While there exists many iconic machine tool brand names that already share reputations for performance, quality and reliability, those machines are only made better through continuous improvement and redesign with the current needs of the end user in mind. To avoid technological stagnation, continuous improvement on the part of machine tool builders leads to new and innovative machines that take well-known existing models to the next level in terms of increased speed, precision, efficiency, versatility and productivity.
From an engineering aspect, next level machines often feature numerous upgrades and design changes involving spindle speeds and motors, tool change times, control technology and automation, among other aspects. Such was the case with machines in the NEO Series from Mazak that initially started with two models and has quickly expanded to 10, all of which resulted from the company's continuous improvement efforts.
NEO Goes Horizontal
The list of NEO machines within Mazak's HCN Horizontal Machining Centers Series has grown from the initial HCN-6800 to now include the HCN-4000 and HCN-5000 NEO models. For the HCN NEO Series horizontals, Mazak improved the standard spindles, tables and tool magazines. There are also optional direct-drive motor tables with the fastest indexing times in the industry and paired with high-accuracy positioning.
The machines have redesigned, faster ATC doors that are servo driven, and for some models, the new design allows them to accommodate longer tool lengths. For enhanced operator ergonomics, Mazak equipped the machines with hydraulic/motorized pallet changer mechanisms and easier-to-access maintenance panels located closer to the operator station that speed up the response when an alarm indicates the machine needs routine maintenance.
On the control side, HCN NEO Series machines feature the Mazak MAZATROL SmoothG CNC with the Windows 10 operating system for expanded functionality. In addition to the standard suite of Mazak SMOOTH TECHNOLOGY solutions and full EIA/ISO and MAZATROL conversational compatibility, the machines now provide the company's new Ai Thermal Shield technology. This advanced system uses machine learning and modeling to compensate instantly for changes in machine and ambient temperature over the course of operation, ensuring a high degree of accuracy even over long machining cycles.
NEO for Full 5-Axis
Mazak's VARIAXIS NEO Series has progressed from the VARIAXIS i-800 NEO to the VARIAXIS i-600 and VARIAXIS i-700 NEO models. Mazak enhanced these full 5-axis VMCs with a powerful CNC along with faster machining cycle times, expanded workpiece capacities and more automation options.
New with the VARIAXIS NEO Series machines is the MAZATROL SmoothAi CNC with Ai Thermal Shield technology and, as an available option, SMOOTH Project Manager Gateway software for creating more accurate machine programs configured to the limits and capabilities of the actual machine.
When it comes to speed, the VARIAXIS i-800 NEO achieves rapid traverse rates of 1,890 IPM (48 m/min) in the X, Y and Z axes that contribute significantly to reduced cycle times, while the VARIAXIS i-700 NEO rapid traverses at speeds as fast as 2,362 IPM (60 m/min) in the X and Y axes and 2,205 IPM (56 m/min) in the Z-axis. For the VARIAXIS i-600 NEO, rapid traverse rates are up to 2,362 IPM (60 m/min) in the X and Y axes and 2,205 IPM (56 m/min) in the Z-axis. All the machines have full gantry machine construction that minimizes vibration during acceleration/deceleration and ensures stability.
In addition to speed, the VARIAXIS NEOs feature all new two-pallet changers that incorporate a four-cone clamping system for higher precision and quick indexing. Beyond that, Mazak's Multi-Pallet Pool (MPP) compact multiple pallet stocker system and the company's modular PALLETECH System both increase levels of automation flexibility.
NEO Does DONE IN ONE
As the first Multi-Tasking platforms in Mazak's NEO Series line, the HQR-200/3 and HQR-250/3 NEO Multi-Tasking machines incorporate two spindles and three turrets-two upper and one lower-for enhanced DONE IN ONE part processing opportunities and high-volume throughput in single set-ups.
The machines debut Mazak's new MAZATROL SmoothG3 control technology with the Ai Thermal Shield function for stable machining accuracy through machine-learning-enhanced heat displacement compensation.
Mazak developed its MAZATROL SmoothG3 control specifically for supporting three-turret machine functionality. The control gives users a clear specific display of the turrets for programming and operational ease of use and to help ensure process security.
Drum-style turrets on both HQR NEO machines provide 12 or 16 tool positions and rotary tool capability. Main machine spindles handle 4" bar stock while the second spindles are capable of processing bar diameters up to 2.992" (76 mm). The machines easily integrate with available bar feeders and workpiece loaders/unloaders for fully automated operations.
Multi-Tasking with NEO
When someone mentions Mazak Multi-Tasking, the first machine series that comes to mind is the INTEGREX. The horizontal Multi-Tasking machines feature single and twin-turning spindle versions with milling spindles to significantly shorten cycle times and provide single-set-up part processing.
Under Mazak's Multi-Tasking NEO umbrella is the recently introduced INTEGREX j-200 and j-200/S NEO models. As part of the NEO Series, the machines combine advanced technology and outstanding value with high-performance productivity.
That advanced technology encompasses enhancements such as higher-torque integral spindle technology for maximum material removal, specifications for faster spindle RPM, positioning accuracy and higher torque ratings along with expanded tool magazine capacities and longer tool lengths. Added heat displacement compensation equipment provides stable machining accuracy, increased operating efficiency and reduced power consumption. With Mazak's MAZATROL SmoothG control, the machines feature high-speed and high-accuracy machining, offering G-code and conversational programming platforms.
For seamless automation to help shops overcome skilled labor shortages while keeping pace with increasing production demands, Mazak offers its Ez LOADER for the new INTEGREX j-200/j-200S NEO machines. The Ez LOADER redistributable automation system incorporates a stand-alone, plug & play automation system that uses multiple pallets, an easy-to-use programmable pendent, compact floor space and all necessary equipment for flexible, hassle-free machine integration and lights-out production.
When it comes to new products, machine tool builders like Mazak compare them to their predecessors, then develop models with enhanced performance while also fulfilling current customer needs. It is for this reason that the company speaks in terms of "more" with its continually expanding NEO Series-more power, more speed, more capacity and so on-that makes the best existing technology even better.
Authored by Mazak Corporation
For more information contact:
Mazak Corporation
P.O. Box 970
Florence, KY 41022-0970
859-342-1700
www.mazakusa.com
Southwest
Don Miller
Mazak SW Technology Center
10950 Greenbend Blvd.
Houston, TX 77667
281-931-7770
dmiller@mazakcorp.com
www.mazakusa.com
LA
Richard Cahn
Dixie Mill Machine Tools Co.
901 Tchoupitoulass Street
New Orleans, LA 70152
504-525-6101 / 888-462-9519
rcahn@dixiemill.com
www.dixiemill.com
OK, AR
Pioneer Machine Sales
4702 Mimosa Circle
Richmond, TX 77406
832-509-1089
Arkansas location: 479-401-2880
sales@pioneermachinesales.com
www.pioneermachinesales.com
N. TX
Don Miller
Mazak SW Technology Center
10950 Greenbend Blvd.
Houston, TX 77667
281-931-7770
dmiller@mazakcorp.com
www.mazakusa.com
W. TX
Chris Edgar
Magnum Precision Machines, Inc.
12025 Rojas Drive, Suite A
El Paso, TX 79936
915-856-7900
cedgar@magnumabq.com
www.magnumprecisionmachines.com
NM
Chris Edgar
Magnum Precision Machines, Inc.
8448 Washington Place NE
Albuquerque, NM 87113
505-345-8389
cedgar@magnumabq.com
www.magnumprecisionmachines.com
Southeast
Travis Kirby
Mazak Southeast Technology Center
1075 Northbrook Pkwy.
Suwanee, GA 30024
678-985-4800
tkirby@mazakcorp.com
www.mazakusa.com
NC, SC, VA
Crotts & Saunders, LLC
2709 Boulder Park Ct.
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
336-765-7250
cmiller@thehehgroup.com
www.thehehgroup.com/crotts-saunders/
TN
Terry Peer
Pinnacle Machine Tools, Inc.
5912 Toole Drive
Knoxville, TN 37919
865-951-0260
peer@pinnaclemachine.net
AL, FL Panhandle
Jerry Edwards
Pinnacle Machine Tool Inc.
141 Nick Fitcheard Road
Huntsville, AL 35806
256-852-0900
edwards@pinnaclemachine.net
GA
Tim Kramer
Premier Engineering Co.
1635 Lakes Pkwy. Ste. U
Lawrenceville, GA 30043-5858
678-442-8382
tim@premierengineering.com
www.premierengineering.com
MS
Richard Cahn
Dixie Mill Machine Tools Co.
901 Tchoupitoulass Street
New Orleans, LA 70152
504-525-6101
rcahn@dixiemill.com
www.dixiemill.com
FL
Tim Kramer
Premier Engineering Co.
6985 McCoy Road, Ste. 100
Orlando, FL 32822-4719
tim@premierengineering.com
www.premierengineering.com
Northeast
New England, E. NY, N. NJ
Greg Kaufman
Mazak Northeast Technology Center
700 Old County Cir.
Windsor Locks, CT 06096
800-436-8900 / 860-292-4400
gkaufman@mazakcorp.com
www.mazakusa.com
MD, DE, PA, N. WV, S. NJ, W. NY
Bill Miller
A.W. Miller Technical Sales
7661 Seneca St. / P.O. Box 69
East Aurora, NY 14052
716-652-8286
Harmony, PA: 724-453-1691
Harleysville, PA: 215-256-8281
bmiller@awmiller.com
www.awmiller.com
S. WV
Crotts & Saunders, LLC
2709 Boulder Park Ct.
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
336-765-7250
cmiller@thehehgroup.com
www.thehehgroup.com/crotts-saunders
Midwest
Randy Ragnini
Mazak Midwest Technology Center
300 East Commerce Drive
Schaumburg, IL 60173
847-885-8311
rragnini@mazakcorp.com
www.mazakusa.com
ND, SD, MN, W. WI
Joel Lundin
Tony Bailey
Northwest Machine Technologies, Inc.
20851 Commerce Blvd.
Rogers, MN 55374
763-493-3660
tbailey@nwmtec.com
www.nwmtec.com
NE, W. IA
Duane Ohlrich
Industrial Systems & Supply Inc.
2760 E. 29th Avenue
Columbus, NE 68601
402-564-4445
ohlrich@industrial-systems-supply.com
industrial-systems-supply.com
E. IA
Jeff Everett
Mazak Iowa Technology Center
609 Myatt Drive, Ste. 1
Maquoketa, IA 52060
563-652-6065
jeverett@mazakcorp.com
www.mazakusa.com
E. MO, S. IL
Nick Shelton
Municipal Machinery, A TSM Group
2465 Rock Island Blvd.
Maryland Heights, MO 63043
314-994-9905
nshelton@tsmachinegroup.com
municipalmach.com
S. MO, W. MO
Nick Shelton
Concept Machinery, A TSM Group
9900 North by Northeast Blvd.
Fishers, IN 46037
317-845-5588
nshelton@tsmachinegroup.com
www.conceptmachinery.com
E. WI
Mike Cekanor
Machinery Systems North
3280 Gateway Rd.
Brookfield, WI 53045
262-781-4850
mikec@machsys.com
www.machsys.com
N. IL, N.W. IN
Eric Hilliard
Machinery Systems Inc.
614 East State Parkway
Schaumburg, IL 60173
847-882-8085
erich@machysys.com
www.machsys.com
E. MI
Steve Addy
Addy Machinery Co.
36055 Groesbeck Highway
Clinton Township, MI 48035
586-741-3000 / 800-ADDY-NOW
steve@addymachinery.com
www.addymachinery.com
W. MI
Peter Addy
Addy Machinery Co.
3757 Broadmoor Ave. SE, Ste. A & B
Grand Rapids, MI 49512
800-AddyNOW
peter@addymachinery.com
www.addymachinery.com
S. OH
Greg Knox
Knox Manufacturing Solutions
375 Industrial Drive
Franklin, OH 45005
937-743-2641
gknox@knoxmachinery.com
www.knoxcnc.com
IN, KY
Nick Shelton
Shelton Machinery, A TSM Group
9900 North by Northeast Blvd.
Fisher, IN 46037
317-845-5588
nshelton@tsmachinegroup.com
www.sheltonmachinery.com
N. OH
Motch & Eichele
318 Remington Road
Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44224
800-833-9730
jszymczyk@thehehgroup.com
www.thehehgroup.com/motch-eichele
West
CO, E. WY
Randy Breitenbach
Action Machinery International
7790 S. Wheeling Ct. Unit A
Englewood, CO 80112
303-532-2900
randy@action-machinery.com
www.action-machinery.com
WA, OR
Mark Harris
CNC Machine Services, Inc.
7808 184th St. SE
Snohomish, WA 98296
425-788-4500
sales@cncmachineservice.com
www.cncmachineservice.com
N. ID
Dave Fisher
Dependable Machine
88 W Orchard Ave.
Hayden, ID 83835
866-967-0146 / 208-714-4652
sales@dependablemachineryrepair.com
www.dmi-cnc.com
AZ, S. NV
Chris Edgar
Magnum Precision Machines
4848 S. 35th St.
Phoenix, AZ 85040
602-431-8300
cedgar@magnumabq.com
www.magnumprecisionmachines.com
UT, S. ID, MT, W. WY
Tom Weaver, General Manager
Action Machinery LLC
41 W Guest Avenue
Salt Lake City, UT 84115
80l-263-6403
tom@action-machinery.com
www.action-machinery.com
S. CA
Jeff Shaver
Mazak Western Technology Center
Aerospace Technology Center
1333 West 190th Street
Gardena, CA 90248
310-327-7172
jshaver@mazakcorp.com
www.mazakusa.com
N. CA
Nathanael Uyeyama
Mazak Northern California
Technical Center
47273 Fremont Blvd.
Fremont, CA 94538
nuyeyama@mazakcorp.com
www.mazakusa.com