With both affordability and high performance for job shops in mind, Mazak has officially launched the new Ez machine series, the new MAZATROL SmoothEz control and the accompanying MazakUSA.com/Ez website. The new machine family and control were developed specifically to help remove the cost barriers to acquiring the latest manufacturing technology without sacrificing machine capability or production performance, while the new Ez website further streamlines the customer experience and offers visitors focused access to Mazak’s newest product line.

Machine configurations within the new series include both horizontal turning and vertical machining center models, all of which feature the MAZATROL SmoothEz control and are designed and built in Kentucky. Among the turning center configurations are the QTEz 8, QT-Ez 10 and QT-Ez 12 models each offered in a 2-axis, M, MY and MSY versions.

M versions include milling capability, MY machines feature milling and Y-axis offcenterline capability and MSY machines are a combination of both milling and Y axis capability paired with second turning spindles for complete DONE IN ONE® part processing. For further increased productivity and unmanned operations, the machines seamlessly integrate with bar feeders and robots.

Each QT-Ez model number indicates the standard chuck size, but Mazak also offers a smaller size optional chuck for each machine to provide greater maximum rpm capability. These include a 6” chuck option for the QT-Ez 8, an 8” for the QT-Ez 10 and 10” for the QT-Ez 12. Each model is available in a 20” bed length and an optional 40” bed length for the QT-Ez 12 model. Available machine turrets include 2-axis drum style, with a bolt-on or BMT55 turret for rotary tool applications, and tailstocks are offered with either manual positioning with hydraulic quill or servo positioning capability.

Mazak’s VC-Ez Vertical Machine Series begins with the initial introduction of the VC-Ez 20, and soon will include both smaller and larger machines, the VC-Ez 16 and VC-Ez 26. All VC-Ez Series machines sport C-frame designs with X and Y axis motion via moving table and saddle along with Mazak’s high-rigidity MX linear systems and pretensioned ball screws that together ensure rigidity, accuracy and reliability.
Axis travels for the VC-Ez 20 measure 41.34” in X, 20.08” in Y and 25” in Z that allow the machine to accommodate maximum workpiece sizes of 49.21” long, 19.37” wide and 22.4” tall and weighing up to 2,204 lbs. All within an ergonomically designed machine that has a 26.5 percent smaller foot as compared to other models and one that measures only 102.65 sq-ft for significant floor space savings.
The VC-Ez 20 features a powerful 40-taper, 12,000-rpm, 25-hp spindle and 30-tool magazine automatic tool changer. Options include a versatile 15,000-rpm, 29.5-hp spindle with 81.13 ft-lb torque and a 50-tool capacity tool changer.

For fast and easy QT-Ez and VC-Ez machine programming, Mazak’s new MAZATROL SmoothEz CNC provides dual 800 MHz processors, 512 MB of RAM and a vibrant 15″ capacitive touch screen that includes a full keyboard and displays up to 60 lines of code. Within the control, EIA/G-code and MAZATROL programming languages support a full range of programming options directly on the machine, while the MAZATROL TWINS function enables offline programming and simulations that draw real-time condition and performance data directly from the machine.

The MAZATROL SmoothEz control also features Mazak’s new LAUNCHER interface, accessible in every screen, and that uses the entire display to make screen selection smooth and seamless. To further streamline programming, the control’s QUICK MAZATROL function simplifies program creation and confirmation through touch screen editing and confirmation of 3D models.

To support the Ez machine series, Mazak’s new Ez website provides customers across the US, Canada and Mexico complete and concise information about Mazak’s newest product line. Launched alongside the new Ez series, the website includes in-depth details on all series machines and on the MAZATROL SmoothEz control. Site visitors can also learn more about the Kentucky manufacturing expertise that Mazak invested in the new machine tools and information about the customer support and financing packages that make owning the machines easy and affordable.

In addition to the Ez website, Mazak recently rolled out its reimagined Virtual Technology Center to extend the product and technology experience beyond traditional events, as well as bring the benefits of its 800,000 sq. ft. campus to customers across North America on demand. The Virtual Technology Center features a rotating lineup of groundbreaking machines, automation systems and digital technology, as well as the ability to request quotes, schedule in-person visits and innovative ways for customers to connect with Mazak experts.

As one of the newest members of Mazak’s additive machine family, the VARIAXIS j-600AM (Additive Manufacturing) Vertical Machining Center features an innovative Wire Arc-type metal deposition system. The technology takes the additive process to whole new levels in terms of speed, allowing shops to quickly and easily grow part features then employ the machine’s advanced 5-axis multi-surface subtractive capabilities to produce high-precision parts complete in single setups.

The VARIAXIS j-600AM’s Wire Arc system incorporates a standard wire arc-welding head mounted on the machine’s headstock to deposit material layer by layer and grow near-net-shape 3D forms. The system deposits material faster because it uses wire instead of metal power.

Machines capable of both additive and subtractive operations offer many advantages. Such machines significantly slash production time and conserve large amounts of expensive raw materials typically machined away when parts are completely produced using only subtractive operations. Plus, they reduce the number of machines required in a facility and save floor space.

The VARIAXIS j-600AM also features a 12,000-rpm B-axis tilt spindle and C-axis indexing table. The machine is well suited for a wide variety of applications, including the production and repair of aerospace parts, molds and dies and oil-drilling components so that these parts retain their original durability and wear resistant properties.

Yamazaki Mazak is exhibiting one ofits largest laser cutting machines, the 3D FABRI GEAR 220 II, at the Tube Düsseldorf 2014 exhibition, held on 7th – 11th April.

The 3D FABRI GEAR series has been specifically developed for high precision 3D laser cutting of complex or angled configurations of long pipe and structural materials used in the construction industry. The laser cutter is equipped with a 3D torch which enables movement on five different axes, which ensures that the machine is capable of cutting both closed and open profiles.

The 3D FABRI GEAR delivers industry-leading levels of accuracy by cutting vertically to ensure that the metal tubes sit flush against each other with no gaps. This reduces the need for jigs to hold the cut metal in place during construction prior to welding and reduces the amount of weld material, offering the benefit of faster weld times and greater strength from the weld. Mazak estimates that tube cut with the 3D FABRI GEAR can be welded and assembled twice as fast as conventionally cut tube.

The 3D FABRI GEAR is ideal for cutting long and heavy tube used in the construction industry, such as building structures, heating and ventilation systems, along with machinery applications including cranes and agricultural machinery. It has been used in a number of highly prestigious construction projects including the Yas Marina Formula One circuit in Abu Dhabi, the national football stadium in Gdansk, Poland, and the Tokyo Sky Tree, which is the world’s tallest broadcast tower, opened in May 2012.

As well as exhibiting its 3D FABRI GEAR, Mazak will also be promoting its TUBE GEAR 150 laser cutting machine tool which is aimed at users working with pipe up to 150mm in diameter; which comprises of 80% of the overall pipe processing market. The machine is capable of handling pipe materials up to 6.5m in length and a weight of 27kg/m. The TUBE GEAR 150 uses a 2D cutting head and also includes a bundle loader to offer a continuous feed of uniform parts to further improve overall operational efficiency.

It is ideally suited to those manufacturing office furniture, playground equipment, and leisure and health equipment.

Gaetano Lo Guzzo Laser Business Director for Yamazaki Mazak, comments: “In recent years we have invested in expanding our laser machine portfolio to satisfy the growing market demand from the construction and pipe processing industry industries. Our 3D FABRI GEAR offers customers a high precision machine which can provide a ‘done in one’ solution to deal with materials which have traditionally been difficult to machine in an efficient manner.

“Tube Düsseldorf is one of the pipe industry’s leading platforms so it is a fitting opportunity to not only showcase the capabilities of our 3D FABRI GEAR but to also promote our upcoming TUBE GEAR 150 laser machine tool targeted at those operating within the small pipe market.”