Technology Takes Center Stage at Mazak’s DISCOVER 2021
September 13, 2021
Mazak’s DISCOVER 2021 technology and education event takes place October 25-29 and promises all-new machines and technological firsts from Mazak. Among those is the debut of a new Swiss-type machine series that further expands Mazak’s high-volume, small-part processing options for today’s manufacturers.
The new Swiss-type series targets the part size sweet spot of production machining. As with all Mazak machines, the new series delivers unparalleled reliability along with innovative machine features that reduce tool set up times and improve overall part quality.
Held at the company’s National Corporate Headquarters campus in Florence, Kentucky, this year’s DISCOVER event will feature 20 innovative machining systems – many designed and built in Kentucky – including global premieres and North American in-person debuts. Attendees will learn how these machine technologies will increase their efficiency, productivity and competitive edge.
Among the in-person debuts at DISCOVER 2021 are the next-generation NEO versions of Mazak’s popular HCN Series of Horizontal Machining Centers and VARIAXIS Series of Vertical Machining Centers, including the HCN-6800 NEO and the VARIAXIS i-800 NEO. Each sports a fully redesigned enclosure, best-in-class standard and optional equipment and improvements throughout to provide fast, optimal solutions for an even-wider range of part-production applications.
With its numerous upgrades, the HCN-6800 NEO takes the previous generation’s performance to a new level of efficiency and ease of use. Significant upgrades to the spindle, table and magazine include an upgraded new standard 43-tool drum-type magazine that reduces tool exchange times.
For ease of maintenance, the machine incorporates hydraulic/motorized pallet changer mechanisms and an easier-to-access maintenance panel. A faster servo-driven ATC door design now also accommodates longer tools. As an option, Mazak offers a direct-drive motor table that ensures the fastest indexing time in its class and rotary scales for high-accuracy positioning.
Mazak’s next-generation VARIAXIS i-800 NEO 5-axis machine features faster rapid traverse rates for shorter machining cycle times, expanded workpiece capacities and more automation options. Automation options include a two-pallet changer, along with the Mazak Multi-Pallet Pool (MPP) compact multiple pallet stocker system and the modular Mazak PALLETECH System.
Both the VARIAXIS i-800 NEO, equipped with the MAZATROL SmoothAi CNC, and the HCN-6800 NEO with the MAZATROL SmoothG CNC, incorporate Mazak’s Thermal Shield functionality. Using machine learning and modeling, this advanced system compensates instantly for changes in machine and ambient temperature during operation, ensuring the highest degree of accuracy even over long machining cycles.
For DISCOVER attendees seeking reliable, maximum machine-tool performance at a lower capital investment, Mazak will demonstrate several models from its new Ez Series of Horizontal Turning Machines and Vertical Machining Centers at the event. Designed and built in Kentucky, the Ez machines feature the company’s new MAZATROL SmoothEz CNC and are optimized for simple operation as well as fast and easy installation. The machines offer enhanced ergonomics, stable and reliable part processing and long-term dependability.
Continuing to advance its Multi-Tasking technology, Mazak will also spotlight several machines during DISCOVER from the company’s new INTEGREX i-H Series. These high-productivity machines increase flexibility and enhance performance for significantly easier automation integration, allowing shops to boost the output of their existing workforces with the utmost in cost efficiency.
At DISCOVER 2021, attendees will also learn about Mazak’s new MPower program that further enhances the industry’s most comprehensive and robust customer care coverage. When shops need machine service, the online portal enables them to open a case, receive immediate notification of when a service technician is available or resolve the issue over the phone with tech support. Once an in-person service call is scheduled, shops can track the status of an existing work order or the arrival of a service technician.
In addition to seminars on current topics in manufacturing, tours of the Mazak iSMART Factory™ and one-on-one opportunities to meet with application experts, DISCOVER 2021 will enable visitors to experience live demonstrations and featured technologies in four action areas. Each will address unique challenges faced by today’s manufacturers and solutions to overcome them. These solutions include those designed to maximize the high production of small precise parts, ensure cost-effectiveness in the job shop, optimize workflow and help maintain a skilled workforce through technical training as part of Mazak’s customer support program.
