CNC automation boosts machining efficiency and flexibility
Okuma Europe showcases automated CNC systems to enhance productivity, reduce manual intervention, and integrate smart data management at Open House 2026.
www.okuma.eu
At the Open House 2026 event, to be held on 4–5 March 2026 at Okuma Europe’s headquarters in Krefeld, Germany, Okuma Europe GmbH will present a suite of integrated CNC automation solutions designed to address key operational challenges encountered by modern manufacturers. The company, a subsidiary of the global machine tool builder Okuma Corporation, develops CNC machine tools and automation systems used across aerospace, automotive, toolmaking, and general metalworking industries.
Manufacturers are increasingly facing pressure to improve productivity, reduce manual handling, and maintain high precision while coping with workforce constraints and production complexity. Responding to these challenges requires solutions that extend autonomous operation, streamline process flow, and link data across machines for coordinated production scheduling and tooling management.
To meet these needs, Okuma Europe will showcase automated manufacturing cells that combine machine tools with robotic and handling systems. The goal is to push beyond traditional single-process machining toward seamless, multi-machine production sequences that require minimal operator involvement yet maintain process stability, high utilisation rates, and consistent quality outputs.
Technical Solution and Selection Rationale
The showcased solutions will unite Okuma CNC machines with bespoke automation cells, including gantry loaders, robotic part handlers, pallet changers, and integrated smart data functions. These systems will be fully integrated with Okuma’s OSP control platform, providing unified operation across machine and automation components.
Manufacturers select this integrated approach because it eliminates interface gaps between the machine and automation equipment and simplifies setup and changeover. In contrast to stand-alone retrofit automation, Okuma’s configuration supports extended unmanned runtime and improved process reliability.
Key automated configurations will include automated loading/unloading via Okuma Gantry Loader (OGL) paired with a twin-spindle lathe, and compact robot cells working with multitasking and 5-axis machining centres.
Deployment and Support
Okuma Europe’s deployment methodology centres on combining its own CNC machine expertise with automation partners to create complete solutions tailored to specific production needs. At Open House 2026, the unveiling of a new Solution Center at the Krefeld headquarters will signify a dedicated environment where customers can collaborate with Okuma engineers.
The Solution Center will also demonstrate integrated tool data management across multiple machines via the “SMART FACTORY” function.
Results and Benefits
While specific efficiency improvements have not yet been published, the technical deployment is expected to deliver measurable operational gains:
- Extended Autonomous Operation: Automated material handling and pallet storage will enable machines to operate with minimal human intervention.
- Reduced Manual Setup: Robots and gantry systems will handle part loading and unloading.
- Consistent Data Management: Centralised tool and program data will reduce setup errors.
- Process Stability and Precision: Integrated automation will support stable, repeatable operations.
Together, these improvements are expected to align with industry priorities such as higher productivity, optimized workforce deployment, and scalable automated manufacturing.
