Makino Logo CTA
decorative wave

Unique Makino: Part 1

Our unique manufacturing process

"Quality first" has been our backbone since Tsunezo Makino coined this motto. Quality is not just about the Makino machines; “Quality first” applies to our products, services and employees with the objective of gaining the trust of users, sellers and manufacturers.

Philosophy

Makino is different from other machine tool builders in its construction approach and manufacturing philosophy. This difference is very noticeable when you visit one of the production facilities. Through this approach the quality Makino is known for is transferred to its products. Makino’s unique manufacturing process is structured and constantly refined to create the quality and value Makino is renowned for. Makino’s management personnel invest a great amount of time, effort and resources into creating a workflow that is more efficient and flexible than any of its competitors. As a result, such flexibility permits Makino to quickly customise each machine tool order and allow for different configurations.

 MT_Atsugi_d301.jpg

MT_Katsuyama_d337.jpg

The Process

When you look at the assembly floor, you then know you are seeing something unique. At Makino you will not see hundreds of the same machines lined up in assembly line fashion. Instead, you will see a variety of machines with different options being added. You will see machines being built from the ground up, each in its own localised area with strict attention paid to detail, accuracy and quality. The parts are brought to the assembly area in line with a very strict schedule to reduce time and minimise any unnecessary movements of the assembler. This process is unbelievably productive without sacrificing attention to detail and accuracy.

Personnel

When you visit a Makino factory you will see very many machines, with each one built by a highly skilled assembler. Makino machines are hand-built. Building a Makino is considered to be a craft, something not normally found among machine tool builders. Makino assemblers are proud of their work. Everything is protected and polished and their tools are properly positioned.

 MT_Atsugi_D323.jpg

Quality

Makino gives its skilled employees the best parts and elements to maintain the quality of the machines.  A lot of attention is paid to restricting thermal growth in every machine built at all Makino’s manufacturing facilities. Spindles are assembled in a dedicated isolated area to prevent any contamination of the core of the spindle and the cooling channels.

Makino is widely recognised for its ability to control heat and thermal growth during a machine's operation. This is just another reason why Makino machines are stable, sound and very precise.
 

MT_Kobe.jpg

Digitalisation

As part of the Makino digital transformation, new state-of-the-art technologies are being applied to the factory. Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) capabilities are increasing productivity and connectivity between the systems. All technologies that are later on rolled out to customers are first proven in our own production and then tested at our technical school.