Groundbreaking Innovations in Manufacturing Technology

In booth S-8300, the stage will be set for Mazak Corporation (Florence, KY) to raise the manufacturing technology bar with demonstrations of a host of new high-level developments in full digital factory integration, smart technology and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) connectivity – in addition to new machining and automation systems – all of which will prepare manufacturers for the next industrial revolution.

On display will be the SMOOTH Technology platform that incorporates advanced manufacturing cells and systems that are revolutionizing part manufacturing processes through smart machines, big data, sophisticated analytics and the IIoT. New enhancements will be featured that boost the computing power and intelligence of the SmartBox digital integration launch platform. There will be demonstrations of the user-friendly programming capabilities and processing speed of the MAZATROL SmoothX and MAZATROL SmoothG CNC controls – both part of the SMOOTH Technology platform that has transformed the way Mazak equipment performs, especially in terms of 5-axis and complex contouring operations.

Over 20 highly advanced manufacturing cells and systems will be shown, including the latest developments in multi-tasking and 5-axis machine tools with enhanced single-setup, DONE IN ONE® part-processing capabilities crucial for tomorrow’s smart factories. The next generation of HYBRID Multi-Tasking technology will be unveiled, along with new software and accessories that give such multi-tasking machines even more functionality and multiple-process power. “This year will mark the largest amount of advanced technologies we’ve ever brought to IMTS,” said Brian Papke, the president of Mazak. “Our booth will be the premiere destination for show attendees who are committed to achieving the highest possible productivity through digital integration and smart manufacturing.”

Demonstrations of various types and levels of smart factory automation will include gantry systems, robotics and other loading devices that provide the flexibility to adapt to different types of machine tools as well as changing part processing requirements. For example, the new TOOLTECH compact tool magazine for automated tool changing will be making its debut. This compact tool magazine stores big, heavy and large-diameter tools within a very small amount of required floor space. Plus, special tool carts and docking stations eliminate the need for operators to manually lift tools in and out of the system, so tooling set ups are faster, easier and safer.

TOOLTECH accommodates up to 206 tools in the same amount of space typically required for a 120-tool chain-type magazine storage system. This economical use of space results from the fact that the system efficiently organizes tools according to their lengths and diameters and stores them in racks – one type designated for tools with diameters bigger than 100 mm, the other for diameters less than that size. With its carts and docking station, TOOLTECH ensures easy and safe handling of tools with diameters up to 360 mm, lengths to 800 mm and weighing as much as 40 kg. Operators simply roll one of the system’s tool carts to where the shop’s tools are stored, place any needed tools onto the cart and push it directly into the storage system’s magazine tool-docking station where the tools load into racks. A user-friendly touch screen control panel provides operator convenience and intuitive system operation.

All of the new and advanced machining and automation systems in the booth will be under power and running real-world part demonstrations. Applications experts from Mazak and the company’s Value Inspired Partners (VIP) program will be on hand during the demonstrations to discuss total manufacturing solutions and part-processing improvements.

Mazak Corporation, 8025 Production Drive, Florence, KY 41042, 859-342-1700, www.mazakusa.com.