High-Speed Spindle Options with Okuma America and Air Turbine Technology Collaboration

[Cengiz Özemli]

## High-Speed Spindle Solutions Through Okuma and Air Turbine Technology Collaboration

This strategic collaboration significantly boosts productivity and cycle time performance in CNC machines and lathes.

### Collaboration Summary

Air Turbine Technology Inc., the inventor of the world's first controlled high-speed turbine spindles, live tooling, and hand tool series, has announced a partnership with Okuma America Corporation, a global leader in CNC machine tools, control, and automation systems. Through this integration, Air Turbine Tools' controlled turbine spindles and live tooling technologies, ranging from 25,000 to 90,000 RPM, are now available for use in Okuma's advanced CNC machines and lathes. This enables users to shorten cycle times, enhance tool performance, and increase production output.

### Technical Details and Advantages

• Okuma's diverse spindle and RPM options support various cutting applications.
• Cycle time and spindle wear are significantly reduced with Air Turbine high-speed technology.
• Integrated systems operate with standard 90 PSI air pressure.
• Three different mounting options are offered: direct air-through spindle, patented Tool Changer Mount (TMA), or manual air line connection.
• Live tools and motors are easily installed without requiring additional electrical connections or control boxes.
• Constant RPM and torque are maintained even under load; this feature is based on the patented direct-drive turbine and internal regulator system.

### Product Performance and Applications

• Air Turbine spindles ranging from 25,000 to 90,000 RPM are integrated into Okuma's CAT40 15,000 RPM main spindle.
• In a demonstration, cycle time was reduced by 330%.
• When 50,000 and 65,000 RPM Air Turbine spindles were automatically loaded onto a 15,000 RPM Okuma Genos MB-46 machine, the same surface finish and 2-micron accuracy were achieved three times faster.
• Ideal for heavy-duty milling, this system allows for roughing and high-speed finishing on the same platform.

### Industry Contributions

In fields requiring high precision, such as medical devices, aerospace, and defense industries, micro-tool performance and accuracy are critically important. Okuma users can perform roughing with the main spindle and immediately switch to the Air Turbine spindle, ensuring superior finish quality and longer machine life.

### Air Turbine Tools Features

• RPM range: 25,000 to 90,000 RPM
• Power: Up to 1.4 HP
• Standard air pressure: 90 PSI
• Generates no heat, thus maintaining 2-micron accuracy
• Maintenance-free, no oil required
• Suitable for continuous 24/7 operation, ideal for 'lights-out' manufacturing
• Reduces cycle time by up to 10 times while extending tool and main spindle life

### Importance of the Collaboration

Air Turbine Tools will serve as Okuma's official high-speed solutions provider, offering technical support and product supply services. The common goal is to redefine standards in high-speed machining by combining high power and high speed.

This collaboration offers an innovative solution that will revolutionize high-speed manufacturing processes. It provides significant advantages for manufacturers looking to enhance high-speed machining capabilities on Okuma machines.