Achieving Process Integration and Space Saving While Completing the Most Difficult Machining Tasks

Kagoshima Seiki Co., Ltd.

(Headquarters: Kirishima, Kagoshima)

Kagoshima Seiki Co., Ltd. specializes in precision machining with 50 years of experience in manufacturing. It originally got its start in machining parts for sewing machines, and today it manufactures parts in a various fields, including semiconductor equipment, industrial equipment, medical equipment, information and telecommunications equipment, and automotive production-related equipment.

The company has two locations in Kagoshima Prefecture including its main factory, and has expanded its factory locations to China and Vietnam. A major feature of the company is its manufacturing method known as "optimal site production," which involves leveraging its network to select the most suitable production factory from among its domestic and overseas locations based on the product delivery date, difficulty, cost, and other factors.

It has also recently begun assembly work. In addition to parts manufacturing, the company also has the advantage of being able to manufacture complete equipment.

Introducing New Technology to Domestic Factories After Receiving Positive Feedback at Overseas Factories

In an interview, a representative of Kagoshima Seiki said smiling that the company feels a sense of affinity with Brother Industries because of its history with machining sewing machine parts. In 2023, the company introduced two new M200Xd1-5AX units to its main factory.

Mr. Tanaka explained that they introduced these units because they found the M200Xd1-5AX attractive for its ability to perform both turning and milling in a single unit. In fact, the SPEEDIO M Series has already been implemented at the company's factory in Vietnam. Mr. Noda further explained that through process integration, they are able to achieve shorter delivery times, and it is highly praised for its quality in terms of accuracy as well. That's how they got the idea to introduce it in Japan.

Mr. Tokunaga mentioned that the space saving ability of the 5-axis machining center was a major reason for its adoption. Until then, the company had no 5-axis machining equipment at its domestic factories and recognized the need for it based on customer demands. They also felt it appealing that this was the first time it was implemented in the Kyushu area.

The company currently uses SPEEDIO to manufacture parts for semiconductor equipment and industrial machinery. Mr. Noda explained that while it took time to launch due to a series of trials and errors, SPEEDIO is able to perform highly difficult machining for some parts. Mr. Tanaka also explained that they are gradually increasing the number of things that can utilize 5-axis machining.

Using Simultaneous 5-Axis Machining for Smoother than Expected Curved Surfaces and Lines

Kagoshima Seiki had previously had lathe-based multifunction machines in its facilities. However, these took up space and required a great deal of time to set up. With SPEEDIO, the company is able to use only one-third the space of previous machines and reduce setup time by about half. According Mr. Tanaka, the machining performance is excellent for curved surfaces and lines. He mentioned that it is in line with the company's desire to create value-added products. Meanwhile, Mr. Noda was impressed with the machine during test machining of an impeller and surprised at how the surface came out better than expected.

Other workers on site praised SPEEDIO for its space-saving design, ability to quickly change tool bits and workpieces, and large screen with intuitive operations. The main factory currently employs eight Vietnamese workers who are all skilled in the use of SPEEDIO. This equipment has also been implemented at the company's factory in Vietnam, and Mr. Tokunaga mentioned that by rotating work between Japan and Vietnam, both factories are able to operate in the same way, making it very easy to operate.

Using SPEEDIO to Create High Value-Added Products

In terms of environmental performance, Mr. Tanaka praises the energy efficiency of SPEEDIO. They have been able to reduce their electricity costs by nearly 80% to realize cost benefits. Reducing power consumption reduces CO2 emissions and helps to address the SDGs for which the company is certified. Mr. Tanaka also appreciates the after-sales service for its strong support and ability for easy consultation about prototypes. He finds the follow-up system appealing.

The Kagoshima Seiki team believes that the introduced M200Xd1-5AX is a versatile machine with a variety of capabilities, and they continue to challenge themselves to find new ways to use it. Looking to the future, the company wants to gradually produce value-added products from Kagoshima utilizing the curved surfaces and lines that can only be achieved with simultaneous 5-axis machining.

At the end of the interview, the company mentioned that it would look into updating its BT40 machine with the SPEEDIO W Series for large-scale machining when the time comes. Mr. Noda mentioned that when he saw SPEEDIO at an exhibition, he was impressed by the machining to the point that he thought the BT30 could handle it just as well, and he was excited to see how it stands up to the BT40. We look forward to the next opportunity to see how SPEEDIO contributes to further improving the manufacturing capabilities at Kagoshima Seiki. We would appreciate their feedback again at that time.