There are various companies worldwide that manufacture CNC machines, and each brand advertises its machines highlighting their primary strengths. However, there are very few companies whose CNC machines possess multiple strengths and have proven them to their customers over the years. Two such brands that have been able to keep their customers happy over several years with the top notch product lineup are Mazak and Okuma. They have excelled in the CNC machines industry with both well built and advanced features of CNC machines making both of them legacy brands in this market. But what if someone has to choose one among both of these? Let’s find that out.
Key differences between Mazak and Okuma:
Here are some of the major differences between the CNC machines of Mazak and Okuma:
- Company background and machine lineup:
- Mazak was founded in 1919 and has been selling CNC machines in international markets for several decades. The company is headquartered in Florence, Kentucky, USA. Mazak is known for their high speed and high precision CNC machines. One of their core philosophies is “Done in one” processing which helps to reduce lead time, increase accuracy, and boost overall productivity by eliminating the need for multiple setups. They build several types of CNC machines like Multi-tasking, 5-axis, vertical/horizontal mills, lathes, hybrid additive-subtractive machines, and grinders.
- Okuma is the largest CNC manufacturer in Japan and the world’s leading gantry machining center maker. The company was founded in 1898, originally to make noodle making machines and lathes. Their core business philosophy is “single source machines” which is about them making every single part of the machine like drives, controls, encoders, and servomotors in house. Their machines are popular in the market for being robust and having a long machining life. Their machine line up includes several types of machines like Multi-tasking, 5-axis, vertical/horizontal mills, lathes, double-column, wheel machines, and grinders.
- Design, performance, and precision:
- Mazak machines are engineered keeping speed and precision in mind, so their machines become very useful in high precision sectors like aerospace and automobiles. Their high speed spindles help in delivering products with superior surface finish. They have excellent multi axis capabilities with dual turrets. Their philosophy of everything in one setup also reduces the risk of human errors and brings an unmatched level of consistency in manufacturing.
- Okuma machines on the other hand are known for their structural integrity, high torque, and thermal stability. The thermo friendly concept of the Okuma CNC machines helps significantly enhance their long run accuracy. Collision avoidance and thermal compensation are their key capabilities and are also very important for tough industrial environments. Okuma machines are very flexible in material handling and their modular controls allow for tailored functionality based on the current need of production.
- Control system and functionality:
- Mazak has their own MAZATROL control system, which is well celebrated all around the world for its user-friendly UI and conversational programming features. The other features of the control system of Mazak CNC machines also include a 3D model display, touch screen interface, and customizable layouts. The control system also reduces the setup time by simplifying program creation and verification. The newer MAZATROL versions also allow for the direct import of 3D CAD models, bridging the gap between design and manufacturing.
- Okuma also has its own proprietary OSP series, which is popular for its open architecture, advanced intelligent technologies, and stability. As Okuma makes everything in house from its parts like motors and drives to the control system, the OSP provides a highly integrated and highly optimized system that helps in maximizing the potential of the CNC machine. The collision avoidance system of their machines uses 3D modeling to prevent crashes. The SERVONAVI feature of their control system helps in optimizing the feed axis, and spindle control parameters based on the workpiece weight and inertial mass. Okuma’s one touch IGF helps in simplifying part programming.
- Innovations and automation:
- Mazak is one of the leading CNC brands when it comes to technological innovations and smart factory integration. They are leading change makers when it comes to IoT integration and shop-floor connectivity. They offer different flexible automation solutions like bar feeders, robotic integration, automatic pallet changers, and multi axis synchronization.
- Okuma also includes automation in 5-axis and mill-turn machines. Their OSP control system supports automated operations very efficiently. Their Machining NAVI feature helps in optimizing the cutting conditions, reducing chatter, and increasing the tool life. Okuma works on robotics and automation but their main focus is on the longevity of machine life.
Which brand should you choose?
Now here are the main suggestions from our side about which brand between Mazak and Okuma, should you choose for your machining shop:
- Mazak:
- Choose Mazak if you need more automation.
- Choose Mazak if you need conversational programming features.
- Choose Mazak if you need multi tasking machines that reduce setup time.
- Okuma:
- Choose Okuma if you prioritize machining reliability.
- Choose Okuma if you need intelligent technologies for process automation.
- Choose Okuma if your daily machining work needs rigidity and heavy duty cutting.
Conclusion:
Both Mazak and Okuma are great CNC machine brands, that supply some top notch machines with superior features to their customers. But they have some different features which help them to cater to two different customer bases. So, if you have decided to buy from any one of these two brands then you can select one from our collection of used Mazak CNC machines and used Okuma CNC machines.
