Industry News

Charlotte, NC (May 5, 2010) –Okuma America Corporation is pleased to announce that MP Systems, a supplier of high pressure coolant systems, has joined Partners in THINC.

MP Systems makes high pressure coolant systems suitable for routine operations and custom manufacturing processes. Model types include reservoir pumps for a broad range of CNC machine tools including machining centers, 3- and 4- axis lathes, multifunction machines and twin turret machines; and an economical pump for general use. MP Systems also makes a programmable nozzle that can be used in conjunction with its high pressure coolant systems for through the spindle coolant delivery and/or programmable nozzle high pressure cooling.

MP Systems’ products are engineered to minimize down time and simplify routine maintenance. Designed, manufactured, and installed by MP Systems, they are used widely in the firearms, medical, aerospace, energy and other industries where chip removal and tool life are critical to component quality and maximum cutting tool performance. MP Systems’ high pressure coolant systems are sold through distribution and direct sales channels throughout North America.

As a member of Partners in THINC, MP Systems seeks to help customers optimize CNC machine tool performance and maximize overall productivity. MP Systems uses high quality components and non-piston pumps to improve product reliability. Products are rigorously tested in diverse live cutting situations, using Okuma machine tools and other machine tool technology. Integration with the Okuma THINC control assures optimal performance. All pump components, including filters, are housed conveniently inside the durable cabinet assembly. Superior filtration is accomplished using easy replaceable 5 micron filters that remove suspended chips and grit, increasing tool life.

“We believe that collaborative efforts facilitated by Partners in THINC are integral to MP Systems’ continued contribution of relevant and sound products to advanced manufacturing,” states Mike Sayers, General Manager and founder of MP Systems. “Sharing open dialogue with leading machine tool OEMs like Okuma allows us to develop new products and modify or enhance existing products proactively.”

MP Systems high pressure coolant systems can be seen at the Partners in THINC facility in Charlotte, NC or at the Okuma Tech Centers in Chicago and Houston. For more information or to schedule a visit, go to www.partnersinthinc.com.

ELMIRA, NY: Hardinge Inc. (www.hardinge.com) a leading international provider of advanced metal-cutting solutions announced recently that they acquired the assets of Jones & Shipman, a UK based manufacturer of grinding and super-abrasive machines and machining systems.

Jones & Shipman is located in Leicester, UK and distributes a range of high-quality grinding (surface, creep feed and cylindrical) machines used by a diverse range of industries including aerospace, medical, mould tool and die, power generation and high-end automotive. The Jones & Shipman business has operated continuously in the UK, under various owners, since 1899.

“This transaction is a solid strategic fit for Hardinge adding valuable product lines, as well as the strong Jones & Shipman brand name, to our grinding portfolio,” said Rick Simons, President and CEO. “Along with expanding our European-based grinding business, Jones & Shipman products will help us expand our US and Asian market presence.” continues Mr. Simons Jones & Shipman has become part of the company’s Kellenberger grinding organization and will continue operations at the current Leicester location.

The sales of the Jones & Shipman products in the US will be handled by the current Hardinge Inc. Technical Grinding Sales team along with the existing Jones & Shipman Technical Grinding Sales team.

“Hardinge is a strong company with strong brand names of Hardinge, Bridgeport, Kellenberger, Hauser, Tschudin and now adding the Jones & Shipman brand name. This addition continues to show our strength. ” said Mr. Simons.

Mason, Ohio – April 2010 – Makino announced today that its Mason, Ohio facility has been designated Makino’s Global Titanium Research and Development Center, where a specialized group of engineers will further the development of titanium milling technologies. The facility will include state-of-the-art machine tools, specialized titanium machining and tooling experts, CMM equipment, and all the necessary tools and talent to further titanium machining technologies. Makino is releasing several new technologies in titanium machining in 2010.

“Titanium machining is very process driven, meaning the machine tool, cutting tools, machining process, and coolants must all be developed and integrated specific to titanium’s material properties,” says Tom Clark, Vice President of Makino. “Our mission at Makino’s Global Titanium R&D Center is to provide manufacturers with the best in titanium application expertise by combining Makino’s titanium machining capabilities with the world’s leading process technologies. This is an ideal opportunity to work with vendors, suppliers, and partners to develop improved metal removal rates and longer tool life in titanium milling.

“The Mason, Ohio facility was chosen based on the increasing importance of titanium in the aerospace industry which is centralized here in North America. Our past experience in aluminum aerospace applications and grinding of hard metals will serve as an advantage to the continued development of titanium aerospace processing techniques.”

Makino’s Global Titanium R&D Center will be managed by a select group of engineers with knowledge and experience around Titanium in both academic and industrial backgrounds. The group will be working with tooling and consumable vendors from around the world for a wide knowledge base in all types of titanium applications.

Mason, Ohio facility

Advanced Machine & Engineering (AME) in Rockford, IL, is excited to announce that they have become the exclusive North American distributor for Stotz Measuring Systems, which includes air and electronic gaging devices.

Chris Koehn

Advanced Machine & Engineering (AME) also announces the appointment of Chris Koehn as Business Unit Manager for the Stotz product line. Chris has over 20 years of sales and marketing experience in the machine tool industry. In his new position, he will focus on marketing the Stotz products, which include air and electronic gaging devices, to existing customers as well as development of new accounts. He will also be selling the complete product lines for Advanced Machine & Engineering and sister company, Hennig, Inc. Chris has worked in the air gaging industry for over 10 years and has been integral in the design and implementation of measuring systems from small table top devices to automated robotic manufacturing cells

Stotz Feinmesstechnik GmbH has been a leader in gaging technology for almost 60 years. They design, manufacture and sell air-electronic gages and control devices. They are constantly striving to improve their designs and develop new products to solidify their position as a leader in new measuring technology. Numerous patents within the last few years have solidified their position as a trendsetter for new measuring technology and pneumatic measuring systems. Their diverse customer base covers many industries, including manufacturers and suppliers to the automotive, aerospace and medical industries.

Advanced Machine & Engineering Co., is a manufacturer located in Rockford, Ill., serving the Machine Tool Industry with precision components and accessories, including spindle interface components, workholding devices, and, through our sister company, Hennig, machine enclosures, chip removal and filtration systems. The Fluid Power – Safety markets are served with cylinder rod locks and safety catcher devices; and the Production Saw market with the AmSaw carbide saw machines and Speedcut blade products. AME has manufacturing partners and customers around the world and across the U.S. To learn more, visit www.ame.com

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