Japanese machine tool manufacturer Okuma — represented in the UK by Thames Ditton-based NCMT (www.ncmt.co.uk) — has
become a Tier One member of the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC).

Norbert Teeuwen (president of Okuma Europe) and Stefan Vielsäcker (Okuma senior manager) will both sit on the AMRC management and technology board.

As a member of the AMRC, Okuma will provide know-how and support for its latest research — in the form of a five-axis MU-8000V-L CNC vertical machining centre.

This versatile machine combines turning and five-axis multi-task machining, which makes it suitable for highly complex aerospace components.

In co-operation with NCMT (itself a Tier Two member of the AMRC), Okuma will provide constant application support and service free of charge.

As a Tier One partner, Okuma will develop machining applications for new types of material that will most likely become standards within the industry.

Other research will focus on new components for more-efficient drives, including future solutions for conventional drive arrangements in fields like electro, hybrid or gear-driven systems.

For Okuma, advanced manufacturing processes like skiving and other cutting-edge gear-manufacturing technologies will be objects of research as well.

The overall goal of these research projects is to increase the efficiency of aircraft drives, while reducing noise and CO₂ emissions.

While the AMRC expands its research capabilities with the new CNC machine tool and technical support, Okuma gains access to all research data and intellectual property.

Being at the forefront of new developments will enable the company to increase its already extensive aerospace expertise.