Customer Success Story: Cummins

Increasing capacity with NIKKEN 5-Axis technology 

About Cummins 

Cummins Inc. is a global leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of diesel engines, electric vehicle components, and power generation products. Renowned for engineering excellence and a commitment to innovation, their European subsidiary operates 12 manufacturing sites and employs over 10,500 people across the region, offering advanced diesel, natural gas, electric, and hydrogen power solutions. 

Challenge 

When Cummins wanted to increase the capacity of an existing machining centre within its prototype facility, investing in the most economical solution was crucial. The team looked for a way to maximise the capability of the machine they already had while maintaining the flexibility required for prototype manufacture. 

Solution 

Having worked with NIKKEN products previously, the team already had complete confidence in the brand, its engineering quality, and long-term reliability. 

Cummins selected a NIKKEN 5AX-201 CNC rotary table with an AR21 pendant controller, transforming an existing machining centre into a highly capable four and five-axis solution. 

The installation was completed just over a year ago, and the table has since become an integral part of the prototype department. 

Results 

The impact has been significant. 

The upgraded machine has increased utilisation for four and five-axis machining from around 20% to approximately 60%, giving the prototype team far greater flexibility and responsiveness when producing new components. 

Perhaps most impressively, the machine now delivers around 70% of the simultaneous machining capability available on dedicated five-axis machines elsewhere within the prototype facility, but at a fraction of the investment required for a new machining centre. 

For Cummins, the result is a more agile manufacturing process, increased capacity, and the confidence that comes from investing in proven NIKKEN technology.