FACE TO FACE
Mazak used its FSW-460V alongside the OPTIPLEX 3015 NEO to show how the synergy between its laser and machine tool portfolios can reduce cycle time and tooling costs for end users .
Smart Manufacturing Cell .
Friction stir welding ( FSW )
The synergy between Mazak ’ s laser and machine tool portfolio can also reduce cycle time and tooling costs for end users . This was demonstrated by the OPTIPLEX 3015 NEO 20Kw and Mazak ’ s new Friction Stir Welding ( FSW ) machine , through laser processing an aluminium sheet on the stand at EuroBLECH and passing the cut sample to the machine tool to be friction stir-welded .
Purpose-built to overcome the key challenges faced by manufacturers adopting FSW technology to join materials , Mazak has created the heavy-duty and highly rigid FSW-460V with a sizeable 900mm x 460mm table that can accommodate loads of up to 500kg . The FSW-460V spindle consistently generates a maximum thrust force of 14kN , with a spindle speed of up to 10,000rpm , for high-speed welding .
Keeping control
Mazak also launched a new CNC system designed for 3D laser technology , SmoothTube . The new graphical user interface has been designed for tube processing .
“ With the flow from preparation to processing displayed on one screen , it is easy to operate the machine just by following the flow ,” Mazak explained . “ Condition settings for scheduled operations can easily be changed , as can reprocessing .”
The system features a dual touch panel with large 21.5-inch screen . The upper monitor features a machine monitor and graphic menu . The machine monitor provides an overview of the machine with 3D images and important status updates ( including the door ’ s open / closed status ). The graphic menu supports
Gaetano Lo Guzzo .
operators by providing easy access to the torch and machine operation menu . The machine ’ s processing status is also displayed .
“ The lower monitor assists the operator throughout the production process . The entire process can be monitored efficiently using the newly designed interface . The operator can modify the condition settings of scheduled operations and even re-process selected parts on the CNC system ,” added Mazak .
“ The result is a breakthrough in CNC that uses intuitive operations in a similar manner to smartphones and tablets ,” Mazak told ISMR .
Service and support
“ We are currently reinforcing our service team support to customers at our European Technology Centres . The expansion of the Mazak European Parts Centre ( EPC ) in Leuven , Belgium , with a substantial increase in warehouse capacity ( from 2,700 square metres to an impressive 5,528 square metres ) is a significant milestone in our commitment
to providing outstanding service and support to our customers across Europe ,” Gaetano Lo Guzzo told ISMR .
“ The EPC can ship over 20,000 parts every month , with our dedicated team processing orders 365 days per year . The warehouse now houses € 37 million worth of parts in stock . We are proud to offer 70,000 part numbers covering machines across the entire Mazak range , including those no longer in production ( even for machines that are over 30 years old ),” he added .
Mazak iCONNECT is a service that supports productivity improvement by connecting customers ’ Mazak machines to Mazak . Through iCONNECT , Mazak provides various services such as processing support , operation monitoring and maintenance support . It offers access to technical support engineers , as well as remote support for machines .
The free portal version of Mazak iCONNECT offers customers all the information required for their existing machines , from manuals through to service and parts order histories , how-to videos , e-learning modules and new ‘ try-before-you-buy ’ software options . Customers can also order spare parts through the portal .
New augmented reality ( AR ) technologies are being introduced to enhance remote diagnostic and repair capabilities .
“ Artificial Intelligence ( AI ) also plays a part in our support and service system for customers e . g . for monitoring machines in our customers ’ factories . Our system can connect to the machine and check the machine status in preparation for service . In many cases , we can remotely fix a machine . AI offers creative ways for us to serve our customers – we may not need to send a service engineer if an issue can be resolved remotely ,” outlined Gaetano Lo Guzzo .
70 | ismr . net | ISMR November 2024