Okuma Europe GmbH, the European-based sales and service affiliation of Okuma Corporation, is introducing the new VT1000EX vertical CNC lathe into Europe. Available in the UK from Thames Ditton-based NCMT, the rigid model can process materials that are particularly hard to machine, such as titanium, Inconel and stainless steel. Reduced cycle times ensure a significant reduction in energy consumption and much lower CO₂ emissions.

This makes the new machine suitable for use in the aerospace industry, the energy sector, and in the manufacture of construction machinery. However, while processing these hard to machine materials can be challenging, Okuma’s newly developed VT1000EX is ideal for the job, with its high-strength machine construction and a particularly high-axial thrust of up to 30kN along the X and Z axis.

Moreover, with a new spindle attaining a maximum of 55kW power and a torque of up to 5,310Nm, the high-powered lathe enjoys a spindle power which is around twice that of conventional machines. This means that customers can benefit from significantly higher productivity. For example, it is possible to attain a chip section of 6.7mm² when machining Inconel sample workpieces, while at the same time, halving the cycle times compared to conventional machines.

To guarantee this high productivity, the VT1000EX has been developed for reliable continuous operation – even for heavy-duty machining. The optimised machine design with an enlarged chip discharge opening prevents the accumulation of chips in the working area. An integrated, high-powered chip flushing system also even supports the removal of large chips.

An additional benefit for customers is cutting the cycle times by about a half, which contributes towards greater sustainability as the power consumption and CO₂ emissions from the production process are reduced by more than 30%. This means that the VT1000EX provides an ideal solution for companies which are striving towards being competitive, while at the same time, adhering to their environmental goals.