Visitors who joined the Mazak team at our Florence, Kentucky-based headquarters experienced the state-of-the-art technology designed to meet the challenges of modern manufacturing – and if you were unable to join us this year, you missed our biggest and best show yet. We celebrated 100 years of bringing the spirit of Together Success to our customers and partners around the world, and we had the opportunity to showcase how we’re working together with you to discover even more in the years to come.
Over 30 machines were under power and cutting parts at the event, from simple but innovative machines like the space-saving VC-300A to advanced Multi-Tasking machines like the new INTEGREX i-450H S or the HYBRID Multi-Tasking systems that put the latest additive manufacturing, joining and gear processing solutions on Mazak’s industry-leading subtractive machining platforms.
As a complement to the latest machine tools, Mazak also showcased the latest in control technology, the MAZATROL SmoothAi CNC. The latest addition to the SMOOTH TECHNOLOGY ecosystem, the SmoothAi wowed attendees with cutting-edge machine learning algorithms and AI-powered software functions capable of reducing cycle times, simplifying automation and improving quality. Paired with the Mazak SmartBox, the new control demonstrated the full power of Industry 4.0.
Mazak also highlighted the comprehensive range of automation solutions available to let shops unleash the full capacity of their machines. Visitors saw the ease of integration and use made possible by productive combinations such as the HCN-5000 with Mazak’s Multi-Pallet Pool (MPP) system, the QTU-350 HP with RoboJob Turn Assist and VCN-570C with RoboJob Mill Assist and the QUICK TURN 250MSY with the GR100 Gantry Robot.
Event attendees also had the chance to see the investments Mazak has made in its production and customer care facilities. This included a sneak peek at the latest improvements in the Mazak iSMART Factory™, including a new MAZATEC SMS pallet-stocking system, and our upcoming Spindle Rebuild Facility. Visitors even had the chance to see how we’re bringing this technology out into the world with programs like our Mixed Reality Training, which combines augmented reality and virtual reality technology to revolutionize operator education.
To complement the advanced technology on display, guests at DISCOVER 2019 had ample opportunities to gain insights on the challenges faced by and opportunities available to the manufacturing industry via our Tech Talk Keynotes. Topics such as IIoT and MTConnect®, advanced robotics, workforce development, and the future of manufacturing were covered by industry leaders. Audiences heard from a select group of speakers representing Cisco, FANUC, GE Aviation, Lockheed Martin, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the University of Cincinnati and the Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT).
In the spirit of our 100th anniversary, the team at Mazak also looked forward in terms of the next generation of manufacturing professionals. On our Student Day, which included students from eight local schools – Grant County Area Technology Center, Williamstown High School, Butler Tech, Pendleton County High School, Great Oaks, Ignite Institute, Boone County Area Technology Center and Lloyd High School – the Mazak team highlighted all of the advanced technology that can be found in today’s manufacturing sector.
