The MULTUS made process integration possible, allowing us to shorten lead time and achieve an on-time delivery rate of nearly 100%. In terms of quality, we have maintained a defect rate of 0.2% based on material cost. Supporting this achievement is our company-wide quality control system and well-organized plant environment, as well as the elimination of machining accuracy variation and excellent dimensional stability against thermal displacement made possible by the MULTUS series.
In the past, collisions sometimes occurred even when we believed we had carefully checked movements and interference. This resulted in machine stoppages, repairs, and delivery delays. However, with the standard-equipped Collision Avoidance System, we can run machining simulations in advance, and the axes automatically stop before a collision occurs—even if there is a program input error. This provides exceptional peace of mind and greatly reduces the psychological burden on operators. Even for first-article machining, preparation time has been significantly reduced.

Previously, we conducted turning in-house and outsourced post-processes that were done on a machining center. However, the MULTUS U3000 enables us to conduct all machining in a single-chucking process. As a result of incorporating machining in addition to turning, we are receiving more orders for high-value-added parts with complex geometries. Since we are able to deliver this kind of machining without outsourcing, it has a profound effect when we receive orders for large quantities. For example, when we received an order for 150 units of the same part in a particular month, once we made an NC program for it, all we had to do after that was to set the workpieces onto the machine. The end result was our monthly sales reaching a record high. It reduces the labor and time required for workpiece transportation, minimizes the workload of workers, but also lessens variations in accuracy. This has allowed us to increase productivity by more than 30%.
We receive many inquiries from new customers about new projects in which we are asked if the MULTUS U3000 can handle certain kinds of machining. Compared to before, the types of parts we can machine has increased by 20 to 25. An example of this is a prototype semiconductor-related components that required to cut stainless steel material to a thickness of 3 mm. Although it is not easy to machine such a part, accomplishing this could lead to a mass production order. We are focused on increasing our operation rate even further by fully utilizing the 40 ATC tools on the MULTUS U3000.

When processes are divided between a NC lathe and a machining center, significant time and effort are required for tasks such as dimensional inspection, setup changes, and workpiece cleaning. With the MULTUS B300Ⅱ (sub-spindle specification), parts that previously required four processes on two separate machines can now be completed in just two processes on a single machine due to the abiltiy to transfer workpieces between spindles. This has eliminated the need to handle work-in-progress workpieces between machines and has improved the overall production flow.
In addition, because there is minimal phase error during transfer, positioning jigs are no longer necessary. Also, issues that occurred during setup changes—such as scratches, dents, and the need to remachine due to size errors—have been drastically reduced. As a result, we have been able to significantly reduce tasks that were required between processes, resulting in a productivity improvement of approximately 30%. All this is done while maintaining micron-level machining quality. Even when machining complex parts that require various cutting and drilling operations, the MULTUS can be left unattended for approximately 30 to 60 minutes. During that time, operators can focus on preparing for the next process or conduct quality checks, which helps reduce the workload for operators managing multiple machines.
There was a motor shaft job that our competitors had refused because they could not meet its strict accuracy requirements. However, we took the job and were able to succesfully meet the various tolerances that were required for the workpiece.
In addition, the MULTUS B300Ⅱ (sub-spindle specification) features a highly rigid milling spindle, allowing it to machine tough-to-cut materials such as Inconel and titanium alloys with ease. Even at high spindle speeds. The machine also offers exceptional repeatability, enabling stable machining of precision components with tight tolerances—such as medical device parts—with dimensional accuracy in the 10-micron range.

Previously, machining of guide wheels required five separate processes, involving considerable time and effort for attaching, detaching, and transferring workpieces during each setup change.
With the introduction of the MULTUS B300Ⅱ ARMROID, operators simply load the workpieces into the mobile work stocker (a 10-station elevating multi-level worktable) attached to the machine. From there, the machine handles the entire operation, completing everthing in just two processes.
As a result, lead time has been drastically reduced and the extra time can now be used for program creation and setup for the next machining task. This has contributed to improving overall productivity.
The machining chamber contains two spindles (main and sub), a turret, a robot, and various structural components, making it difficult to track all movements and perform comprehensive interference checks.
However, by using the collision avoidance system after creating the program, interference can be checked visually and allows automatic operation to be done with confidence.
To increase productivity with limited personnel, we plan to perform short-cycle turning and small-lot machining manually during the day, while using the MULTUS B300Ⅱ + ARMROID for unmanned nighttime operation of medium-lot, time-intensive complex machining. We are actively working toward realizing this vision as soon as possible.