ORBITRON has primarily focused its research and development on automobiles and motorcycles. However, we don't just look at vehicles. Observing the environment in which machines operate, aligning conditions, and verifying differences are also part of our development process.
The product used this time is not a commercial vehicle product, but a prototype being developed for application in machine tools.
Rather than presenting conclusions as an advertisement for a finished product, we are releasing the conditions and video as a comparative test during the development phase.
Developing ORBITRON for Machine Tools
Could the research on ORBITRON accumulated in the vehicle sector be applied to machine tools? From this question, we conducted a comparative test using a lathe.
In machine tools, multiple factors change simultaneously, such as machining noise, vibration, chips, machined surface, and tool condition. Therefore, instead of asserting the effect from a single observation, it is necessary to first compare under the same conditions and then organize what should be measured next.
Current Test Conditions
| Product Used | ORBITRON for machine tools (under development) |
|---|---|
| Machine Used | Lathe |
| Work Material | A2025 Aluminum (Notation based on records at the time of video release) |
| Spindle Speed | 450 rpm |
| Feed Rate | 0.1 mm |
| Test Objective | To compare machining conditions before and after using the prototype and organize the next measurement items |
Test Video
Watch the test video on YouTube
What We Wanted to Confirm with the Comparison
In this video, we compare machining before and after using the prototype. The observation targets are as follows:
- Sound and machine movement during machining
- Conditions during cutting
- Chip formation
- Appearance of the machined surface
However, we cannot conclude that "cutting resistance decreased," "machining accuracy improved," or "tool life extended" based solely on the impression from the video and sound. This video is a development record for forming hypotheses and proceeding to the next measurements.
What Can and Cannot Be Said at This Point
What can be said is that comparative machining was performed under the disclosed conditions, and the process was recorded as a video. On the other hand, it cannot be said that this single test will yield the same results for all lathes, materials, tools, and machining conditions.
Machining results are also affected by machine rigidity, tools, cutting edge conditions, materials, depth of cut, temperature, fixing methods, and more. That is precisely why we do not stop at subjective feeling but continue to verify by increasing conditions and measurement methods.
Items to Be Verified Quantitatively in the Future
- Surface roughness of the machined surface
- Dimensional accuracy after machining
- Spindle motor current value and power consumption
- Vibration value during machining
- Frequency and sound pressure of machining noise
- Progression of tool wear
- Reproducibility when repeated under consistent conditions
By converting each into a measurable form, we can organize what changes and what does not.
Vehicle Research vs. Machine Tool Testing
The concepts cultivated in ORBITRON for vehicles cannot be directly applied as results for machine tools. This is because the targets and evaluation methods differ.
Nevertheless, the approach of comparing under consistent conditions and separately recording user impressions and measured values is common. The background of our continuous development in the vehicle sector is introduced in Over 10 Years of Pursuing "Driving Quality" That Cannot Be Expressed by Numbers Alone.
Currently in Development Phase
This ORBITRON for machine tools is a prototype under development and is not currently available for general sale. Specifications, shapes, and evaluation methods may change based on future tests.
Our research and development philosophy can be found on the Research and Development page, and the background of our technology on the Technology page. For commercial vehicle products, please see the ORBITRON General Information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I purchase this ORBITRON for machine tools?
It is currently in the development phase and not available for general sale.
Is it the same product as ORBITRON for vehicles?
No. The product used this time is a prototype being developed for application in machine tools.
Will the same changes seen in the video occur with other lathes?
It cannot be definitively stated at this point. The results vary depending on the machine, material, tool, and machining conditions, so measurement and reproducibility tests are necessary.
Test Information
- Test Positioning
- This is a comparative test using ORBITRON for machine tools under development.
- Conditions
- Lathe, A2025 aluminum, spindle speed 450 rpm, feed rate 0.1 mm. Material name is based on records at the time of video release.
- Recording Method
- Machining conditions before and after use were recorded on video.
- Limitations
- This is an observation under single conditions, and quantitative measurements such as surface roughness, dimensional accuracy, current, vibration, and tool wear are not included in the scope of this article. It does not guarantee performance improvement or reproducibility under other conditions.
- Source
- Comparative test of ORBITRON for machine tools on a lathe
- Author
- Rikyu Kanemitsu (CEO, Next Science Inc.)
For inquiries regarding products under development, please contact us via the Contact page.