FACE TO FACE
Market and technology trends
Gaetano Lo Guzzo highlighted various market and technology trends to ISMR, during the event, which are impacting global sheet metal markets.
“ In recent years, fibre laser technology has largely replaced CO₂ systems, offering superior cutting quality, reliability and efficiency. With power levels now exceeding 20kW, new opportunities have been unlocked for processing thick materials and handling demanding production cycles with confidence. Looking ahead, the integration of AI and advanced digital tools will further expand the potential of laser processing, enabling new applications and driving even greater control and performance,” he told ISMR.
“ Automation and digitalisation are accelerating across the industry. From smart loading and unloading systems to integrated warehousing and intelligent part sorting, advanced automation is minimising downtime and boosting productivity. Our machines are increasingly connected, enabling predictive maintenance, remote monitoring and seamless integration into ERP and MES environments,” he added.
However, Lo Guzzo also flagged global sheet metal market requirements for increased flexibility.
“ This means, for example, special materials, small batches and complex production layouts which require modular, highly configurable systems. Mazak is responding with platforms supported by advanced simulation and nesting software that adapts easily to diverse needs. Sustainability is another cornerstone of this evolution. Energy-efficient systems, reduced waste and smart software tools are helping manufacturers to meet environmental goals while controlling operating costs,” he explained.
A sustainable focus
Sustainability is a key focus for Mazak, and not just for its machines’ carbon footprints but more widely in its operations. The European market is getting ready to welcome CBAM( Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) regulations.
Looking ahead, the integration of AI and advanced digital tools will further expand the potential of laser processing
Presentations at the laser event.
Mazak has two key environmental objectives: to reduce its own carbon footprint by 50 % and to make its machines four times more efficient than their 2010 machine equivalents by 2030. E-saving dashboards and digital services on its machines help owners to measure energy usage and reduce their CO₂ impact.
“ In 2010, Mazak set a target to reduce its CO₂ emissions by 50 % up to 2030. At present, for our laser products, we have cut emissions by 40 %. I believe we will reach our target for the laser products by 2030. For machine tools in general, we have made 25-30 % reductions compared to 2010. Environmental regulations have become much stricter over the last five years,” said Gaetano Lo Guzzo.
Approximately 80 % of the CO₂ emitted during a machine’ s product life cycle is from its usage. Supporting its customers towards reducing their scope-two emissions is an impactful way for Mazak to play its part in the global race to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
An eye on the future
“ We exhibited at the LAMIERA trade show in Milan, Italy, recently with one machine model and an AI system on our booth. We also held a one-day Open House, with an evening event, for 120 invitees( 80 % of whom were Italian customers), alongside LAMIERA. Visitors were able to see our full product range, including automation and tube cutting machines, in our showroom,” confirmed Lo Guzzo.
Mazak is now gearing up for the EMO Hannover trade show for production technology, which will be held from 22-26 September 2025. It will be exhibiting at the event, showcasing a range of technologies.
“ We aim to launch a new innovation at EMO Hannover, but it is too early to confirm anything more concrete on that right now. However, I can confirm that we will take a 20kW OPTIPLEX 3015 NEO fibre laser machine to the exhibition( with the new features). We will also showcase various uses of artificial intelligence( AI) on a machine tool at EMO Hannover( such as our iConnect system for remote service etc.),” Gaetano Lo Guzzo told ISMR.
“ We started 2025 with good results but uncertainty over U. S. intentions on tariffs have slowed down investment decisions in March and April this year. Looking ahead, I hope to see a speedy resolution to the trade tariffs imposed by the Trump presidency in the United States on global manufacturers, who will have to adjust their supply strategies accordingly to reduce their exposure,” he concluded. n
Gaetano Lo Guzzo, Director Laser Business Europe, Mazak. www. mazak. com / uk-en /
ISMR July / August 2025 | ismr. net | 27