Mazak DISCOVER 2015 Dates Announced
Mazak Corporation encourages those involved in the metalworking industry to attend its DISCOVER 2015 technology and education event, taking place October 27 – 29 and November 3 – 5 in Florence, Kentucky. Here, the leading machine tool builder plans to spotlight new technologies and trends that will drastically change how part manufacturers operate, including unconventional ways to drive operational efficiency via additive manufacturing, CNC technology and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) concept.
Additive manufacturing is creating a shift in the way engineers and designers think about product development, and Mazak is leading the way with its additive-capable INTEGREX i-400AM. The HYBRID Multi-Tasking machine will make its North American debut at DISCOVER 2015, and attendees will experience how it uniquely integrates laser cladding with advanced full 5-axis milling and turning capabilities.
Mazak recently started outfitting its Multi-Tasking machines with the new MAZATROL SmoothX CNC, which offers the fastest processing times in the industry. The CNC will be featured on several of the machine tools at the event so attendees can see how it significantly shortens machining cycle times, especially in fine increment programs for simultaneous 5-axis operations and free-form die-mold machining.
With reshoring on the rise, domestic manufacturers must find new ways to deliver products faster and of higher quality than ever before to remain globally competitive. Such pressures have given rise to IIoT where “smart” components (data storage, controls and software), automation and advanced connectivity between machines and external data sources work hand-in-hand to significantly improve manufacturing productivity, reduce operating costs and much more.
Mazak, an early adopter of IIoT, will give tours of its revamped North American Manufacturing Plant that incorporates what the company refers to as the iSMART Factory concept.
The iSMART concept involves the use of advanced manufacturing cells and systems together with full digital integration to achieve free-flow data sharing in terms of process control and operation monitoring. The MTConnect® open communications protocol works with process support software and provides connectivity and the capability to monitor then harvest data from all the different production floor machines, cells, devices and processes.
In addition to getting a first-hand look at IIoT – which is expected to be a significant driver of manufacturing productivity and growth over the next decade – attendees will leave the event with a greater understanding of how shared intelligence and access to real-time information can optimize their processes in ways never thought possible.
Overall, more than 30 of the latest Mazak machine tools will perform real-world cutting demonstrations throughout the event. Applications experts will be on standby during the demonstrations to discuss total manufacturing solutions as well as part-processing improvements with attendees. The company will also offer a series of seminars that will teach attendees the latest metalworking tools, trends and techniques for improved productivity and profitability.
