Multi-Axis Technologies purchased a Taiwan Takisawa TM-20002Y multitasking CNC lathe at IMTS 2024 to grow its lathe production area manufacturing precision valve and turbo machinery components for customers such as Space Valves. IMTS attracts repeat visitors for many reasons, but two stand out for many contract manufacturers: show specials and reinforcing connections. “I think all IMTS veterans come to the show for the deals, but especially when they have a close relationship with their distribution partners, as we do with Roy Yamaji, the founder and owner of Japan Machine Tools,” says Jay Simpson. Simpson and Daisy Kelly are co-owner of Multi-Axis Technologies, a precision shop based in the Seattle suburb of Kent, and support from Japan Machine Tools was instrumental in helping them launch their business. With its proximity to industry giants such as Boeing, Blue Origin, and 1,400 other aerospace companies in Washington State, Multi-Axis’ customer base leans heavily toward the aerospace and satellite industries, focusing on rapid prototyping and taking development programs to production. Their specialty is manufacturing complex parts such as turbo machinery, critical vacuum components, and valves in materials that include aluminum and exotic materials such as INCONEL and HAYNES (see story and video). During their visit IMTS 2024, Jay and Daisy further expanded their production turning services with the purchase a Taiwan Takisawa TM-20002Y multitasking CNC lathe with upper and lower Y-axes from Japan Machine Tools, exhibiting as part of Yamazen. IMTS+ reporters connected with Jay and Daisy at the show, where Jay said, “We worked together on pricing, availability, and turnkey options so the machine can hit the floor running, including a bar feeder, tool holders, mist collector, oil coalescer, Royal collets, and two weeks of training.” In a recent follow-up call, Jay noted that the TM2000Y2 has been making parts since December for a company called Space Valves. The customer was so impressed with Multi-Axis Technologies capabilities that the company was featured as a valued partner on its home page (see photo). “The TM2000Y2 machine is equipped with a dual turret which allows us to reduce overall cycle time and setup time on the parts,” says Jay, who notes that previously the parts were turned on a machine with a single turret. “In essence. we can make two parts at the same time.” Also, the TM2000Y2 machine is equipped with a bar feeder from LNS and a parts unloading conveyor. This allows uninterrupted operation, which allows us to be more price competitive and provide faster lead times.” While Multi-Axis continues to grow — it now comprises eight people — the company did not need to add staff to run the TM2000Y2. “Our goal for this machine was to run with very minimal human intervention,” says Daisy. She adds that “our machinists love the ability to reduce physical touch time on the parts because of the dual-turret capabilities.” There was a bit of learning curve going from a single turret machine to a dual turret machine, but mostly in learning how to process a part path and not so much the machine operation. “The Royal collet system is amazing,” adds Jay. “It is extremely precise, repeatable, and allows fast changeovers. The TM2000Y2 machine also has a tool breakage detection function providing a piece of mind running unattended. In combination with the bar feeder and unload conveyor, that means we can run it lights out.”
Multi-Axis Technologies acquired a Taiwan Takisawa TM-20002Y lathe at IMTS 2024, enhancing production efficiency with dual-turret capabilities. The investment supports aerospace and satellite customers, enabling lights-out manufacturing and reduced cycle times.