Okamoto Machine Tool Europe, a specialist manufacturer of precision grinding systems, is introducing a range of new machines and programme upgrades at EMO 2019.

The company is exclusively represented in the UK and Ireland by Rugby-based Jones & Shipman Hardinge Ltd (www.hardinge.com/jones-shipman), and its machines complement those manufactured by Hardinge grinding-sector companies Kellenberger, Hauser, Tschudin, Usach and Voumard.

On display for the first time at an exhibition will be the new Okamoto ACC-63SA1 surface grinder, which replaces the popular Okamoto SA Series and is available in six table sizes, from 500 x 200mm up to 1,000 x 500mm.

This features an easy-to-use touch-screen colour-graphic control for implementing advanced surface-grinding operations with the best productivity, and it enables a fully automatic grinding operation for standard surface grinding or shift plunge surface grinding, with automatic compensated dressing from the table, for even higher autonomy and productivity.

The machine has a robust rigid cast-iron frame with high static and dynamic stiffness and excellent damping characteristics.

A hydraulically driven table features double V slideways with minimal overhang and non-contact switches for table reversal, and all slideways have automatic lubrication.

Okamoto will also introduce the new GX range, which is the next generation of its popular DX surface and profile grinders, with a new colour scheme and an improved table enclosure.

The six machines in the range feature the well-proven Okamoto control, which provides a fully automatic grinding operation.

The grinding method is selected via switches on the main panel, while feed rates and feed change points can be set and adjusted at any time by a potentiometer.

Down-feed offers a choice of coarse and fine feed, and the control has been improved to include table park and wheel-head retract features at the end of the cycle.

The UPZ-Li series with its ultra-precision linear motor has been expanded, with the UPZ-63Li model now featuring a 600 x 300mm capacity table and a rotary table.

The latest addition to the range is an ultra-precision CNC profile grinder with fast-oscillation linear-motor table drive. This has a rigid structure for optimum precision.

Okamoto’s CAiQ surface and profile grinding machines have also been upgraded by the addition of Fanuc controls.

These high-specification machines are suitable for tool-room applications or small-part production work.

The upgrade to Fanuc provides improved operator access and clearer graphics via a large touch-screen control, without any cost increase.

Finally, the UGM360NC is a precision cylindrical grinding machine with a B axis and a 10-step grinding programme.

The wheel and work spindles are driven by Fanuc servo-motors, while the swivel B axis has a direct-drive servo-motor.