So how do you really change things and make them better? You just keep reinventing the wheel.

While the world may be experiencing turbulent times and economic uncertainties – even in Japan – one thing is clear – manufacturing must go on because people will always need things that require them to be manufactured.

As manufacturing moves toward greater automation, more digitalisation, tighter tolerances and further done-in-one processing, the 32nd Japan International Machine Tool Fair (JIMTOF) 2024 showcased a wide range of innovations that are shaping the future of production processes. Naturally, these processes are all becoming more and more integratable – it will just depend on your vision and budget as to how you choose to run your machine shop in order for you to be able to realise the most benefits for your products and processes.

JIMTOF 2024, held from 5 to 10 November 2024 at Tokyo Big Sight International Exhibition Center in Tokyo, attracted a record number of 129 000 visitors from all over the world

The Japanese machine tool manufacturing industry and its related fields are arguably one of the oldest in the world and with a rich history steeped in attention to detail, grounded in the basics of metalworking practices, JIMTOF 2024, held from Tuesday, November 5 to Sunday, November 10, at Tokyo Big Sight International Exhibition Center in Tokyo, Japan, further cemented this reputation by breaking records in respect of the number of attendees that visited, number of exhibitors that exhibited and overall exhibition space utilised over the period.

A number of these companies have made substantial contributions to the development of precision manufacturing machinery and continue to play pivotal roles in the global market, shaping the future of our industry. Their century-long histories reflect Japan’s reputation for excellence in manufacturing and innovation in the machine tool industry. JIMTOF 2024 saw just short of 130 000 people visit the much-anticipated exhibition.

Several dignitaries and members of the press attended the opening ceremony of JIMTOF 2024, the 32nd edition of the exhibition, including Dr Yoshiharu Inaba, Chairman of Japan Machine Tool Builders’ Association and Chairman FANUC Corporation

JIMTOF though is synonymous with being a platform where the world’s leading manufacturers – not just the Japanese – showcase their latest cutting-edge technologies and this year was no different with a large number of new machines being launched as well as various advancements in automation and software technologies to accompany this. The only real disadvantage however is that it may take some time, even several years in some cases, before these manufacturers are able to supply these updated technologies to the general market as often full-scale manufacturing will only just have begun. However, one thing is certain, the demand for the latest CNC machine tools and related processing equipment is alive and well. So don’t be surprised if you can’t place your order for your preferred brand just yet.

A further upside though is that these manufacturers are continuously aiming to solve the problems that their customers have and manufacture technologies to meet these needs. These may include simple needs like increased speeds and tighter tolerances, but they are also catering to those that require multi-axis, multi-turret, multi-workholding machines capable of processing a wide variety of complex components with little to no human oversight.

JIMTOF 2024 provided a comprehensive look at the technologies that will drive the next generation of manufacturing. From digital twins and automation to AI and collaborative robotics, the event showcased how smart manufacturing is now a reality for manufacturers worldwide such as this Mitutoyo MiBOT e-system, a measurement labour-saving package

Some manufacturers were even showcasing machines that are able to maintain themselves on certain levels – although not brand-new technology per se – it demonstrates thinking out of the box and anticipating needs as it also lends toward more machine/job card specific customisation that customers might seek from their machines when manufacturing a component for a unique product.

For example, something as simple as adding automation to adjusting the conductivity piece on a EDM machine that can be monitored remotely while running a job means that somebody doesn’t have to go into the shop over the weekend to do this manually. Incorporate to that CMM technology and remote camera monitoring with good AI tracking of jobs processed and you may as well be there, even though you’re not and at home or even on holiday checking in on operations.

While all these developments are exciting and we will have to embrace them – updated technology really does equate to faster and better manufacturing – the human element will always remain. It doesn’t matter where you are from or what job title you hold, if you possess a passion for manufacturing, its benefits are now boundless, only limited by your or your customer’s thinking.

A number of large format machines were on display and Makino showed off an instrument panel that took an astonishing 390 hours, or 16 days, to machine on their V900 3-axis vertical machining center. The machine is designed for machining large moulds and it performed this task to an accuracy of ±10μm

“The machine is expensive – why is it not running?” Additional new technology includes machines capable of integrated part scheduling (via software) to reduce the waste associated with material not being used optimally. For example, with bar feeding, the software will now optimise the use of the bar and prioritise use of that raw material for specific jobs so as to leave as little waste as possible. This is both good for the environment as well as your bottom line. Sure, this may not always be optimal for completing certain jobs with short lead times, but this may well suit a shop that has capacity for storage knowing a repeat customer will at some stage need that component.

Another common theme with new machine launches at JIMTOF 2024 from all the big manufacturers like Mazak, FANUC, Nakamura-Tome, Kitamura, Okuma, Sodick, Amada and others was that all these new machines have an increasingly more compact footprint on the shop floor enabling for their installations into smaller spaces, if required. This has the ability to create opportunities for niche manufacturers operating out of compact shops as well as someone just looking to get started before scaling up. Contrasted to this, many large format machines were also on display arguably possessing similar capabilities to their smaller, more compact counterparts, just on a much larger scale. This reflects the industry-wide trend of manufacturing and processing larger components for markets like the electric vehicle industry where the trend is to manufacture these vehicles with fewer parts ranging from the underbody to the dashboard.

Shibaura Machine Company’s horizontal boring machine, BTH-150.R35, has a 150mm spindle diameter and 4 000mm X stroke (with optional 6 000mm), this machine can handle the intricate milling and boring required to produce large, highly complex parts with pinpoint precision and was one of a number or large format machines on display

These machines – large and compact – are becoming more versatile in the processes they can perform and they mostly all feature adaptability in terms of adding peripheral equipment, internally in respect of measuring equipment, artificial intelligence-driven camera technology and other enhanced software for predictive maintenance, and externally for easily allowing for the construction of machine cells to better automate your operations and reduce reliance on machine operators and handlers, all the while reducing machine idle time. Couple this with better energy efficiencies and the industry really is doing what is at present possible for the environment. Job shops in particular will quickly realise the benefits of such new machines.

Take the Nakamura-Tome NT Flex for example – a compact CNC lathe that is a two-spindle, two-turret precision CNC multitasking lathe. Standardly equipped with milling and Y-axis capabilities on the upper turret, accommodating 48 tools as standard but 96 tools when quadruple tool holders are set up, this lathe ensures the completion of a number of processes, including turning, milling, and gear machining enabling it to process a huge number of different components.

That is the future: hybrid machines machining operations that run 24/7, seven days a week. Milling, turning, tapping, boring, finishing and measuring complex operations at the touch of a button, all on one machine. A future that prioritises flexibility, speed, precision, and cost-efficiency – a reflection of the industry’s increasing emphasis on smart manufacturing.

Another large format machine on display was Okuma’s MCR-S. It is a high-speed, high-quality double column machining center that roughs and finishes press dies in one setup and is designed for heavy duty machining of process-intensive press dies. The rigid spindle delivers 5-face and 5-axis cutting on a thermally stable machine that provides efficient and accurate machining of large components

Digital twin technology: A game changer in manufacturing
While not new technology, one of the most compelling themes at JIMTOF 2024 was the growing adoption of digital twin technology. A digital twin is a virtual replica of a physical machine or production system, used for simulation, monitoring, and optimisation. As the manufacturing industry embraces digital transformation, digital twins are becoming essential tools for improving efficiency, reducing downtime, and enabling predictive maintenance.

FANUC for example have used this type of technology in their product lineup since 2017. Their FIELD system (FANUC Intelligent Edge Link and Drive), which uses cloud-based analytics to simulate and track machine performance, last year received a revamp and by creating a digital twin of a machine, operators can predict when components are likely to fail and schedule maintenance accordingly, reducing unplanned downtime and extending the lifespan of the equipment.

Mazak’s iSMART Factory system drew crowds as it showcased digital twin technology to create a virtual model of an entire production line. This allows manufacturers to optimise workflows, identify bottlenecks, and test different production scenarios without disrupting actual operations. The ability to simulate production environments in a virtual space enables manufacturers to test out configurations and strategies before committing to physical changes, reducing both time and costs.

Daniel Kolbar, Minister and Head of the Economic and Trade Mission, Embassy of Israel in Japan, and Ilan Geri, CEO, Iscar

Digital twin technology is also being used to optimise machining processes. CMMs can now be easily integrated with digital twins to provide real-time feedback on part dimensions. This data can be used to adjust machine settings and improve part quality, all while the machine continues running. The virtual representation of production data enables manufacturers to fine-tune their operations continuously, improving both quality and throughput.

When you have the ability to visualise entire production systems through digital twins you are enabled to make data-driven decisions on everything from resource allocation to machine scheduling. It is clear that as digital twin technology continues to mature, it will become a critical tool in the optimisation of not just individual machines, but entire production facilities, virtually eliminating the chance of human error.

Automation continues to be one of the most transformative forces in the manufacturing industry, and JIMTOF 2024 highlighted how advanced robotics, AI, and automated production systems are reshaping the landscape. Automation is increasingly seen as essential for improving productivity, reducing human error, and enabling manufacturers to respond to shifting market demands more quickly. This includes end-to-end automation and the automation of entire production lines.

Yukio Nakatani, Assistant Manager, Sales, Kitamura Machinery, Dr. Akihiro Kitamura, President and CEO, Kitamura Machinery and Graeme Cooper, Managing Director, WD Hearn Machine Tools

Myles Crosthwaite and Johan Neveling, both of WD Hearn Machine Tools, Ted Asano, Executive Director Sales, Kitamura Machinery and Mike Umeno, Executive Director, Kitamura Machinery

Myles Crosthwaite and Johan Neveling, both of WD Hearn Machine Tools with Arnold Chipadza of Nakamura-Tome in the middle

Graeme Cooper, Managing Director, WD Hearn Machine Tools and Shogo Nakamura, CEO of Nakamura-Tome

Marc Mahl, Managing Director, FANUC South Africa and Masato Yamamura, Vice General Manager Service Division FANUC

Kenji Yamaguchi, President and CEO FANUC and Marc Mahl, Managing Director, FANUC South Africa

These end-to-end solutions are designed to handle every aspect of the manufacturing process, from material handling and machining to assembly and quality control. This technology can also be used in heavy-duty applications such as welding and assembly, working seamlessly with CNC machines and automated inspection systems to create a fully integrated production line. Other systems have been designed to improve flexibility and scalability, with some featuring advanced AI capabilities that allow them to adapt to changes in the production process in real time. These systems can be integrated into a wide range of manufacturing environments, from high-volume automotive production to smaller-scale, customised orders.

The unrelenting rise of Collaborative Robots (Cobots) continues as they state their claim as reliable, intuitive and highly capable tools. Their flexibility and ability to adapt to different tasks along the production line remains one of their core strengths as they become increasingly quick and easy to programme. Their abilities are becoming limitless. Couple this with AI and machine learning software that are playing a growing role here, allowing systems to become more adaptive by self-learning and optimising performance in real-time and adjusting parameters based on data collected from sensors, and you have a formidable tool at your disposal. These systems learn from previous machine settings and production outcomes, gradually improving performance without human intervention.

Invited international journalists attended a press conference for overseas media where many insights, trends and the general trajectory of our industry is headed, not just in Japan, but worldwide, were discussed. From left to right, Mr Kazuharu Iwase Executive Vice President and CEO, Tokyo Big Sight, Mr Kazuo Yuhara, President Japan Machine Tool Buildersʼ Association, Dr Yoshiharu Inaba, Chairman of Japan Machine Tool Builders’ Association and Chairman FANUC Corporation, Katsutoshi Matsuura, President of Matsuura Machinery Corporation and Director of Japan Machine Tool Builders’ Association, and Mr Tsuneyuki Ishii, Chairman of International Committee, JMTBA and President of Okamoto Machine Tool Works

Graeme Cooper WD Hearn Machine Tools’ Managing Director had the following to say about JIMTOF 2024: “It was very interesting to see how many machine tool builders have invested into lights out machining and various automation systems. Plug and play field expandable systems in field, has now really matured and is a viable option not just for the elite machine shops.”

“I also found great interest in the release of the next generation control systems, it was my first introduction to the next generation Fanuc control. We have seen it from Mitsubishi recently with the 80 series control – which is on the back end of many Japanese machine tool builders – such as Mazak and Kitamura and Okuma. The control systems coupled with windows based CPUs allow the machine builder to easily add their own front end, making same generation controls look very different form each other. We have recently seen it with the Siemens ONE control, and at JIMTOF we were introduced to the new generation Fanuc controls which will start replacing the Oi Plus range.”

“From our perspective spending time with Kitamura and with Nakamura-Tome was invaluable, and the personal attention that we receive from the owners of the companies really makes us feel part of the family. This warm relationship, coupled with some of the most sophisticated machines on the market, coupled with a very weak Japanese Yen, makes me think the time for buying Japanese machines has never been more attractive. Next year will see big investment from WD Hearn into Japanese products,” said Cooper.

A marvel of engineering, Tokyo’s Rainbow Bridge linking Odaiba and Shibaura Pier, the colourful bridge and its light displays have become a major tourist attraction

The future of manufacturing and beyond
JIMTOF 2024 provided a comprehensive look at the technologies that will drive the next generation of manufacturing. From digital twins and automation to AI and collaborative robotics, the event showcased how smart manufacturing is now a reality for manufacturers worldwide.

The integration of smart manufacturing solutions is expected to reduce lead times, lower production costs, and increase flexibility, as well as help to alleviate the skills shortages associated with less capable CNC machining and programming. As digital twins and AI-powered automation continue to evolve, manufacturers will have the ability to optimise their production processes in ways that were previously unimaginable. Some manufacturers are even building machines that they’re not even sure what their customers might use them for – an element of our industry that excites the youth as they have grown up using easily modified smartphones.

Save the date, JIMTOF 2026 will take place from 26 to 31 October 2026 at Tokyo Big Sight International Exhibition Center in Tokyo, Japan

With the increased adoption of these technologies, JIMTOF 2024 demonstrated that the future of manufacturing is not just about increasing efficiency – it’s about creating smarter, more adaptive systems that can respond to the dynamic needs of the global market providing a clear roadmap for the future of manufacturing.

A special thank you must go to Keiko Honda of the JMTBA – Japan Machine Tool Builders’ Association – for her hospitality and hosting of Metalworking News at JIMTOF 2024. Arigatō.

JIMTOF remains one of the most highly regarded international machine tool exhibitions that provides a vast array of new technologies as well as conferences talking about the innovative products showcased.

For further details visit www.jimtof.org/en