Introducing the New All-Okuma Wheel Cell Featuring the MB-56VA-AW Aluminum Wheel Drilling Machine

Next-generation wheel cell enables wheel manufacturers to increase productivity and efficiency while minimizing downtime

CHARLOTTE, N.C. February 11, 2013


Okuma America Corporation, a world leader in CNC machine tools, today announced the launch of the new All-Okuma wheel cell. The new wheel cell includes the new MB-56VA-AW aluminum wheel drilling machine - designed to deliver the reliability of Okuma lathes in a dedicated machining center/drill. Also included are two Okuma CNC lathes in a choice of sizes, a FANUC robot, and a variety of conveyance options, allowing for a customized cell configuration. All three Okuma machines feature the THINC®-OSP open architecture CNC control for easy integration, enhanced functionality and accessibility to third-party applications. The new wheel cell is specifically designed to enable wheel manufacturers to increase productivity and efficiency while minimizing downtime.

Highlights of the New All-Okuma Wheel Cell:

*MB-56VA-AW Aluminum Wheel Drilling Machine: The reliability of Okuma lathes is now available in this machining center/drill. Built based on Okuma's premier vertical machining center, it employs the latest technology and tailors the specs around the high-speed requirements of aluminum wheel drilling and milling. The integrated high-speed trunnion table provides full 4-axis machining capabilities.

*Okuma CNC Lathes: With 5 wheel lathes to choose from, the Okuma machines allow for customizable cell configurations - sizes ranging from 16" to 24", featuring quick-changeover workholding providing flexible top tooling for the chuck, reducing the need for changeovers between setups.

*THINC®-OSP Open Architecture CNC Control: Because all three machines are now Okumas, all three feature the THINC-OSP control which allows fuller integration with the latest engineering simulation tools and throughout operations. Real-time monitoring and alarm notifications can now be enabled. Cell monitoring and performance reporting functions are more robust. Addition of third-party applications is now possible with this open architecture CNC control.

*FANUC Robot: Proven gripper design - the most used in the industry - and vision technology allows fixtureless locating and orientation, eliminating manned verification and offset probing.

Gosiger Automation, a member of Partners in THINC, expertly handles installation and service for the All-Okuma wheel cell. With a team of 50 deeply qualified experts they utilize advanced engineering and simulation tools, Controllogix and Wheel Process Monitoring to ensure end-to-end wheel cell performance.

For more information, visit http://www.okuma.com or read our blog post, "New Wheel Cell Boosts Productivity."

About Okuma America Corporation
Okuma America Corporation is the U.S.-based sales and service affiliate of Okuma Corporation, a world leader in CNC (computer numeric control) machine tools, founded in 1898 in Nagoya, Japan. The company is the industry's only single-source provider, with the CNC machine, drive, motors, encoders, spindle and CNC control all manufactured by Okuma. Okuma's innovative and reliable technology, paired with comprehensive, localized service protection, allows users to run continuously with confidence - maximizing profitability. Along with its industry-leading distribution network (largest in the Americas), and Partners in THINC, Okuma facilitates quality, productivity and efficiency, empowering the customer and enabling competitive advantage in today's demanding manufacturing environment. For more information, visit http://www.okuma.com or follow us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/Okuma-America-Corporation-Machine-Tools or Twitter @OkumaAmerica.

About Partners in THINC
Partners in THINC is a collaboration network of more than 40 industry leaders who come together to solve problems and explore new productivity ideas for real-world manufacturers. With the open architecture, PC-based THINC®-OSP control as its nucleus, Partners in THINC brings specialized equipment, expertise and a commitment to provide the best possible integrated solutions to the end-user. For more information, visit http://www.okuma.com/partners-in-thinc

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