Technological innovations that increase capacity, productivity and preformance have been the hallmarks of Komatsu Press Division since its inception more than 75 years ago. Over the years, Komatsu has demonstrated a commitment to respond to customer demands and originate technologies and systems to meet the needs of a global marketplace. Today, Komatsu continues to build on its tradition of engineering excellence to create equipment that satisfies the complex demands of a competitive, highly technical and complex metal stamping industry.
1924 - Komatsu leverages its technologically-innovative capabilities for heavy equipment in the mining industry to create the Komatsu Press Division and introduces its first low-maintenance stamping press, featuring the durable clutch-brake unit.
1954 - Komatsu perfects its proprietary plunger guide system, which produces 30 percent longer die life and improved part quality. The plunger guide eliminates virtually all lateral movement, allowing tighter gib tolerances and precision slide movement. This technology quickly becomes an industry standard.
1964 - Komatsu Press Division wins the Deming Prize for engineering excellence, the first Japanese press manufacturer to receive this coveted engineering award. This acknowledgment strenghtens Komatsu Press Division's position as a worldwide industry leader.
1972 - Komatsu's Super-series of single point gap frame presses brings product standardization to the industry with standard models, features and specifications for added value and performance.
1982 - In response to needs in the U.S. auto manufacturing market, Komatsu develops fully-automatic transfer presses that deliver high-productivity features, such as fully-automated die change and the first servo-controlled transfer feeder.
1994 - High-strength, low-alloy carbon steel and other high-strength metals replace traditional metals in production of common stamped parts. Realizing the limitations of traditional flywheel-driven powered presses in forming these materials, Komatsu launches a comprehensive development process to bring modern CNC servo technology into the stamping arena. Komatsu engineers build on years of experience in servo drive systems.
1998 - Komatsu introduces the world's first standard hybrid AC Servo press. Brilliantly combining the toggle link drive of forging press models with that of modern and efficient AC servo drive systems, the new "Free Motion" of the slide motion path brings together the productivity of a mechanical press with the motion control of a hydraulic press.
2001 - Komatsu demonstrates continued engineering excellence with a series of single-point servo presses in standard models ranging from 35 to 200 metric tons as well as standard models in two-point and four-point straightside frames up to 2,500 tons - offering size and capacity that no one else can deliver. As a result of the worldwide acceptance of Komatsu AC servo presses, the company further expands its servo technology division.
2004 - Komatsu Produces the worlds first modular, servo-controlled, multi-slide transfer press rated at 4,200 metric tons. The press features independent slide motion control for each of the seven slides.
2005 - Komatsu creates its Automation Technology Division to develop new peripheral automation devices that enhance the technology and productivity advances of its AC servo presses. The division quickly brings new linear motor-controlled transfer feeders, high-speed tandem-line loader/unloader (H*TL) and fully programmable AC servo die cushion automation to market, making Komatsu the first to offer a fully-integrated AC servo technology system in support of customer needs.
2007- Komatsu delivers its 2,000th AC Servo Press to the global market, proof of the worldwide acceptance for the company's innovative technologies and products.