The Houston chapter of the Society for Manufacturing Engineering (SME) held their monthly meeting and enjoyed a facility tour last May at the Okuma Tech Center. SME members and guests attended a presentation by Hartwig, Inc. Team leader Gary Frick and Bryan Newman, THINC product specialist, gave a presentation on the THINC control, illustrating its open architecture and plug-and-work capabilities. Attendees were given the opportunity to see the Okuma machines in action.
Machine demonstrations included the VTM-80Yb, five-axis vertical lathe with “M” tool functions, the Multus B400-W multi-function mill/turn machine and an MU-400 VA 5-axis trunion-style machining center. The highlight of the evening was the automated Okuma oil-coupling cell, which produces API couplings for oil patch and runs with minimal operator intervention.
On hand were representatives from members of Partners in THINC who answered questions from attendees and presented product demonstrations on workholding, industrial lubricants, tooling, and gauging. Bob Waters, tech center coordinator, observed that many of the guests were first-time visitors to the center and that they were exceptionally engaged and took the time to speak with and ask questions of the engineers and operators. SME Member Ed Gordon stated, “It was a most enjoyable learning occasion. Okuma has turned the ‘partnership’ concept into what appears to be a very effective organization of resources capable of beneficially resolving any customer’s problem or need.”
Okuma America Corporation is the U.S.-based affiliate of Okuma Corporation, a world leader in the development of computer numeric controls (CNC) and machining technology founded in 1898 in Nagoya, Japan. Learn more at [www.okuma.com]. For half a century Hartwig has been focused on helping its customers control their manufacturing destiny and keeping manufacturing in the United States. One of the largest machine tool and metal cutting distributors in North America, Hartwig owns and operates eight office locations covering 14 states. Visit online at [www.hartwiginc.com].
