September 27, 2007 -- Japan's Okuma Corp. will equip all machine tools shipped overseas from next spring with devices to safeguard against improper relocation, The Nikkei learned Wednesday.
With increasing local production of autoparts, more machine tools are being shipped to emerging countries in such regions as Asia. This machinery is subject to export regulations because it can also be used for military applications. Okuma seeks to bolster regulatory compliance by preventing the machine tools from operating when moved beyond a certain distance.
The relocation safeguard is activated once the equipment is installed at the user's factory. Moving the machinery within the facility will not trigger the mechanism.
The devices will be added to machining centres and other processing equipment, starting with units for export. Machinery for domestic use will eventually feature them as well. Okuma does not plan to alter prices for machine tools so equipped.
Source: Asia Pulse
