produces a wide range of components, such as cylinders, manifolds, fittings and end caps, using a mix of manual and CNC machine tools.

According to technical manager Tony Foster, growing demand to reduce manufacturing costs and improve efficiency prompted the investment: “Many of our parts require both turning and milling. We wanted a machine that would reduce set-ups, lower production costs and free up our existing machines for work they are better suited to.”

Following discussions with XYZ’s Dorset area sales manager, Russell Bedford, Ram Reman selected the XYZ 320 LTY. Its 78 mm bar capacity, 320 mm turning capability, higher spindle speed, 32 kW main spindle motor, driven tooling and 100 mm Y-axis travel offered the flexibility needed to consolidate operations on a single machine. The benefits were immediate.

“A recent large stainless steel component saw machining time cut by 50% compared with our older machines,” says Foster. “The spindle power makes a real difference, while the 12-station VDI turret and Renishaw tool presetting arm reduce intervention and speed up tool changes and set-up. We can also machine features, such as end-cap scrolls, far more efficiently than before.

“The XYZ 320 LTY has improved our productivity, increased flexibility and strengthened our competitive capability.”

More information www.xyzmachinetools.com

Economic upheaval redefining manufacturing resilience

As global economic uncertainty continues to reshape industrial strategy, supply chain resilience is becoming an increasingly important differentiator across sectors such as aerospace, defence and advanced engineering. OEMs and tier-one manufacturers are placing greater emphasis on agile, dependable supply networks capable of delivering precision components with shorter lead times, tighter tolerances and complete traceability.

For subcontract manufacturers such as Rowan Precision, this shift is driving continued investment in advanced CNC machining technologies designed to support high-precision, scalable production. The company’s manufacturing capability centres on high-performance CNC sliding-head technology, as well as machining centres and multi-axis machining systems.

Originally developed for the Swiss watchmaking industry, sliding-head machining remains one of the most advanced forms of CNC turning available. By supporting the material bar close to the cutting tool using a guide bush, the process minimises vibration and deflection, enabling the production of highly intricate components with exceptional dimensional accuracy.

Rowan Precision operates 13-axis CNC sliding-head machines alongside twin-spindle, fixed-head CNC mill-turn platforms capable of combining turning, milling, drilling, threading and deburring operations within a single cycle. The approach reduces handling, improves repeatability and significantly increases throughput.

The company’s investment strategy is focused on supporting customers that require flexible UK-based manufacturing capability capable of scaling efficiently from prototype work through to full production programmes.

“Customers are looking for far more than capacity,” states Glenn Aston, CFO at Rowan Precision. “They want engineering partners capable of delivering consistency, technical capability and responsiveness under pressure.”

Neil Williams, technical sales manager at Rowan Precision, adds: “There’s a growing emphasis on resilient UK supply chains, particularly within aerospace, defence and advanced engineering. Building that resilience requires investment not only in machinery, but also in programming capability, process control and skilled people.”

More information www.rowanprecision.co.uk

Orders roll in for Star’s CNC sliding-head lathes

Star took several orders for sliding-head lathes on its stand at the recent MACH 2026 exhibition in Birmingham. Three orders, in particular, stood out.

Metal Assemblies Ltd, a tier-two manufacturer delivering precision-engineered metal pressings and assemblies, reinforced its machinery upgrade strategy with an order for two new SR-32JIII Type B sliding-head lathes. The investment replaces a pair of older SR models, each having delivered nearly 15 years of reliable service. The order was finalised between Iain Collis and Nigel Mason of Metal Assemblies and Star’s new Midlands area sales manager, Sam Ayres (pictured).

Featuring the latest Star technology – including Step Cycle Pro chip-breaking software – alongside enhancements in rigidity, swarf management and operator ergonomics, the new machines will support increased productivity, expanded capacity and greater operational efficiency.

Also placing an order at MACH was All British Precision, a subcontract supplier of precision machined components based in Derbyshire, which strengthened its long-term machinery investment strategy with the purchase of a new ST-38 sliding-head lathe. The order marks a significant milestone as it replaces the company’s very first ST-38 machine after 15 years of reliable service. Notably, the investment demonstrates All British Precision’s continued commitment to upgrading its production capabilities.

Hervé Engineering, a Southend-based manufacturer of precision CNC machined components for a wide range of industries and applications, was among further companies to place an order on the Star stand. The company is expanding its sliding-head production capacity with the order of a new SR-38 Type B. Complementing the company’s upcoming relocation to a larger facility, the latest investment will be the company’s highest capacity sliding-head lathe to date, increasing productivity and opening up new business opportunities.

More information https://stargb.com/