5ME and Okuma Partner on Cryogenic Machining
This partnership establishes two demonstration facilities for manufacturers to test various cryogenic machining processes.
Posted: February 21, 2015
5ME (Warren, MI) and Okuma America Corporation (Charlotte, NC) have joined forces to demonstrate the advantages of cryogenic machining, including faster processing, longer tool life, increased part quality and lower environmental impact. The strategic partnership will establish two cryo demonstration facilities, one at 5ME’s Technical Center in Warren and the other at Okuma’s Aerospace Center of Excellence in Charlotte.
Here manufacturers can test various machining processes using 5ME cryogenic machining technology. Both facilities will use Okuma machine tools equipped with cryogenic systems that use vacuum jacketed feed lines to deliver small flow rates of liquid nitrogen (LN2) through the tool directly to the cutting edge.
“Cryogenic machining is particularly suited to the processing of tough materials like hardened/stainless/alloy steels, Inconel, and titanium that are commonly used in aerospace part production, said Pete Tecos, the executive vice president of 5ME. “Okuma was an early adopter of cryogenic machining and this partnership will continue the development of cryogenic machining applications, and allow manufacturers to present real-world production challenges to determine how cryo can provide a solution.”
5ME’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 deg 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. “This partnership gives us the opportunity to show the productivity-boosting, energy-saving qualities of cryogenic machining, and assist aerospace manufacturers in their quest to meet tough part processing challenges,” said Wade Anderson, a product specialist manager at Okuma.
Aerospace manufacturers already use the 10,000 sq ft Aerospace Center of Excellence as a testing and proving ground for advanced CNC machining technology. The facility includes nine CNC machine tools designed for the aerospace market, as well as a fully operational metrology room with CMM equipment and other quality measurement devices.
5ME, also a member of Okuma’s “Partners in THINC” program, has developed a proven suite of capabilities that focus on increasing customers’ manufacturing efficiency as a means of building profitable, competitive and sustainable businesses. 5ME solutions, which include cryogenic machining systems and process development, as well as asset monitoring and enterprise software suites, address the five critical components of Man, Material, Machines, Methods and Metrics (the “M’s”) to improve a manufacturing enterprise’s efficiency (the “E”).
Subscribe to learn the latest in manufacturing.
