5ME, Okuma America Partner to Advance Cryogenic Manufacturing

5ME and Okuma America have partnered to develop cryogenic machining and establish two cryo demonstration facilities. The centers will be in Warren, MI, and Charlotte, NC.

5ME and Okuma America are currently using cryogenic manufacturing for aerospace applications.

Both centers will have Okuma machines equipped with cryogenic systems that deliver liquid nitrogen through the directly to the cutting edge. The facilities will be a place for manufacturers to test multiple machining processes with cryogenic machining.

According to 5ME, this process enables higher cutting speeds for increased material removal, longer tool life, better part quality and reduced energy consumption. The companies are currently applying this technology to aerospace manufacturing applications.

“Cryogenic machining is particularly suited to the processing of tough materials like hardened/stainless/alloy steels, Inconel, and titanium, commonly used in aerospace part production, said Pete Tecos, executive vice president of 5ME. “Okuma was an early adopter of cryogenic machining and this partnership will continue the development of cryogenic machining applications, and allow manufacturers to present real-world production challenges to determine how cryo can provide a solution.”

For more information, visit 5ME and Okuma America.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.