TechSolve and Cincinnati Machine, a Division of UNOVA Inc. Awarded Their Largest Ever State Technology Grant To Develop Ultra High Speed Machining Platform
CINCINNATI--Feb. 15, 2001--Funding Is Important Forward Step in Keeping Region at the Forefront
of Factory Automation Industry Cluster
Today, TechSolve and Cincinnati Machine, both Cincinnati-based companies, were awarded an Ohio Technology Action Fund grant for $895,000 to fund the first phase of a five-year initiative that could help establish Ohio as the leader in ultra-high speed machining (UHSM) technology. The eventual deployment of the technology throughout the state is expected to benefit Ohio's industrial base by building on its already strong manufacturing and factory automation industry, and by creating long-term economic impact potential.
"This grant is a major win for TechSolve and Cincinnati Machine. It will have a significant impact on the advancement of our region's use of factory automation," said Gary N. Conley, president of TechSolve. "Southwest Ohio ranks second in the nation in factory automation, an industry cluster which accounts for 30% of the jobs that have been created by new tech companies in southwestern Ohio/Northern Kentucky over the past 10 years," Conley said. "Cincinnati Machine has led the way in manufacturing R&D throughout its 117 year history. We expect this collaborative effort with them to serve as a catalyst for further growth in Ohio's factory automation industry."
The grant will fund the first phase of the UHSM project and significantly accelerate the commercial use of Cincinnati Machine's "HyperMach," an ultra-high speed prototype. The prototype incorporates a family of advanced technologies critical to high-speed machining of parts used in aircraft and automotive products. TechSolve and Cincinnati Machine expect that the effort will allow the development and industry use of HyperMach to be accelerated by four to five years, and reduce industry users' trial and error period by four to seven years.
"This technology will change the rules of manufacturing. The use of ultra-high speed machining can facilitate the production of very accurate, lightweight monolithic parts with an 8:1 improvement," said Richard A. Curless, vice president of technology and product development for Cincinnati Machine. "This technology breakthrough is something manufacturers need in today's competitive environment," he noted.
Cincinnati Machine displayed its HyperMach prototype recently at the International Manufacturing Technology Show in Chicago. Successful demonstrations of HyperMach's UHSM technology in specific manufacturing applications will require the further development that this project will provide.
An industrial advisory team called "InTech" will support TechSolve and Cincinnati Machine in the development and application of this important machining technology. The team includes, along with Cincinnati Machine and TechSolve: The Boeing Company, Caterpillar, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, as well as three federal labs and several leading universities.
TechSolve is a membership organization of manufacturing and technology companies that provides resources and support to compete more effectively in the global economy, and to take their businesses to the next level. Tech Solve is an ODOD Edison Center and a member of the NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). More information is available on the Internet at www.TechSolve.org.
Cincinnati Machine is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of CNC machine tools, such as turning centers, vertical machining centers, horizontal machining centers/cells, 5-axis machining centers, universal machining centers, profilers, routers and composite processing equipment. Additionally, Cincinnati PLUS provides the most comprehensive package of service and support available in the industry today. Industries served include aerospace, heavy equipment, fluid power and automotive, as well as small job shops.