Visit to Makino

Through this visit to Makino, I have discovered various impressive and interesting points about Makino. Firstly, one of the interesting innovations by the Research and Development sector in Makino is the Spindle core cooling. Makino's spindle core cooling and under race lubrication system is used to suppress spindle thermal distortion. The spindle core cooling system circulates a large volume of temperature-controlled cooling oil through the centre of the rotating spindle to cool it directly from the inside. With under race lubrication, the cooling oil circulated through the spindle flows through holes in the inner bearing races to lubricate the bearings as well. Previously, heat from many machines by companies (including Makino) cannot be dissipated quick enough to ensure that the machines will operate at high efficiency and not overheat. A revolutionary idea was introduced. Makino decided to replace a solid spindle with a hollow spindle, allowing oil to flow through it. This not only solves the problem of slow heat dissipation, but brings about additional benefits such as lubrication of bearings.

Next, operations in Makino are very precise. In one particular machine, laser is used to take measurements of various distances up to 4 decimal places. When we chanced upon an engineer assembling a machine during the visit, we saw how parts of machine are manufactured and assembled. Not only that, we also witnessed the importance of precision in the assembly of the machine. Tools are used to measure how parallel the 2 metal bars are. Thus, as can be seen, Makino is very passionate about producing quality machines to meet demands of customers with their cutting-edge technologies and high precision.

Precision engineering, the craft Makino is specialised in, is related to everyone. Personally, I have an Iphone4. It is only through this visit that I realise the collaboration between Apple and Makino.
(http://blog.gtispindle.com/2011/05/18/iphone-and-ipad-drive-makino-sales/) The stainless steel frame which makes up the perimeter of the Iphone4 is beautifully made. (http://www.phonesreview.co.uk/2010/06/08/iphone-4-and-its-slimming-stainless-steel-frame/ ) The cut, accomplished by machines from Makino, on the metal frame is very precise, making Iphone4 an art piece too. In a globalised world, the term ‘aeroplane’ is no longer new. But how are these aeroplanes manufactured. Machines from Makino are used to produce various components of aeroplanes. Of which include the doors of the aeroplanes and some engines. (http://wn.com/Aerospace_Engine_Manufacturing_on_a_Makino_G5_Grinder)

Finally, after the visit, I also have some project ideas in my mind. Firstly, it is the investigation of materials of low linear expansion coefficient to replace materials currently used in machines since precision is key in precision engineering. Next, it will be the investigation of methods to make use of heat produced by machines instead of dissipating them.

More about Makino: http://www.youtube.com/user/MakinoMachineTools