Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Technical Review Vol. 52 No. 3 (2015)

FOREWORD

Message upon issuingTechnical Review Special Edition:
Machine Tools
Seiji Sh ir ao
Se nior Gene ra l Man ager, Mach ine To ol D i vis ion
Mach in ery, Eq uipme n t & In fr as truc tur e

Welcome to the special edition of MHI Technical Review featuring machine tools.
Japan’s machine tool industry has returned to a growth track following a drop in demand after
the Lehman collapse, and an early forecast indicates this year’s orders will reach a record-breaking
1,550 billion yen. In recent years, machine tool technologies have been undergoing a qualitativechange in order to meet more sophisticated user requirements and anticipated needs. In addition toadvanced automation technology being in high demand in both developed and emerging markets,
the sector is garnering attention for its integration of intelligent technology and additive
manufacturing (AM) processes, as well as adapting to the latest industrial revolution based on
information and communication technology (ICT) such as Internet of Things (IoT) and theGerman-led Industry 4.0 initiative.
In light of changing market conditions and technology trends, the Machine Tool Division ofMitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) continues its pursuit of business expansion and improved
profitability. For example, we now offer comprehensive gear processing systems through thedevelopment of machining products and tools that are far superior to those of our competitors. In
the large-sized and special-purpose machine businesses, we have transformed ourselves to a totalsolutions provider that proposes optimal production systems that match the unique manufacturingand production needs of our customers. In addition, our next-generation advanced production
system enables a new level of manufacturing by making full use of technologies such as laser
processing, high-precision machining, and room temperature wafer bonding.
This special edition will introduce the Machine Tool Division’s latest technology developmentthat provides a strong foundation in manufacturing.
Starting with the gear processing system business, we discuss ZE-series technology used inhighly precise and efficient gear grinding machines for automotive transmissions; GE10A, which
is a new model of our best-selling dry-cut hobbing machines; and SuperDry coating for dry cuttingsystems.
For the total solutions business, we introduce the M-CM5BG horizontal machining cells
designed for mass production lines of large-sized engines on trucks and buses; the MVR-Eχ

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next-generation double-column, 5-face milling machines and the MAF-C horizontal boring mills
designed for aircraft and turbine component processing; the advanced 5-faced M-VB25 cross-rail
fixed rail bridge mills, which offer an optimal solution for large and thin materials; and the holeposition measuring system that significantly reduces non-processing time for large-sized millingwork.
Lastly, for the advanced production system business, we introduce some of the latest work using
our popular high-precision micro milling machine, high-precision drilling technology of theABLASER laser micromachining system, three-dimensional material shape recognition technology
for laser machining, and the MP Scale precision position feedback detector for machine tools andother precision machines.
Focusing on providing sophisticated total solutions that assist our clients in improving
productivity and machine utilization, MHI continues to engage in the development of highly
precise and efficient machine tools with better usability, easier set-up and maintenance, andsuperior reliability to meet our clients’ unique needs. We deeply appreciate your ongoing supportand understanding in our quest.