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DMG Mori vs Okuma – Which CNC brand is better?

DMG Mori and Okuma, two CNC brands that need no introduction. They are known to every machining enthusiast due to their top-notch machines and exceptional after-sales services, which have been winning the hearts of their customers for decades. Both of these brands have focused on customer satisfaction at the topmost level, and they have built their brand value by making strong, durable CNC machines while never falling behind in adapting to the most recent technological innovations. They are both at the top of the industry, but have distinct approaches to what a perfect CNC machine looks like, leading to a different customer base. So, which one among them is the best for your business?

What are the key differences between the CNC machines of DMG Mori and Okuma?

Here’s a detailed analysis of the major differences between the CNC machines of DMG Mori and Okuma:

1. Brand philosophy and machines

DMG Mori is a brand born out of the merger of two brands, DMG (Deckel Maho Gildemeister) of Germany and Mori Seiki of Japan. Both of these brands carried their specialty of super fast tech advancements of DMG and super rigid build structures of Mori Seiki, and together they formed one of the finest CNC brands in the world. They have a huge portfolio of machines with 20+ series of lathes, mills, and advanced turning-milling machines, with most of their new machines having advanced technologies like ultrasonic assisted cutting.
This is a Japanese CNC brand founded in the year of 1918. They have gained their popularity due to the “one source” philosophy, which means that every single part of the machine is made at their factories. They don’t outsource manufacturing and do it all in-house to have more control over the quality of the CNC machine. Their main aim is to make reliable machines to get “customers for life”. They have a comprehensive lineup of products like CNC lathes, turning centers, vertical/horizontal/gantry machining centers, hybrid machines, and grinders.

2. Control and software

DMG Mori machines often feature two types of control systems, one is FANUC and the other is SIEMENS, but they can also feature the control system of Heindenhain. The best thing is that all these systems are widely used in the market, so your operators will be familiar with them. They also promote their proprietary CELOS platform, which has features like advanced tool path optimization and precision monitoring, and has a very user friendly interface. It comes with features like shop floor management, digitization, process documentation, and order management in a smart factory environment.
Okuma CNC machines, on the other hand, only feature their proprietary control system known as OSP(Okuma Smart Performance) control. Their control system is known for reliability and user friendliness. But if you are getting Okuma machines for the first time, then operators will need time to get comfortable with OSP. OSP has its benefits, like advanced thermal compensation features, collision avoidance, Machining Navi, and the open architecture design.

3. Precision, performance, and reliability

DMG Mori CNC machines are widely celebrated for their precision and reliability. They have robust cast frames, mineral castings, and advanced cooling systems, which ensure thermal stability during machining. They can bring micron level accuracy in machining, with tight tolerances, especially in their high speed and 5 axis CNC machines. Their modern machines feature high speed spindles, which makes them suitable for high precision and high volume machining works.
Okuma is also great when it comes to precision machining and accuracy. They are mostly renowned for their robust and heavy iron construction. The robustness of their CNC machines helps in vibration damping and long term stability. Their predictive maintenance features also help in reducing down time and delivering great performance. They have high cutting efficiency due to optimized cutting conditions made by features like Machining Navi. Their thermo friendly concept is also great as it continuously compensates for thermal deformation.

4. Cost and service considerations

DMG Mori CNC machines are positioned at the higher end of the CNC market. All their machines come under the premium price segment. The high tech advancements available in their machines, added to the robustness of the structure and precision machining, justify the premium price tags on their machines. They also have a very widespread support network that helps their customers with different kinds of after-sales services. But maintenance for the high end machines can be costly.
Okuma is also a premium brand, but they try to optimize their machines for better return on investment through long machining life, reliability, and consistent performance. Their philosophy of “customer for life” shapes their service system. They have a strong distributor and service network, and are celebrated for servicing their CNC machines over the whole lifespan, including providing parts for their old machines.

Application suitability of the CNC machines of DMG Mori and Okuma:

Here’s a detailed chart about the suitability of the machine of DMG Mori and Okuma:

Need	DMG Mori	Okuma
High-precision, complex parts	Excellent (esp. aerospace, medical, mold)	Excellent (aerospace, automotive, medical, general engg.)
High-volume production	Strong, with advanced automation	Strong, with robust automation and reliability
Large workpieces	Somewhat limited in compact models	Wide range, including large gantry and double-column models
Ease of integration	May require workflow/software adaptation	Seamless, especially if using OSP-P controls
Operator skill requirement	Higher for advanced features	Lower, thanks to user-friendly controls

Conclusion:

Both brands are renowned and well celebrated. Their machines are advanced, rigid, robust, can do high precision machining works, and are the most premium priced machines. So, to choose the right one between them, you will have to go with the features of any particular machine. Now, if you want to check their CNC machines, then check out our collection of used DMG Mori CNC machines and used Okuma CNC machines.