Nikko‑Kikai
Energy Saving × GX Transformation

Reduce electricity bills and CO₂ together.
Achieve GX with energy‑efficient machine tools

By replacing older machines or optimizing settings, you can cut power consumption by up to 30% (varies by conditions). The effect converts directly to CO₂ reduction, becoming a concrete lever for GX.

Lower standby power
High‑efficiency spindle
Optimized air/cooling
Refined cutting conditions
⚡ Quick savings estimate

Why “energy‑efficient design” now? Rising electricity prices hit profit directly—staying with old machines inflates fixed costs.

Standby energy

High idle power means baseline cost regardless of utilization. Eco modes / auto‑stop are key.

Spindle & feed efficiency

High‑efficiency spindles, regeneration, and optimal accel/decel lower the energy per part.

Auxiliaries optimization

Optimize ON‑time and flow for coolant / mist / air‑blow. Inverters trim “invisible” power.

Our approach A three‑in‑one: equipment renewal × condition tuning × operations

① Select energy‑saving models

Latest machines with high‑efficiency spindles, regen / eco features, low‑loss servos, low standby.

② Review cutting conditions & jigs

Optimize cutting, tools, jigs, and setups. Shorter cycles reduce total energy used.

③ Optimize operations

Automate warm‑up/standby/stop, shift loads to off‑peak, monitor energy via IoT meters.

Old machines vs. new energy‑saving models An example (varies by conditions)

ItemOld machine (example)Latest energy‑saving model (example)Improvement
Standby power2.5 kW1.2 kW−52%
Processing average12 kW9.5 kW−21%
Monthly consumption5,800 kWh4,300 kWh−26%

Figures are illustrative. Actual results depend on model, machining, and operations.

Link to GX (Green Transformation)

Cutting electricity cost also cuts CO₂.
Example: −1,500 kWh per month ⇒ about −7.2 t‑CO₂ per year (using 0.4 kg‑CO₂/kWh).
Energy saving on existing equipment is a first step toward GX and resilience.

Note: The CO₂ factor differs by country and utility. Replace 0.4 kg‑CO₂/kWh with your local factor when reporting.

Quick savings simulator Estimate the “monthly electricity bill reduction” on the spot

Monthly bill (current est.): —
Monthly bill (after savings est.): —
Estimated reduction: — / month

This is a rough estimate. Detailed studies require on‑site review and model selection.

Programs, incentives & quick tips

Public incentives and tax measures may support energy‑efficient equipment. Start with what you can do today in operations.


Examples of incentives (vary by country/period)

  • Subsidies for energy‑efficient equipment (requirements vary by call)
  • Tax incentives for high‑efficiency investments (e.g., bonus depreciation / credits)
  • Local programs for cost reduction (equipment renewal / visualization)

Always check current rules and application windows in your region.


Quick energy‑saving tips

  • Use auto‑stop / eco modes for idling
  • Optimize coolant/air flow & ON‑time (consider inverters)
  • Smooth accel/decel & concurrency to reduce peaks
  • Shift work to off‑peak hours and improve setups
  • Make power “visible” (sub‑metering / on‑machine meters / IoT)
📄 See comparison & case samples ✉ Contact us

How to read “Electrical specifications” in catalogs From required power (kVA) & motor ratings to spotting saving potential

Sodick UX450L (Required power 25 kVA)

Sodick UX450L (representative example)

  • Required power: 25 kVA
  • Notes: Consider duty and power factor; translate to average kW by utilization.
  • Key: Inverters for auxiliaries, standby control, and use of regeneration.

Machining centers (example)

ItemMeaningEnergy‑saving viewpoint
Required power (kVA) Apparent power at max load (guide for contract) Contract review, power factor, peak shaving potential
Spindle motor (kW)
e.g., 26/22 (30‑min/continuous)		 Short‑time vs continuous ratings Use realistic average load; cap unnecessary peaks
Feed axis motors (kW)
e.g., X=9.4, Y=6.4, Z=5.2		 Rated outputs of each servo Check accel/decel settings; leverage regeneration

Example “26/22 (30‑min/continuous)” means 26 kW (30‑minute rating) and 22 kW (continuous). For saving studies, use the continuous side and measured loads.

NC lathes (example)

ItemMeaningEnergy‑saving viewpoint
Main spindle motor, L (kW)Rated power of the left spindleOptimize cutting; avoid over‑loads; check continuous rating
Sub spindle motor, R (kW)Rated power of the sub spindleManage concurrency and cycle design to level peaks
Rotary tool spindle (kW)Milling spindle ratingShorten use time; tune rpm/feed for less energy

Multi‑tasking machines tend to peak with high concurrency (main × sub × rotary). Level peaks by program & setup.

Back‑of‑the‑envelope (kVA → kW)

Avg. effective power (est.): — kW
Monthly energy use (est.): — kWh
Monthly bill (est.): —

kVA is a max‑load guide. Average kW varies greatly with process mix, concurrency and idle time.

Reading tips

  • Convert kVA to practical average kW via power factor × loading.
  • For spindles “30‑min/cont.”, evaluate on the continuous side; treat peaks as short duty.
  • Feed‑axis energy swings with accel/decel. Excess speed may increase energy.
  • For multi‑tasking, track concurrency and level peaks via program & setup.

Combine with measurements (sub‑panel meters / on‑machine meters / IoT meters) for better accuracy.

Case studies Energy & CO₂ savings as GX outcomes

Small shop (e.g., 3 machines)

Levers: Auto‑stop idling, inverters on auxiliaries, off‑peak optimization.

Result: Electricity −18% (rough), about ¥40,000 per month saved.

Large line (many machines)

Levers: High‑efficiency spindle, regeneration, unified control of auxiliaries, demand monitoring.

Result: Line total −15% (rough), savings in the millions of JPY per year.

Documents (preview only) Comparison tables & success stories (email‑gated, in preparation)

Energy‑saving model comparison (HTML)

Compare spindle / standby / auxiliaries plus dual impacts on electricity & CO₂—great for GX reporting drafts.

📄 Preview sample

Case digest (HTML)

Quick real‑world examples by scale: reduction rates, ¥ savings, CO₂ cuts, and payback time.

📄 Preview sample

Required power (kVA) templates & estimation If the catalog lacks kVA, infer safely from spindle ratings

Representative templates

Numbers are rough starting points. Always prioritize catalog, nameplate, and measurements.

If kVA is unknown in the template, use the estimator below and copy the result up.

Estimator when kVA is missing

Estimated required power: — kVA (conservative)
Based on continuous rating with add‑on for auxiliaries/feed, converted via efficiency & power factor. Highly condition‑dependent.

Usage tips

  • Start from the continuous rating. Use 30‑min rating just to gauge headroom.
  • Typical add‑on for auxiliaries/feed: 20–40% (adjust by config).
  • Final decisions must rely on nameplate & measurements. Keep contract power with margin.

This is a rough estimation. For power contracts and receiving equipment, use actual data.

FAQ

Can we save energy even with old machines?
Yes. Inverters for auxiliaries, standby control, and condition tuning can reduce energy without renewal. When replacement is stronger, we compare options by payback.
How soon will we see effects?
Operational tweaks: same day to a few weeks. With renewal: immediately after ramp‑up. Typical payback target is 1–3 years (varies).
Can we use subsidies / incentives?
We can help organize information and prepare documents. Availability depends on the program and timing in your region.

Start with understanding your baseline.We’ll review your energy data and operations, then propose the shortest path to savings.

✉ Contact us ⚡ Try the quick estimator

Balancing energy saving × automation

From energy saving to lights‑out and robot integration, we’ll help find the sweet spot of cost and productivity.

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