Kitamura Machinery—the premier manufacturer of precision horizontal, vertical and five-axis machining centers—recently featured two models that incorporate flexible manufacturing systems at IMTS 2008 in Chicago. Visitors were able to view the Mycenter-HX400iF horizontal with 12-station Flexible Pallet Container (FPC) System and the Mytrunnion-1 five-axis machining center with a seven-station Automatic Work Change Device.
With their rigid construction, industry-leading precision, intuitive controls, and ability to move easily between difficult materials and high-speed production, both the Mycenter-HX400iF and Mytrunnion-1 have demonstrated the core qualities critical for lights-out production. Kitamura’s highly reliable Multi-Pallet Systems enable manufacturers to incorporate an unmanned machining development process for a multi-tasking machining environment that optimizes uptime.
The Mycenter-HX400iF’s powerful four-step geared spindle delivers high-torque and high-speed for maximum machining flexibility, making it ideal for simultaneous four-axis machining of medium size parts that require deep cuts on tough materials and exceptionally fine finishing capabilities. With a maximum work piece size of 25.6” x 37.8” and a table load capacity of 880 lbs, it offers the size, rigidity, construction, and accuracy necessary for multi-part tombstone fixturing and complex multi-angle medium to large part machining. The FPC offers manufacturers more speed and efficiency, the capability for additional production output and a cost-effective start toward factory automation.
Kitamura’s Mytrunnion-1 is an ultra-high precision, versatile five-axis machining center that combines machining, grinding and turning processes in a single set-up to create small- to medium-size precision parts and complex devices such as aerospace parts. The machine’s maximum stiffness, flexibility, and cutting capability make it an optimal choice for manufacturing parts for the medical, aerospace, and telecommunications industries. The Automatic Work Change Device (seven- or 20-station automatic pallet changer) allows for higher volume production work and for running long hours of unmanned operation while the compact size saves on valuable floor space while maximizing machining up time.
“Machining centers only make money when they’re cutting,” says Mike Umeno, vice president. “Flexible pallet container systems provide manufacturers with a way to keep them turning without increasing their overhead. But they also have to know they can count on the machining centers to do the job right while running unattended for hours at a time. The precision, accuracy and reliability of Kitamura machining centers make them ideal for this type of lights-out application. Add in the durability to maintain specs over many years and you have an investment that keeps providing a return long after units from other manufacturers have been replaced.”
Founded in 1933, Kitamura Machinery is dedicated to building the most technically advanced horizontal, vertical, and five-axis machining centers in the world. Kitamura machining centers are known and respected for their no-compromises precision and extended floor life even under the most demanding conditions.
For more information call (847) 520-7755 or visit [www.kitamura-machinery.com].
