FACE TO FACE
In Mazak ’ s workshop at the Worcester ETC .
THE POWER PRINCIPLE
ISMR attended Mazak ’ s Discovery Week at its European Technology Centre ( ETC ) in the UK , where the company demonstrated fibre laser cutting systems and launched its new iCONNECT platform .
Mazak ’ s staff at its European Technology Centre ( ETC ) in Worcester .
“ Mazak has set a stringent goal , by 2030 , to reduce its own carbon emissions by 50 % compared to 2010 and improve the sustainability and efficiency of its machines four-fold .”
It was Discovery Week at Mazak ’ s European Technology Centre ( ETC ) in Worcester , UK , from 6-9 December 2022 . ISMR took the opportunity to spend a day with Mazak there , meeting its management and industry specialists as well as many of its partners . It also watched Mazak ’ s latest manufacturing technology demonstrations , toured its factory and discussed market opportunities .
Over 20 machines were on display at the ETC and visitors could see live cutting demonstrations on Mazak ’ s 5-axis ; multitasking ; horizontal ; vertical and CNC turning machining centres as well as its latest fibrelaser cutting systems . Mazak also launched its new iCONNECT portal and web connectivity services for customers at the event and showcased its new fibre laser technology , machining centres and automation solutions .
Established more than a century ago in Japan , Yamazaki Mazak ( or Mazak ) is a global , family-owned specialist in laser-cutting equipment . Over its long history , the company has set up ten production plants and multiple sales subsidiaries worldwide , with 14 of them in Europe .
Market opportunities
The European Technology Centre in Worcester does not just manufacture and sell machines into European markets ( including the UK ), but also provides design , engineering and services . “ Despite the economic headwinds , aerospace markets have started to get back on track . The UK market has a lot of expertise in aerospace engineering ,” commented Alan Mucklow , Managing Director UK & National Distributor Sales , Yamazaki Mazak .
“ Medical sector opportunities have also been strong over the last few years and are growing significantly . The laser processing of parts is key for this sector and you will see examples of this in our ETC . The automotive industry in the UK has suffered huge backlogs over the last few months , mainly from the shortage of microprocessors , but the transition to more EV-based systems presents huge opportunities ,” he outlined during the event .
He confirmed that , despite unprecedented increases in energy prices , inflation and cost of living in the UK , Mazak UK ’ s customers were still very busy ( not just in the UK , but also globally ). Around 50 % of the Mazak machines sold in Europe are made in the Worcester factory , he told ISMR .
Mazak ’ s European Technology Centre , Worcester , UK .
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ismr . net | ISMR December 2022 / January 2023