Mazak Versatech FJV-60/80 double-column vertical machining centre

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd has continued its commitment to high-quality, homegrown machine tool manufacturing by making another substantial investment in production equipment at its European Manufacturing Plant in Worcester.

The latest multi-million-pound investment includes the installation of two new machines, a ‘state of the art’ twin-pallet Versatech V-140N/280 machining centre and a Versatech FJV-60/80 double-column vertical machining centre (VMC).

They will help underpin Mazak’s efforts to expand its production capacity post-Brexit and will be used to manufacture large component parts for new Mazak machines built at its plant, demonstrating Mazak’s trust in its own technologies to deliver high-quality components.

Stuart Astley, Yamazaki Mazak UK production director, said: “When it comes to selecting the best possible tools to manufacture our machining solutions, Mazak stands out as one of the few machine tool manufacturers able to practice what it preaches.

“We don’t just present our machine tools as market leaders to customers, we are confident in their quality. As such, they are always first-choice when we are looking to expand the plant’s production capacity.”

Machining quality and precision
He continued: “These purchasing decisions are not ones we make lightly, as Mazak has cemented its status as a leading supplier of machining centres due to the high-performing options we offer. This quality must therefore be mirrored within our own production processes, and we are fully confident that these new machines can help maintain the level of machining quality and precision Mazak is renowned for.”

The latest in the Versatech Series of multiple-surface five-axis double-column machining centres, the V-140N/280 (pictured left) can continuously machine large workpieces up to 3,100mm in length thanks to a 10,000rev/min 50-taper spindle head with B- and C-axis capability.

Alongside the FJV-60/80, it has replaced older on-site machines and will allow Mazak to increase the facility’s capacity for producing large components, enabling more work to be completed in-house and further guarantee best-machining quality.

The installations are the latest in a series of investments made at Mazak’s Worcester facility, which is the company’s sole machine tool manufacturing site in Europe. The company had previously installed two ‘state of the art’ manufacturing cells in 2019 to make parts for its extensive range of UK-made machine tools, with each cell equipped with an Integrex i-Series machine from its flagship multi-tasking solutions range, and RoboJob automation system.

Mr Astley explained that the continued boosting of the plant’s advanced machining capabilities is part of Mazak’s ongoing efforts to ensure it has the flexibility, adaptability and productivity required to thrive in the UK’s post-Brexit manufacturing landscape.

He added: “The best way to demonstrate the capability of the latest Mazak machine tools is to see them in action in a Mazak factory. Our Worcester facility already enjoys iSMART Factory status and a prominent position in Mazak’s global manufacturing footprint, but the march of progress is forever ongoing and we must adapt accordingly.

“As such, the installation of large-scale machining centres, with enhanced connectivity and compatibility with Smooth Scheduler software, further strengthens the UK plant’s reputation as a blueprint for advanced manufacturing solutions.

Mr Astley concluded: “Not only will the installation of the new Versatech V-140N/280 and FJV-60/80 improve overall capacity at the facility, it will also ensure Mazak will remain agile and competitive during this exciting time for UK manufacturing.”