Mazak DISCOVER 2023: Learn more. Do more. Make more.

DISCOVER 2023 took place the week of October 9-13 at Mazak’s North American headquarters in Florence, Ky. The event featured four action areas of live machine tool demonstrations, the opportunity to explore the iSMART FACTORY, as well as exploring the new 27,000-square-foot SYNCREX production facility, which combines engineering, production and applications support for the SYNCREX machine tools.

Attendees could visit one-on-one with Mazak’s machinery experts, as well as hear keynote speakers, as well as participate in panel discussions. Mazak also spotlighted its MPower Complete Customer Care program, and its Capital Equipment Financing arm.

Mazak is a leader in the design and manufacture of productive machine tool solutions and is committed to being a partner with its customers by manufacturing innovative technology. At the DISCOVER event, the four action areas focused on job shops solutions; high production technology; the Multi-Tasking area; and the advanced manufacturing technology area.

Highlights of Mazak DISCOVER 2023 included:

• The job shop solutions section featured the affordable new Ez Series of machines (vertical, turning and multi-tasking), which demonstrated how shops of any size can benefit from Mazak reliability, accuracy and performance.
• The high production technology action area featured the new SYNCREX series of Swiss-style machines, which are designed for high-volume production of small, precise parts.
• The Multi-Tasking action area featured the INTEGREX and QUICK TURN series of machines that combine operations for the DONE IN ONE processing of raw materials to finished parts.
• The advanced manufacturing technology action area focused on two new NEO series of machines: the next generation of VARIAXIS NEO series of 5-axis machining centers; and the HCN-5000 NEO Horizontal Machining Centers.
• The VC-500A/5X HWD HYBRID Multi-Tasking machine, which incorporates joining and additive technologies, was also featured in the advanced manufacturing technology action area.
• Attendees also learned about the MAZATROL Smooth CNCs, the industry’s most powerful and versatile control. All Mazak MAZATROL Smooth Controls feature ultra-high speed machining software, which allows for both conversational and G-Code EIA/ISO programming.
• A tour of the Mazak iSMART Factory, where attendees could see “Mazaks building Mazaks” in real time. Mazak Digital Solutions and machine technology elevate output and profitability.

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In addition to learning the latest in machine tool solutions, attendees of Mazak DISCOVER participated in panel discussions, such as “2023-Status of the Shop,” which reviewed where job shops stand in the economy and the manufacturing climate. The panel featured three industry leaders who shared their visions and experiences in the industry.

For Bob Faxon, CEO of Faxon Machining, a supplier to the defense industry, he advised to break into automation by making it work for your shop. Address your pain points to ensure wins and success. He noted not only do you need buy in from employees but also banks and business partners. His tips for success in the factory of the future: 1.) pay more than others within a 20-mile radius; 2.) offer the best value to customers; and 3.) offer the highest returns on investment to shareholders.

Faxon added that for his company, machine tools are disruptive; the company isn’t looking for incremental gains. Faxon Machining is exploring the addition of additive manufacturing to the company’s processes for the development of a new defense product.

Eric Metcalfe, CEO of RPM Carbide Die, a precision grinding company, said that the company’s automation journey has led them to machines that can do it all, such as the Done in One machine concept from Mazak, which incorporates all processes from raw materials input through final machining in just one machine. Metcalfe said these machines provide untold advantages because you never know what jobs are going to come through the door.

RPM Carbide Die works to run a lights out operation to meet the short runs and large amounts of change over in the company’s processes. He is a proponent of the skilled trades, and the company is currently training seven apprentices.

For Nicole Wolter, president & CEO of HM Manufacturing, Inc., a manufacturer of power transmission components, robots in the shop remains a huge topic. HM Manufacturing has installed robots on their mills to retain employees and stay lean. She said that robots allow your shop to increase the skill levels of your employees so they can learn other things. Wolter noted that the ease of use of technologies and automation in Factory 4.0 helps shift the narrative so your shop can keep automating.

Wolter pointed out that the average age of employees at HM Manufacturing is 32 years old. The company offers a career path so that when high school interns are finished with their internships, they are NIMS certified, and are trained in more than one area. The company also pays their interns. In addition to programming and engineering exposure, the company also provides internships for the business side of the house, such as marketing and social media. Wolter said the company does this to create awareness, not to generate sales. These young people spread the word of their experiences in today’s manufacturing environment to their friends, attracting the younger generation to manufacturing

In addition to this panel, attendees also learned about Swiss-style manufacturing, the best practices to add automation, the future of design and make, as well as the advantages of using digital twins to speed up complex manufacturing tasks.

At Mazak DISCOVER 2023, attendees definitely experienced the opportunity to: Learn More. Do More. Make More.

For complete details, visit www.MazakUSA.com/DISCOVER2023.