Makino Seiki’s machine tool expertise is leading cutting tool industry forward

Country Business Reports interviews and articles by Discovery Reports www.discoveryreports.com

The use of high-performance metal cutting tools forms an indispensable part of the manufacturing process to ensure product quality and adherence to customer specifications in terms of design, size and shape.

With technology and know-how accumulated over more than half a century, Makino Seiki has been the silent champion behind leading tool manufacturing companies and regrinding shops in creating critical and intricate components with the utmost precision for applications in automobiles, consumer electronics and industrial machinery.

“In this highly competitive market, what sets us apart is our strong machine design and manufacturing background being a machine tool builder at the core,” says Daisuke Shimizu, Makino Seiki president and third-generation owner.

From manufacturing the legendary universal tool and cutter grinder C-40 starting 1968, Makino Seiki has grown to produce cutting-edge computer numerical control (CNC) tool grinders.

Its flagship AGE30 machine is a high-precision, high-performance CNC tool and cutter grinder that is fully automated. It supports high-mix, low-volume production and is capable of grinding tools with special shapes.

Last year, Makino Seiki unveiled the TAD machine, the first vertical cylindrical grinder noted for its superior space-saving design and high efficiency.

Makino Seiki’s comprehensive portfolio also includes micro-tool grinders, double centre-type tool grinders and tool regrinders. These machines can be configured as desired with diverse options and accessories to further boost efficiency and adapt to different machining requirements.

With end users demanding high-productivity systems, Makino Seiki is looking at integrating its machines into one production line and welcomes opportunities to work with an established system integrator in this initiative.

Makino Seiki is also collaborating with a camera company to incorporate image sensing technology into its CNC tool and cutter grinders.

“We regard our customers as partners and our goal is to grow with them,” Shimizu says. “That is why we invest in furthering our technological capabilities to help our customers achieve more. We consider their success as our success.”

Last year, Makino Seiki generated 44 per cent of its revenues from overseas sales. It mainly operates in Asia via a strategic partnership with Makino Milling, which has branches across the region. As part of efforts to lift overseas sales to 50 per cent, Makino Seiki seeks to enter the Philippines, Singapore, Myanmar and Cambodia.

“In certain Asian markets, we collaborate with local distributors and welcome more quality-minded sales partners,” Shimizu says.

“Our ideal distribution partner should have a good understanding of our niche market and the specialised machines that we offer.”

www.makinoseiki.co.jp