Air Turbine Technology Inc., the inventor of the World’s first governed high-speed turbine spindles, live tools and hand tool ranges, is pleased to announce its strategic partnership with Okuma America Corporation, a global leader in CNC machine tools, controls, and automation systems. The collaboration integrates Air Turbine Tools®’ governed 25,000 to 90,000 RPM spindles and live tooling into Okuma’s advanced CNC machines and lathes, enabling users to significantly reduce cycle times while enhancing tool performance and increasing production output.

David Vega, one of the members of Okuma’s Partners in Technology team, noted, “Okuma has a wide variety of spindles and RPM options to support a variety of cutting applications.  When paired with Air Turbine Tools® high speed technology, the cycle time and wear and tear on Okuma spindles is greatly reduced, and installation is quick and easy.”

This partnership is a direct response to growing demand among manufacturers and distributors for governed, constant high-RPM solutions. These tools maintain constant speed and torque even under load thanks to Air Turbine Technology Inc.’s patented direct-drive turbine and built-in governor system, which automatically increase airflow to maintain constant RPM and torque under load with up to 1.4 Hp.

Air Turbine Spindles®, Air Turbine Live Tools® and Air Turbine Motors® will now be available as seamless additions to Okuma CNC machines and lathes. Air Turbine Spindles® integration process is simple operate using a standard 90 PSI air supply and can be installed three ways: via direct air-through-spindle capability, a patented Tool Changer Mounting Assembly (TMA), or manual airline connection. Live Tools and Motors are also easy to install without added wiring or control boxes, supporting Swiss and lathe applications.

Joe Grigg, application engineer explained “One of the key benefits of Air Turbine Tools® is the ability to add 25,000 up to 90,000 RPM directly to your Okuma CAT40 15,000 RPM spindle”. As part of this collaboration, a demonstration part and video were produced, showcasing a 330% reduction in cycle time. By automatically loading 50,000 and 65,000 RPM Air Turbine Spindles into the 15,000 RPM Okuma Genos MB-46, identical surface finish and 2-micron precision was achieved but at three times the speed.

Gemma Shane, Director of Air Turbine Tools®, added, “Okuma machines are ideal for heavy-duty milling. With our spindles, users can now perform both roughing and high-speed finishing seamlessly on one platform.”. This partnership benefits high-precision industries such as medical device manufacturing, aerospace, and defense, where micro-tool performance and accuracy are critical. Okuma users can now rough with their machine’s main spindle and instantly auto too change to an Air Turbine Spindle® for fine finishing or drilling, achieving superior results and longer machine life. 

For programs using tools up to ¼” capacity, Air Turbine Tools® reduce cycle time up to 10 times, delivering greater throughput and extending the life of both cutting tools and the primary machine spindle. With no thermal growth maintaining 2-micron TIR at the cutting tool, no duty cycle and no need for oil or maintenance, Air Turbine Tools® run reliably 24/7, perfect for lights-out production. 

Simon Shane, Chairman of Air Turbine Tools®, states: “Okuma builds some of the finest, most durable CNC machines available. Now, with the addition of Air Turbine Tools®, every Okuma machine becomes a high-speed machine. We are proud to partner with Okuma and bring this solution to manufacturers who can now add high speed on Okuma machines.”

Air Turbine Tools® will serve as Okuma’s trusted provider for high-speed solutions, offering technical support and product access through Okuma’s purchasing system and distributor network. Together, the companies aim to redefine high-speed machining by integrating high power and high speed.

For more information, visit: www.airturbinetools.com/products/spindles/retrofit-your-cnc-machine/air-turbine-tools-on-okuma/

Watch the demonstration video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sbLitLLnf8&t=67s

Manufacturing & Engineering Magazine | The Home of Manufacturing Industry News