MR Components, a medium-sized company from Grigno, has significantly increased its production capacity and simultaneously improved quality by introducing intelligent automation with Emagvertical turning lathes (VTLs). The company, which specialises in the production of parts for differential and planetary gears, now produces around 80,000 components per month.

Alessandro Reguzzo, the founder and managing director of MR Components, says that the key to success lie in the consistent automation of manufacturing: “The use of automated machines was the key to accelerating our production. The machines run unmanned, allowing us to produce in the evening without having to introduce a night shift.”

MR Components relies on Emag machines equipped with integrated measuring probes, allowing 100% component inspection. In fact, the company uses various manufacturing systems from Emag to meet the different production requirements of its customers.

“On one of our production lines we work with Emag VL 7 machines, where the operator manually places the workpieces on the automation belt,” explains Reguzzo. “On other production lines we work with VL 4 machines that feature TrackMotion automation. Here, automation is very fast and we have greater autonomy, so we can also run the machines in unmanned mode.”

There are also other Emag manufacturing systems on site, such as VL 4 and VL 6 machines automated with robots. The decision was made to use a system with robots here, as many components have to undergo other operations in addition to turning, such as marking, which can take place very easily and flexibly with the robot.

MR Components is now planning further investments involving the use of two VL 8 machines in combination with robots to produceparts with diameters up to 450 mm.More information www.emag.com

Okuma America Corporation is introducing a new addition to the company’s horizontal lathe line-up: the Okuma LB2000 EX III. The new machine joins the company’s flagship line of LB-EX series lathes. Okuma debuted the LB2000 EX III at the recent IMTS 2024 exhibition in Chicago.

The LB2000 EX III can create finely-tuned small parts or complex components when paired with optional MYW (milling, Y axis and sub-spindle) facilities. Hallmarks of the LB-EX lathe family include high-accuracy machining, partly attributable to the machine’s rigid construction. Additionally, the LB2000 EX III features a high-power, high-torque PREX motor built to facilitate heavy and high-speed cutting. This, in combination with Okuma’s ‘Thermal-Friendly Concept’, which minimises thermal growth during the machining process, ensures machining accuracy and thermal stability.

The model at IMTS featured the additional MYW features. Okuma America’s team of experts showcased the machine’s capabilities by conducting a special machining demonstration of electric guitar tuning knobs. The demonstration featured peripheral technologies from various technologypartners, including Hainbuch, Iscar, Mastercam, Mitsubishi Materials, QualiChem and Sandvik Coromant. Additionally, the demonstration was part of a special collaboration with guitar manufacturer, Dean Zelinksy, to create an electric guitar completely from metal. One of these special metal Dean electric guitars was on display at the Okuma stand.

Okuma’s LB4000 EX III also features the company’s new OSP-P500 control, an open-architecture CNC designed exclusively for Okuma machines. This next-generation control enables numerous intelligent machining technologies, including a Windows-based, open-architecture platform for easy integration to applications on the Okuma App Store and beyond.

More information www.okuma.com

Yamazaki Mazak unveiled the latest addition to its range of high-volume turning centres at the AMB 2024 exhibition in Stuttgart recently. The new HQR-200/3 NEO promises increased levels of productivity alongside high accuracy and efficiency.

Mazak’s HQR-200/3 NEO features three turrets and two spindles. With manufacturers striving for productivity and profitability, the additional third turret achieves a faster return on investment by reducing cycle time by approximately 25%, based on an example component produced using a two-turret configuration. The added tool stations enhance processing capabilities to complete complex parts in a single set-up.

Suitable for medium-to-high batch sizes across the aerospace, automotive and general subcontract industries, the new machine design – which is only 120mm deeper than the two-turret version –increases the maximum workpiece size for lower-turret chuck work from 212 to 320mm diameter. 

The HQR-200/3 NEO on show at AMB was part of a model series comprising two spindle sizes and three turrets. Complementing the standard 65 and 80mm diameter bar-working capability, the HQR-200/3 NEO is available with an optional enlarged 112mm spindle bore for bar work up to 102mm diameter. Unique to Mazak, this enlarged spindle bore option facilitates the machining of prismatic components from bar material using only a turning centre – work that otherwise would require a machining centre to complete. 

Enhanced automation features include a redesigned unloading hand that contributes to a 20% reduction in unloading time compared with previous models, while the Smooth Oscillating Cutting function automatically breaks up chips and swarf to prevent unwanted build-up. 

More information www.mazakeu.co.uk