ODIN Engineering drives optimisation with new CNC milling machine

ODIN Engineering continuously invests in new, quality equipment and in-service training, thereby helping make the development of business-critical custom machinery more efficient for our customers.

We have just invested in a new CNC milling machine with four axis — OKUMA, whose new features double our production rate. Our employees simultaneously get in-service training and an opportunity to develop their skills in the operation of new high-tech equipment.

The new CNC milling machine that has just been put into service will replace two smaller three-axis milling machines that have been in operation at the machine factory for more than 20 years.

Several of ODIN Engineering’s older machines used in spare parts production are reliable, durable and can easily run stably for many years. But for the employees on the production floor, the new CNC milling machine OKUMA means yet another new machine that is faster and has many new features. The CEO of ODIN Engineering, Mads S. Rasmussen, explains:

“We find it important to keep up with the technological development and to continuously invest in new machinery in order to safeguard both our craftsmanship and the optimisation of our equipment. We live off developing business-critical custom machinery for our customers, and spare parts production for custom machinery requires the right quality equipment and skills,” says Mads S. Rasmussen and continues:

“The older CNC processing machines are more time-consuming and are operated manually. Newer CNC machines like OKUMA are more user-friendly to operate, have higher RPM and offer more inside and outside cooling options for the tools. Our new machine also offers air cooling.”

New features and faster spare parts production for custom machinery

The new CNC milling machine OKUMA is used for the manufacture of spare parts included in ODIN Engineering’s deliveries of business-critical custom machinery.

“The better user-friendliness of the new equipment and the higher integration of the software with our design systems makes our employees faster, while an extension that keeps all the tools ready, eliminating the need for preparing and measuring them, makes our processes much faster. We plan to keep more than 250 tools lying ready so we can bring our setup time to almost 0. The tool chain runs with a standard range of 32 tools, which we change according to requirement and task from the cabinets where we keep the remaining tools,” says ODIN Engineering’s COO Martin Christensen.
He further explains that the new CNC milling machine OKUMA has several features that enable the employees at the machine factory to mill more parts faster and with greater precision:

“You can compare it with a new and an old coffee maker. They can both brew coffee, but the old one will require more preparation and will be able to only brew one type of coffee, whereas a new coffee maker is automated, faster and easier to use and offers more programs and settings,” he says and continues:

“Similarly, our CNC-operated milling machine OKUMA offers more options, while demanding less preparation and setup. We only have to feed the workpiece into the middle of the machine and load the program, and then we only have to press the green button.”

With its efficiency and speed, OKUMA offers higher production flexibility for the benefit of customers:

“Things are faster with the new machine. OKUMA is five times as fast, so we expect our production rate to double. And once we can machine faster, we can also help our customers faster. This gives us more time to work on the design of more complex workpieces, while giving us the chance to raise the quality of delivery of finished products.”

Competence development and training in the operation of the new CNC milling machine

ODIN is committed to the continuous development of employee skills. As a rule, more employees are therefore sent to training and specialisation courses in the use of new machinery, but also in general.

“New, up-to-date equipment generates new challenges for our employees and helps them develop their skills. The opportunity to perfect their skills in the use of new equipment adds great value and job satisfaction to our employees. We also find that it is more attractive for apprentices when the apprenticeship is updated on the new technologies and machines,” says Martin Christensen.

Production Manager Jesper Lundby, who is responsible for the day-to-day operations in the workshop, has together with three industrial technicians just attended a course at the supplier Flextek in Hedensted.

“We consider it important for our employees to properly get to know the machine’s operating systems so that they are familiar with the use from day one and can thereby fully take advantage of any new opportunities,” says Martin Christensen.