2010 marks the 75th Anniversary of the formation of Matsuura Machinery Corporation - an anniversary marking many decades of technology leading machine tool excellence serving global manufacturers.

Along the way we have had our world firsts - the first true vertical CNC machine and the world's first leading simultaneous 5 axis machine - along with our renowned pioneering research & development work in High Speed Machining - research that led to Matsuura establishing itself as the first commercial producer of high speed spindles & HS CNC machine tools.

The past 75 years have seen three Presidents from the Matsuura family, starting with founder Toshio Matsuura, who after a long successful career building the company in Japan handed the reigns to his son Masanori who took Matsuura onto the global stage.

 Today's President is Masanori's son, Katsu Matsuura (pictured) who like his predecessors continuously drives the brand & company forward to new heights and achievements - particularly in the field of multi tasking unmanned technology with the advent of our CUBLEX Series of unmanned multi pallet 5 axis mill / turn machines.

Matsuura group companies all over the world will be marking this year with special local events - we hope where ever you are you can join us in 2010 to celebrate our past success & to embrace the next 75 years with the same attitude & vision as our companies founders all those decades ago.

 

Please take a few moments to view our company's history & milestones below.

1935 to 1956: A Man With A Dream

The late Toshio Matsuura launched Matsuura Machinery Corporation in 1935 as a subcontractor of lathe parts. Unfortunately, the original factory was completely destroyed by the Fukui earthquake of 1948 but Toshio Matsuura never lost his dream of producing first class, innovative machining centers.

1957 to 1973: Program Controlled Milling Machines

In 1957, Matsuura developed & manufactured their first milling machine, the FMC-60B. From this foundation the company soon progressed to produce the AS-60, a vertical program controlled machine which for its time achieved unparalleled levels of productivity. Matsuura's first numerically controlled vertical, the XT-40, was launched in 1964. This machine proved to be the forerunner of a new global era in technically advanced machining solutions from Matsuura.

1974 to 1982: Pioneers of the Vertical Machining Centre

During the 1970's, Matsuura focused its efforts on developing the concept of the Vertical Machine and in doing so, moved the technology on to levels previously unattained by other manufacturers.

In spite of the Oil & Dollar crisis of the seventies stifling growth in Japan,
Matsuura continued to invest heavily in R & D and in 1974 launched the world's first Vertical Machining Center. Within just two years of its launch, Matsuura had built upon this success by introducing the MC-1000VDC, a twin spindle vertical earning a formidable reputation for unrivalled productivity, and solidifying Matsuura's Global reputation as the pioneer of the Vertical Machining Center.

1983: Entry into the Horizontal Market

1983 was a very significant year for Matsuura, releasing our first Horizontal Machining Center. This machine took full advantage of the progress of NC controls while offering a full range of productivity increasing options, including multi-pallet systems, to satisfy the growing demand from industry for unmanned, high productivity production. The MC-600H set the 'accuracy, reliability & performance' benchmark for machines in its class, earning the respect & admiration of manufacturers & operatives throughout the world over.

1986: Pioneers of High Speed Machining & Spindles

The 1980's saw Matsuura's Research & Development Engineers attaining even greater heights in machining technology, with the advent of High Speed Machining. Matsuura's primary focus was on the development & manufacture of reliable high speed spindles, recognizing that substantial reductions in component cycle times, higher accuracy, the ability to cut materials in a pre-hardened state, reduce tooling costs, increase tooling life & achieve superior component surface finish were the benefits to be gained. The initial result of this development was the Matsuura MC-800VDC EX4, which had a maximum spindle speed of 75,000 min-1. Built as a special, the machine was used to test out all of the in-house developed HSM theories & associated technologies, ultimately resulting in the production and global launch of the ultra-high speed Matsuura FX Series. With global success following soon after, the name Matsuura very quickly became synonymous with excellence in High Speed Machining.

1995: New Concept – Simultaneous 5 Axis Machining

The 1990's saw increasing demands from industry for 5-axis, one set-up multi-pallet machines with the ability to run unmanned, non-stop for long periods of time. To this end, Matsuura developed and introduced the MAM-72 Series, offering unparalleled levels of productivity, versatility and accuracy in a compact machine size. The ability of the MAM-72 Series to machine a complete component in one set-up dramatically reduces customer cycle times – in one case by 70% for a UK customer working in aerospace. Reduced set-up times, work-in-progress, inspection, order-to-despatch times, etc are among the many benefits to be gained from this machine.

To this day, the Matsuura MAM-72 Series remain in a class of their own & has been the clear Market leader for 5 axis machines in its class for a decade.

1998: Ultra High Speed Linear Motor Machines

Continued innovation, research & development and the utilization of new advances in materials and technology led Matsuura to launch of the LX-1 - Matsuura's first linear motor machine in 1998. All axes on the LX-1 are linear motor driven, providing very fast traverse speeds with high Acceleration / deceleration while virtually eliminating backlash stubs caused by conventional motors / ballscrew when reversing direction.
This ultra high speed, high accuracy machine has a maximum spindle speed of 80,000 min-1 and traverse rates of 90 m/min.

High Performance Machines: V.Max & H.Max Series

In pursuit of ever higher levels of productivity and performance, Matsuura developed the horizontal H.Max-500 and vertical V.Max-800 machines.

These ultra reliable, high speed & high accuracy machining centers are meeting the demands of today's producers of highly technical, close tolerance components.

2001: H.Plus Series, LX-0 & Laser Technology

2001 heralded the launch of the first machines in Matsuura's highly acclaimed H.Plus Series. These cost effective machines maintained all the positive characteristics associated with Matsuura - high speed, high accuracy & superb reliability. The H.Plus-300, H.Plus-300A (designed specifically for in-line production) & the H.Plus-405 offer volume producers a top-line solution at extremely affordable prices. Also in this year, Matsuura released its second linear motor machine, the LX-0.

The spirit of innovation continued in 2001 with Matsuura entering into a project partnership with the Fukui Industrial & Technology Center & Fukui University to research new laser machining technology, utilising a range of ultra-violet rays called third higher harmonics. Already the benefits of this partnership have resulted in the achievement of high accuracy machining of electrical components.

2002: New Technology Verticals, H.Plus-630 & Laser Milling Hybrids

2002 saw many technological advances in Matsuura's Product Range. Two new verticals were launched – the V.Plus-800 & the R.Plus-800 offering the latest technology from Matsuura & achieving previously unattainable levels of productivity vs cost performance.

Adding to & completing our World renowned, cost effective & highly acclaimed H.Plus Series of Horizontals, the H.Plus-630 was launched internationally. Matsuura's product development ethos made our R & D Department branch out into new areas of machining excellence, with research into a hybrid Laser / Milling machine. A revolutionary prototype was manufactured in collaboration with Matsushita Electric Works Ltd.

2003/04: 5 Axis Advances – MAM72 Series

In 2003 our linear motor range of machines – the LX Series, was developed into a 5 axis configuration with the introduction of the LX0-5AX. The LX0-5AX is set to usher in a new era of ultra high speed "one hit" machining of complex components. Our established range of 5 axis machines & the clear market leader for a decade - the MAM72 series, also had an addition in 2003 with the introduction of the MAM72-63V, designed for the manufacture of large, tolerance critical components. The range was added to further in 2004 with the much awaited MAM72-25V, a compact, cost effective 5 axis machine.

2005: New BT50 Horizontal, Mill Turn Grind & New 10 Pallet 5 Axis

At EMO Hanover Matsuura unveiled its new H.Plus-500, a twin pallet horizontal with a BT50 Matsuura Hi-Tech Spindle.Incorporating all the renowned attributes of the highly acclaimed H.Plus Series, the H.Plus-500 completes the line up of Matsuura’s world beating Horizontal Series.

Also at EMO, Matsuura unveiled a new concept machine – the CUBLEX 25. Now under test at a leading Japanese company, this advanced CNC machine is capable of Mill / Turn / Grind in a simultaneous 5 Axis format. Our MAM72 Series also had an addition in 2005 – the 10 Pallet MAM72-25V PC10. Matsuura have already placed a number of these outstanding machines to UK Aerospace, Motorsport & Precision Subcontracting Companies.

2006: New 5 Axis, New Mill Turn Grind Multi Pallet

Completing our MAM72 Series of simultaneous 5 axis machines, now offering a high quality solution for any size of component, Matsuura introduced the MAM72-42V. The MAM72 Series is now enjoying its 12th year of continual leading market position for 5 axis machines in their class.

Also new to 2006 is the introduction of the CUBLEX-25 10 pallet machine, delivering a true 5 axis multi-tasking machine capable of milling, turning & grinding. The addition of the 10 pallet variant introduces long periods of unmanned running that is a standard feature on Matsuura's 5 Axis & Horizontal Series of machines. Gibbs and Associates, developer of GibbsCAM®, computer-aided manufacturing software for programming CNC machine tools, and Matsuura Machinery Corporation, have collaborated to develop a version of GibbsCAM which supports Matsuura’s new CUBLEX-25 Series. As a result from this collaboration, GibbsCAM will be able to provide Matsuura customers a factory-approved post processor and machine simulation model that is specific for the CUBLEX-25 allowing them to put their investment immediately into production.

2007: All new H.Plus-300 and new generic product logo – MAXIA

2008: The large capacity multi pallet 5 axis machine the MAM72-63V also underwent a complete re-design in 2008, incorporating the very latest Matsuura CNC processing technology. Already established as a formidable, reliable & versatile workhorse for many companies globally, the new incarnation of the MAM72-63V is guaranteed to follow in its predecessors footsteps.

2007 saw the release of the all new H.Plus-300 from our globally acclaimed horizontal series. Redesigned from the ground up, this new incarnation of a firm favourite across a wide spectrum of industries offers faster rapids, a larger working envelope & a new array of productivity enhancing options – including unique space saving vertical pallet stockers.

2007 also heralded the advent of a new generic machine logo across our entire product range with the introduction of MAXIA. Capturing the spirit of over 70 years of CNC innovation & excellence, the MAXIA Marque portrays Matsuura’s on going & continual commitment to our prestigious heritage & our future aims.

2008: New Unnmanned Multi Tasking Solutions. New Incarnations: H.Plus-405 / MAM72-63V

2008 bought about some dynamic new products containing state of the art technology to meet our customers demand for unammend multi tasking CNC processing. The CUBLEX-42 5 axis multi tasking machine was introduced to an eager market to fulfil the growing global requirement to mill & turn large complex components in one loading.

2008: The world renowned H.Plus-405 horizontal underwent a complete re-design from the ground up in 2008, re-affirming its place as the very best in class 500mm pallet horizontal currently on the market.

2009: CUBLEX Multi Tasking Advances

This turbulent year for the world economy & the rapid global market readjustments have not stopped Matsuura’s prestigious R & D department moving forward with the new CUBLEX technologies introduced over the previous 2 years. Joining the highly successful CUBLEX-25 & the renowned CUBLEX-42 the immense capacity CUBLEX-63 joined the ranks of outstanding multi pallet, multi tasking machine tools in our portfolio. Matsuura’s respected place at the forefront of unmanned production technology has been further enhanced with the advent of CUBLEX-63 – completing the ranges product line up.

2009 also saw the launch of Matsuura’s largest vertical machining centres to date – the massive capacity V.Plus-1500 & the cavernous V.Plus-2000

In Fukui at Matsuura’s main plant our very own 96 pallet production cell also came fully on stream – incorporating Matsuura 5 axis machines & 4 axis horizontals – all fed by Fanuc robots & running completely unmanned producing Matsuura components for machines across our entire range.

2010: Matsuura Anniversary - 75 Years of Machine Tool Excellence

2010 heralded the 75th anniversary of Matsuura Machinery Corporation's founding. As you can see from our history & milestones above the previous seven & a half decades have seen the name Matsuura become synonymous with the worlds finest machine tools & metal cutting performance.

 

 

"Our cycle times are 30 – 40% quicker than previously achieved "

[Andy Short - Engineering Manager Alfa Laval]