Yamazaki Mazak is to host a special Industry 4.0 Open House with a 22-strong machine line up, each capable of taking their place in the factories of the future.
The event, which will be held between 22-25th November at the company’s European technology centre in Worcester, will focus on the practical implementation of Industry 4.0, specifically how Mazak’s latest CNC, SMOOTH Technology, can aid the connectivity of machines and automation systems, improve productivity, reduce maintenance and better integrate with factory management systems.
The three different variants of SMOOTH CNC will be on display at the event, SmoothX, SmoothG and SmoothC, controlling several different machine tools, from entry-level machines to full 5-axis, with many making their UK Open House debut.
SMOOTH CNC facilitates full integration into the factory management system – which is central to Industry 4.0 implementation, through a number of key features. At this year’s open house Mazak will spotlight its Smooth Process Support (SPS) suite of software aimed at helping manufacturers achieve sustainable gains in productivity and optimised resource efficiency. In the face of challenging demands to shorten and individualise production cycles, coupled with rising labour costs and global competition, a comprehensive suite of SPS modules provide solutions for production scheduling, remote and real-time machine monitoring, centralised tool management, program generation and data sharing over a network to streamline management through desktop and mobile devices.
By supporting MT Connect manufacturing protocol, SMOOTH CNC allows users to access critical machine information aimed at increasing utilisation and providing real-time production feedback. With manufacturing trends continuing towards higher utilisation, SMOOTH Technology has been purposely designed to simplify the integration of sophisticated automation systems though a range of industry standard protocol devices..
Among the highlights will be the UK debut for Mazak’s new Multiplex W-200Y turning centre, which is ideally suited to high-volume applications, such as the automotive industry, and features a slant bed for improved chip management. The latest generation of Multiplex turning centres boasts Mazak’s revolutionary SmoothG CNC, which delivers the unrivalled processing speeds and two-way data communication synonymous with SMOOTH CNC. The new also machine employs two high power SMOOTH Mill Drive turrets to perform continuous and simultaneous machining and is also equipped with a 5,000rpm main spindle.
Alongside the Multiplex, Mazak will also be demonstrating the latest generation of its highly successful multi-tasking machine range, the INTEGREX i-300ST. Featuring a 30 kW, 4,000 rpm main spindle and second spindle, the i-300ST combines versatility with reliable performance in a compact footprint, capable of processing workpieces up to 1,519 mm in length and 658 mm in diameter.
Several Mazak’s highly successful UK-made machines, which are manufactured on the same site as the Open House, will also be on display during the event. This will include the latest generation Mazak Quick turn series of performance turning centres, which are designed to offer users the same build quality and level of high precision machinery synonymous with Mazak. The Quick turn series is ideal for small to medium size manufacturing operations, and offers the same level of connectivity into smart factories through its SmoothG control panel.
Another highlight of the Open House event will be the VTC 760C and VTC 800/30SLR, with its large integrated rotary table providing full 5-axis capability, both designed to deliver machining performance and flexibility for a range of cutting applications. The VTC 760C uses SmoothG technology, whilst the VTC 800/30SLR will showcase Mazak’s ability to deliver cross-manufacturer technology by featuring the Siemens Sinumerik 840sl control. This ensures that the machining centre can deliver the level of connectivity in line with Industry 4.0, in those manufacturing sites operating on pre-existing Siemens control software.
Following a highly-successful EuroBLECH show, Mazak will also be exhibiting 4 kW and 6 kW variants from its Optiplex fiber laser processing series. Both machines will be live-cutting during the event, demonstrating their ability to channel increased beam density and laser energy, combined with a significantly shorter beam wavelength, into a highly precise and efficient cutting process.
Alan Mucklow, managing director UK & Ireland sales division at Yamazaki Mazak, says: “Industry 4.0 is the hot button topic for manufacturers and this Open House will offer a clear practical demonstration of how it can be implemented into a modern manufacturing environment.
“Connectivity and data exchange is key in the factories of the future and was one of the standout criteria during the development of SMOOTH Technology, providing ultra-fast processing speeds and direct communication between the CNC on the factory floor, automation systems and the production office. This combination truly places Mazak at the forefront of delivering an all-encompassing and connected manufacturing solution, and we look forward to demonstrating this capability to customers at our November Open House event.”
For further information, and to sign-up to this year’s event, please visit:
www.mazakeu.co.uk/openhouse2016 or email sales@mazak.co.uk.
Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd
Tel: 01905 755755
Email: sales@mazak.co.uk
www.mazakeu.co.uk