Steed Webzell

Okuma MCR-S machining centre aimed at automotive press dies

Product Launches
1 min read

The Okuma MCR-S (Super) double-column machining centre, which is now available in the UK from NCMT, is said to open new possibilities for manufacturers serving the automotive industry. For instance, combining several high-end features, the MCR-S is suitable for machining press dies to high standards. The machine also unites subtractive and additive manufacturing methods, allowing for process-intensive production.

With its MCR-S, Okuma is offering a machine tool to meet the demands of the automotive industry. When producing car bodies, manufacturers require press dies that are as precise as possible to not only achieve extraordinary dimensional accuracy, but surfaces of the highest quality.

For rigidity and close tolerances, MCR-S possesses a cast-iron double-column structure. Equipped with Okuma’s Thermo-Friendly Concept (TFC), unnecessary heating-up can be prevented and thermal deformations compensated. When manufacturing press dies, this capability is especially important because the machining process can take days or even weeks, making it vulnerable to changes in temperature. By using a swivel image sensor that rotates relative to the indexing angle of the tool, highly accurate measurements of the cutting edge position can be provided, improving accuracy even further. The sensor also helps to ensure traceability by recording the captured images.

Okuma’s Hyper-Surface functionality eliminates the costly need for hand finishing by creating die surfaces that are instantly ready for use. This outcome is achieved by automatically detecting disturbances in the CAM-output machining data, and correcting it on the CNC while maintaining the required shape accuracy. In this way, Hyper-Surface also increases throughput since raw material is processed in shorter timeframes.

The machine possesses a heavy-duty cutting capacity that attains a chip removal rate of 710 cm3/min when face milling. Average continuous feed rates of 20 m/min for the X and Y axes, and 10 m/min for the Z axis, contribute to the machine’s productivity. In addition, the SERVONAVI application autonomously maximises table acceleration according to the weight of the part. As these features contribute to the machine’s productivity, TCO can be reduced to a minimum.

For process-intensive manufacturing, the machining centre is equipped with a laser that allows for additive manufacturing via laser metal deposition (LMD). This way, subtractive and additive manufacturing methods are combined in one machine, enabling manufactures not only to produce highly complex parts, but to repair defective workpieces. The laser can also be used for surface treatments such as laser hardening.