Mitsubishi Electric’s laser processing machines play a vital role at the company’s manufacturing sites, enabling both high-mix, low-volume as well as mass production.
Ohkuma Seisakusho Co., Ltd.
Key Points
- Mitsubishi Electric’s laser processing machines enable high-speed processing at low running cost.
- The compact size of the equipment means it can be installed in facilities with limited space.
- Laser processing machines from Mitsubishi Electric are also contributing to the growth of factories in various countries.
Ohkuma Seisakusho, headquartered in Kawaguchi, Saitama in Japan, produces components for trucks and construction machinery as it continuously expands its business.
Ohkuma Seisakusho’s Kawaguchi Plant supports high-mix, low-volume production of components for trucks and construction machinery. The facility utilizes the 5S methodology (Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain) in its activities.
Takashi Ohkuma, President and CEO
Laser processing machines play a vital role in being able to produce a wide range of distinct components in small batches, as they can be used to cut out the external shape of an object, instead of die stamping it. At the company’s Kawaguchi Plant, the site of its headquarters, a ML3015GX-F100 fiber laser processing machine from Mitsubishi Electric is used to cut metal sheets with thicknesses from 0.8 mm to 16 mm. This machine allows high-speed processing at low running costs. A CAD software program is used to perform nesting, which is a process for optimizing the number of components that can be obtained from a single metal sheet. Once the laser processing machine has quickly cut the metal sheets based on this data, the cut material is sent to the bending process. After welding and other manufacturing processes, the final products are measured and inspected to verify their shape has been processed correctly before they are dispatched to customers.
The Mitsubishi Electric ML3015GX-F100 fiber laser processing machine installed at the Kawaguchi Plant is an example of the world’s first laser processing machines to be equipped with artificial intelligence (AI)*. The AI system evaluates the cutting process using sound as well as light data and supports automatic nozzle replacement.
The layout of components to be processed from the metal sheets is optimized through automatic nesting to reduce the amount of waste. to reduce the amount of waste.
These components for construction machinery are formed through a combination of laser processing, bending, and welding. Laser processing is increasingly important for high-mix, low-volume manufacturing.
At Ohkuma Seisakusho’s Tochigi Plant, a Mitsubishi Electric ML3015eX-45CF-R CO2 2D laser processing machine is used for 24-hour mass production. A total of six Mitsubishi Electric laser processing machines have also been installed at the company’s plants in Indonesia and Thailand, helping to drive profitability. The Indonesian plant in particular is the company’s top earner, making ten times as much profit compared to the Japanese plants. “Mitsubishi Electric laser processing machines were vital in making this leap,” says Ohkuma.
One of the policies Ohkuma is currently focusing on is the training of staff to help them become multi-skilled. This enhances employees’ expertise so that they can take on various processes, rather than being responsible just for one. At the same time, this expands their perspectives and supports the creation of collaborative frameworks. Employees’ ideas and actions lead to problem solving, which also helps to improve productivity.
As part of this initiative, Manabu Kato, a team leader in the Manufacturing Department, is currently learning about laser processing machines as part of his new role. Previously, he was mainly involved in die stamping, but has recently challenged himself to learn spot welding and how to effectively operate laser machines.
“The nozzle trajectory is shown in real time on the control panel, which makes it easy to see where the machine is cutting. Currently, I mainly carry out tasks as an assistant, but my goal is to learn to operate the machine fully,” says Kato.
Manabu Kato, who built-up his knowledge and experience in stamping technology, is now broadening his skillset by learning about laser processing machines.
The control panel of the laser processing machine. The optional MEL’S AR function makes operation intuitive.
Group photo
* Mitsubishi Electric’s ML3015GX-F100 fiber laser processing machines, announced April 10, 2019, according to Mitsubishi Electric’s own research, were the world’s first to include AI supported cutting.
About Mitsubishi Electric Corporation.
With more than 100 years of experience in providing reliable, high-quality products, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6503) is a recognized world leader in the manufacture, marketing and sales of electrical and electronic equipment used in information processing and communications, space development and satellite communications, consumer electronics, industrial technology, energy, transportation and building equipment. Mitsubishi Electric enriches society with technology in the spirit of its “Changes for the Better”. The company recorded a revenue of 5,257.9 billion yen (U.S. $ 34.8 billion*) in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024. For more information visit http://www.MitsubishiElectric.com.
About Mitsubishi Electric Factory Automation Business Group.
Offering a vast range of automation and processing technologies, including controllers, drive products, power distribution and control products, electrical discharge machines, electron beam machines, laser processing machines, computerized numerical controllers, and industrial robots, Mitsubishi Electric helps bring higher productivity -and quality- to the factory floor. In addition, its extensive service networks around the globe provide direct communication and comprehensive support to customers. The global slogan “Automating the World” shows the company’s approach to leverage automation for the betterment of society, through the application of advanced technology, sharing know- how and supporting customers as a trusted partner.
For more about the story behind “Automating the World” please visit: https://www.MitsubishiElectric.com/fa/about-us/automating-the-world/index.html
About e-F@ctory.
e-F@ctory is Mitsubishi Electric’s integrated concept to build reliable and flexible manufacturing systems that enable users to achieve many of their high speed, information driven manufacturing aspirations. Through its partner solution activity, the e-F@ctory Alliance, and its work with open network associations such as The CC-Link Partners Association (CLPA), users can build comprehensive solutions based on a wide ranging ‘best in class’ principle.
In summary, e-F@ctory and the e-F@ctory Alliance enable customers to achieve integrated manufacturing but still retain the ability to choose the most optimal suppliers and solutions.
Ritsuko Ogawa
Digital Marketing Center
Industry & Mobility Business Area Strategic Planning Office
MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
Ogawa.Ritsuko@ah.MitsubishiElectric.co.jp
dmc.desk@ra.MitsubishiElectric.co.jp