What Is a Multi-Tasking Machine? Advantages of Multi-Tasking Machines and How They Differ From Machining Centers Explained

What Is a Multi-Tasking Machine?

The multi-tasking machine is a machine tool that combines multiple functions, such as turning, milling, grinding, and more. With a multi-tasking machine, one can complete work that previously could not be accomplished without both a lathe and a machining center.

A rapidly increasing number of manufacturers are adopting multi-tasking machines given the significant reduction in machining time and increases in work efficiency. Another advantage of multi-tasking machines is the space savings in downsizing from multiple machines to one. On the other hand, multi-tasking machines are expensive, so cost is frequently the bottleneck. Despite the large initial investment, however, the costs can be fully recouped over the medium- to long-term when taking into account the resulting improvements in production efficiency and quality.

In fact, many companies have achieved high profit margins by adopting multi-tasking machines, even with smaller factories. Of course, adoption requires careful consideration, but the right investment decision can make a company more competitive and help them in the pursuit of sustainable growth.

Multi-Tasking Machines vs. Machining Centers and Turning Centers

As machine tools grow more diverse, we often hear the words "machining center" and "turning center." Let's take a look at the differences between each of these.

Machining Center Features

The machining center is a machine tool that mainly specializes in milling. Unlike a conventional NC milling lathe, a machining center is also equipped with an automatic tool changer (ATC). They vary in type from large models for machining propellers and turbines to small ones for precision cutting. In recent years, 5-axis machining centers capable of machining smooth curved surfaces have increased in number.

Turning Center Features

The turning center is a machine tool that incorporates the functions of a machining center onto a basic NC lathe. Given their ability to perform multiple operations such as turning and milling, turning centers can be considered as almost synonymous with multi-tasking machines.

In addition to these, there are also multi-tasking machines based on the machining center. Thus, in practice, it can be difficult to clearly distinguish between multi-tasking machines, machining centers, and turning centers.

Benefits of Multi-Tasking Machines

The multi-tasking machine is a machine tool that can perform a wide variety of machining operations. The benefits of adopting a multi-tasking machine include:

Improving Work Efficiency

With their ability to perform multiple machining operations on a single machine, multi-tasking machines help to improve manufacturing site productivity. Introducing multi-tasking machines will reduce the number of workpiece changeovers and waiting time between steps. As a result, the shortened overall production time will enable shortened delivery times and a flexible production system.

Eliminating Labor Shortages

As it can perform multiple machining processes in one pass, multi-tasking machines lead to a manpower reduction in the production process. With the ability to perform even machining operations that require skill and experience automatically and precisely, building a high-quality production system becomes easier, even in factories without enough skilled workers. Also, multi-tasking machines can run continuously around the clock, making it easier to produce even at night or on holidays when manpower is short.

Saving Floor Space

Another advantage of multi-tasking machines is the effective utilization of site floor space from combining multiple machine tools into a single unit. In this sense, multi-tasking machine introduction can also serve as an opportunity to optimize factory layout. It might even produce some fringe benefits, such as optimizing inventory management due to fewer works in progress, or preventing human errors.

Support for High-Mix, Low-Volume Production

With their ability to perform multiple machining operations such as turning and milling with a single setup, multi-tasking machines are not suited for production of products by the thousands or tens of thousands. They are, however, suited to machining small lots. Thus, introducing a multi-tasking machine will enable you to accept small lot orders. Improved profit margins can be expected if you can engage in high-mix, low-volume production and restructure your business.

Building a Sustainable Production System

Many multi-tasking machines have good energy-saving performance. With features such as automatic power control technology, high-efficiency coolant pumps, and power regeneration systems, such energy-saving multi-tasking machines can reduce electricity costs. At the same time, they will help reduce CO2 emissions, thereby bolstering the image of a company that is striving for sustainability. In addition, in its efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, the Japanese government offers grants to encourage capital investment. Such financial assistance is another perk when introducing energy-saving multi-tasking machines.

Use Cases of Multi-Tasking Machines

Given their versatility, multi-tasking machines see use in a wide range of industries. As mentioned above, they are suited to machining high-mix, low-volume lots, and complex-shaped workpieces, and thus they are being used in many sectors, from aerospace to automotive, medical equipment, and energy.

[Examples of products machined by multi-tasking machines]
- Engine parts (automobiles and aircraft)
- Artificial joints and medical equipment parts
- Turbine blades (generators and jet engines)
- High-precision mold parts
- Robot arms and automation equipment parts
- Watch/clock parts
- High-performance camera and optical equipment parts, etc.

Below is a video of a Brother Industries multi-tasking machine manufacturing a motor case. As can be seen, all processes such as turning, plane machining, drilling, and reaming are performed automatically. With a multi-tasking machine, even machining for workpieces with complex shapes can be automated at high efficiency.

M300Xd1 Motor Case Machining on a Multi-tasking Machine (Youtube)

Conclusion

The products produced by multi-tasking machines are diverse, ranging from aerospace, automotive, medical equipment, and energy applications, all the way down to home appliances and household commodities. It would be no exaggeration to call them an already indispensable presence in the manufacturing industry.

In addition, adopting multi-tasking machine offers sizable advantages, greatly helping in terms of improving productivity, reducing manufacturing costs, saving factory space, and more.

Now in an era where mass production and mass consumption is long gone, manufacturing sites must constantly evolve with the times. Multi-tasking machines, which can also reduce CO2 emissions and manpower, are in line with these times, and their adoption will help drive corporate growth.