FACE TO FACE
The OPTIPLEX 3015 NEO on display in Worcester.
Beam shaping technology
Mazak’ s OPTIPLEX NEO features Beam Shaping technology which allows for real-time modulation of the beam profile, adjusting the diameter and energy distribution, without stopping the machine. Up to 320 different beam configurations are available on Mazak 20kW models to process a wide variety of materials and cutting tasks.
Enhanced beam shaping plays a critical role when cutting thicker sections. Distributing energy across a wider area prevents overheating and uncontrolled fusion, significantly improving cut quality and reducing dross.
“ By adjusting the beam shape on the 20kW OPTIPLEX 3015 NEO, operators are now able to cut material of up to 50mm with four times more stability compared to conventional cutting. Adjusting the beam shape can also improve the bevel angle by more than 80 % versus conventional machines, significantly increasing the accuracy of the cut,” Mazak told ISMR.
Manufacturing Cell( with six-axis robot) for parts sorting. The Double Tower system can hold up to 21 pallets each.
“ We decided to hold this Open House to highlight our recent installation of the laser machines in our Worcester factory( completed earlier this year). We have now completed the installation of twin OPTIPLEX NEO 6kW machines, with new automatic storage and load / unload / sorting system. These two new units have now replaced all four of our CO₂ laser-cutting systems in Worcester and have greatly reduced energy consumption and increased productivity. Not only has this investment demonstrated the potential to reduce overall power consumption by 67 %, but the enhanced automation has also helped to cut machine waiting times( further improving productivity through unmanned operations),” Gaetano Lo Guzzo( Director Laser Business Europe, Mazak) told ISMR.
At the heart of Mazak’ s automation is Smooth System Control, an integrated line controller designed to manage the entire cutting and handling process from a single point of operation.
“ Smooth System Control enables seamless management of both simple and complex setups. It supports advanced nesting visualisation, allowing operators to easily identify which nests to use during the scheduling phase. In multi-machine environments, the system can assign priorities to individual machines, optimising workflow according to production needs. It also offers integration capabilities with MRP / ERP systems, bridging the gap between planning and production,” outlined Mazak.
The OPTIPLEX NEO series is equipped with Mazak’ s SmoothLx CNC, featuring two 21.5” touch screens.
Mazak has also now installed an OPTIPLEX 3015 NEO 15kW fibre laser cutting system, with Variable Beam Mode, at its Worcester facility.
“ The OPTIPLEX NEO 20kW can reduce part costs by up to 42 % when cutting 10mm mild steel. By increasing laser power, you can also reduce cutting and gas consumption costs. The NEO series features highly efficient cutting heads for high-performance cutting. The MCT3 torch combines advanced nozzle design and automatic functions to minimise downtime and optimise cutting quality,” confirmed Lo Guzzo.
“ Major innovations in the NEO series last year include ABC( Automatic Beam Centring), to reduce set-up time and eliminate operator variability, and AND( Automatic Nozzle Diagnosis), another step towards fully autonomous operation,” he added.
Mazak’ s Open House in Worcester.
The Mazak Mazatrol SmoothAI control.
ISMR July / August 2025 | ismr. net | 25