An ability to perform multiple high-end tasks around the clock has drawn Redline Engineering into a new investment it says is the most significant in its history.
**This story first appeared in the October 2025 edition of AMT Magazine**
A strong sense of confidence in Australia’s precision engineering future has encouraged Redline Engineering to invest in a new 11 pallet, 5-axis Okuma CNC vertical machining centre. The model MU-5000V & Tower APC with OSP-P500MH control is the first of its type – a 5-axis machining centre with a Tower APC an automatic multi pallet system – to be installed anywhere in Australia.
Redline general manager Ken Stuart says he is confident his business will continue to grow manufacturing of its precision engineering components, due in part to the high regard in which Australian manufacturing is held around the world.
This high regard is due both to its quality and the on-time delivery that companies generate, he says. “The service aspect, I think, is becoming really important,” he says.
“Whether it is the culture we have or the way that we engage with the market, you get a sense there’s a really strong passion for what we do – solving problems, being innovative, connecting to opportunities – and really putting a lot of effort into doing that.” A part of that proactive approach is investing in the latest technologies, he says, hence the decision to invest in the new 5-axis Okuma machining centre.
“Australian capability shines on the global stage and the new Okuma machining centre gives us flexibility, with many more features that will give us reduced lead times, provide greater efficiency and enable us to access new work such as security and other high precision industries which are becoming critically important,” he says. “You have to be investing in the right capabilities to engage in new opportunities… the companies that haven’t progressed and invested to take their capabilities further are starting to feel the pressure of how to continue to grow their business.”
Located in Melbourne’s southeast, Redline Engineering has almost 60 years of experience in precision engineering components and assembly supply chain in the aerospace, automotive, high end medical, mining, motorsport, rail, heavy industry and transportation sectors. Quality accredited to AS9100D, ISO9001:2015 and CAGE Code Z2H07 standards, Redline says its market is nation-wide and expanding with direct and indirect export sales. The company produces precision components in all metals plus engineering plastics with a full-time staff of 28, including its own metrology department with both optical and conventional programmable CMM measurement and testing.
Stuart says that if an employer wants to attract and retain high-quality staff, then it is important for them to have the most up-to-date equipment possible.
“The addition of this advanced technology Okuma machining cell has provided our engineering personnel with high levels of confidence in the future for the company and an air of excitement in the opportunity to keep ahead of technological advances in machine capability and programming,” he says.
The provision of Sovereign Capability Grants and other Federal Government support for manufacturing in Australia had helped the company advance its precision manufacturing capability and become more internationally competitive, he says.
“This is the most significant investment in the company’s history, taking us into new markets and exposing us to the very latest Okuma technology – this is where we are now in engineering excellence,” Stuart says.
“The great benefit of this new configuration 5-axis Okuma machining centre is the ability to load multiple high-end jobs or duplicate the same complex part across multiple pallets, providing continuous 24/7 machining.”
High tech
Officially launched at IMTS in September 2024, the Okuma 5-axis machining centre model MU-5000V & Tower APC is capable of both consistent high precision volume production runs and short runs, using its 268-tool matrix and multi-pallet capacity to run 24/7 with minimal staff attendance.
These features, together with full off-line programming, simulation software and state-of-the-art workholding systems, means set-up times are substantially reduced.
Its Auto Tuning System measures geometric errors using a touch probe and datum sphere. These measurements are used to perform compensation, allowing parts to be made with higher accuracy in a shorter time.
In addition, the tuning results are applied regardless of whether the operation is set to auto, manual or MDI or whether the Tool Central Point Control is on or off.
Redline’s machining centre is configured to use 11 pallets – compared to the standard six – and is equipped with the OSP-P500 CNC, which Okuma says facilitates manufacturing DX (digital transformation).
The Okuma vertical machine centre can handle large work pieces with a large machining space, offering easy operator access to the machining chamber. Tools can be changed even with the trunnion table tilted or still in the swing position, leading to reduced cycle times and higher machining accuracy. This high rigidity trunnion table supports accuracy and quality over long production runs with the synergistic effect of Okuma Intelligent Technology. Highly efficient machine with amazing machining capability; face milling: 504 cm3/min, end milling 672 cm3/min
Stuart says these factors give the Okuma machining centre flexibility and productivity in a minimal footprint – as Redline operates the machining centre in a high-volume shop where space is at a premium.
“We are now operating five Okuma CNC machines and we value the strong technical support, maintenance service and training that direct factory access from Okuma provides,” Stuart says. “The company has enjoyed a long partnership with Okuma, covering more than 30 years, and our original Okuma machine is still in service producing fine tolerance precision parts,” Stuart says.
Okuma branch manager for Victoria and Tasmania Mark Richards congratulated Redline on the installation of the Okuma machining centre.
“Redline Engineering is a leading example of where the Australian precision manufacturing industry is heading and we thank Ken and his team for their continued confidence in the Okuma brand and support,” he says.