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The Adams Company
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Shaft Turning Machine Reported to Combine Speed with Ability to Hold Tight Tolerances

DUBUQUE, Iowa—A new 4-axis shaft turning machine has given The Adams Company the capabilities to hold a tolerance of +/- 0.00025 inch and to finish shafts without needing to move them to multiple different work centers. The company, a manufacturer of custom precision gears and shafts, recently acquired a new Okuma LU4000 EX, a state-of-the-art shaft turning machine that is expected to greatly increase the company’s capabilities and capacity in shaft manufacturing. In addition to 4-axis movement, features of the machine are reported to include upper and lower turrets, a retractable tailstock, and a maximum 158.75mm diameter turning capacity.

“The goal was to find a machine that would enable us to make complete shafts with keyways, splines, holes, et cetera, in one operation,” said Steve Arthur, president and CEO of The Adams Company, in a press release. “The machine had to produce shafts fast while holding some rather tight tolerances. It was a tough challenge, but Okuma hit a home run with the LU4000 EX.”

The Okuma LU4000 EX offers 2 meter bed length, , live tooling and y-axis functionality, a self-centering chuck. It also offers balanced cutting, or “pinch turning,” which is said to not only reduce cycle times, but eliminate “chatter” during the machining process. The specialized workholding will allow The Adams Company to finish shafts completely without having to move them to multiple different work centers.

“The Hartwig team has worked closely with The Adams Company for several years, and we knew that addressing their shaft manufacturing was a big priority,” said Jay Montgomery, a sales engineer at Hartwig, Inc., the company representing Okuma, in the release. “We sat down with the team at The Adams Company and together we created an entire process, not just a machine tool. With the LU4000 EX machine, we proposed some unique features that allow them to take full advantage of their investment. The Adams Company will now have state-of-the-art shaft turning capabilities that will make them globally competitive in shaft manufacturing. It’s incredibly exciting to have truly world-class technology and manufacturing capabilities coming to Eastern Iowa. Their investment is a huge win for them and their customers.”

“Not only will this machine enable us to increase productivity with our current customers, but it also has opened the door for new opportunities,” added Arthur. “It will be an excellent addition to our current custom gear and shaft manufacturing capabilities.”