IMTS gives us a great opportunity to share our latest technology advancements with thousands of manufacturers from all over the world, and this year’s show was no exception. Our booth was a premier destination for many attendees because we showcased everything manufacturers need to thrive in today’s digital, dynamic and competitive marketplace.
With more than 20 highly advanced manufacturing cells and systems in action, visitors to our booth got an up-close look at how the latest developments in turning, milling, Multi-Tasking and 5-axis machine tools can help them overcome their part production challenges and become more profitable. They also learned how they can take throughput and profitability to an even higher level with our automation innovations.
Digital solutions were definitely top of mind among show attendees this year. Manufacturers have been hearing a lot about the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and came to see our offerings as a leader in the development of data-driven technologies. We demonstrated many different levels of digital solutions — from single machine to full factory floor to multiple facilities connectivity — to show manufacturers of all sizes how they can implement the right solution that will make their Mazak machines even better.
Visitors specifically wanted to learn more about our SMOOTH TECHNOLOGY platform. Unique to the industry, this platform includes new and innovative solutions that span the entire part production landscape from programming and metal removal to automation and data collection to keep today’s manufacturers productive, efficient, competitive and at the forefront of innovation.
Of particular interest also were our MAZATROL Smooth CNC controls. As an integral element of the SMOOTH TECHNOLOGY platform, these controls, which include the MAZATROL SmoothX, SmoothG and the new MAZATROL SmoothC, offer the world’s fastest processing speeds and user-friendly programming capabilities.
Other hot spots in our booth were our new compact, cost effective HYBRID Multi-Tasking machine and our new VARIAXIS i-800T Multi-Tasking Machine. Designed and manufactured in Florence, Kentucky, the new Mazak VC-500 AM HYBRID Multi-Tasking machine combines full 5-axis capability and additive technology to revolutionize product design, reduce time to market and cut R&D costs. Manufacturers were intrigued by the possibilities this machine offers to explore new areas of business by combining the benefits of Multi-Tasking with Additive manufacturing (AM) technologies.
The VARIAXIS i-800T Multi-Tasking Machine is a full five-axis milling and turning machine that features integrated liquid nitrogen cryogenics technology. The combination of these two technologies enables the machine to not only deliver high processing efficiency for complex aerospace components, but also prevents the detrimental white layers typically generated when machining those parts from tough materials such as titanium, nickel, Invar and other exotics. This technology is especially attractive to manufacturers in the aerospace industry who can potentially save millions of dollars by eliminating processes, intense labor and capital equipment currently involved with the removal of white layers from parts after they have been machined.
There was a lot to learn and experience in our booth at IMTS. If you missed this year’s show or didn’t have enough time to explore all that we had to offer, find out more about how we raised the bar in manufacturing technology here.