NEWS - Nakamura-Tome

【Press Release】Automation of geometry offset by a tool setter enables anyone to measure the geometry quickly and accurately!
2021.12.22

HAKUSAN, ISHIKAWA – Nakamura-Tome Precision Industry Co., Ltd (President Ken’ichi NAKAMURA) developed a tool-setting support function “Geometry Navigator”. This function automates a part of the conventional method to measure the tool geometry and enables any operators to set up the geometry offset easily.

■ Outline of the Geometry Navigator
The Geometry Navigator is a function to support operators by showing the guidance of a whole process to set the geometry offset by a tool setter, and automates all tool setup motion except for approaching at the beginning. Anyone is able to set tools easily and quickly because what the operators need to do is to operate a NC panel according to the guidance.
Therefore, not only skilled operators but also unexperienced operators who are not used to work on the tool setting can work securely. Our study from trial runs by an unexperienced operator shows that this function achieved to reduce the setting time by about 45% when comparing the tool setting with and without the Geometry Navigator.

■ Comment from COO Shogo Nakamura
When we use a machine tool, we have to set up tools and in this tool setting, the most requested function from customers to improve the efficiency of work is the process to measure and input geometry offsets.
This process has been proceeded manually by touching a tool to a tool setter, but there are some problems that operators forget to measure some tool geometries or unexperienced operators take much more time to measure the tool.
The Geometry Navigator aims to have anyone complete the setup quickly, easily and accurately by partially automating the work of measuring the tool geometry that is conventionally done by using a manual tool setter.
I would like many people to use the Geometry Navigator to ease the tool setup occurring on a daily basis.

■ Consultation with Nakamura-Tome
Nakamura-Tome welcomes any inquiries from customers not only about the Geometry Navigator but also about our products and machining. Please feel free to contact us via the link below.

Click here for Inquiry

■ Corporate Information
Company: Nakamura-Tome Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
Address: Netsuno 15, Hakusan city, Ishikawa, 920-2195 Japan
President: Ken’ichi NAKAMURA
Established: December, 1960
Website: https://www.nakamura-tome.co.jp
Business details: Multitasking machine, combined precision CNC lathe

■ Reference
Sales Marketing Section, Sales Promotion Department
Nakamura-Tome Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
Phone：076-273-1111
E-mail：nt-mktg@nakamura-tome.co.jp
【Press Release】A new function “Drop Converter” eases multi-turret programming!
2021.12.22

HAKUSAN, ISHIKAWA – Nakamura-Tome Precision Industry Co., Ltd (President Ken’ichi NAKAMURA) developed a new function “Drop Converter”. This function enables to shift each process from one turret to other turrets easily and contributes to reduce operator’s workloads and to create a program shortly.

■ Outline of the Drop Converter
The Drop Converter is a function to copy and drop each process of a programing created for one-turret two-spindle machining to multiple-turret machining. When it transfers a process, the Drop Converter automatically converts Z-axis direction, M-code and G-code responding to the original turret and program. Therefore, this function achieves to expand one-turret two-spindle program to multi-turret program more simply at once.

■ Background of the development
Ordinary, when operators copy and drop a process from one turret program to multiple turret programs, they need to modify the program manually. It requires operators to recognize the difference of the turrets to transfer sub programs included in the process or invert Z-axis direction correctly. We developed this function to reduce the complexity and enables anyone to create a multiple turret program easily.

■ Comment from COO Shogo Nakamura
Multifunctional multitasking machines equipped with multiple turrets are showing up increasingly in the market in these days. This situation enhances the level of productivity and many types of manufacturing becomes possible.
On the other hand, many customers suggest insecure feelings whether they are able to create a program for multiple turrets, or express they would like to make the program more easily. Then, the Drop Converter was developed.
The most attractive point is this function can create all program if you create a one-turret program to machine on the both of the L-side and R-side spindles. I hope many people use the Drop Converter and create a program even with a multi-turret machine.

■ Consultation with Nakamura-Tome
Nakamura-Tome welcomes any inquiries from customers not only about the Drop Converter but also about our products and machining. Please feel free to contact us via the link below.

Click here for Inquiry

■ Corporate Information
Company: Nakamura-Tome Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
Address: Netsuno 15, Hakusan city, Ishikawa, 920-2195 Japan
President: Ken’ichi NAKAMURA
Established: December, 1960
Website: https://www.nakamura-tome.co.jp
Business details: Multitasking machine, combined precision CNC lathe

■ Reference
Sales Marketing Section, Sales Promotion Department
Nakamura-Tome Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
Phone：076-273-1111
E-mail：nt-mktg@nakamura-tome.co.jp
The New Video of SC-100X2 is Released.
2021.12.07

HAKUSAN, ISHIKAWA, September 22, 2021– Nakamura-Tome Precision Industry Co., Ltd. (President Ken’ichi NAKAMURA) released the new video of SC-100X² on Tuesday, September 21, 2021 at 10:00 PM (JST).

YouTube https://youtu.be/6_5BAqXvfx0

【Introduction of SC-100X²】

The biggest point of this machine development is the X-axis on the right spindle, and the challenge in this project was to add the X-axis to the right spindle, secure machining capability and develop the technologies to shorten the cycle time at the same time.

Superimposed machining is a breakthrough technology that enables simultaneous cutting with one turret, and SC-100X² can create a superimposed machining program just by selecting the process to be machined together.

By using the lower turret, you can also machine left and right at the same time using two tools. The lower turret has also an unload gripper as standard, making possible to quickly unload the part when finished.

Please refer to the following webpage for the detailed specifications.

https://www.nakamura-tome.com/products/sc-100×2/
Stunning Promotion Video of an Existing Machine in Nakamura-Tome Lineups will Go Public.
2021.12.07

We have extremely worked hard on preparing this video until today, and are pleased to inform that it will finally premiere on Tuesday, September 21, 2021 at 10:00 PM (JST) on Nakamura-Tome YouTube channel.

Since we have kept it secret even to our colleagues within the company, we are very looking forward to know viewer’s reaction and hope everyone would enjoy it.

Please access the following URL and set a reminder. You will receive a notification before the live streaming starts.

URL: https://youtu.be/6_5BAqXvfx0
【Press Release】 New Function “Program Optimizer ” Enables to Reduce the Cycle Time
2021.12.07

HAKUSAN, ISHIKAWA, September 7, 2021– Nakamura-Tome Precision Industry Co., Ltd. (President Ken’ichi NAKAMURA) installs a new function “Program Optimizer Function” to our 24 machines in turn.
Using this function, a NC program is automatically transformed by rules and optimized to reduce eventual cycle time.

【Outline of the Program Optimizer Function】
The Program Optimizer Function features a function that automatically edits an original program by selecting some specific items in the program which is preferred to be optimized.
With this function, up to five command items of the return to the reference point, approaching, turret rotating, spindle synchronizing and spindle stop are applicable for automatic transformation.
Moreover, this function focuses on idling time and executes the program optimization without any change of processing conditions. Therefore, even though the cycle time is shortened, the degree of precision does not change.

【Comment from Senior Executive Director Shogo Nakamura】
I imagine whoever engages in a machining work may have a desire to reduce the cycle time furthermore. However, I often hear opinions from customers that they are not able to add any more machining conditions, or they are not sure which command should be set and how to coordinate it to shrink the cycle time.
From those opinions, we developed the Program Optimizer Function. Once users select an item, the optimization will be set instantly without any complex settings.
We already have a case succeeded in 11% reduction of cycle time. I am grateful if this newly embedded function can contribute to our customer to succeed in the reduction of more cycle time.

【Consultation with Nakamura-Tome】
Nakamura-Tome accepts inquiries from customers. Not only do we accept inquiries about the Program Optimizer Function, we also accept inquiries about products and processing. Please feel free to contact us via the link below.

Click here for Inquiry
【Press Release】Oscillating Cutting Function has been extended to seven new multitasking machines!
2021.12.07

Nakamura-Tome Precision Industry Co., Ltd. (Hakusan city, Ishikawa prefecture, President: Kenichi Nakamura) is pleased to announce that seven of its multitasking machines can be newly equipped with oscillating cutting function as an optional feature. This brings the total number of available models to 14. By incorporating this oscillating cutting function, it is possible to prevent chips from being tangled around the tool and workpiece. This will reduce the number of scrap parts and reduce machine downtime.

In addition to the existing NTY³-100, NTY³-150, WY-100 II, WY-150, MX-100, WT-100 and WT-150II, the JX-250, NTJ-100, NTY³-250, WY-250, WY-250L, NTRX-300 and NTRX-300L will be newly equipped with oscillating cutting.

【What is oscillating cutting?】
Oscillating cutting is a cutting method to oscillate the tool in the cutting direction by servo control and cut chips into small pieces. The oscillation of the tool creates air-cut area, which cut chips into pieces.

【Background】
The oscillating cutting function was originally a technology that was mainly used on automatic machines. For this reason, its use on large machines with a maximum diameter of 600 mm or more, such as the NTRX-300L, is an advanced example in the world.
Both large and small machines are subject to the same problems of chip roll. Especially on machines with ATC, tool changes with chips wrapped around the tool are more likely to lead to downtime, e.g. alarm stops.
This is why we have repeatedly experimented with machines that are designed to be automated for longer periods of time.
Actual machining tests have been carried out to verify the risks involved, including the risk of reduced component life. The results showed that the risks were lower than expected and that they could be reduced by adjusting the conditions.
This led to the expansion of the number of models equipped with this technology.

【Advantages of oscillating cutting】
The use of oscillating cutting prevents the chips from tangling around the tool and workpiece and improving the chip-flow. This reduces the number of scrapped parts and reduce machine downtime, which leads to higher productivity.
Another attractive feature of the oscillating cutting function is that it is easy to program by using just a G code command.

【Consultation with Nakamura-Tome】
Nakamura-Tome accepts inquiries from customers. Not only do we accept inquiries about oscillation cutting, we also accept inquiries about products and processing. Please feel free to contact us via the link below.

Click here for Inquiry
【Press Release】Automation of jaw change by “Flex Arm”
2021.12.07
Nakamura-Tome Precision Industry (Hakusan City, Ishikawa Prefecture, President: Kenichi Nakamura) has developed a new product, “Flex Arm”, which enables complete automation from workpiece transfer to jaw replacement. By incorporating the Flex Arm, the entire process from workpiece transfer to jaw replacement can be fully automated. It allows for automated operation for multiple types of workpieces without stopping the machine.

【What is Flex Arm？】
Flex Arm is a new product that completely automates everything from workpiece transfer to jaw replacement.
In addition to the loading of materials and unloading of finished products by the conventional compact loader, the new Flex Arm has an additional hand change and chuck jaw change function.
This enables unattended automatic operation for multiple types of workpieces without stopping the machine.
Another attractive feature is that the height of the machine is the same as that of conventional machines, making it a space-saving machine.

【Advantages of Flex Arm】
The key to unmanned nighttime operation in a high-mix, low-volume production is change of the types of products.
In the past, automation has mainly focused on loading materials and unloading finished products.
At this time, automation for the product changeover has been one of the biggest challenges.
By using Flex Arm, unmanned nighttime operation with product changeover is possible, which is expected to improve production efficiency.
In addition, the Flex Arm system is mounted on the machine and can be easily controlled by the operation panel attached to the machine, compared to changing jaws with an industrial robot.
Also, since the system is installed in the machine, it is highly compatible with the machine, and the start-up time is fast enough to be used immediately after delivery.

【Developer’s voice】
In recent years, with the shift to high-mix low-volume production, we have received many requests from customers who want to automate setup changes.
Some customers have said, “We can’t secure enough human resources for the night shift to change the jaws and change the product type,” and others have said, “Even if we wanted to automate the process for a single product, we can’t because there are not enough number of workpieces.
We have been developing Flex Arm to solve these customer needs and to realize long-time automation in a high-mix low-volume production environment.
We hope that Flex Arm will solve the problems of troublesome and time-consuming setup changes and make our customers happy.

【Transport workpiece size】
Diameter range : 32mm to 100mm
Length : 50mm to 100mm
Weight : 3kg

※As of July 2021, WY-150 will be available for installation.
We are gradually expanding the number of models equipped with this function.

【Consultation with Nakamura-Tome】 Nakamura-Tome accepts inquiries from customers. Not only do we accept inquiries about Flex Arm, we also accept inquiries about products and processing. Please feel free to contact us via the link below.

Click here for Inquiry
Chatter Canceller is Standard Equipment on 30 Models.
2021.12.07

Nakamura-tome Precision Industry Co., Ltd. is pleased to announce the addition of the “Chatter Canceller” function to 30 of its products as a standard feature.
By incorporating the Chatter Canceller function, chattering can be suppressed without significantly reducing machining conditions, and in addition, surface roughness can be prevented from deteriorating, and tool life can be reduced and damage can be prevented.

【Background】
We have received many concerns from our customers regarding chattering during machining. In the cutting process, chattering causes deterioration of surface roughness, reduction of tool life, and damage, and we have been looking for a solution to this problem.
This time, we approached the chattering phenomenon from a different perspective, and as a result of repeated in-house experiments, we were able to confirm the effectiveness of chatter suppression, which led us to incorporate the function into 30 models.

【What is Chatter Canceller?】
Chatter Canceller is a function that suppresses the occurrence of chatter by periodically changing the spindle rotation. (*1)
Normally, when chattering occurs, measures are taken to suppress chatter by reducing the machining conditions, but Chatter Canceller has less impact on the machining time than measures to reduce the machining conditions.
Chatter control can be commanded by adding two lines of M code, minimizing the burden on the operator.

【Developer’s voice】
We believe that chattering is a great enemy for those who are engaged in machining. The good thing about this function is that it can be easily executed by anyone with only two lines of M-code, so we would be very happy if our customers could use it and feel the effect. We have conducted many experiments in our company, so if you have any problems, please contact us first.
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【Consultation with Nakamura-Tome】
Nakamura-Tome accepts inquiries from customers. Not only do we accept inquiries about vibration care, we also accept inquiries about products and processing.
Please feel free to contact us via the link below.

Click here for Inquiry

(*1)Not all chattering phenomena can be suppressed by this function.
Switch to zero-CO2 emission electricity for all buildings, including 12 factories
2021.12.07
【Press Release】 7 Models of Multi-Tasking Machines Can Be Equipped with Oscillating Cutting Function
2021.11.29

Nakamura-Tome Precision Industry Co., Ltd. (Hakusan city, Ishikawa prefecture, President: Kenichi Nakamura) is pleased to announce that seven of its multitasking machines can be equipped with oscillating cutting function as an optional feature. By incorporating this oscillating cutting function, it is possible to prevent chips from being tangled around the tool and workpiece. This will reduce the number of scrap parts and reduce machine downtime.

NTY³-100, NTY³-150, WY-100II, WY-150, MX-100, WT-100 and WT-150II machines can be equipped with the oscillating cutting function.

■Click here for the detailed page
https://www.nakamura-tome.co.jp/en/oscillation_cutting/

■What is oscillating cutting?
Oscillating cutting is a cutting method to oscillate the tool in the cutting direction by servo control and cut chips into small pieces. The oscillation of the tool creates air-cut area, which cut chips into pieces.

■Background
Since we have been promoting the automation of our machines, they have been installed by many of our customers who make mass production. In the process, we have received many requests of this software development from customers who want to solve chip problems.
To meet this demand, we conducted a series of experiments on oscillating cutting. After the experiments, we confirm its effectiveness, and that led to the development of oscillating cutting as new option.

■Advantages of oscillating cutting
The use of oscillating cutting prevents the chips from tangling around the tool and workpiece and improving the chip-flow. This reduces the number of scrapped parts and reduce machine downtime, which leads to higher productivity.
Another attractive feature of the oscillating cutting function is that it is easy to program by using just a G code command.

【Company Profile】
Company name: Nakamura-Tome Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
Location: Ro-15 Netsuno, Hakusan city, Ishikawa prefecture JAPAN
Representative: Kenichi Nakamura, President
Establishment: December, 1960
URL: https://www.nakamura-tome.co.jp/en