Methods Machine Tools, Inc. Showroom

Jul 24, 2023

65 Union Avenue Sudbury, MA 01776 US 877-668-4262 | 978-443-5388 [email protected] methodsmachine.com

We combine best-in-class precision machine tools, automation solutions, engineering expertise and lifetime service. Time Tested. Industry Trusted.

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Machine shops of almost any size and production mix can automate machining operations. The key is selecting the right technology to fit the need and working with a reliable supplier to deliver planned performance. The result will be more opportunities for your shop to increase capacity, revenue, and profit.

Methods is the single importer, distributor and service provider of Yasda Precision Tools K.K.'s portfolio of precision machining centers in the U.S.

Methods Machine Tools' Chicago-area Machine Fest saw over 15 live demos and more than 20 industry vendors over its two days, with a noticeable presence of automation solutions and multitasking machines.

Machine Fest takes place from March 8-9, 2023 at the company's Gilberts, Illinois, location.

14000 pounds of 4140 steel cut on a Weiler E120 cycle-controlled lathe. The workpiece has a 10.3-inch. thru bore and a 236-inch ...

The Methods MB650U-AMP is a fully integrated by Methods Machine Tools for 5-axis, multi-pallet machining. The pallet changer ...

Completed at the Methods' Production Facility in Sudbury, MA, we cut 4140 Steel on the Methods MV 600H. This demo features ...

The FANUC RoboDrill achieves full 5-axis machining when integrated with the right rotary tables. As the premier FANUC ...

14000 pounds of 4140 steel cut on a Weiler E120 cycle-controlled lathe. The workpiece has a 10.3-inch. thru bore and a 236-inch ...

The Methods MB650U-AMP is a fully integrated by Methods Machine Tools for 5-axis, multi-pallet machining. The pallet changer ...

Completed at the Methods' Production Facility in Sudbury, MA, we cut 4140 Steel on the Methods MV 600H. This demo features ...

The FANUC RoboDrill achieves full 5-axis machining when integrated with the right rotary tables. As the premier FANUC ...

Blending Automation and Die and Mold Operations for Superior Production

Learn how automation can be expertly deployed for scalable die and mold production—including best practices for die and mold—without jeopardizing tolerances, quality or finish.

Busting Myths of Horizontal Machining

Learn how horizontal machining has been overlooked as an ideal solution for precision cutting, why you should consider HMCs for your floor, and best practices to put your learnings into action.

Speed is Key

Whether you're talking about RPMs, tool changers or XYZ rapids, speed is a key component in your machine tool productivity.

Putting Power in the Hands of Machinists

No matter what you call controlled cycle lathes, one thing is for certain: these machines help your shop turn its unique turning applications into quick and repeatable work without the need of G code programming.

Intermaq will represent United Grinding's full line of equipment and expand the precision CNC grinding market in Mexico.

William Keim leads Methods’ sales, services and operations throughout Texas and Louisiana.

The larger facility is designed to provide customers with an improved onsite experience to learn and discuss comprehensive manufacturing solutions.

Methods began selling OKK in the U.S. in 2019 and recently expanded its coverage of OKK into the U.S. Southeast and Wisconsin.

Methods Machine Tools showcases the Turn-Assist 200i and 270i from Robojob for Nakamura-Tome turning centers.

Weiler's V 110 four-way precision lathe introduces features new to the U.S.

Old-world craftsmanship combines with precision machining on a vertical machining center and Swiss-type lathe to produce some of the only U.S.-made mechanical wristwatch movements.

Cutting hardened steel, titanium and other difficult materials requires picking the right tools, eliminating spindle runout and relying on best practices to achieve tight part tolerances.

Nakamura-Tome SC-100X2 turn-mill is designed to reduce cycle times and cost per piece with superimposed machining.

Operators can use the Nakamura-Tome SC-100X2's twin turrets for superimposed machining or twin-spindle machining, achieving high speed and precision with both.

An automated turnkey machining cell simplified one Utahan manufacturer's part handling and halved its cycle times.

The company now offers V-series and E-series lathes from German manufacturer Weiler to its customers in North America.

Methods Machine Tools Inc. has signed an agreement Maruka USA that enables the company to expand into N.D., S.D., Minn., Iowa and Neb. The two companies have worked together since 2013.

Methods notes that after finalizing the agreement, machine shops throughout Texas will be able to use its applications and automation teams to solve complex machining challenges.

Adopting horizontal three-axis machining may require much consideration, but Alicat Scientific can attest to almost 50% cycle time reductions with a Kiwa horizontal machine.

PMTS 2021: The machine incorporates a main enclosure with several different pre-engineered end-of-arm and infeed/outfeed options for a range of part and capacity requirements.

Methods Machine Tools Inc. added the next generation of the FANUC RoboCut series to its line of wire electrical discharge machining (EDM) products.

Methods Machine Tools has released a new automation package and other "bolt-on" automation solutions.

Methods Machine Tools has moved its Chicago Technical Center from Elgin, Illinois, to Gilberts, Illinois, saying the new facility will speed up repair and installation times.

There are many approaches to automation in five-axis machining, and whether a shop uses robots or pallet changers, the benefits are often easier to realize than many believe.

Methods Machine Tools has released software enhancements for VisionGauge OnLine, especially benefitting VisionX's Digital Optical Comparator 700 series.

Methods Machine Tools has revamped its JobShop Cell with a new Pro model that accommodates multiple infeed and outfeed options for high-mix, medium-volume machining.

Methods Machining tools has released its MV 1600H three-axis vertical machining center, which it says can quickly and precisely machine large workpieces.

NRL & Associates’ business plan relies on using multi-pallet machines for unattended machining, so when two of its customers increased production of ventilators, the shop quickly brought in a new multi-pallet machine and automation system to meet the demand.

The MB 450U bridge-type machining center from Methods Machine Tools performs simultaneous five-axis work thanks to its FANUC control.

The Nakamura-Tome JX-250 multitasking turning center from Methods Machine Tools provides a large work area for milling and turning of complex parts.

Alicat Science experienced a surge in business that drove lead times to 28 days. ​​KMH300A horizontal machining centers reduced lead times to five days and gave the shop the capacity for subsequent business growth.

"Methods' established distribution organization, vast network of technology centers and dealers, and first-class applications expertise will help increase OKK presence in North America," says OKK.

Mark Wright is said to have a global outlook in strategic planning, growth initiatives, and sales channel programs and development.

This month's Modern Equipment Review Spotlight focuses on different types of electrical discharge machining equipment.

The new Precision Center will enable manufacturers to arrive at accurate and efficient machining solutions for complex components, saving them trial and error in their operations.

With its new Precision Center, Methods Machine Tools is locking down environmental variables that could impact machining processes. Why? So North American manufacturers will no longer need to send parts, tooling and material to Japan or somewhere else to have intricate, sensitive or challenging test cuts performed.

When Precision Metal Products purchased its first 3D printer last year, the company hoped to collapse both tooling costs and lead times. But the technology's impact is reaching core business operations, enabling the shop to focus on higher-margin, lower-volume production.

Specializing in Small Hole EDM Drilling, Ocean Technologies excels at applications ranging from simple wire start holes to full five-axis EDM drilling applications.

The company says the facility is well-positioned to fill healthy demand for CNC machining equipment, service and support among medical manufacturers in the southern United States.

The NTMA appoints a new president, Röhm acquires Master WorkHolding, Renishaw opens new demo center and more industry news.

Take another look: A lot is happening in and around robotic automation. What robots might mean for machining and manufacturing is getting ready to change.

Methods Machine Tools Inc. has entered into an agreement to represent Niigata Machine Techno USA throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Pre- and post-machining automation can help coordinate product flow, increase quality and relieve operator stress.

IMTS 2018: Methods Machine Tools will display Ocean Technologies’ River 300 EDM drill machine.

Methods Machine Tools has appointed Jerry Rex as company president and CEO and Dale Hedberg as vice president of operations.

IMTS 2018: Methods Machine Tools will be featuring the Nakamura-Tome SC-300IIMYB multitasking turning center designed for accurately machining difficult, high-hardness materials.

The company has grown from three employees and a few refurbished machines to over 350 employees, eight North American facilities and tens of thousands of machines sold.

Although the Smart Manufacturing Experience 2018 event in Boston may not have provided a simple, clear definition of "smart manufacturing," it did provide a broad experience of what smart manufacturing can be like.

This "Twin Cell" system uses one robot to deliver work into the cell and another robot to load both of the machines. The choice to remove machine doors enables faster load/unload time between machining cycles.

This tedious, costly and complex operation was one focus of two complementary, same-day events that covered virtually every aspect of industrial robotic automation.

When running a wire EDM such as the FANUC RoboCut C800iB, an automatic routine in the CNC program adds a "stitch" at a few strategically placed locations around the periphery of the core. By holding the cores in place until the entire job is finished, multi-workpiece cutting processes are able to run in an extended, unmanned mode.

Jerry Rex, formerly the company's COO, was picked to replace Bryon Deysher as president of the firm.

AME opens an engineering training department, Kapp Niles launches a new metrology business and more industry news.

Updates unveiled at the company's annual event promote higher-volume production, easier programming and better monitoring capability across product lines.

The Charlotte, North Carolina, facility is slated to open this spring.

For all its focus on machines, cutters, parameters and tool paths, an expo hosted by Methods Machine Tools demonstrated that competitive hard milling increasingly requires looking beyond the workzone and even beyond traditional machining.

Methods Machine Tools offers an extended-travel version of the 700-series VisionGauge digital comparator manufactured by Visionx.

Methods Machine Tools has expanded its Feeler line to include the gantry-style U-800 five-axis machining center, designed for versatile high-precision machining of large, heavy parts.

Although they’re more eager than ever to embrace robotic arms, manufacturers that don't look beyond the machine tool risk missing out on opportunities to automate processes like deburring, cleaning and inspection.

Methods Machine Tools has expanded its Feeler FT-series high performance CNC turning centers with the FT-250SY.

Methods Machine Tools offers the Yasda YBM Vi40 five-axis vertical CNC jig, boring and drilling machine designed for hard milling applications and complex dies, molds and components in the aerospace, defense, automotive, medical and electronics industries.

The labs are located in existing Methods technology centers.

Gil-Mar Manufacturing met growing application demands on their average machines by partnering with Methods Machine Tools to automate and integrate them.

Methods Machine Tools offers the extended-travel 700 series VisionGauge digital comparator from VisionX.

Methods 3D, a subsidiary of Methods Machine Tools, will be showcasing the ProX DMP 320, part of the company's growing line of direct metal 3D printers from 3D Systems.

Methods Machine Tools will introduce the Kiwa-Japan Triple H40 HMC with a column traverse structure.

Available from Methods Machine Tools, the FANUC RoboCut α-CiB series of wire EDMs are designed for high precision, fast rapid traverse rates and expedited setups.

Methods Machine Tool introduces the Nakamura-Tome NTRX-300 multitasking turning center.

Methods Machine Tool introduces the Nakamura-Tome NTRX-300 multitasking turning center.

This month's Modern Equipment Review Spotlight focuses on electric discharge machines, or EDMs.

Methods Machine Tools introduces the FANUC RoboCut α-CiB wire EDM series which includes the C400iB, C600iB and the larger C800iB.

Jerry Rex has been appointed COO of Methods Machine Tools Inc., MakeTime receives $8 million in funding and other recent industry news.

Jerry Rex has some 40 years of manufacturing experience and also serves on the board of directors for AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology.

This shop uses a bar-fed turn-mill with a B-axis milling spindle and custom workholding strategies to more competitively machine components complete for low-margin medical devices.

Precision Swiss Products Inc. needed a machine that could accommodate a dedicated job with a unique material/application. A Nakamura AS-200 multitasking center with chip-management system from Methods Machine Tools produced enabled production of high-quality parts in a short lead time.

The lessons this shop learned after purchasing its first Swiss-type turning center nearly two decades ago are now being applied to larger multi-spindle and multi-turret lathes for bigger and more complex parts.

In a partnership with 3D Systems, Methods will add that company's Direct Metal Printer technology to its product offerings.

Methods Machine Tools offers the compact, direct-drive KMH-300 horizontal machining center as an addition to its Kiwa line.

This month's Modern Equipment Review Spotlight focuses on machining centers.

The company's investments around its partnership with 3D Systems will help smaller manufacturers succeed with additive, Methods Machine Tools says.

Methods Machine Tools introduces the Nakamura-Tome NTRX-300, a multitasking turning center capable of complete part machining in one operation with a built-in automated load/unload system and operator recognition management software.

James Kucharski will oversee U.S. sales for the corporation's Nakamura-Tome business.

The Anaheim, California, plant has brought on eight new service personnel to the region.

Methods’ Yasda Die/Mold Project Manager Jeff Johnson will partner with the president of Extreme Tool and Engineering for the presentation.

Available from Methods Machine Tools, the Nakamura-Tome AS-200LMY-S subspindle multitasking turning center offers an upgraded long bed.

This video demonstrates how robot flipping station can serve the same purpose as a subspindle on a one-spindle multitasking center.

United Grinding cylindrical grinders, tool grinders, surface and profile grinders will be available through Methods.

Available from Methods Machine Tools, the Yasda YMC 430 Ver. II micromachining center is designed for precise manufacturing and high-quality surface finishes required on small, complex features in components, dies and molds for applications in the medical and semiconductor industries.

Machining demonstrations, seminars and a sake barrel smash are among the activities planned for the event.

Available from Methods Machine Tools, the Yasda YBM 7Ti five-axis horizontal machining center features a rotary table and rigid machine structure for high-performance machining of heat-resistant materials such as titanium and Inconel.

Click through this slideshow for HMCs, VMCs, multitasking centers and more.

Available from Methods Machine Tools, the Yasda YBM Vi40 five-axis vertical jig boring and milling machine is intended for high-accuracy hard milling of complex dies, molds and components.

By simultaneously rotating and tilting the workpiece, this rotary tilt/turn hollow-access device from Hirschmann enables the EDM wire to cut complex openings that may have different paths at the top and bottom of the opening.

Available from Methods Machine Tools, the Twin RoboDrill JobShop Cell features two FANUC D21 RoboDrill vertical machining centers serviced by a single articulating FANUC LR Mate 200iD robot.

Yasda, a Methods partner since 2013, is a Japanese builder of machining centers and jig borers. Methods represents the company throughout North America.

Available from Methods Machine Tools, the Methods-Yasda PX-30i is a five-axis high-precision automated vertical machining center designed to meet OEM and job shop requirements.

The machine tool supplier will host a number of demonstrations at its Tempe, Arizona, facility.

Incorporating Kiwa horizontal machining centers from Methods Machine Tools helped Baum Precision Machining Inc. reduce setup time and improve productivity.

The distributor will represent Methods’ full line of machine tool solutions.

Developed by VisionX and available from Methods Machine Tools, the VisionGauge 700 series of digital optical comparators enables five-axis inspection so that users can efficiently view workpieces from all sides and angles.

Cutting tall, steeply tapered surfaces with wire EDM often creates an overburn situation if the slope of the wire path changes from the top to the bottom of the cut. A feature called Volumetric Taper Compensation with four-axis overburn control compensates for this effect on FANUC wire EDM models from Methods Machine Tools Inc.

Methods, a longtime exclusive supplier of Nakamura-Tome, gains direct representation of the company's multitasking machines after a 30-plus year business relationship.

Methods Machine Tools offers the Lathe JobShop Cell, featuring its Nakamura-Tome AS-200 high-performance multitasking turning center with a single spindle and single turret in a compact, heavy duty machine.

The New Jersey company will represent five Methods lines in the Midwest and mid-Atlantic regions.

Methods Machine Tools Inc. hosted its annual open house and mini machine tool show at the company's headquarters in Sudbury, Massachusetts, last week. The highlights of this customer event are here.

Available from Methods Machine Tools, the Yasda H40i high-precision five-axis machining center is designed for improved repeatability and accuracy, tighter tolerances, and shorter cycle times for aerospace, die/mold and automotive manufacturing.

When Sarro Manufacturing couldn't manufacture large, aluminum plates in one setup, it installed a Feeler VMP-1100S from Methods Machine Tools Inc. The VMC cut cycle time and spiked productivity.

Available from Methods Machine Tools, the FANUC RoboCut α-CiA series C400iA and C600iA wire EDMs are capable of machining complex, detailed graphite electrodes ranging to 6" thick with a fine finish.

A new technical center will support Methods’ operations in Southern California.

The event will take place at the company's corporate headquarters in Massachusetts.

The machine tool and automation equipment supplier is opening a new Technology Center on the West Coast.

This slideshow features the machining centers we cover in the Modern Equipment Review Spotlight section in our March issue.

The company has added a new dealer as well as a product manager for its Yasda line.

The FANUC D21 RoboDrill series of vertical machining centers from Methods Machine Tools features a FANUC 31iB control for FSSB high-speed processing.

The new manager will oversee the company's West Coast operations.

The Nakamura-Tome AS-200 multitasking turning center available from Methods Machine Tools features a single spindle, single turret in a heavy-duty, compact machine.

Available from Methods Machine Tools, the Yasda YBM 649V3 three-axis CNC vertical jig borer provides high-speed, precision boring and milling for high-accuracy mold, die and complex component manufacturing.

The machine tool supplier has added a facility and manager.

Guests will view machines on display and take part in machining seminars.

Available from Methods Machine Tools, the VisionX VisionGauge 500-series horizontal digital optical comparator features 36" X-axis travel.

The distributor will offer the complete line of Yasda machines.

A new distributor will serve states including Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin.

CAMplete TurnMill version 6.0 from Methods Machine Tools features upgrades for expanded macro language support, improved error handling and increased post-processing capabilities.

Methods Machine Tools offers the FANUC RoboCut C600iA wire EDM, featuring the FANUC 31iWB control with a 15.1" LCD touchscreen.

By purchasing a Feeler bridge mill with a large travel size, Elite Tool increased productivity by reducing setups and doing more work in-house.

Two new Methods Feeler machines have been installed.

The Nakamura-Tome NTJ-100 multitasking turn-mill center from Methods Machine Tool is designed for medical, aerospace and general job shop components applications.

Methods Machine Tools’ high-performance Feeler FVT-600 vertical turning lathe is designed for machining large, heavy parts such as those used in the aerospace and power-generation industries.

Methods Machine Tools Inc.'s Nakamura-Tome NTJ-100 multitasking turn/mill center is well-suited for a range of production needs.

The FANUC D21 RoboDrill series of vertical machining centers from Methods Machine Tools features a FANUC 31iB control for high speed processing.

The RoboCut C400iA and two sizes of the larger C600iA wire EDM machines from Methods Machine Tools enable unusually steep tapers to be cut with the wire EDM process by positioning the workpiece with a rotary-tilt table.

The FANUC D21 RoboDrill vertical machining centers from Methods Machine Tools are available in three models, including the D21-S (small), D21-M (medium) and D21-L (large) sizes, which are configurable for three- and five-axis operation.

Methods Machine Tools offers a pre-engineered integrated automation cell for manufacturing and deburring a high volume of like parts.

Methods Machine Tools’ Matsuura LX-160 two-pallet, five-axis VMC features 19.7" × 9.8" × 11.8" (500.38- × 248.92- × 299.72-mm) travels and a 46,000-rpm FANUC control.

The event is scheduled for November 7 and 8 at the company's technology center in Tempe, Arizona.

Methods Machine Tools offers the 300 series of VisionGauge digital optical comparators developed by Visionx.

Methods Machine Tools offers CAMplete TruePath turn-mill software for the Nakamura-Tome line of turn-mill machines.

Approximately 1,500 attendees from 450 companies throughout North America gathered June 13 and 14 for Metal Storm, an open house event at Methods Machine Tools’ headquarters and northeast regional technology center in Sudbury, Massachusetts.

Methods Machine Tools’ Fanuc RoboCut iE wire EDM series features a new power supply to increase accuracy and efficiency when cutting challenging materials.

Methods Machine Tools announces Metal Storm 2012, an open house event that will feature 50 machines under power at the companies Sudbury, Massachusetts headquarters and northeast regional technology center from June 13-14.

Methods Machine Tools’ Nakamura-Tome WT-150 II eight-axis, multitasking turning center features opposed twin-spindle, two-turret construction for increased speed and rigidity.

The Current EDM RT6050 features software and hardware upgrades that improve the ability to detect when the electrode breaks out of the bottom of a hole.

A new Feeler VMC from Methods Machine Tools has not only met this manufacturer's need for additional capacity, but also taken on more work than initially expected.

Methods Machine Tools, Inc., a supplier of precision machine tools, offers pre-engineered automation solutions.

Methods Machine Tools offers the VisionGauge digital optical comparator system and its new CAD Auto-Align and Auto Pass/Fail software tools, developed by VisionX Inc., to enable users to automatically compare a part to its CAD data in real-time.

The Matsuura MAM72-100H five-axis HMC from Methods is the largest in the MAM72 series.

Methods Machine Tools’ Nakamura-Tome WT-150 II eight-axis, multitasking turning center features opposed twin-spindle, two-turret construction for increased speed and rigidity.

A Feeler VMC from Methods Machine Tools helped this shop produce larger parts more efficiently and accurately.

Methods Machine Tools (Sudbury, Massachusetts) and Matsuura Machinery Corporation have announced the appointment of John Schwartz as product manager in the U.S.A., a newly created position to support increased demand for Matsuura products.

A digital optical comparator uses a CAD file instead of a template or overlay film. More importantly, the digital comparator not only measures dimensions, but it also actively compares the measurements with nominal values, thus making it truly a gage for accepting or rejecting a part.

Methods Machine Tools’ Feeler milling lathes and turning centers include the HT, FTC and FT series.

As one of the eight major "experience partners" at imX-Interactive Manufacturing Experience, Methods Machine Tools will feature solutions for "Production on Demand." Attendees to the Sept. 12-14 event in Las Vegas are invited to attend seminars in Learning Labs and watch demonstrations on how techniques are applied.

The rotating milling head is a defining feature on a turn-mill machine designed for efficient production of complex parts in low volumes.

Methods Machine Tools offers CAMplete Truepath turn-mill software on Nakamura-Tome multitasking turning centers.

Methods Machine Tools encourages manufacturing professionals to attend its "Spring into Production" open house June 15 and 16 at its recently expanded technology center in Elgin, Illinois. Scheduled for 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, the event will feature displays of 15 machines from the company's partners.

Precisely controlling and monitoring each individual spark enables this wire EDM machine to cut hardened, high-temperature alloys with high precision.

Machine tool supplier Methods Machine Tools encourages manufacturing professionals to attend its "Spring into Production Event" open house.

Part 5. For W Machine Works in San Fernando, a custom variation of the WIDIA-Hanita VariMILL II solid end mill proved especially effective in roughing and semi-finishing applications in stainless steels, high-temp alloys, nickel- and carbon-based alloys, and titanium.

The company will demonstrate CAMplete Turn/Mill software on a Nakamura WT-100 multitasking turning center.

Marshall Manufacturing melds CNC machining and 3D bending to create intricate medical components from small-diameter barstock and tubing. Customer needs spurred the shop to carve out what has become a successful medical-manufacturing niche.

Machine tool, accessory and automation supplier Methods Machine Tools (Sudbury, Massachusetts) is expanding its tech center in Elgin, Illinois.

Methods Machine Tools’ RoboDrill Med Cell is a complete pre-engineered, fully integrated production machining cell that automates loading and unloading of medical device parts.

Methods Machine Tools will host an open house at its Technology Center in Tempe, Arizona November 9-11 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.

Methods Machine Tools is the exclusive North American distributor of VisionGauge digital optical comparators, developed by VISIONx.

Methods Machine Tools is the exclusive N.A. importer of Fair Friend Group's range of Feeler machines, which are designed for performance and value.

Methods Machine Tools’ Nakamura-Tome Super NTMX multitasking turn-mill machining center features dual, 24-tool ATC magazines.

Methods Machine Tools (Sudbury, Massachusetts) has announced that it is now the exclusive North American importer of Fair Friend Group's (FFG) Feeler line of machine tools.

Although automated manufacturing cells typically consist of standard products such as CNC machine tools, robots, pallets and cell control software, almost all of these systems rely on inventive concepts developed for the particular application. These "good ideas" often account for the outstanding productivity and flexibility of these systems. This article looks at several of the "good ideas" that characterize a cell comprised of seven wire EDM units and a robot on a rail transfer unit.

Methods Machine Tools’ Nakamura-Tome Super NTMX multitasking turn-mill offers dual 24-tool ATC magazines. Full five-axis milling capability via a Fanuc 31iA5 control is said to provide high precision and accuracy for manufacturing complex contoured components in large or small volumes for the medical, aerospace and similar industries.

Designed for small-lot production of complex parts, Methods Machine Tools’ Matsuura five-axis VMCs feature Cublex technology. This technology integrates turning and grinding functions into a single, high-performance milling platform to deliver speed, power, accuracy, increased tool capacity and multi-process machining capabilities, the company says.

The six 30-taper machine tools in one Northeastern shop are used for more than just drilling holes and performing secondary operations. The small-footprint equipment is also used to machine parts complete from titanium and other challenging materials.

Methods Machine Tools’ JobShop Cell is designed for job shops with small to medium lot sizes. The fully integrated production cell combines the drilling, tapping and milling capability of a RoboDrill VMC with a fully interfaced Fanuc six-axis robot for automated loading and unloading.

"Given the economy we’re in right now, the solid number of attendees and their high level of interest in KIWA-Japan machines indicates that our series of Demo Days was a success," says Scott McIver, chairman and vice president of product development at Methods Machine Tools Inc. Methods, a supplier of precision machine tools, is the exclusive importer of KIWA-Japan HMCs and VMCs in North America.

Migrating from short-run jobs and prototyping to tackling complex defense compartment components during the past few decades has kept business humming at Proteus Manufacturing. However, increased business led to new production challenges. With a single Kiwa HMC from Methods Machine Tools that can perform the work of three of the shop's other machines, Proteus has realized substantial cycle time savings and incorporated "lights-out" operations.

The compact Kiwa-Japan KH-41 HMC is 60. 2" (1,530-mm) wide and can handle a variety of workpieces, providing an ideal entry-level factory automation solution, the company says. The HMC has a full rotary B axis and can be installed in the same space as a vertical machine.

The Fanuc iMed wire EDM is designed for continuous production of parts such as aerospace components, medical instruments and implants. It uses brass wire (0. 004" to 0.

The entry-level Nakamura-Tome TW-8 multitasking turn-mill center from Methods Machine Tools is said to reduce cycle times. An opposed, two-spindle, two-turret construction allows the centers to perform like two single spindle machines within a compact footprint, the company says. The system features a Fanuc 31iA control that offers standard conversational programming.

The heavy-duty Fanuc RoboDrill eco VMC offers high-speed milling, drilling, tapping, deburring and chamfering. The machine is named for its ecological spindle that returns energy to the machine in the intervals between cutting. It has a working cube of 19.

The Nakamura-Tome multitasking turning center is said to offer 100-percent stock-on turning and machining that virtually eliminates lost productivity from tool changes. The Super NTY3 has three turrets, each with a Y axis—all in a relatively small footprint (109. 45" × 77.

Automated, lights-out production has enabled this manufacturer to take on a large number of low-volume jobs for various industries. With a wide variety of work, minimizing setup times is key to the shop's success. Multi-pallet, four- and five-axis Matsuura machines supplied by Methods Machine Tools have enabled the shop to not only keep setup times low, but also meet customer demand for nearly error-free production runs.

Having implemented robotic systems in the sheet metal side of its business, this Nevada-based shop wanted to obtain similar automation systems for its CNC machining operations. The Fanuc JobShop Cell from Methods Machine Tools has reduced both costs and cycle times on one of the shop's most important jobs.

The theme of visibility in manufacturing finds expression in numerous ways at this shop. One of the most conspicuous is the use of plasma displays in strategic areas to summarize the company's performance as reported by its shop control/data-collection system.

The FANUC DDR/B from Methods Machine Tools is a rotary fourth axis designed specifically to complement the speed and versatility of the FANUC RoboDrill VMC. By eliminating the positioning delays of traditional rotary tables, it reduces part cycle times. The fourth axis can unclamp, rotate 180 degrees and reclamp in less than 0.

Methods Machine Tools is now the exclusive North American importer of HMCs and VMCs from Kiwa-Japan, a machine tool builder headquartered in Nabari, Japan. The Kiwa line of machining centers and spare parts are available at each of the seven Methods Technology Centers and Methods distributors located across the U. S.

The Nakamura-Tome WY-250 multi-tasking turn/mill center from Methods Machine Tools features an opposed two-spindle, two-turret construction with upper and lower Y-axis capability for milling and drilling simultaneously on both turrets. It also has a Super Mill drivetrain that produces high horsepower and torque for

This shop specializing in small-scale parts says successfully machiningtiny features into tiny workpieces is less about technology and moreabout technique.

According to the company, the Super NTY3 multitasking turning center offers stock-on turning and machining that virtually eliminates productivity lost as a result of tool changes. Three turrets, each with a Y axis, allow complete turning/machining/finishing in one pass to reduce cycle times.

The PCD Edge system allows the profiling of polycrystalline diamond (PCD) cutting tools using a Fanuc iD series wire EDM machine. The system consists of programming/probing/cutting software; a microfinish power supply/generator for cutting PCD; a Hirschmann rotary axis; a machine-mounted Renishaw probe; and a tool clamping system.

Fanuc has redesigned its iD series wire EDMs. Available from Methods EDM, the machines are designed to delivery high cutting speeds and accuracy as well as quality surface finish for the production of orthodontic braces, joint replacement components, surgical knives, needles, clamps and other medical instruments.

The PCD Edge System is said to allow quick and precise profiling of PCD cutting tools using a Fanuc iC series wire EDM. Available from Methods EDM, the system consists of programming/probing/cutting software, a micro-finish power supply for cutting PCD, a Hirschmann rotary axis, a Renishaw probe (mounted on the EDM) and a tool-clamping system.

More unattended machining was one of the benefits of this shop's move from four-axis to five-axis machines.

With twin spindles and four turrets, the Nakamura-Tome WTW-150 is said to turn even complex precision parts relatively quickly, all in one setup. Independent slides, 13 controlled axes, equal left and right machining and 48 stations of flexible tooling are some of the product's features.

The multi-tasking Nakamura-Tome Super NTJ turning center completes multi-face angular machining and contour milling in a single setup, eliminating the need to refixture the part on another machine to perform secondary operations. Features include a 5,000-rpm, 20-hp left-side spindle; a 5,000-rpm, 15-hp right-side spindle and a dodecagonal 24-station lower turret for both left and right spindles.

Maier CNC Swiss turning centers provide start-to-finish machining (simultaneous turning and milling/drilling) in one operation. ML ProLine machines are available in five different series with configurations ranging from four axes with up to 11 tools to 11 axes with up to 30 tools.

The additional rotary milling axis on these machines allows them to complete many types of complex parts in a single setup, but these machines have gained a reputation for being difficult to program. Today's CAM software, however, eases the programming challenge significantly.

These shop founders focused on what they knew rather than what they had heard about economic conditions when they established their business in October 2000. Their knowledge included the conviction that wire EDM could become the shop's primary machining process.

This contract shop is committed to difficult jobs. The shop often takes on a job without knowing how the part will be made.

This shop doesn't know what parts it will machine tomorrow, but it has a good idea who its customers will be well into the future.

To manufacture large quantities of similar parts, a Georgia machine shop has found that wire EDM is the ideal process.

This shop finds the process practical, productive and predictable, an indispensable technology that supports all of its manufacturing capability.

Efficient use of labor is a primary goal of unattended machining. To successfully reduce process intervention, all of the manufacturing disciplines must participate. Accomplishing this requires detailed pre-process planning, which is the key to optimizing machine, material and manpower resources.

"Smart" machine tools. Spindles reaching 60,000 rpm. Affordable robots for load/unload.

A shop discusses some of the ways that EDM solves problems and creates opportunities in parts manufacturing. Wire EDM, ram EDM, and small-hole EDM all play a key role.

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