Industry 4.0 will be placed at the centre of the display from Worcester-based Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd (
www.mazakeu.co.uk) (Hall 27, Stand B56), where the company will be unveiling its iSmart factory concept, along with 25 new machines — including 15 making their world debuts.
The iSmart factory concept uses Mazak’s Industry 4.0 infrastructure, which enables machine users to make the step up from automated cell manufacturing to a completely connected factory of the future. There are three key pillars: Mazak Smooth CNC technology; the new SmartBox, which provides fast data analysis with increased security; and the MT Connect standard communication protocol. All elements combine to facilitate the real-time sharing of manufacturing data between the shopfloor and offices.
During the exhibition, each of Mazak’s 25 machines (which will be configured into six different machining zones) will be connected — using the company’s Industry 4.0 infrastructure — to display real-time production information.
Taking centre stage in the multi-tasking zone will be the latest addition to Mazak’s flagship Integrex range — the Integrex i-500. This machine extends the capacity of the i series and features a modular design concept, enabling
customers to match the required machine specification to their application.
The Integrex i-500 will be joined by another machine shown for the first time — the Integrex i-800V/8. This combines full five-axis milling, turning and pallet-changing capabilities on a vertical platform and is designed for processing large complex parts such as jet-engine components. Both machines are making their world debuts at EMO and will be using Mazak’s SmoothX CNC system. Visitors will be able to witness the high level of productivity that can
be gained from full integration into the iSmart Factory concept.
Mazak’s five-axis zone will be centred on three new machines. The HCR-5000S, which is making its world debut, is a compact horizontal machining centre suited to the manufacture of small structural aircraft components. The Variaxis i-300 AWC is a compact automated solution that incorporates a gantry-box structure and an expandable tool magazine for up to 505 tools, making it suitable for high-mix low-volume production and ‘lights out’ machining. The five-axis zone will also include a new machine for mould-and-die applications, the UD-400/5X. This has a 42,000rev/min spindle, 1g acceleration and an ultra-high ‘jerk’ rate.
Among the machines in the horizontal zone will be the HCN-5000, equipped with an MPP500 automation system. The 16-station MPP (multi-pallet pool) is designed to add automation to single machines. It features the Smooth MPP software application with advanced scheduling functions, along with analysis of production results and system utilisation;
this data can also be accessed remotely on PCs ansmart phones. One of the highlights in the turning zone will be Mazak’s Quick Turn 250M. With an automated robot system integrated with the SmoothG CNC, the Quick Turn 250M offers complete control of the manufacturing cell from the machine, as well as real-time data sharing and analysis with the wider factory.
In the vertical machining zone, the UK-produced VCN-530C is expected to attract plenty of interest. This machine is equipped with a newly designed 18,000rev/min high-speed spindle, ballscrew cooling on the X, Y and Z axes, and a 40-tool magazine.
The final highlight for visitors to the Mazak stand will be a first European showing of the company’s latest additive-manufacturing machine, the Variaxis j-600AM, which combines a wire arc-type metal-deposition system with a 12,000rev/min spindle and a rotating B/C-axis trunnion table.