DISCOVER 2019 featured over 30 live machine tool demonstrations, and Mazak unveiled for the first time in North America several productivity-enhancing technologies such as its new MAZATROL SmoothAi control as well as a new mixed reality training and service support system. The company also showcased some of its investments in its Florence, Kentucky, manufacturing campus, including a sneak preview of the latest improvements to its Mazak iSMART Factory™ and a new Spindle Rebuild Facility in the campus’ South Building.

Developed with automation in mind, Mazak’s new SmoothAi control includes artificial-intelligence-driven machining functions such as SMOOTH Robot Cell Controller and SMOOTH Robot Teaching Assist that make it easier than ever to integrate a wide range of digital technologies into part-production operations. Featuring graphical user interface enhancements, an optional second monitor and operation panel enhancements to support other new SMOOTH TECHNOLOGY solutions, including SMOOTH Ai Spindle, Solid MAZATROL and Ai Thermal Shield, the SmoothAi CNC also incorporates new products like SMOOTH CAM Ai, MAZATROL TWINS software and SMOOTH Project Manager.

Also garnering much attention at DISCOVER 2019, Mazak’s Mixed Reality Training and new remote service modalities are expected to revolutionize training, service and maintenance with powerful display technology. The system takes virtual objects from VR and overlays them in the real world with an AR approach, enabling risk-free training and new possibilities for machine service and maintenance.

On the machine tool side, many of the advanced machines under power and cutting parts during DISCOVER 2019 included those paired with automation solutions such as articulating robots and palletized part loading/unloading systems. Other machine tool innovations included Mazak’s HYBRID Multi-Tasking series of machines, which add technologies such as 3D metal printing with Hot Wire Deposition (HWD) and using force to join metals with Friction Stir Welding (FSW) to conventional machine tools.

Looking back at the success of the DISCOVER MORE WITH MAZAK series of events in 2019, Dan Janka, president of Mazak Corporation, commented, “Our customers have come to rely on the these events to keep up with the latest manufacturing advancements and strategies, which is why Mazak DISCOVER continues to hold the distinction as the industry’s largest privately held manufacturing technology and education event in North America,”

In keeping with the event’s educational focus and stemming from Mazak’s various technical collaborations, the company welcomed several of the manufacturing industry’s leading minds as keynote speakers during DISCOVER 2019. Presentations from Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), University of Cincinnati, Lockheed Martin, GE Aviation, Cisco Systems, Fanuc America, AMT -The Association for Manufacturing Technology and others addressed industry-critical topics including automation, workforce development, HYBRID Multi-Tasking, digitally connected factories and cybersecurity.

As part of DISCOVER 2019, Mazak opened the doors of its Mazak iSMART Factory for tours, during which attendees experienced the company’s latest investments in its own manufacturing operations, including a new completely automated manufacturing cell currently being installed and the initial stages of the entirely new Spindle Rebuild facility. This new state-of-the-art facility will provide efficient and high-quality OEM-factory-certified spindle rebuild services and will further improve Mazak’s ability to quickly deliver spindles and reduce customer downtime.

In line with the Mazak iSMART Factory concept, the new automated manufacturing cell spotlighted the effectiveness of Mazak’s SMOOTH TECHNOLOGY digital manufacturing solutions – including its new Smooth Spindle Health Monitoring – that contribute significantly to increased productivity and maximized machine utilization. The new manufacturing cell features Mazak’s MAZATEC Smart Manufacturing System (SMS) for both machine pallet and raw material stocking and six of Mazak’s most advanced machine tools and also incorporates the Mazak SmartBox IIoT technology for process monitoring and optimization.

About Mazak Corporation

Mazak Corporation is a leader in the design and manufacture of productive machine tool solutions. Committed to being a partner to customers with innovative technology, its world-class facility in Florence, Kentucky produces over 100 models of turning centers, Multi-Tasking machines and vertical machining centers, including 5-axis models. Continuously investing in manufacturing technology allows the Mazak iSMART Factory™ to be the most advanced and efficient in the industry, providing high-quality and reliable products. Mazak maintains eight Technology Centers across North America to provide local hands-on applications, service and sales support to customers.