At the 35th edition of BI-MU—the Italian trade fair dedicated to the machine tool industry (covering metal cutting and forming, robots, automation, digital and additive manufacturing, and auxiliary/enabling technologies), taking place at Fieramilano Rho from October 13 to 16—Mitsubishi Electric is showcasing its latest-generation M8V CNC system at Hall 24, Stand D05. This system delivers high precision and speed, making it the ideal solution for any type of machine, from the simplest to the most complex.
The combination of a dedicated 64-bit RISC CPU, OMR-CC (Optimum Machine Response – Contour Control), and automatic Cutting Load Control helps companies minimize machining times while ensuring high accuracy. These features enable the production of high-quality components by reducing cycle times and path errors, while also allowing for the processing of up to 540 kilo-blocks per minute.
The M8V series offers exceptional ease of use thanks to a user-friendly interface and a four-point multi-touch display. It also features streamlined, simplified programming via a conversational interface that guides users through part production quickly and intuitively. M8V controllers represent the evolution of CNC technology in the context of Industry 4.0 and Transition 5.0; they are equipped with functions specifically developed to support digital transformation strategies and enable smart manufacturing applications focused on energy efficiency.
The Mitsubishi Electric stand also features the NOMURA DS NN-20J3 precision automatic sliding-headstock lathe, equipped with a Mitsubishi Electric M80V CNC system and a 10.4” TFT color monitor. Distributed in Italy by the Piedmont-based company SE.RI—which boasts over forty years of experience in the machine tool sector—this lathe supports both guide-bush and guide-bushless machining. It features 8-axis programming (6 linear axes and 2 C-axes) and a dual Y-axis tool layout, making it ideal for frequent job changes thanks to a tool presetter that enables rapid setup. The machine is built with a solid cast-iron base and hand-scraped steel dovetail guideways that offer exceptional abrasion resistance. The hand-scraping process, combined with forced-oil lubrication, ensures high rigidity and a long service life for the guideways; these can accommodate a wide range of fixed and driven tool units to meet diverse customer requirements.
Also on display at 35.BI-MU are the HK series medium-inertia servomotors—featuring high speed and precision—which boost productivity, refine machine design, simplify installation, and improve maintainability. Furthermore, they streamline wiring and connections through the integration of quick-locking terminals. By increasing winding density and optimizing pole count and spacing, the motors achieve higher torque performance while delivering greater energy efficiency thanks to improved power density. The HK servomotors feature a compact footprint due to a redesigned magnet configuration, resulting in increased output density. Battery-free absolute encoder technology further contributes to overall efficiency.
With a power range of 0.5 to 7 kW and maximum rotational speeds between 2,000 and 6,000 rpm, this servomotor series offers technical features that help boost productivity: a high power-density design that improves motor efficiency; a one-touch locking power connector for easier mounting (available only on 90SQ, 130SQ, and 176SQ models); a battery-free 26-bit absolute encoder that helps reduce maintenance costs; and connection cables for the encoder, electromagnetic brake, and motor power supply equipped with “one-touch lock” connectors.
On the software front, Mitsubishi Electric is showcasing its new NGSP (Next Generation Shop Floor Programming) conversational software at 35.BI-MU. Designed to simplify and accelerate CNC programming, the software makes the process easy and intuitive, even for operators without specialized skills. Featuring advanced tools for toolpath management and automated machine code generation, this solution ensures rapid setup and programming alongside enhanced machining precision; this boosts productivity, reduces workpiece preparation times, and increases the overall efficiency of the machining process.
At the trade fair, Mitsubishi Electric is also showcasing MELSOFT Gemini, a virtual commissioning and digital twin solution that accelerates the design of production plants, lines, and machinery by using simulation technology to design and validate manufacturing processes in a 3D environment. Interoperability with the MELSOFT FA ecosystem (iQ Works) and the integration of third-party devices enable support for the entire machine lifecycle—from conception to commissioning—via digital twin technology.
This software allows machine builders and system integrators to present end customers with a design that has already been virtually verified, thereby reducing commissioning times and costs. For end users, the digital twin serves as a decision-support tool, proving particularly useful for revamping projects or production line modifications. Digital simulations make it possible to evaluate various production configurations, compare alternative layouts, and estimate the impact of changes on overall plant performance before committing to actual investments.
Mitsubishi Electric is also showcasing the Energy Consumption Tool at BI-MU—a solution for managing energy savings directly on machine tools. Integrating hardware components and dedicated software interfaces, this system monitors energy usage to reduce the machine’s carbon footprint (i.e., its greenhouse gas emissions). The tool collects and processes data to analyze and evaluate energy savings on the machine tool.
Finally, the Rosa Ermando stand (Hall 22 – Stand D12) is showcasing “Scout,” the new entry-level configuration for Rosa GrindTech IRON and STEEL surface grinding machines, featuring Mitsubishi Electric’s latest-generation M80V CNC system.
