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Latest technology machining centre with small footprint sets up advanced manufacturing business for market expansion

Investment in the latest high-tech Okuma CNC 5-axis Vertical Machining Centre Model MU-5000V (Tower) with OSP-P500MH Control by multi- generational precision engineering business, supports the company’s continued growth into new markets with exceptional engineering performance.

First displayed at the IMTS show in America in September 2024, the Okuma 5-axis machining centre is the first model of its type to be installed in Australia with this configuration-Tower APC complete with automatic multi pallet system. The machining centre is capable of consistent high precision volume production runs or short runs, with a 268 tool matrix and multi-pallet capacity providing flexibility in job scheduling, no down time and will run 24/7 with minimal staff attendance. These features coupled with full off-line programming and simulation software and state-of-the-art work holding systems means set-up times are substantially reduced.

The relatively small footprint of the new machining centre maximises the use of space in this expanding high volume shop where space is at a premium. The Tower APC includes provision of an 11 pallets space saving configuration (comparable to the standard 6 APC) providing more flexibility and productivity in a minimal footprint. Other features include random position memory for extra convenience plus the same work piece weight and size compared to other machining centres.

Redline Engineering located in Melbourne’s South East, commenced business in 1969 and has almost sixty years of experience in precision engineering components and assembly supply chain to aerospace, automotive, high end medical, mining, motorsport, rail, heavy industry and transportation. Whilst a large proportion of sales for the company are Victorian based, Redline Engineering’s market is nation-wide with expanding direct and indirect export sales.

“The company has enjoyed a long partnership with Okuma covering more than 30 years and our original Okuma machine is still in service producing fine tolerance precision parts,” said Director and General Manager Ken Stuart. “We are now operating five Okuma machines and we value the strong technical support, maintenance service and training that direct factory access from Okuma provides along with visits to the Okuma factory in Japan. Without this full technical support it wouldn’t work,” said Ken. “This is the most significant investment in the company’s history taking us into new markets and exposure to the very latest technology and this is where we are now in engineering excellence. The great benefit of this new configuration 5-axis Okuma machining centre is the ability to load multiple high end jobs or duplicate the same complex part across multiple pallets, providing continuous 24/7 machining,” he said.

Today the company is producing precision components in all metals plus engineering plastics, it has its own metrology department with both optical and conventional programmable CMM measurement and testing. . Staffing level is currently 28 with a growing presence of apprentice and graduate engineering resources. The majority of staff at Redline Engineering have in excess of 15 years of service with the company with many exceeding 20 years.

When discussing the future, Ken Stuart commented “The market is moving ahead and the Australian market is well placed for highly competitive precision engineering hence our investment in the latest high productivity 5-axis technology. Australian capability shines on the global stage and the new machining centre gives us flexibility with many more features that will give us reduced lead times, provide greater efficiency and enable us to access new work such as security and other high precision industries which are becoming critically important. Federal Government support for manufacturing in Australia and the provision of Sovereign Capability Grants has enabled us to accelerate the advancement of our precision manufacturing capability and be internationally competitive,” he said.

Whilst tariffs may create a level of uncertainly in the short term, the company believes that Australia’s manufacturing is held in such high regard internationally for consistent precision engineering quality and reliable on-time delivery that business will continue to expand in precision engineering components.

Redline Engineering is Quality accredited to AS9100D, ISO9001:2015, CAGE Code Z2H07 and is dedicated to engineering excellence.

“The addition of this advanced technology machining cell has provided our engineering personnel with high levels of confidence in the future for the company and an air of excitement in the opportunity to keep ahead of technological advances in machine capability and programming. If we want to continue to maintain and attract high quality staff we must have the best equipment and provide long term job security,” commented Ken Stuart.

 

 

 

The Okuma MU-V 5-axis Vertical Machining Centre – Changing Perceptions and Opening Possibilities

 Installed by Redline Engineering, the first of the Okuma MU-V Series 5-axis Vertical Machining Centres, Tower APC to be installed in Australia is changing the perceptions of what a 5-axis machine can do. Machining accuracy and capability is achieved with a machine design that utilises “M-E-I-K” (Mechanics-Electronic-IT-Knowledge creation).

The MU-V series combines this with ease of use and has changed the way people think about 5-axis machines. Equipped with the next-generation CNC OSP-P500 which facilitates manufacturing DX (digital transformation), this environmentally friendly smart machine reduces power consumption and improves productivity at the same time.

This high rigidity trunnion table supports accuracy and quality over long production runs with Synergistic effect of Okuma Intelligent Technology. Beyond the limits of 5-axis machining with face milling: 504cm³/min, End Milling 672 cm³/min and process-intensive turning 3mm².

The vertical machine centre provides superb operator access to the machining chamber, long travel enables the handling of large work pieces and tools can be changed even with the trunnion table tilted or still in the swing position leading to reduced cycle times and higher machining accuracy.

This next-generation 5-axis machining centre further increases the degree of freedom in 5-axis machining with accuracy and high rigidity as well as large machining space. The 5-axis Tuning System measures geometric error using a touch probe and datum sphere and performs compensation using measurement results to tune the movement accuracy on 5-axis machines for higher accuracy.

With the 5-axis Tuning System, measurements are made automatically by the machine. Measurements can therefore be done with stable accuracy in short time. In addition the tuning results are applied regardless of whether the operation is auto, manual or MDI or whether the Tool Central Point Control is on or off.

High accuracy machining is maintained over long periods via Thermo-Friendly Concept even in a typical factory environment.

Superb operator access to the machine chamber allows easy tool confirmation during setup and machining and there is a large step platform for easy working for the operator.

Okuma’s MU-V series is a reflection of the Okuma policy ‘Green-Smart to help achieve a carbon-free society.

“Redline Engineering is a leading example of where the Australian precision manufacturing industry is heading and we thank Ken and his team for their continued confidence in the Okuma brand and support,” said Mark Richards, Okuma Branch Manager for Victoria and Tasmania. “We extend our congratulations to Redline Engineering on the installation of this advanced 5-axis machining centre.”