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13 Nov 2019

Okuma's Thermo-Friendly Concept Achieves Cumulative Sales of 50,000 Shipments

Thermal deformation greatly affects the machining accuracy of machine tools. Normally, in order to obtain stable machining accuracy, various cooling and insulation approaches like machine warm-up operation, temperature-controlled rooms, etc. have been required. Thus, Okuma developed the Thermo-Friendly Concept based on the unique idea of “accepting temperature changes,” and in 2001 launched the MB-46V vertical machining center designed with a breakthrough application of the TFC.
The MB-46V was highly evaluated for its extremely stable accuracy immediately after its release, and the MB-V Series with TFC was also developed for the MB-56V and MB-66V. Since then, the number of models designed for the Thermo-Friendly Concept has increased to include horizontal machining centers, lathes, multitasking machines, and large double-column machining centers. In October 2019, cumulative sales of machines equipped with the Thermo-Friendly Concept reached 50,000 units.

The Thermo-Friendly Concept contributes to improving productivity by reducing machine warm-up operation and dimensional compensation tasks by stabilizing machining accuracy. Dimensional change is minute even with long, continuous die/mold manufacturing, and post-process polishing jobs can be also be considerably reduced.
In addition, the Thermo-Friendly Concept package includes our ECO suite energy-saving technology, to operate cooling equipment only when necessary, and greatly reduce power consumption.

After 18 years since its launch, our Thermo-Friendly Concept continues to evolve with AI and other cutting-edge technologies. Okuma will strive to provide more effective machine tool applications through further research and development, and we will continue to pursue “machines that are easier for humans to use.”