Memex Automation, 5ME Join Partners in THINC

Okuma America Corporation (Charlotte, NC), a world leader in CNC machine tools, announced that 5ME (Cincinnati, OH) and Memex Automation (Burlington, ON) have joined Partners in THINC. They  join  more than 40 technology leaders focused on developing specialized manufacturing systems to increase the competitiveness of Okuma’s customers. The consortium works to solve problems and explore new productivity ideas for real-world manufacturers.

Memex Automation specializes in networking machine tools and administration computers.This communication allows for productivity and other statistics to have the ability to be sent digitally anywhere in the world. Memex Automation solutions are used by a variety of Okuma customers throughout a variety of industries. Their applications are designed to interface with a wide range of controllers and data including the open-architecture Okuma THINC^®-OSP control.

Benefits of Memex Automation solutions include:

• Manufacturing Execution System which improves profitability, reduces waste and ensures compliance with regulations
• Merlin machine monitoring typically increases shop floor efficiency by 10% or more
• RFID Asset Management shows asset information in real time and works hand in hand with OEE, Lean and Six Sigma
• Direct Numerical Control allows for simultaneous upload and download of multiple CNC controls

“We are excited to announce our new partnership with Memex Automation. Their expertise and dedication to helping manufacturers obtain the highest level of profitability possible through real time productivity information tools, makes them a great addition to Partners in THINC.” says Jeff Estes, Director of Partners in THINC.

5ME brings its cryogenic machining technology, tooling/fixturing solutions and process development, asset monitoring and enterprise software suites to the partnership. The company’s unique, multi-patented cryogenic machining process is a breakthrough technology that enables higher cutting speeds for increased material removal and longer tool life by transmitting liquid nitrogen at ‑321°F through the spindle/turret and tool body, directly to the cutting edge. This environmentally friendly metal-cutting technology increases throughput, part quality, tool life, and profitability while reducing energy consumption.

“Selection as a Partner in THINC gives us the opportunity to include cryo’s productivity-boosting, energy-saving qualities in the quest to meet the toughest manufacturing challenges,” said Pete Tecos, Executive Vice President of 5ME. “We look forward to collaborating with Okuma and members of Partners in THINC to develop solutions and provide unique value to our mutual customers.”

In addition to cryogenic machining, 5ME brings a proven suite of capabilities to the Partners in THINC, solely focused on increasing customers’ manufacturing efficiency as a means of building profitable, competitive and sustainable businesses. 5ME solutions address the five critical components of Man, Material, Machines, Methods and Metrics (the “M’s”) to improve a manufacturing enterprise’s efficiency (the “E”).

5ME’s Freedom eWARE^™ suite of manufacturing efficiency software integrates seamlessly into production and business systems. The software provides full transparency into manufacturing processes such as asset utilization, performance, quality, and OEE, in addition to machine health, process health, and energy consumption. The company also offers a comprehensive portfolio of manufacturing consumables such as CYCLO CUT^® tooling and CYCLO COOL^® coolants, as well as process technology solutions ranging from process optimization, work-holding/fixture design, clamping and automation, and turnkey systems.

For more information about 5ME visit www.5ME.com or contact Pete Tecos at pete.tecos@5ME.com, or 586.202.3285.

For more information on Memex Automation, www.memex.ca

For more information on Partners in THINC, visit www.okuma.com/partners-in-thinc.