JIMTOF 2006, Japan's International Machine Tool Fair, Draws Record Visitors.

Tokyo, Japan, Nov 30, 2006 - (JCN) - JIMTOF, one of the world's four biggest international exhibitions of working machines, was held this month in Tokyo, welcoming record visitors from both Japan and overseas. Held bi-annually since 1964, JIMTOF 2006 received 546 companies from 19 countries, with 154,000 vistors attending the exibition through its November 1-8 eight day run.

Exhibits featuring five-axial control and composite working machines increased notably as in the previous JIMTOF, a tendency that was mirrored in the EMO exhibition last year and the IMTS exhibition in September, as the needs for manufacturing numerous models in small lots, for manufacturing varying models as well as quantity manufacturing and collective manufacturing has continued to grow.

This year's JIMTOF featured machines that achieve an even higher degree of collective manufacturing, such as the highly technical integration of turning and mealing functions and the addition of grinding and other working functions. The greatest point of interest lay in composite machines of even higher practicality and efficiency.

JIMTOF 2006 displays included five-axial and composite working machines with improved work precision, maneuverability and siplified operating procedures. Examples included functional and performance improvements in the components of DD motors and linear motors, the adoption of intelligent functions by incorporating thermal, vibratory and other sensing technologies, and correction and control technologies. Other improvements in on-machine measuring technologies, NC device technologies and peripheral/support software were also on disply. Many sophisticated practical machines were featured at the Exhibition, with improved accuracy, performance and functions along with more convenient and simpler operation.

The 12th IMEC was also held on November 2 and 3 along with JIMTOF, at which engineers and researchers from many parts of the world actively discussed the latest five-axial working machines and related technologies under the overall theme "Entering a New Era with Five-Axial Working Technologies."

Many Japanese manufacturers of working machines in the automobile, electric, electronic and other industries have moved their manufacturing bases overseas, while many domestic manufacturers now focus on high-tech and high added-value products. All are trying to improve cost effectiveness through high-efficiency manufacturing of high-precision components with advanced functionality, which are enabled through adopting multi-functional and composite working machines.

On the other hand, Japan has come to assume a more important role in the manufacture of aircraft, and new demand has emerged also in optical and electronic machinery, as well as in medical equipment such as artificial bones and joints. Accordingly, demand has increased for high-precision and high-efficiency working machines for processing thermal resistant alloys and other super hard materials, as well as highly brittle and other materials that are difficult to work on.

JIMTOF 2006 reflected many of these issues while responding precisely to the many diverse needs of its visitors.

For a photo review of JIMTOF 2006, please visit http://www.japancorp.net/jimtof.asp .

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