Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd

Meeting the automotive challenge

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 12/07/2016

The automotive supply chain is highly demanding of its component suppliers. We examine the specific machining challenges that suppliers face and offer some solutions.

The global automotive sector has rebounded rapidly from the economic slowdown with production rising year on year. Light vehicle production alone is forecast, by Statista, to rise from 93.2 million units in 2016 to 107.4 million units by 2020.

This ramping up of production will inevitably place greater strain on the automotive supply chain, particularly those lower tier suppliers who have to combine quality of component with precision and speed of manufacture, in order to cater for the urgent demands and just-in-time logistics of the industry.

The breadth of components manufactured for the automotive sector is enormous, from basic suspension brackets, steering knuckles and brake calipers through to engine components, such as cylinder heads and turbochargers, all the way to differential housings, gears and axle shafts. Whats more, the range of different metals required by the sector goes all the way from heat resistant alloys through to cast-iron.

Within the sector there is an increasing requirement for heavyduty machines that are capable of tackling large workpieces. For this type of application the Mazaks HCN Series of machines, combine large pallet sizes with high rigidity construction capable of handling the power of a 40 or 50 taper spindle, depending on the variant.

HCN-5000/50, for example, is a highly agile machine capable of handling large prismatic workpieces, with the benefit of having tool holding capacity for large diameter/lengths tools used, for example, in block applications. The machine is equipped with a powerful 10,000rpm, 50 taper 37kW spindle and is capable of rapid traverse rates of 60m/min to maximise productivity and reduce non-cutting time.

At the volume end of automotive component manufacturing, productivity and reliability are key success factors. The QUICK TURN PRIMOS (QTP) is aimed specifically at the automotive subcontracting market and is capable of rapid traverse rates of 30 m/min in both the X- and Z-axes, which means fast cycle-times for high accuracy components.

The design of the machine enables easy chip removal from the rear, which allows multiple machines to be closely located together optimising machine shop floorpsace utilisation. There is an optional integrated gantry loader available on all PRIMOS variants,for automated loading with larger batch sizes. The QT PRIMOS is equipped with direct a drive spindle, which are standard on Mazak machines due to their superior performance which again aids cycle times and machine uptime.

Small machine footprint is critical for high volume automotive suppliers. The VERTICAL CENTER PRIMOS, is a compact, high speed vertical machining centre capable of exceptionally high metal removal rates.

Power is supplied by a 12,000rpm/ 11kW spindle with 30 taper interface that delivers high-productivity performance with lower tooling investment costs; an optional 20,000 rpm spindle is also available for higher speed applications. The machine also boasts high speed, 60m/min, rapid traverse and fast tool change to further enhance productivity. Crucially, like the QT PRIMOS, the machine has a space saving design (1,280mm width) and rear chip conveyor discharge.

When a more sophisticated turning solution is required, Mazaks MULTIPLEX series, specifically designed for mid-size lot production, is often the machine of choice for automotive component manufacturers. The MULTIPLEX combines two turning centres with milling capacity to perform a variety of machining tasks, such as continuous/simultaneous machining carried out on both spindles, and automatic workpiece transfer from one spindle to another. This ability to use both spindles is a major aid to production performance.

Additionally, set-ups can be performed as well as workpiece loading/unloading on one spindle, whilst machining is being performed on the other, which minimises machine downtime.

A further option is the HYPER QUADREX, a twin-turret, -twin spindle turning centre designed to reduce cycle times, when machining bar material for components, used in hydraulic systems. The combination of a high speed spindle along with simultaneous first and second operations, along with balanced cutting by upper / lower turrets, result in considerably reduced cycle times compared to one turret / two spindle turning centres.

However, performance often needs to be combined with highly accurate machining to ultra-tight tolerances. With this type of application, Mazaks IVS, an inverted vertical spindle turning centre is one solution, offering maximum stability and accurate positioning for high-volume production applications. With this machine, the headstock moves to the incoming conveyor to pick up the workpiece, in turn reducing cycle time and additional costly robotics.

Reducing in-process time down to a minimum is a critical factor for the automotive supply chain and multi-surface, 5-axis machining, capable of what Mazak call a DONE-IN-ONE solution, is becoming more and more prevalent. Mazaks flagship INTEGREX i-series has become an increasingly popular solution, capable of machining complex shapes in a single set-up, which in turn increases productivity and saves time on fixture preparation.

The demanding nature of the automotive sector, both in terms of lead times and applications, means that a one-size-fits-all machine philosophy is impossible. The differences in machining small turned components, compared to large diameter long shaft workpieces, requires machines with very different capabilities. Our advice is to partner with a machine supplier that can offer the necessary breadth of machines and application support that will enable you to choose the best machining solution.

European debut for QTE turning centres with new SmoothEz

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 24/06/2021

A new easy-to-use turning centre with a revolutionary CNC for simple setup, operation and programming is being launched into the European market this month.

The new QTE Series of high-speed, high-accuracy CNC turning centres from Yamazaki Mazak are the first machines to be equipped with SmoothEz, the latest generation of MAZATROL CNC.

MAZATROL SmoothEz CNC combines three easy features – Ez Machining, Ez Operation and Ez Setup – to deliver outstanding productivity, accuracy and, in turn, profitability.

Ez Machining offers machine users high-speed, high-accuracy machining with thermal compensation control, delivered by Mazak’s Thermal Shield, to maximise accuracy by automatically compensating for temperature changes in the machining area.

Ez Operation includes QUICK MAZATROL for fast conversational programming with a 15" touch screen and intuitive operating system that can be customised according to the operator’s preference.

By integrating Mazak’s Smooth CAM Ai and Mazatrol Twins a virtual copy of the machine can be replicated in the office for enhanced setup. Collective management of machine data is synchronised between the factory and office with Smooth Project Manager to conveniently manage data required to execute machining programs – including tool data, work holding, system coordination, parameters and workpiece 3D models.

Additionally, Smooth CAM Ai can dramatically reduce programming time with Solid MAZATROL to automatically generate a program from a 3D model using Ai deep- learning to determine the optimal process from past programs.

The simple and compact QTE Series, which is manufactured in Mazak’s Singapore factory, is designed to fit into even the smallest machine shop, but with no compromise on power.

The QTE Series is equipped with a powerful 5,000 rpm built-in spindle motor that is capable of ultra-high-speed acceleration and deceleration delivering high-efficiency, high-accuracy machining.

Since there is no loss of power through mechanical transmission, the built-in-motor delivers more power during cutting, while vibration is minimised during high-speed operation to ensure exceptional surface finishes and maximum tool life.

Two turret selections are available with a 12-position drum turret as standard and an 8-position turret as an option. Each utilise a 25 mm turning tool shank size.

The QTE Series also comes equipped with an NC tailstock - providing support for the workpiece during the machining process - to improve accuracy and workpiece finish. The tailstock is controlled by servo motor and ball screw, a method that is much superior to manual carriage movement or hydraulic / pneumatic positioning.

In addition, the QTE has a tool eye as an option for automatic tool measurement and in-cycle tool breakage. This helps the machine to further enhance productivity and profitability by reducing tool setup time.

The QTE is also equipped with a number of environmentally-friendly and cost-saving measures, including automatically turning off the machine worklight and backlight if no operator is present and also the option of automatic chip conveyor stop when the machine is not operating.

Mazak enjoys record year for machine sales

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 06/02/2019

Yamazaki Mazak celebrated a record year for machine sales in 2018, due to strong performance across a number of key market sectors.

Despite uncertainty in the marketplace in the lead-up to Brexit, the machine tool manufacturer witnessed impressive sales throughout the automotive, oil and gas, and medical markets in particular.

Alan Mucklow, Managing Director UK & Ireland Sales Division for Yamazaki Mazak, said: “Mazak is delighted to announce that 2018 proved to be the company’s best ever year for UK machine sales.

“The resurgence of the oil and gas market was much-welcomed, and we saw great success with the sales of machines from the larger section of our portfolio, such as our INTEGREX e-H range of Multi-Tasking machine tools, as well as our highly versatile MEGATURN vertical turning centres.”

Mr Mucklow said an especially pleasing aspect of Mazak’s 2018 sales performance was the volume of commodity machines, including the UK-made entry-level QT COMPACT turning centre range, and the high-performance QUICK TURN series.

“The company has invested heavily in improving our European Manufacturing Centre in Worcester in recent years, and it is especially rewarding to see that investment translate into shorter lead times and strong sales for UK-built machines,” he said.

“2018 also proved to be another fantastic year for UK sales of machines from our laser processing portfolio, following the recent additions to our Direct Diode Laser range, as well as the newly-unveiled 8.0kW and 10.0kW additions to our highly popular OPTIPLEX FIBER series.”

He added that 2019 had already started off strongly, with the company generating an impressive volume of enquiries from its presence at the Autosport Engineering event in January.

“This year was the first time we exhibited across the weekend, rather than just the ‘trade’ days, and it paid real dividends being the only machine tool manufacturer with a visible presence,” he said.

Talented technology students rewarded

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 11/07/2017

The final of this years national Technology, Design and Innovation (TDI) Challenge took place on Wednesday 5th July at Yamakazi Mazaks headquarters in Worcester.

Hundreds of students from across the UK submitted either their GCSE, A-Level or BTEC Design and Technology Course Work Projects to be judged by a panel of experts drawn from Industry. The TDI Challenge is split into three categories. There are two age groups; 14-16 and 17-19, with six finalists in each and a third category, a brand new addition to the competition for 2017, for group projects which saw two teams competing in the 17-19 age group.

The competition, which has been running for over a decade, is organised by the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA) to inspire future engineers in to a career in manufacturing.

Laura Pickering, MTA Education and Development Co-ordinator, said once again the high standard of entries in this years competition continues to surprise and excite the judging panel. Id like to congratulate all of the finalists on their projects and for being part of a truly inspiring day.

The winner in the 14-16 category was Dan Kimber from Brighton College, whose project was a stylish Desk Lamp. Dan said of winning the competition Im really proud of winning this competition, it was a great experience to be involved in and I really enjoyed seeing all of the other great projects.

The judges commented on the project saying Daniels project showed the application of modern technology - LED lighting and variety of manufacturing techniques in use in his project. He had a good understanding of its commercial value and it was a highly functional and innovative design.

Second place in the 14-16 age group went to Simon Knowles of Sutton Grammar School for Boys with his Scalextric Lap Counter and Timer and third place went to Jacob Lawson of Caistor Grammar School with his Contemporary Shoe Storage and Display System.

The winner in the 17-19 age category was Halimah Ershad of Forest School in London, her project was call BrooDen which was High End Chick Brooder. Halimah reacted to winning by saying I cant believe I have won, it has been a great day and I have really enjoyed myself. It was a brilliant experience seeing a modern manufacturing facility like Mazak. This is a great first step for me in to a career in engineering.

The judges said of her project Halimahs project was well constructed and thought out. She clearly has a good knowledge of the market place and showed lots of evidence of evolution of the design. We were very impressed with her knowledge of manufacturing process, this clearly aided the development of the project.

Second place in the 17-19 age group went to Beth Martin of Droitwich Spa High School with her Childrens Light for Birmingham Library and third place went to Sam Taylor-Jones of Ipswich School with his Lifeboat Search and Rescue Drone

The winners in the group category were Jacob Hardy-King and Daniel Timmerman of Team Unite from Oakham School in Leicestershire, for their project optimising the cooling process of alternator hubs, Jacob Hardy-King said of winning We really enjoyed being part of the TDI Challenge and producing our project. The standard of entries was really high so were so pleased to have won our category.

The judges commented on the winning project, saying Team Unite responded very well to the brief and produced a simple solution with good ideas to improve it for use in industry. The project was well presented with good use of research and a clear proven business case to back up the finished design.

The winners of each category were able to choose from a range of prizes on offer which included iPads, GoPro cameras, Minirig speakers and drones. As well as those exciting individual honours each winning project also received a £1000 voucher for the winning school in each category to spend on D&T equipment for the classroom.

Stewart Lane, Business Manager, Renishaw and chair of the judging panel for the TDI Competition, said Everyone who took part in the final should be really proud of getting to this stage, it was an extremely hard decision to pick the winners, as the depth of talent on display here today was remarkable.

It is really heartening to see the amazing talent we have developing across the UK and with any luck some of the finalist here today will go on to have long successful careers in engineering.

Full credit: Engineering Capacity

JJ Hardy addresses skills gap with new Mazak turning centre

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 25/02/2022

A Hartlepool-based company is hoping that a new machine investment will help overcome the chronic skills gap for CNC machinists in the North East.

JJ Hardy is investing in the new Mazak technology, a QTE-200 SG turning centre, as a way of plugging the skills gap for CNC machinists and introducing an unmanned shift as a way of keeping up with demand for its machining services.

Andrew Pailor, Managing Director of JJ Hardy, says the new machine will increase turning capacity at the company’s Hartlepool site. “Our plan is to get more out of what we have. We will use technology, including new machines and, in time, additional automation, to increase our machining capacity with one manned shift and one unmanned shift each day.”

He continued: “We have an older Mazak turning centre machine that has been a good solution for us and it has outperformed some of our more expensive competitor machines. However, it doesn’t have some of the equipment we need to get it to run unmanned.

“The new QTE machine is an affordable solution that will be equipped with a Hydrafeed Barfeed, a parts racking system for finished components and an automatic tool eye for inspecting the tooling. Most importantly, we will also have the ability to monitor its work online, while it is running unmanned.”

JJ Hardy was founded in 1856 in Hartlepool with the Pailor family taking control in 1929. Andrew Pailor took over from his father, the third generation of Pailors to run the company, in 2002.

The company now has an eight-strong machine tool shop, concentrating on automotive and energy work, with a particular specialism in the rail sector, manufacturing a wide range of components, including bogie parts, hangar bolts, shackles, suspension links and impellers.

Andrew also believes that Mazak technology can help him address the skills gap. “My mother and father who ran the company before me were committed Mazak users with one of the key reasons for their loyalty being the Mazak conversational programming CNC that has always been very easy for operators to learn.

“The new QTE is equipped with Mazak’s latest MAZATROL innovation, SmoothEz, a touchscreen CNC that takes easy programming to another level. It’s now so easy to program that we can put CNC operators with much less experience onto the machine and they can be running it, unsupervised, very quickly. SmoothEz will help us address the chronic skills gap for CNC machinists in the North East and across the UK.”

Described as a simple and compact machine design, the QTE is equipped with a high torque spindle and 12-position drum turret, along with capacity for 12 different tools. “The QTE is the latest stage of our journey. We started 165 years ago as a foundry, then became a machine shop before developing into a CNC machine shop. Now we are upskilling again with the latest technology to give us a competitive edge.”

Mazak recognised for Environmental Best Practice

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 26/11/2018

Yamazaki Mazak UK is proud to announce it has won the SILVER Environment Award at The International Green Apple Awards, for its efforts to reduce single use plastic cups at its European Manufacturing Plant in Worcester.

The national campaign by The Green Organisation recognises and rewards the greenest individuals, companies, councils and communities in the country, and winners were announced this month at a ceremony hosted by Liz Kendall MP at the Houses of Parliament.

Mazak competed against more than 800 other nominations in the Environmental Best Practice category, but its project, ‘Reduce & Remove Single Use Plastic Cups’, stood out. Historically, the factory was using 8,000 disposable cups per month, but thanks to the efforts of Mazak’s Environment Team, this has been significantly reduced.

The judges commented: “The Attenborough effect has taken hold at this factory. By giving all employees a reusable drinks bottle, Mazak has saved purchase and landfill costs, as well as hundreds of thousands of single use plastics.”

Following the Green Apple Award success, Mazak has been invited to have its winning paper published in The Green Book, the leading international work on environmental best practice. In addition, there is potential for the company to progress to represent the country in the Green World Awards 2019 and have 100 trees planted in its name as part of the United Nations Billion Trees initiative.

Richard Smith, European Managing Director at Yamazaki Mazak, commented: “We were delighted to have our efforts recognised at the International Green Apple Awards. Something as simple as supplying all employees with a reusable bottle will make a noticeable difference to the impact our factory has on the environment. We hope that others across the industry will follow suit and make similar changes to improve sustainability.”

The Green Apple Awards began in 1994 and have become established as the country’s major recognition for environmental endeavour among companies, councils, communities and countries. The awards are organised by The Green Organisation - an international, independent, non-political, non-profit environment group dedicated to recognising, rewarding and promoting environmental best practice around the world. The awards are supported by the Environment Agency, the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, the Chartered Institution for Wastes Management, REHIS and other independent bodies.

Strong 2021 demonstrates benefit of UK manufacturing for Mazak

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 14/01/2022

The economic rebound from the COVID lockdowns enabled Yamazaki Mazak to record a strong year for machine sales in 2021, including a record month in late autumn.

The company recorded its highest order intake across Europe in its history in October 2021, driven by a resurgent subcontract market and the return of the EMO trade show in Milan.

“October was an outstanding month across Europe that was mirrored in UK machine sales,” says Alan Mucklow, Managing Director UK Sales, Eire and National Distributors at Yamazaki Mazak.

“The combination of a rebound in general subcontracting, strong sales in food and packaging, resilient yellow goods and agriculture sectors, and continued strong levels of investment from the energy-related machine users have all delivered outstanding sales growth. We also took great confidence from our return to EMO and the strong interest from machine users in the new technologies launched at the show.”

New machine sales have been driven by the company’s entry-level range of machines, such as the CV5-500 5-axis machining centre and the QTE series of turning centres, alongside high-performance machines such as the VARIAXIS C-600. “Our ever-growing list of entry-level machines are opening up a whole new machine user demographic to the benefits of Mazak technology. We’ve also benefited from having a UK manufacturing facility that has received further investment during 2021, at a time when many industries have suffered from severe supply chain challenges.”

He continued: “We’ve also seen strong growth in automation, facilitated in large part by new developments in our MAZATROL CNC that enables the seamless incorporation of the machine and automation solution into a single turnkey package.”

Looking forward to 2022, Mr Mucklow is cautiously optimistic. “The economic situation is not without challenges, but we are expecting a rebound in aerospace and further growth in turnkey automation solutions to help machine users navigate the skills challenge.

“Most importantly, 2022 is a MACH year and we are looking forward to introducing a number of new technologies into the UK market for the first time, including two new vertical machining centres, the VCE-600, a new entry-level machine, and the VCN-700, a new high-performance version.”

Mazak to host ‘Building Your Future’ Open House in December

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 07/11/2023

Yamazaki Mazak is hosting a special ‘Building Your Future’ Open House for customers who are ready to invest in new machining technology.

The event will be hosted at the Mazak European Technology Centre in Worcester and will run from 5-8 December with a total of 18 machines on show, including all the UK-designed and manufactured models.

Mazak has made significant investments in its European Manufacturing Plant in Worcester this year. With a successful recruitment strategy which led to full employment of all the necessary skills to run the factory at maximum capacity, Mazak is now building machines with very short lead times.

Mazak will be exhibiting a full range of technology solutions at the Open House, from new UK-built vertical machining centers through to 5-axis machines, the flagship INTEGREX range, turning centers and laser cutting machines.

Alongside will be a variety of automation systems, including articulated robots, palletised automation solutions and specialist laser sheet metal loading and unloading. Visitors can also learn more about Mazak iCONNECT, Mazak’s remote service and support package; machine spares and servicing capability, and have access to technical support from applications engineers.

The December Open House offers visitors the opportunity to see what goes on behind the scenes at a highly advanced manufacturing facility, including Mazak machines making Mazak machines. Daily factory tours will take place highlighting in-house manufacturing, assembly test and shipment. Mazak’s number one finance partner, Finance for Industry, will also be on-hand to discuss tailored finance packages, including hire purchase and lease agreements.

Jason Butler, Sales Director for Yamazaki Mazak in the UK, commented: “We understand that many manufacturers are fully focused on the future and are ready to invest in the right technology to help ramp up their own production.

“We have significantly invested in our own manufacturing facilities here at Mazak to increase access to the latest machine tool technology, with the shortest possible lead times. As well as showcasing several of our UK-made machine tools, we will also have a range of applications engineers, service specialists and finance partners on hand throughout the week to ensure customers who are ready to make their next machine purchase can do so without delay. If you are in the market for a new machine sign up now on our registration page.”

To register for the Mazak Open House, please visit: https://discover.mazakeu.com/openhouse-2023.

EuroBLECH 2018

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 27/09/2018

Yamazaki Mazak is taking five state-of-the-art laser cutting machines and two automation solutions to EuroBLECH 2018.

The standout machine is a new model of the OPTIPLEX 3015 6kW DDL (Direct Diode Laser), a high-speed and high-accuracy machine that offers laser users a step-change in cutting performance.

The OPTIPLEX 3015 is equipped with a powerful 6kW DDL resonator, ideal for cutting medium and thick sheet metal. The resonator, the most advanced of its kind, enables fast-cutting of stainless steel and aluminium and is up to 15 per cent faster than its 6kW Fibre equivalent. This highly efficient machine is also available as part of the OPTIPLEX 4020 series.

Most importantly, the new DDL machine delivers stable cutting for both thin and thick material, due to the use of Beam Diameter Control, along with Intelligent Monitoring Functions (IMF) and Intelligent Set-up functions (ISF) - all of which combine to produce unsurpassed productivity of circa 15 per cent compared to 4kW machines.

In addition, the DDL delivers the highest levels of cutting quality, particularly with thick mild steel, utilising its large cutting sweet-spot to deliver a smooth cut edge. The DDL is equipped with a multi-control torch and new MAZATROL PreviewG.

Alongside the DDL will be the new FG-220 DDL 4kW, a new Direct Diode Laser version of the company’s highly popular tube and pipe cutting machines. The new machine is designed for maximum productivity utilising high-speed approach piercing to improve cutting speeds on both thin and medium-thick material by up to 20 per cent compared to CO2 lasers.

The new FG-220 DDL is able to cut highly reflective material, such as copper and brass and is ideal for cutting long structural material, including round, square and rectangular pipe, along with H, I and L beams.

The FG-220 DDL is designed for maximum ease of operation, with features including Quick Programme Restart and reduced running costs due to its lower resonator, reduced chiller unit energy consumption and the fact that no laser gas is required. The laser machine is equipped with the Mazak FX CNC.

Also, on the stand will be 10kW and 8kW versions of the OPTIPLEX FIBER III lasers. Specifically, the 8kW version is equipped with a Mazak Smart Cell automation system, developed to compliment machines in the Mazak laser portfolio.

The Smart Cell system has a small footprint and compact layout along with an ergonomic design for improved access and ease of operation. The automation cell can be programmed offline and, when in operation, offers detailed reporting of production status and operation, automatic parts separation detection and dynamic kinetics to calculate weight and optimise speed.

Most importantly, Smart Cell offers an Industry 4.0 ready solution for laser users and has an open interface to aid further expansion, along with an option for a robot solution.

The final machine on the stand will be a 6kW OPTIPLEX NEXUS 3015 FIBER, equipped with a Fasani CST automation system.

The 3015 FIBER is equipped to deliver higher productivity when cutting stainless steel and aluminium, and is also capable of thicker mild steel nitrogen cutting. The machine is equipped with a range of monitoring and control functions that improve productivity and cut quality, including stable beam cutting from thin-to-thick with beam diameter control; optimised cutting with the Intelligent Monitoring Function and reduced set-up times with the Intelligent Set-up functions.

The machine is equipped with a CST automation system, which consists of a single tower mounted above the laser bench, with a maximum of 13 separate drawers for the loading of raw material and the unloading of processed workpieces. The automation system uses a suction system to load and unload workpieces with a maximum load capacity of 3,000kg per drawer.

Gaetano Lo Guzzo, Director Laser Business Europe at Yamazaki Mazak, commented: “EuroBLECH is the pre-eminent laser trade show in Europe and we are proud to be bringing an outstanding range of new machines and equipment to the Hannover Messe. Our theme this year is speed, specifically new technology, such as the OPTIPLEX DDL with its powerful 6kW resonator, and the ability to combine laser cutting technology with automation solutions, to provide an integrated cutting and machine handling solution that can take productivity to the next level.”

For more information on Mazak’s range of laser cutting machines, please visit: www.mazakeu.co.uk/euroblech

Mazak to Exhibit Restored Merlin Engine for National Manufacturing Day

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 30/06/2022

Yamazaki Mazak is set to exhibit a Rolls Royce designed Merlin MK 68 A engine restored by an employee as part of the festivities for the inaugural National Manufacturing Day on 7 July.

The engine will be displayed and run during the day to showcase to visitors the type of products that have been designed and built by talented engineers and manufacturers. With hundreds of young people registered to attend the event, Mazak is hoping that the engine’s presence can help cultivate a passion for engineering in the next generation.

Paul Lawrence, Purchase Lead at Yamazaki Mazak UK, began his quest for a Merlin engine in 2012, locating ‘Mable’ the same year before making the formal purchase in 2016. The restoration took place over a ten-year period with specialists called upon to assist with the project.

“My two passions have always been history and engineering, so Merlin engines have always had a natural draw for me”, begins Paul. “The project began just over a decade ago, with Mable finally being ready for action in 2020.

“This has proved to be a true labour of love and has only been made possible through collaboration with a number of similarly enthusiastic companies. That said, I truly couldn’t be happier with the result.”

The restoration began with disassembly of the engine into major sub-components by Leeds-based specialist Flight Engineering. Paul then took it upon himself to clean all the components and source some of the rarer ancillary items, such as the brass coolant header tank and propeller spider.

Dero Fabrication Limited were called upon to manufacture 12 new exhaust stubs, with the company using an on-site 6KW Mazak OPTIPLEX Fibre II laser for cutting, forming and fabrication.

Serial number 367869, Mable is one of roughly 55,000 Rolls Royce Merlin engines manufactured by the Packard Motor Car Company in Detroit, USA, during World War II. The company produced around a third of the 168,000 Merlin engines made in total, with a small number still in flight today.

The Merlin MK 68A was used in the RAF’s Avro Lincoln II bomber – the force’s last piston-engineered heavy bomber and successor to the renowned Avro Lancaster. Today, Paul and Mable tour the UK as Merlin Heritage giving live demonstrations of the engine in action.

Paul concluded: “Equipped with a state-of-the-art Mazak laser, I knew that Dero would have the capacity to fabricate fresh parts for the engine. Dero showed enthusiasm in the project throughout and delivered the order to the exacting standards required.

“Through the collaboration of numerous specialist companies, we have been able to bring a key piece of history to life and I am looking forward to firing Mable up at the event!”

As part of the other activities planned, Mazak will also showcase the range of skilled, well-paid and rewarding career opportunities available in UK manufacturing.

In order to register for the event, visit: https://discover.mazakeu.com/national-manufacturing-day/

For more information on Merlin Heritage, click here.

Mazak makes EMAF debut to further strengthen its presence in Portugal

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 14/04/2023

Yamazaki Mazak is to make its first appearance at May’s EMAF trade show in a further sign of the company’s strengthening commitment to its Portuguese customers.

Mazak’s EMAF debut, which will take place between 31 May – 3 June 2023, will showcase two machines, the CV5-500 5-axis machining center and the QTE 300 MSY SG turning center.

Mazak’s direct sales channel in Portugal, based in Porto, has been operating since May 2020 and has quickly grown to include 11 employees working in sales, service, training and application support roles.

Antonio Santos, Area Sales Manager at Mazak Portugal, says its investment in EMAF is a demonstration of the company’s commitment to its Portuguese customers.

“With more than 360 machines now installed in Portugal, Mazak is a rapidly growing presence in the machine tool market. We have a very diverse industrial base in Portugal, and this is reflected in the choice of machines on our stand. The CV5-500 is likely to appeal to both entry-level and established 5-axis machining operators, while the QTE-300 MSY SG is a highly versatile turning center that can operate in multiple different sectors and applications.”

The CV5-500 was designed and is manufactured at Mazak’s manufacturing facility in the UK specifically for European machine tool users. The 5-axis simultaneous machining center is designed to deliver high-speed and high-accuracy machining with a high rigidity 12,000 rpm spindle, 30 tool magazine and MAZATROL SmoothX CNC for ultra-fast programming.

The machine being exhibited at EMAF is also equipped with an MA robot, a user-friendly, easily programmable robot that frees machine operators from low value repetitive machine loading and unloading work, whilst enhancing productivity by enabling lights-out and unmanned running.

The CV5-500 will be joined by the QTE-300 MSY SG, a high-speed, high-accuracy 2-axis turning center that is equipped with a second spindle, milling spindle and Y-axis. The machine is powered by Mazak’s latest CNC, MAZATROL SmoothEz, which makes programming machines easier and faster.

Alan Mucklow, Managing Director UK, Eire and National Distributors at Yamazaki Mazak, commented: “We have a growing presence in the Portuguese market with a large installed base of machines and there is an increasing expectation from our customers that we will be in attendance at major trade shows such as EMAF. Our Portuguese team, together with our representative Normil, stands ready to guide our customers and stand visitors through the Mazak range of machines and highlight the vitally important role that service, support and training can play in helping Mazak customers get the best from their machines.”

Mazak to Display Next-generation Multi-Tasking Machining at Southern Manufacturing

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 27/11/2023

Stand F180

Yamazaki Mazak will be hosting a stand focused on maximising productivity and profitability for manufacturers throughout the supply chain at Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2024.

Taking centre stage at the show will be the INTEGREX i-200H S Multi-Tasking machining center, which is ideally suited to a broad range of industry sectors, from automotive and aerospace through to general subcontract machining. It forms part of Mazak’s i-H series, which culminates 40 years of Multi-Tasking innovation and learnings that has produced the most innovative, compact, automation-friendly and productive INTEGREX range ever manufactured.

As with all models in the i-H series, the i-200H S features a flat-fronted design with rear-mounted tool magazine to easily accommodate the growing requirement for automation while maintaining excellent accessibility for the operator. The i-200H S can be fitted with a variety of automation solutions, including bar feeders, robotized machine tending and gantry loading systems.

The powerful 5,000 rpm main spindle is supported by a compact 12,000 rpm milling spindle with versatile B-axis range of -30 to +120° for the complete DONE-IN-ONE machining of complex components. An equal Ø65 mm bar capacity across both spindles allows for a balanced cutting process while maximising component rigidity.

The i-200H S is controlled via Mazak’s SmoothAi CNC, which incorporates a suite of software packages to deliver the practical application of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Twinning and Automation technology. The model on display at Southern Manufacturing features the new Smooth Oscillation Cutting program, which is built into the SmoothAi CNC. It provides chip control for further process stability, even when cutting challenging materials.[1]

Mazak will also be using its presence at Southern Manufacturing & Electronics to highlight its Mazak iCONNECT remote service and support package, which now has over 1,500 active users across Europe.

The Mazak iCONNECT portal is available to all registered Mazak customers with compatible machines, regardless of the age of the machine. It aims to unlock the potential of machine investments through faster maintenance and servicing, while also improving uptime and productivity. 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.

Alan Mucklow, Managing Director UK, Eire and National Distributors at Yamazaki Mazak, commented: “Manufacturers need their machines to work harder than ever before in order to remain competitive and drive productivity. The INTEGREX i-200H S is ideally suited to servicing subcontract demand across a wide variety of sectors, while its compatibility with diverse range of automation systems – from bar feeders and gantry loaders to robotized machine-tending solutions – can help manufacturers maximise machining output.”

He continues: “The new Mazak iCONNECT portal provides high-value insights to help subcontractors to truly unlock the potential of their investment. Over 1,500 Mazak users have already turned to Mazak iCONNECT to drive further productivity and profitability and we are excited to demonstrate its potential to a much wider audience at Southern Manufacturing & Electronics in February.”

[1]

Aerospace manufacturer fuels further growth through seven-figure machinery investment

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 25/01/2019

Middlesex Aerospace has committed to a seven-figure investment with long-term machine tool partner, Yamazaki Mazak, to support the continued expansion of the company following an extended period of success.

Middlesex Aerospace is one of Britain’s leading tier-one suppliers of critical components and assemblies to major OEMs throughout the global aerospace market. The Basingstoke-based business currently employs 150 staff, including five apprentices, and the new investment will lead to the creation of further roles within Middlesex Aerospace’s machining and assembly department.

The company has worked with Mazak for over twenty years and its latest investment comprises of two state-of-the-art 5-axis Multi-Tasking machines, and one horizontal machining centre, complete with an expanded tool storage system.

The new equipment will not only reinforce Middlesex Aerospace’s existing in-house precision machining capabilities, but the increased capacity of the new machines will allow the company to further develop its offering to customers. What’s more, the new machinery will enable Middlesex Aerospace to operate lights-out un-manned manufacturing, 24-hours a day throughout the entire week; dramatically improving production volumes.

Laurence Foulds, Managing Director at Middlesex Aerospace, comments: “Our latest investment in machinery is one of the company’s most significant to date, and will allow us to support a number of new customers and programmes, as we continue to grow the business.

“Mazak has been our long-term machining partner for two decades. The work we undertake for our customers places a great demand on our equipment, and we know that Mazak machine tools – as well as the company’s Applications Engineering team – ensure we are able to deliver the incredibly high levels of accuracy and repeatability mandated by the aerospace sector.”

Alan Mucklow, Managing Director UK and Ireland Sales Division at Yamazaki Mazak, adds: “Middlesex Aerospace is a fantastic example of a British business taking the lead in the global supply chain and delivering exceptional results. After many years of working together, we are delighted to be able to help the company take a step closer towards realising its long-term strategic goals, through the purchase of three new state-of-the-art machining centres.

“The aerospace supply chain is faced with a unique array of application engineering challenges, given the stringent accreditations that govern the industry, and our latest 5-axis and horizontal machining centres are more than capable of working to the tight tolerances required.”

For more information on Middlesex Aerospace, please visit: www.middlesexaerospace.com.

For more information on Yamazaki Mazak’s range of machining solutions for the aerospace industry, please visit: www.mazakeu.co.uk/aerospace.

Photo caption 1: (L-R) Laurence Foulds, Managing Director at Middlesex Aerospace and Jason Butler, General Sales Manager – Midlands & Southern Region at Yamazaki Mazak.

Mazak backs CBI ‘Innovation’ agenda with Midlands conference

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 20/07/2018

Yamazaki Mazak has backed the CBI’s Innovation agenda with the hosting of a special Business Insights Conference.
The conference, held at Mazak’s European Technology Centre in Worcester, was attended by nearly 100 delegates from senior positions across business and industry in the West Midlands.
The one-day conference, which explored the issue of ‘Innovation’, specifically how organisations can develop a more innovative culture, included talks from a host of speakers, including Aon Affinity, Innovation Birmingham, Freeths law firm, LEVC, Kimal PLC and Strategenic.
The conference agenda started with a presentation by Marcus Burton, Non-Executive Director at Yamazaki Mazak, on innovation in manufacturing systems and the new opportunities available through digitalisation. Specifically, Mr Burton referenced the importance of digitalisation and the Government’s Made Smarter Review, which aims to increase the uptake of digital technology in manufacturing supply chains.
Sally Hannah, CBI Deputy Director, West Midlands and Oxfordshire, commented: “Innovation is fundamental to business and economic prosperity. Our Innovation Conference explored how business can create a workforce culture that embraces innovation and embeds it into the day to day work of an organisation. Our goal was to give every attendee a real-life example or practical idea that could be implemented into their business and I believe our panel of speakers, more than delivered this objective.”
Marcus Burton commented: “If UK business is to continue to thrive it must harness the power of innovation and specifically digitalisation. The announcement by the Government to establish the “Made Smarter” commission and support an initial pilot in the North West of England is very good news for UK manufacturing and its supply chains, reinforcing the importance of developing a culture that embraces innovation and new ways of working.”

Mazak to display ‘plug-and-play’ 5-axis automation system at Southern Manufacturing

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 19/12/2022

Stand F180

Yamazaki Mazak will be returning to Southern Manufacturing & Electronics in 2023 (7-9 February) with a stand centred on accessible 5-axis automation for subcontractors.

Taking pride of place on the Mazak stand will be its UK-made CV5-500 machining centre, supported with a ‘plug-and-play’, low-footprint MA-20/400 part-loading automation system.

The highly versatile 5-axis machine, with a 500 mm diameter table, is unique in its category due to its high-rigidity bridge construction with a fully supported trunnion table that travels in the Y-axis direction under the bridge, ultimately delivering a highly accurate and extremely compact machining solution.

With rapid traverse rates of 36 m/min in the X-, Y- and Z-axes, the machine delivers agile performance that is boosted by an optional 18,000 rpm 18.5 kW high-speed spindle, which includes core cooling through the X-, Y- and Z-axes ballscrews, all backed up by Mazak’s comprehensive Thermal Shield to ensure stable machining accuracy

The CV5-500 has been designed for easy integration with automation, with access for robot loading at the side of the machine. The model on display at Southern Manufacturing will feature a MA-20/400 fully integrated part-loading solution. Raw material and finished components are exchanged to and from the machine by a 20kg payload robot with a double gripper hand for simultaneous load and unload to minimise the non-cutting time.

The major benefit of the MA robot solution is the ability to increase production on demand through lights-out operation, without the burden of adding additional labour. Moreover, the cell also offers the potential to extend the productive hours of the machine with unmanned and lights-out running either overnight or at weekends.

Crucially, no specialist knowledge for either programming or setup is required for the MA, which results in a very short learning curve for operators. With the GUI embedded seamlessly into the SmoothX CNC, operating the robot is exceptionally intuitive with as little as five minutes required to set-up and change over workpieces.

Alan Mucklow, Managing Director UK, Eire and National Distributors at Yamazaki Mazak, comments: “Investment in machine tool technology which can be easily automated is key to UK manufacturers remaining competitive in challenging market conditions. This has been a major focus for our Applications Engineering team, to ensure we are bringing to market solutions that can quickly impact the output of engineering firms up and down the country.

“The CV5-500 with MA-20/400 perfectly encapsulates this ethos by providing a highly affordable and compact automated solution, ideally suited for subcontractors, start-ups and job shops wishing to automate prismatic components in medium to small batch sizes. I am confident it will be one of the standout machining solutions on display at Southern Manufacturing & Electronics and myself and the Mazak team are very much looking forward to returning to the exhibition.”

For more information on the CV5-500 with MA-20/400, please visit: https://www.mazakeu.co.uk/.

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd, Non-Executive Director Marcus Burton awarded MBE in New Year Honours list

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 02/01/2020

Marcus Burton has been awarded an MBE for services to export and inward investment in the New Year Honours list.

Mr Burton, who serves as Non-Executive Director for Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd, whose European headquarters and manufacturing plant are based in Worcester, was previously European Group Managing Director for seven years from 2010 to 2017.

Mr Burton said: “I have accepted this honour on behalf of everyone who has played a part in Mazak’s success in Europe. I regard it as recognition of the enormous contribution of the Yamazaki family and the Japanese executive in support of British manufacturing, all of the workforce in Worcester and the UK and European management teams.”

Upon leaving the University of Birmingham, Mr Burton started his career in metrology before joining Mazak in 2005. In addition to his duties as Non-Executive Director, he is also President of the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA) and Chairman of the Economic Committee of CECIMO, the European association representing the common interests of the machine tool industry.

Mazak hails success of Discovery Week Open House

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 04/01/2023

Yamazaki Mazak welcomed over 500 attendees to its European Technology Centre in Worcester this December as part of its annual Open House.

Themed ‘Discovery Week’, the event aimed to address some of the key production challenges facing UK manufacturers and subcontractors, and was supported by over 25 dedicated partners in the areas of tooling, tool management, swarf management, CAD/CAM and finance.

Among the highlights on display was Mazak’s latest vertical machining center, the VCN-700, which is designed and manufactured in the UK specifically for machine users requiring high-performance machining. The VCN range has been developed to significantly improve productivity rates for manufacturers undertaking everything from heavy-duty cutting through to high-speed machining.

The event, which started with a press day on the Monday, featured live demonstrations with the VCN-700, along with the VARIAXIS i-300 AWC that offers an expandable high-capacity tool magazine for high-mix, low-volume applications. In addition, the UK-designed and built CV5-500 was displayed with an MA robot for increased productivity, including lights-out and unmanned machining.

Laser users were able to see in live cutting action the OPTIPLEX 3015 FIBER III 10.kW laser processing machine, equipped with a TEKMAG automated sheet metal loading system. Specifically, the ultra-high-speed cutting of medium thickness material and the ability to cut the finest widths and most difficult reflective materials. The 10.0 kW 3015 FIBER III model that was displayed at Discovery Week can also process workpieces up to 1525 mm x 3000 mm.

Visitors to the event left with a variety of festive demonstration parts such as a miniature decorative sleigh with reindeers, and a tea light holder machined on the OPTIPLEX, and a coaster machined on the CV5-500 5-axis machining center.

It was the best supported partner event ever at a Mazak Open House, enabling visitors to discover a complete manufacturing solution under one roof, from tooling and metrology, through to software, automation, swarf management, CADCAM and coolant.

Discovery Week also served as a showcase for Mazak iCONNECT, the latest remote servicing solution that allows users to monitor their machine operations, perform remote diagnoses, access parts order history and more through the company’s secure cloud service – ultimately delivering improved productivity and machine performance.

Alan Mucklow, Managing Director UK, Eire and National Distributors at Yamazaki Mazak, said: “We were delighted to welcome over 500 attendees to our European Technology Centre in Worcester for Discovery Week. Our annual Open House is key to ensuring that we remain connected to UK manufacturers and subcontractors, which has redoubled in importance given the emergence of new market challenges.

“With the launch of new technologies such as the VCN-700 and Mazak iCONNECT, we hope that we can help our customers address these challenges and seize new opportunities in 2023, and that UK manufacturing can continue along its upwards trajectory in the new year.”

Mazak gives machine users full virtual EMO experience

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 11/10/2021

Mazak is offering European machine users the opportunity to experience the digital Mazak EMO stand by immersing themselves in a full 360-degree interactive video stand tour.

By visiting the website emo.mazakeu.com users will have the opportunity to virtually experience the Mazak stand, accessing all the information available to a regular stand visitor, from the comfort of their own mobile phone or office desktop.

The virtual experience is packed with information about Mazak’s world debuts, integrated automation solutions and CNC technology, with the virtual 360 stand tour promising the same level of information to virtual visitors as those who visit the stand in person.

Visitors can watch machine and automation videos, access technical information and learn more about services such as Mazak’s ‘Go Green environmental manufacturing initiatives such as the Smooth Energy Dashboards and Mazak iCONNECT, a new customer service portal being launched at the show.

New machines being exhibited include two world debuts, the new European-built machines, the VCE-600, a high-specification entry-level machining center with a large Y-axis stroke, and the VCN-700, a new ‘performance-line’ machining center that is the latest addition to the highly successful VCN range.

New automation systems include the latest in 5-axis automation and the preview model of Ez Loader 10 (pronounced ‘easy’), a highly portable plug-and-play collaborative robot ideally suited to jobshops and subcontractors operating multiple machines. In addition, the virtual stand includes information about the new SmoothEz control, the latest addition to the MAZATROL conversational programming range.

Mazak summer charity campaign raises over £1,400 for Cancer Research

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 29/08/2018

Yamazaki Mazak UK has raised £1,441 for Cancer Research UK, following a series of dedicated charity events held throughout August.

The machine tool manufacturer, which is located in Badgeworth Drive, Worcester, and employs over 900 people in the local area, held its biggest ever cake sale at its European Headquarters at the start of the month.

More than 600 cakes were sold during a two-day period; the cakes donated by two of the company’s corporate catering partners, Brookes Catering and Elior. Posters to raise awareness of the charity campaign and displayed around Mazak’s Worcester sites, as well as dedicated charity t-shirts for those running the events, were donated by Mazak’s partners, HROC and PG Branding.

The company ran a wide-reaching raffle for both employees and their families, with prizes ranging from £100 Amazon vouchers and a mountain bike to an ‘Afternoon Tea for Two’ and an overnight stay at the Worcester Whitehouse Hotel.

However, the charity initiatives were not limited to Mazak’s Worcester site.

On Saturday 11^th August, Mazak’s Senior Marketing Executive, Milko Hadzhigenov (pictured), climbed Mount Snowdon, reaching the summit in just 4.5 hours, to support the fund raising efforts.

Richard Smith, European Group Managing Director at Yamazaki Mazak, commented: “The work Cancer Research UK undertakes in battling such a horrendous disease, and supporting both those living with the condition, and their families, is truly admirable. On behalf of Yamazaki Mazak UK I would like to wholeheartedly thank our partners for their generosity and donations, as well as every organisation that kindly provided prizes to our raffle.

“Special mention must go to those employees that took on the challenge of climbing Snowdon during an uncharacteristically hot summer, as well as to all those who dug deep to help us raise a fantastic amount of money – and eat an equally impressive amount of cake – for a very worthy cause.”

Mazak’s Charity Page will remain live for a further three months – to make a donation, please visit: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/mazak_charity_climb.

Yamazaki Mazak secures seven-figure investment from leading aerospace supplier

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 23/01/2019

Machine tool specialist Yamazaki Mazak has secured a seven-figure investment deal from a leading aerospace company.

Middlesex Aerospace has committed to the investment to support the continued expansion of the company following an extended period of success.

The company has worked with Mazak for more than 20 years and its latest investment comprises of two state-of-the-art 5-axis Multi-Tasking machines, and one horizontal machining centre, complete with an expanded tool storage system.

Laurence Foulds, Managing Director at Middlesex Aerospace, said: “Our latest investment in machinery is one of the company’s most significant to date, and will allow us to support a number of new customers and programmes, as we continue to grow the business.

Alan Mucklow, Managing Director UK and Ireland Sales Division at Yamazaki Mazak, added: “Middlesex Aerospace is a fantastic example of a British business taking the lead in the global supply chain and delivering exceptional results. After many years of working together, we are delighted to be able to help the company take a step closer towards realising its long-term strategic goals, through the purchase of three new state-of-the-art machining centres.

For more information on Yamazaki Mazak’s range of machining solutions for the aerospace industry, please visit: www.mazakeu.co.uk/aerospace.

Pictured from left: Laurence Foulds, Managing Director at Middlesex Aerospace and Jason Butler, General Sales Manager – Midlands & Southern Region at Yamazaki Mazak.

Precision engineering firm invests in British-built 5-axis machinery

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 04/01/2021

A leading Leicester-based precision engineering company has reaffirmed its commitment to high-quality, high-accuracy production by becoming one of the first to invest in Yamazaki Mazak’s new, British-built CV5-500 simultaneous 5-axis machining centre.

JWA Tooling (JWA) is a specialist provider of high-precision manufacturing solutions to some of the world’s largest blue-chip companies, with capabilities including precision CNC milling, turning and wire EDM.

JWA Tooling has reaffirmed its commitment to high-quality, high-accuracy production by becoming one of the first to invest in Yamazaki Mazak’s new, British-built CV5-500 simultaneous 5-axis machining centre

The company had previously invested in a Mazak VCN-530C vertical machining centre to meet customer demand for larger batch sizes. Since its installation in November 2019, the machine’s reliability and speed has proved vital to JWA’s day-to-day operations, freeing up its highly skilled workforce to take on more complex tasks.

To build on the success of their previous machine, JWA has now invested in another VCN-530C, and purchased one of Mazak’s first state-of-the-art 5-axis CV5-500 machining centres. Conceived, designed and built in the UK, the CV5-500 is unique in its category due to its high-rigidity bridge construction with a fully supported trunnion table that travels in the Y-axis direction under the bridge, ultimately delivering an extremely accurate and compact machining solution.

The CV5-500’s 12,000 rpm spindle is capable of a peak performance of 18.5 kW and 119.4 Nm, making it suitable for the wide range of materials JWA works with. Its rapid traverse rates of 36 m/min in the X-, Y- and Z-axes also allows for highly agile performance, and it can process work pieces up to Ø500 mm x H320 mm, and up to 200 kg in weight.

This 5-axis capability will enable JWA to increase the manufacture of high-quality parts and reduce the amount of operations required for job set-ups. Additionally, the CV5-500’s compatibility with a wide variety of automation systems will allow the company to implement ‘lights out’ machining, further expanding its overall production capacity.

Peter Wood, Operations Director at JWA, comments: “In order to take that next step as a business and take on larger orders, we needed precise, automation-ready machine tools that could operate with minimal manual production. With these aims in mind, it was clear that Mazak were the first choice.

“We were really impressed with the first VCN-530C we purchased – it was a clear step above everything that we had used so far. Previously, when customers asked for increasingly accurate machining within five microns or less, we achieved those tolerances by constantly tweaking our old machine, but now we don’t have to do that with our new units.

“We’ve been very impressed with Mazak as a company, and liked what we saw when we went to the Open House event at their Worcester HQ in December last year. It was here we saw the new CV5-500, which caught my eye immediately. Frankly, it’s just a great machine – it’s well-built, and the best 5-axis machine I’ve seen at that price point by far, so we thought we would take the plunge. We’ve certainly got high hopes for it going forward.”

Alan Mucklow, Managing Director UK & Ireland Sales & Service Division at Yamazaki Mazak, adds: “JWA Tooling is a fantastic example of a British business using high-precision machining centres to increase output quality and volume. We are very happy to have seen the transformational effect the VCN-530C has had on their day-to-day operations, and are extremely confident our new CV5-500 can deliver a further step-change in productivity.

“As the latest in a long line of Mazak machines to have been fully designed and built in Britain, the CV5-500 breaks the mould for the compact, fully simultaneous 5-axis machining category. Because of its easy integration with ancillary automation systems, we have every confidence it will deliver the ‘lights out’ machining capability JWA require to take their business to the next level.”

For more information on Yamazaki Mazak’s new CV5-500 machining centre, please visit: https://www.mazakeu.com/cv5-500/.

Norton targets productivity boost with new Mazak machine

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 11/10/2023

Norton Motorcycles is targeting a major productivity boost following the delivery of a new Yamazaki Mazak vertical machining centre.

The iconic motorcycle brand, based in Solihull in the West Midlands, has taken delivery of a Mazak VTC 800/30SLR vertical machining centre into its fabrication facility that is capable of machining an entire bike frame within the high capacity working area.

The new investment will be used to machine the fine detail onto the company’s bike frames; work that had previously required a manual process.

Adam Green, Senior Manufacturing Process Engineer at Norton Motorcycles says the machine will offer a major productivity boost. “We’re planning for a new manufacturing process, so instead of welding detailed components into the frame, our intention is to machine the details into the casting which gives us much improved quality control.”

He continued: “Previously with all the checking and adjusting, our output was limited. With the Mazak machine’s help we think we can manufacture three or four times as many and with more accuracy. The VTC is a big machine that can work to tight tolerances and we are confident it will have a major impact on our productivity.”

Norton was acquired by the Indian motorbike manufacturing giant, TVS, in 2020, a move that saved the company from the brink of bankruptcy. The machine will be housed in Norton’s state-of-the-art production facility in Solihull that also includes a new global design and R&D hub.

The VTC 800 series of machines were specifically designed for European machine tool users and are manufactured at Mazak’s only European Manufacturing site in Worcester. The highly successful machine has a travelling column design with full 5-axis capability making it ideal for the machining of complex features and contours.

Alan Mucklow, Managing Director UK, Eire and National Distributors at Yamazaki Mazak, comments: “The VTC-800/30SLR is an excellent choice for Norton’s frame machining requirements as it is a highly versatile machine capable of working with large components such as bike frames, but at the same time able to be utilised for complex detail work.

“Norton Motorcycles is an iconic British manufacturing brand and we are delighted to be partnering with the company as it looks to bring advanced manufacturing techniques into its Solihull production facility.”

Mazak adds cutting edge to UK production facility with significant machining investment

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 29/04/2021

Yamazaki Mazak has continued its commitment to high-quality, homegrown machine tool manufacturing by making another substantial investment in production equipment at its UK-based European Manufacturing Plant.

The latest multimillion-pound investment includes the installation of a state-of-the-art twin-pallet VERSATECH V-140N/280 and FJV-60/80 double-column vertical machining centre as Mazak continues to increase its production capacity post-Brexit. The machines will be used to manufacture large component parts for new Mazak machines built at its plant in Worcester, demonstrating Mazak’s trust in its own technologies to provide high-quality work.

“When it comes to selecting the best possible tools to manufacture our machining solutions, Mazak stands out as one of the few machine tool manufacturers able to practice what it preaches,” says Stuart Astley, Production Director at Yamazaki Mazak UK. “We don’t just present our machine tools as market leaders to customers, we know well their quality. As such, they are always first-choice when we’re looking to expand the plant’s production capacity.”

He continues: “These purchasing decisions are not ones we make lightly, as Mazak has cemented its status as a leading supplier of machining centres due to the high-performing options we offer. This quality must therefore be mirrored within our own production processes, and we are fully confident that these new machines can help maintain the level of machining quality and precision Mazak is renowned for.”

The latest in the VERSATECH Series of multiple-surface 5-axis double column machining centres, the V-140N/280 can continuously machine large workpieces up to 3,100mm in length thanks to a 10,000rpm 50-taper spindle head with B- and C-axis capability. Alongside the FJV-60/80, it has replaced older on-site machines and will allow Mazak to increase the facility’s capacity for producing large components, enabling more work to be completed in-house and further guaranteeing best machining quality.

The installations are the latest in a series of investments made at Mazak’s Worcester facility, which is the company’s sole machine tool manufacturing site on the continent. Mazak had previously installed two new state-of-the-art manufacturing cells in 2019 to make parts for its extensive range of UK-made machine tools, with each cell equipped with an INTEGREX i-Series machine from its flagship Multi-Tasking solutions range, and RoboJob automation system.

The continued boosting of the plant’s advanced machining capabilities is part of Mazak’s ongoing efforts to ensure it has the flexibility, adaptability and productivity required to thrive in the UK’s post-Brexit manufacturing landscape, says Mr Astley.

He concludes: “The best way to demonstrate the capability of state-of-the-art Mazak machine tools is to see them in action in a Mazak factory. The Worcester facility already enjoys iSMART Factory™ status and a prominent position in Mazak’s global manufacturing footprint, but the march of progress is forever ongoing and we must adapt accordingly.

“As such, the installation of large-scale machining centres with enhanced connectivity and compatibility with Smooth Scheduler software further strengthens the UK plant’s reputation as a blueprint for advanced manufacturing solutions. Not only will the installation of the new VERSATECH V-140N/280 and FJV-60/80 improve overall capacity at the facility, it will also ensure Mazak will remain agile and competitive during this exciting time for UK manufacturing.”

To view the installation of the VERSATECH V-140N/280 at Mazak’s Worcester-based European Manufacturing Plant, click here.

HWGTA Recognises Yamazaki Mazak Apprentice Excellence

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 13/12/2021

The Herefordshire & Worcestershire Group Training Association (HWGTA) has recognised the achievements of the current Yamazaki Mazak apprentice cohort, with as many as four apprentices in receipt of Annual Apprentice Awards.

This year’s ceremony acknowledged winners from both the 2020 and 2021 intakes due to the previous year’s ceremony’s pandemic-induced postponement, and recognised how apprentices have adapted their approach to learning and development under these circumstances.

Mazak Apprentice Harrison Booth saw his growth in confidence and willingness to learn recognised with the 2020 Engineering Personal Development award. Tamar Wilkins, one of Mazak’s more experienced team members, was also awarded the 2020 Management Apprentice of the Year award. The 33-year-old recently undertook an Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) course to sharpen his skills, before achieving a distinction in his end point assessment.

John Hancocks scooped the 2020 Best Senior Craft Apprentice award in recognition of his hard work and diligence. Joe Green, the first HWGTA Engineering Apprentice to go through the new apprenticeship standard and end point assessment, received the 2021 edition of the same award after being promoted to Team Leader before completing his apprenticeship.

Richard Smith, European Group Managing Director at Yamazaki Mazak, said: “We’re thrilled to see that the hard work of our apprentices has been recognised by the HWGTA. From the outset, it has always been our goal to ensure that our apprentices are equipped with the support necessary to maximise their potential, so to see as many as four apprentices receive awards speaks volumes about the overall quality of our 2020 and 2021 contingents.”

This development follows the recent announcement that Yamazaki Mazak will be maintaining its apprentice intake this year despite pandemic-based disruption. To date, over 200 apprentices have successfully qualified through the company’s scheme, with 17 joining this year.

Richard concluded: “Investing in the next generation will no doubt be a significant factor in ensuring that British manufacturing continues to flourish. As such, the success of our apprentices is fantastic news and we celebrate this achievement.

“The four students who received awards this year offer only a small glimpse into the many achievements of our most recent cohorts. We strongly believe that with Mazak’s continued support, these individuals will have wonderful careers and that the future of the sector is safe in their hands.”

Applications for Yamazaki Mazak’s 2022 apprenticeship programme are now open. For more information, visit: https://www.mazakeu.co.uk/apprenticeships/.

Heavyweight manufacturing

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 17/12/2018

The global gym equipment market is expected to be worth $1bn by 2023. Once dominated by the USA, one British manufacturer has spent the last 20 years working from an industrial estate in rural Somerset and established itself as one of the world’s premier manufacturers of high-end gym and personal fitness equipment.

“It started in 1999, just me on my own as a bit of a part time thing to earn some extra money, and then it quickly developed into something a bit bigger,” begins Simon Watson, Owner and Director of Watson Gym Equipment.

Simon, a welder by trade, started out re-manufacturing commercial food processing equipment before combining his passion for fitness and welding and started the company in 1999. Entering its twentieth year, Watson Gym Equipment now employs over 30 full-time members of staff and operates out of two sites in Frome, Somerset.

Simon continues: “We started out around the time the industry was changing, with the old-school gyms starting to become less popular. The first few years were really hard work, and we didn’t make much money. However, I just found it really exciting to be designing something, making it, and seeing people get on and use it. It was really fulfilling, so that kept me going through the really hard few years to start.”

While the company started out designing basic weights benches and frames, Simon – who still designs every piece of equipment himself – soon saw that the real growth potential lay in carving his own niche within the sector.

“After a few years I started realising if you’re going to do well you can’t just do what everyone else is doing, you have to have some sort of unique niche. When we cut out all the general stuff, we got known as the expert in the niche, specialist field,” he continues.

“We’re now known as one of the major manufacturers of high-end specialist strength equipment, and are able to manufacture anything from dumbbells and barbells through to racks and platform, benches, and specialist machines; all of which can be made bespoke to a customer’s specific requirements.”

The company now supplies high-end private gyms both in the UK and beyond, an exports over 75% of products to a growing customer base in Europe, the Middle East, Australia and the USA. Key to Watson Gym equipment’s growth has been its ability to manufacture most of its product portfolio in-house. However, that was not always the case.

“We started making dumbbells eight years ago. While we could manufacture and assemble a lot of the product components ourselves, we didn’t have the capacity to manufacture the parts that go on each end of the unit,” Simon adds.

“For a while I subcontracted these out, however it was quite a convoluted process so I thought if we could buy a similar machine to the one our subcontractors were using, and learn how to use it, we could streamline the process and bring the costs down. I started looking around and it was then that I came across Mazak. We’ve never really looked back since.”

The company’s first machine tool was a Mazak VCS 530C vertical machining centre, which was used to machine weight stack plates and stems.

Simon continues: “The Mazak is great as it never goes wrong. It’s drilling massive holes through solid plates and just ploughs on and on. To further eliminate some of the process in the dumbbells we moved over to stainless steel, so instead of having the mild steel and sending them off for nickel work and then come back, now the stainless-steel billet comes in, gets machined and welded in place, and it’s ready to go. We could see the benefit straight away and once we had the first Mazak, it opened up loads of other opportunities to us.”

It wasn’t long before the original VCS 530C was running at full capacity, so to meet growing customer demand, Simon purchased a second Mazak lathe, complete with a larger second spindle to handle full-size billets. Now Watson Gym Equipment is making some of the best dumbbells in the world, used by globally-renowned trainers such as Nick Mitchell, Charles Poliquin and Ben Pakulski.

Following the success of the company’s initial investment with Mazak, which also involved the purchase of two QUICK TURN NEXUS 250-II MS turning centres, it wasn’t long before Simon turned his attention to how he could further streamline production by expanding the company’s in-house manufacturing facilities.

He continues: “Up until a few years ago we were buying in a lot of the box sections used for our various machines, and I could see how much time the welders were spending cutting up and preparing steel. In reality, they were only spending 25 per cent of their time actually welding. It was then that we began to look at integrating laser processing into our manufacturing facility, and once again turned to Mazak.”

In late 2017 the company took delivery of a Mazak 3D FABRI GEAR 220 II laser processing machine.

“The FABRI GEAR has made a huge impact on our business, not just in terms of efficiency and speed, but it has allowed us to redesign our weight machines to make them stronger, faster to assemble, and more consistent. For example, you can notch bits of steel together so they can only be joined in one way. As such, the welder can’t get it wrong so they don’t need to spend as long measuring and checking as they previously would have done so. Given it was becoming increasingly difficult to find experienced welders and fabricators in this part of the world, de-skilling the role has helped us overcome recruitment challenges,” adds Simon.

“The laser also allowed us to become a lot more innovative. You often get people trying to replicate your designs in this industry, but when you manufacture using a laser, there are things you simply cannot replicate without one – you’d be forever grinding out slots which just wouldn’t work.”

Following the success of the FABRI GEAR, Watson Gym Equipment decided to double its in-house laser cutting capacity in late 2018, by purchasing a 3.0kW Mazak OPTIPLEX NEXUS 3015 FIBER machine.

Looking to the future, Simon is keen to further establish the brand as the go-to equipment supplier for high-end strength equipment. He concludes: “We’ve had massive changes over the last year – a new head office and significant machining investment – so we’re now trying to build the brand up, level with where it should be in terms of the product. The focus going forward is to maximise the resource we have here, and keep innovating to make our products the best they can be.”

Unlocking productivity at the heart of Mazak’s ‘Discovery Week’

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 07/11/2022

Yamazaki Mazak is set to host a week-long experiential Open House focusing on overcoming the biggest production challenges facing customers.

Running from 6-9^th December, Mazak’s ‘Discovery Week’ aims to help machine tool and laser processing users find solutions to a host of productivity-led challenges to improve efficiency and minimise downtime.

The event, which will be hosted throughout Mazak’s European Manufacturing Plant and Technology Centre in Worcester, will be supported by over 25 partners with expertise in tooling, tool management, swarf management, CAD/CAM and finance.

There will be more than 20 machines on display, including live cutting demonstrations on a range of 5-axis, horizontal, vertical, CNC turning and laser processing machines, many of which will be equipped with third-party automation systems.

Among the technology highlights will be Mazak’s newest vertical machining centre, the VCN-700. Designed and manufactured in the UK, visitors will be able to see live production of the VCN-700 as part of the factory tours taking place during Discovery Week.

Automation will be a running theme throughout the event, with no less than eight different part-loading solutions on display. Stand-out examples include the VARIAXIS i-300 complete with Auto Work Changer (AWC) and expandable high-capacity tool magazine for high-mix, low-volume applications; as well three UK-made CV5-500 compact 5-axis machining centres, each with a different ancillary automation system.

For laser users, Mazak will be running live cutting demonstrations on its OPTIPLEX 3015 FIBER III 10.0 kW laser processing machine complete with TEKMAG automated sheet metal loading system. Offering laser users ultra-high speed cutting of medium thickness material and the ability to cut the finest widths and most difficult reflective materials, the 10.0 kW 3015 FIBER III variant can process workpieces up to 1525 mm x 3000 mm.

Mazak will also be using Discovery Week to showcase its iConnect digital connectivity portal.

Mazak iConnect provides registered Mazak users with a bespoke access point for machine-specific information such as manuals, maintenance videos, parts order history and professional training resources. The portal also includes an ‘extended value’ Machine to Mazak service, which allows Mazak customers to connect machines to a secure Mazak Cloud service. This can facilitate a number of productivity-enhancing benefits, including monitoring their machine operation online, backing up controls, using remote diagnosis to gain support from Mazak Applications and Service Engineers and scheduling maintenance tasks.

Alan Mucklow, Managing Director UK, Eire and National Distributors at Yamazaki Mazak, commented: “Discovery Week will hone in on the importance of collaboration to achieving innovation. Identifying and rectifying productivity-inhibiting factors is vital to boosting output. We hope that by bringing together experts from across industry – from tooling and tool management through to CADCAM and finance – visitors will be able to develop real-time solutions to ramp up productivity going into 2023.

“The event will also be the perfect platform to showcase the breadth and depth of Mazak’s machining portfolio, including several ground-breaking machine tools designed and built here in Worcester following first-hand feedback from subcontractors around Europe. Many of our machines are now manufactured with automation in mind, and the fact that there will be eight different turnkey automated cells in operation throughout the week only reinforces the accessibility of technology now available to subcontractors.”

To register to attend Discovery Week, please visit: https://discover.mazakeu.com/discoveryweek/.

Mazak increases staff investment as UK operations gather pace

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 30/06/2020

Yamazaki Mazak has made a series of investments in people and performance as its UK operations continue to regather momentum.

With over 20 years’ experience in the machine tool sector, Brian Edmondson has assumed the role of Area Sales Manager for the Midlands, having previously been Mazak’s Area Sales Manager for the North West. Brian brings with him a wealth of technical expertise and hands-on engineering knowledge to now support customers in the West Midlands, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire.

Brian will be responsible for serving the needs of Mazak customers operating across a wide variety of market sectors, ranging from general subcontracting through to automotive, aerospace and medical. Among Brian’s key responsibilities will be helping a number of customers transition into simultaneous 5-axis machining following the launch and demand for Mazak’s UK-designed and built CV5-500 machining centre earlier this year.

Jason Butler, General Sales Manager – Southern Region at Yamazaki Mazak, comments: “Brian truly embodies Mazak’s core values of customer support, technical knowledge and professionalism, and the breadth of his expertise will undoubtedly strengthen our position in the Midlands. Given the sheer variety of industrial sectors that are active within the region, not to mention it being home to our European Headquarters and Manufacturing Plant, this appointment is of significant strategic importance to Mazak. I know our Midlands-based customers will be in very capable hands with Brian.”

Over the last three months, Mazak has also significantly invested in staff training and development. Throughout April and May, a further five of the company’s UK Project & Applications Engineers successfully attained a PRINCE2® Foundation qualification. PRINCE2® is a process-based method for effective project management, and is recognised internationally as one of the leading qualifications for directing, managing and delivering high-value projects. This further strengthens the UK Project Engineering & Applications department, with nine engineers having now attained a PRINCE2® qualification.

Mazak has also reopened the doors of its Worcester European Technology Centre (ETC). Visitors are encouraged to book in advance to allow Mazak to manage the number of people in attendance at any one time in line with UK Government social distancing guidelines. The ETC will feature a selection of machines from Mazak’s Multi-Tasking, 5-axis, Turning, Horizontal, Vertical and Laser Processing Machine portfolios, including UK-made machines such as the CV5-500, VTC-800/30SR and VCN-530C. A number of machines on display will also be available for immediate delivery. Mazak’s regional sales representatives are able to discuss specific requirements and details of finance packages available through Finance For Industry. Customers may also be eligible for support via the Government’s Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS).

Alan Mucklow, Managing Director UK & Ireland Sales & Service at Yamazaki Mazak, commented: “While the past few months have undoubtedly been a major challenge for the UK manufacturing industry, we have started to see some confidence return to our customers. In order to ensure that Mazak is able to adapt to the new world that we now find ourselves in, we took the decision to heavily invest in training and development for all areas of the business over the last few months. As our work begins to once again gather momentum, I am delighted to be able to safely re-open the doors of our ETC, and very much look forward to welcoming our customers back into the heart of our UK and European operations.”

Please visit www.mazakeu.co.uk to book a visit or virtual session, or contact a Mazak sales representative to discuss availability.

Mazak bosses praise Worcester staff for their efforts during coronavirus crisis

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 01/05/2020

Richard Smith, the European Group managing director of Yamazaki Mazak has thanked the British Manufacturing community in their support of the NHS.

Speaking about the current Coronavirus outbreak, Richard said, “The work our customers, and the wider British manufacturing community as a whole, is putting in to support the NHS is nothing short of outstanding.”

"Some of our partners are working seven days a week to produce products that will go on to save lives.

"On behalf of everyone at Mazak I would like to thank them, and their families, for such a critical contribution."

This news comes following Mazak’s introduction of the Government’s social distancing guidelines, an initial short-term closure and consultation period with production staff allowed for the introduction of several new social distancing and safe working measures.

These included a ‘one-way’ system around the factory; the creation of six areas, each featuring solo working bays with no inter-movement of staff; and a new shift pattern.

Once the measures had been instigated, the factory re-opened with a limited number of staff on-site at any one time, supported by senior management, to complete orders for customers that are still operational. Stuart Astley, production director at Mazak’s production facility in Worcester, added: “The workforce has played a key role in achieving this, not only by helping to establish the new ways of working but by following them to the letter.

"They have been incredibly supportive of what we are doing and I am happy to say that the morale on the factory floor has been superb throughout this difficult time.”

Mazak Secures Future of CNC Machining with Latest Apprentice Intake

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 02/11/2021

Yamazaki Mazak UK has demonstrated its commitment to the future of British manufacturing with the intake of 17 new apprentices.

The latest wave of recruitment brings the total to 62 apprentices currently in training with the machine tools manufacturer, with over 200 successfully trained since the scheme began in 2011.

Richard Smith, European Group Managing Director at Yamazaki Mazak, said: “Despite the pandemic, we believe our apprenticeship program is critical for the long-term future of our business and that of the wider manufacturing sector. For this reason, we have maintained our apprenticeship intake this year.”

The newest cohort’s training is split between a college education and hands-on involvement in the workplace, beginning at Worcestershire Group Training Association’s (WGTA) training centre in early September. Here, they will learn the basics of CNC machining, and electrical, mechanical and sheet metal manufacturing.

Eventually, the class of 2021 will work alongside Mazak staff in a number of departments at their European Headquarters in Worcester. Most of the apprentices will complete a Level 3 accredited apprenticeship pathway, with an extension to HNC/D level also a possibility.

Richard concluded: Developing a workforce that is able to build, operate and maintain CNC machine tools will be critical to the growth of British manufacturing as a whole. Many of these students will one day join the workforce of our Worcester site and we are extremely excited to see what they can achieve.”

For more information on Mazak’s apprenticeship programme, visit: https://www.mazakeu.co.uk/apprenticeships/

Mazak creates new North-South sales structure to support UK customer base

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 14/04/2023

Yamazaki Mazak is implementing a new UK sales structure to support the growing market demand for British-built machinery and bring the team even closer to its customer base.

The structure, which includes the promotion of several highly experienced employees, will comprise of dedicated sales teams for the North and South of England under two newly appointed General Sales Managers. Brian Edmondson becomes the new General Sales Manager for the North of England with Alan Reeve taking the equivalent role in the South. Both will report into UK Sales Director Jason Butler.

The new structure is being implemented in advance of the impending retirement of long-serving UK General Sales Manager, Tony Creamer, a well-known figure in the machine tool industry with 19 years’ service at Mazak. Tony will retire at the end of April 2023.

In the North of England, Brian will be supported by Karl Hargreaves, Mark Ireland, Joe Trozzo and Stephen Bower, with newly appointed Liam Slack in an Area Sales Engineer role.

In the South of England, Alan will be supported by Neil Coggins, Tim Ponter and John McNally, with Steve Livett being promoted to Area Sales Manager.

Jason Butler, UK Sales Director at Yamazaki Mazak, commented: “We have an exceptionally loyal, long-serving and knowledgeable salesforce that is committed to the highest standards of customer service and is being rewarded with new opportunities and promotions.

“Brian and Alan are being given enhanced roles in a new structure that will increase our customer focus in the North and South of England. The objective is to bring our sales team even closer to our customers, improve the frequency of customer visits and ensure the highest quality of service. Most importantly, we have a great story to tell with the introduction of our new UK-built machines – such as the CV5-500 5-axis machining center and VCE-600 vertical machining center – that have a highly competitive price point capable of bringing the benefits of our technology to non-Mazak machine users.”

He concluded: “It is also important to pay tribute to the contribution that Tony Creamer has made to the success of Yamazaki Mazak in the UK over nearly 20 years. In a variety of roles, most recently as General Sales Manager for the whole of the UK, he has developed a strong and devoted customer base that reflects Tony’s own loyalty to Mazak. We wish him all the best in his retirement.”

Mazak promotes ‘small but powerful’ PRIMOS to UK machine users

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 26/07/2018

Yamazaki Mazak is ramping up the promotion of its PRIMOS range of machines for UK machine users.
The new campaign, which has the strapline “You don’t have to be big to be powerful” is promoting the QT-PRIMOS series, a range of compact, high performance turning centres, and its vertical version, the VC-PRIMOS 400 SG, a compact vertical machining centre.
Aimed at entry-level machine users, all machines in the PRIMOS range can be characterised by exceptionally small footprints, circa 20 per cent less than equivalent machines in their class.
The QT-PRIMOS 50 SG is a compact, high-performance CNC turning centre, designed for mass production environments, but with minimum floorspace requirements. The rigid integral spindle motor and INTELLIGENT THERMAL SHIELD ensure outstanding accuracy and high-speed cutting with the main spindle capable of 5,000rpm. The machine is also equipped with a lightweight machine front door, front window, large capacity oil pan, smooth chip disposal and a 5” chuck.
In this series, the QT-PRIMOS 150 SG, is a similar compact machine equipped with a servo motor driven drum turret that features high-speed, non-lift turret indexing and a main spindle capable of 4,000rpm.
The new campaign also features the VC-PRIMOS 400 SG, a compact, high speed vertical machining centre, equipped with a 12000rpm spindle and 30 taper interface, that delivers high-productivity performance with lower tooling investment costs.
The machine is capable of high speed 60m/min rapid traverse rates and delivering fast tool change times, which can increase productivity and efficiency by reducing non-cutting time. In addition, the highly compact machine has maintenance-free sides and rear chip conveyor discharge.
The VC-PRIMOS 400 SG can also be fully integrated with machines from the QT-PRIMOS series to form an effective production line that performs both turning and milling.
All machines in the PRIMOS range are built to Mazak global manufacturing standards, which means that, despite the entry-level price point, there is no compromise on Mazak build quality.

Pryme Group House

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 26/02/2019

Pryme Group is a relatively new name, but armed with an engineering track record going back 40 years, it is shaking up the UK’s market for contract manufacturing services.

The North East of England has always been a hotbed of subcontract manufacturing. However, in recent years, a new name has been shaking the market up, namely Pryme Group, whose rise has been nothing short of meteoric.

Created in 2014 from a core of three engineering companies, GA Scotland, GA Sliding Head and GA North West, the company catapulted itself into the first rank of contract manufacturing companies with three acquisitions in the Newcastle area in 2015, namely MKW Engineering, Stargate Precision Engineering and TME Hydraulics.

A year later subsea specialist SengS joined the group and, in 2018, Hydratron, a global supplier of high-pressure equipment, was snapped up. Whilst the company now boasts a range of engineering services, from design and consultancy through to fabrication, testing and coating, its heritage and strength remains in CNC machining, with more than 140 machines across the group.

Pryme Group now focuses on three core areas - oil and gas, defence and aerospace - with a blue-chip client base that includes names as diverse as BAE Systems, through to Schlumberger, Siemens and Rolls Royce.

In 2017, work began on the Group’s new North East facility that aimed to bring the three Newcastle acquisitions together under one roof. The new 58,000 sq ft manufacturing facility based in North Tyneside, which cost more than £10 million to refurbish, is home to more than 20 CNC machines.

The Pryme Group’s close relationship with Mazak is clear as soon as you visit the new facility. In fact, the group recently acquired five new Mazak machines in order to enhance its machining capabilities.

Dave Graham, Group Business Development Director, has been responsible for all of the machine specifications. “The Mazak machines were bought to extend our capabilities, specifically in heavy-duty machining,” says Mr Graham. “At this new site we’re focused on a wide range of sectors, from marine and land systems for oil and gas, through to energy and rail, for companies like Bombardier. The quality of the machines is a vital part of winning business in these sectors.”

He continues: “My own relationship with Mazak goes back 20 years, having specified a range of machines from QUICK TURNS and VTCs through to INTEGREX in previous roles, including MKW Engineering, prior to its acquisition by Pryme. In fact, I bought the first e-1600V machine into the UK for a non-OEM. The quality of the technology is not in question.”

One of the most significant recent investments has also been a Mazak e-1600V, this time for Pryme Group. The machine is an advanced vertical multi-tasking machine for all one-chucking, equipped with a 2-pallet-changer that is capable of completing all machining operations in a single machine set-up. The machine is specifically designed for heavy duty machining as it is equipped with a 37kw, 50 taper 10,000 rpm spindle.

Crucially, for Pryme, the e-1600V has an exceptionally large capacity which makes it ideal for large workpieces with dimensions of up to 2,050mm diameter by 1,600mm, and is also capable of handling a load of up to 5,000 kgs load.

“We have taken a conscious decision to transfer our technology upstream into 5-axis work,” says Dave. “With the 1600V for example, we are doing a lot of multi-axis work, programmed both on and offline. There are two programmers on-site and we are able to put the models they generate straight into the machine.”

The e-1600V was joined by an INTEGREX e-670H which is also designed for large workpiece machining, due to its high performance turning and milling spindles able to cut difficult to machine materials. The machine is capable of working with exceptionally long workpieces of up to 1,070mm diameter and 4,000mm long works capacity. To aid this type of machining, the e-670H is equipped with a steady rest and long boring bar stocker for deep machining of workpiece inner diameters of up to 100mm diameter by 1,000mm length.

Alongside, Pryme has also invested in a Mazak HCN-6000, a high rigidity machine ideal for high-volume large heavy-part operations. Specifically, the machine is equipped with a 10,000rpm 37 kw 50 taper spindle.

“The new machines have opened up the potential for us to move into new markets, specifically those areas, such as oil and gas. The common denominator with the new INTEGREX, the HCN and the e-1600V is capacity. There are very few contract manufacturers in the North East who have machines capable of machining workpieces of the size we can now work with.”

In addition to the heavy-duty machines, Pryme has also recently invested in a vertical travelling column machining centre and a new turning centre complete with automation. The VTC-530C is a highly versatile machine that can be used across a range of machining applications and is equipped with a 12,000rpm, 18.5 kW spindle delivering outstanding productivity to reduce machine cycle times and a QT-COMPACT 200MY with bar feeder, a turning centre with rotary tools and a Y-axis.

“The new machines give us extra capacity with the manufacture of smaller components,” says Mr Graham. “All of the new machines are equipped with SMOOTH Technology. It’s a brilliant CNC.”

Mazak heads to EMO with biggest ever stand and nine new machines

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 19/07/2019

In its centenary year, Yamazaki Mazak is heading to EMO 2019 with plans for its biggest ever stand, hosting the largest number of machines and automation solutions ever exhibited by the company.

EMO 2019, which runs from the 16^th to 21^st September, will see Mazak give seven machines their world debuts, along with two further European debuts, with new INTEGREX Multi-Tasking, 5-axis, hybrid and turning machines among those on display.

Exhibiting under its EMO 2019 theme, ‘DISCOVER MORE WITH MAZAK’, Mazak will showcase 27 different machines in total, two more than for EMO 2017, along with 16 integrated automation solutions.

Richard Smith, European Group Managing Director at Yamazaki Mazak, commented: “Our theme for this year’s EMO, ‘DISCOVER MORE WITH MAZAK’, speaks of our relentless focus on productivity and is a call-to-action for machine users to discover the true potential of their machining operations. Never before have we committed to bringing so many machines and different automation solutions to EMO.”

He continued: “This is truly a new Age of Discovery for machine users who must think creatively and embrace new technologies and ways of working. With Mazak as technology partners, machine users can open up new markets, safeguard their competitive positions and become better, faster and more productive.”

The 3,000 square metre Mazak stand will be split into seven separate zones – INTEGREX Multi-Tasking, hybrid machining, 5-axis, laser, vertical machining, turning and horizontals – with all 27 machines in live-cutting action during the show. In addition, the Mazak stand will feature demonstrations of Industry 4.0 solutions, including Mazak iSMART factory and SMOOTH Technology.

Integrated automation will be a major focus for Mazak during EMO 2019, with a variety of different solutions on display, including PALLETECH and Multi-Pallet Pool (MPP), gantry loaders and the AWC Auto Work Changer. In addition, Mazak machines will be integrated with a number of third-party automation providers, including machine tending and bar feeder solutions.

Mr Smith concluded: “In this, the 100^th year of our history, it is entirely fitting that we are making our greatest ever contribution to EMO. We have come a long way in 100 years, but our commitment to improvement and the development of new technologies is clearly demonstrated by the most advanced machine list we have ever brought to the show. I look forward to welcoming machine users from across Europe to our stand.”

Mazak sets new benchmark for British machine tools with UK-made simultaneous 5-axis machine

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 29/05/2020

Yamazaki Mazak has underlined its commitment to the British machine tool industry with the launch of its newest fully simultaneous 5-axis machining centre – the CV5-500 – which will be the only machine in its class to have been completely conceived, designed and built in the UK.

The CV5-500, which is currently being manufactured at Mazak’s European Manufacturing Plant in Worcester, is being marketed with a highly competitive price point making it ideally suited to subcontractors, start-ups and job shops.

The versatile 5-axis machine is unique in its category due to its high-rigidity bridge construction with a fully supported trunnion table that travels in the Y-axis direction under the bridge, ultimately delivering an extremely accurate and compact machining solution.

Alan Mucklow, Managing Director UK & Ireland Sales & Service Division at Yamazaki Mazak, commented: “While the numbers of British machine tool builders have dwindled over time, Mazak has consistently continued to invest in its UK R&D and production facilities. The CV5-500 is the latest in a long line of Mazak machines to have been fully designed and built in Britain. Not only does it set a new benchmark in British machine tool building, but it breaks the mould for the compact, fully simultaneous 5-axis machining category as a whole.”

The CV5-500 features a newly designed constant overhang headstock to maintain machining rigidity even at the full extent of the Z-axis stroke. It is equipped with a 12,000 rpm spindle, capable of a peak performance of 18.5 kW and 119.4 Nm, making it suitable for a wide range of materials. An optional 18,000 rpm spindle, which includes core cooling through the X-, Y- and Z-axes ballscrews for thermal stability, is available for high-speed applications.

The machine is equipped with a high-rigidity Sankyo table, driven with roller gear cam, that provides a wide angle of rotation, specifically 220^oin the B-axis and 360^o in the C-axis. The CV5-500 delivers agile performance, with rapid traverse rates of 36 m/min in the X-, Y- and Z-axes, and can process work pieces up to Ø500 mm x H320 mm, and up to 200 kg in weight. Additionally, the Thermal Shield system maintains stable cutting accuracy by applying automatic compensation to combat temperature fluctuations.

As well as offering high performance, the CV5-500 design prioritises operator access and ergonomics without compromising the potential to integrate automation systems. The machine can be easily supported with a variety of automation solutions due to the addition of a side-loading door, robot interface and hydraulic and pneumatic fixture interface options. Crucially, access to the front of the machine remains uninhibited from automation equipment, meaning operators retain convenient access for setups with full visibility of the machining operation at all times.

At just 2,300 mm x 2,790 mm, the machine is the most compact 5-axis machine in its class, making it ideal for general subcontract and job shops where floor space is at a premium. Careful attention has been paid to minimise the surrounding maintenance area, specifically with the coolant tank with side exit chip conveyor, that can be pulled out from the front of the machine to provide convenient access to key maintenance areas. In addition, the rear of the machine can be sited close to a factory wall to minimise floorspace.

The tool magazine comes with a 30-tool capacity as standard and an option for 48 tools if required, while the double arm ATC offers a fast tool-to-tool time of just 1.3 seconds. A side loading door to the magazine is standard which conveniently allows tools to be replaced even in automatic cycle.

The new machine is equipped with SmoothX CNC, Mazak’s specialist 5-axis version of its SMOOTH Technology.

Mr Mucklow concludes: “The CV5-500 can deliver a step-change in productivity for both seasoned 5-axis users, as well as those looking to take their first steps in the technology. From its high-rigidity bridge construction and newly designed constant overhang headstock, to its ergonomic design and easy integration with ancillary automation systems, the CV5-500 is every inch the modern machining centre.”

To find out more information, please visit: www.mazakeu.co.uk/CV5-500

Mazak chosen for UK government flagship 5G factory initiative

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 19/09/2018

Yamazaki Mazak has been chosen as one of a select few UK companies to act as a ‘testbed’ for the deployment of next-generation 5G technology.

The selection is with a view to improving commercial digital infrastructures and ultimately boosting productivity across the UK industrial sector.

5G is set to become the industry standard for connectivity in the future. With potential speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second, it could allow for industrial automation systems to operate at as-yet-unseen speeds, as well as increase the speed of real-time analysis, meaning quicker reactions to any red flags and reduced downtime.

Mazak is part of the Worcestershire 5G consortium and was chosen due to its pioneering work to date in implementing Industry 4.0 design principals throughout its portfolio of machine tools and CNC technology.

The consortium has been granted £4.8m in government funding to conduct the 5G Testbed trial. The funding will be used to gauge how faster internet speeds can improve industrial productivity and advanced cyber security, via increased investment in next-generation technology.

This will include experimenting with preventative and assisted maintenance techniques using robotics, big data analytics and augmented reality, at the company’s European Headquarters in Worcester.

Marcus Burton, at Yamazaki Mazak, said: “Manufacturers across the UK and beyond are now reaping the productivity rewards of greater connectivity among their industrial equipment. Industry 4.0 centres on the key design principals of; interoperability of machines and devices, greater data transparency, technical assistance and decentralised decision making. We are starting to see these factors become more commonplace among UK manufacturers, but current internet speeds can only take us so far.

“The 5G Testbed represents a hugely exciting opportunity to drive further productivity growth, and facilitate even faster data transfer and analysis for manufacturers. It can only be a positive investment for the UK’s industrial sector, and Yamazaki Mazak is honoured to be taking part first-hand in the 5G technology trial.”

Margot James, Minister for Digital and the Creative Industries said: “Worcestershire, with its strong manufacturing and industrial base, has rightfully won its place as home to one of the UK’s first, innovative 5G Testbeds.

“I look forward to seeing how 5G connectivity will fuel the Midlands Engine - unlocking growth, increasing productivity and bringing wider benefits for our citizens and communities.”

Mark Stansfeld, Chair of Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership and 5G lead for Midlands Engine, said: "5G connectivity is set to revolutionise the way that businesses operate in future in the UK. The Worcestershire 5G Consortium is delighted to be working with Mazak to test new technologies that will have an extremely positive impact in allowing businesses like theirs to create new innovative products, raise productivity and improve economic growth."

Pictured: Yamazaki Mazak’s European Headquarters in Worcester which will be used as part of new testbed for 5G manufacturing

Yamazaki Mazak to open a brand-new European Technology Center Laser in Milan

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 11/04/2022

Mazak to host Open House event inaugurating the European Technology Center (ETC) Laser on 26^th-28^th May

Yamazaki Mazak is set to open a brand new headquarters for its European Laser Business in Milan, Italy.

Established more than a century ago in Japan, Yamazaki Mazak is the gold standard in the industry when it comes to laser cutting equipment. Buying a machine from the Japanese manufacturer means relying on the most innovative and advanced technology delivered by customer-oriented experts.

Over its long history, the company has set up 10 production plants and multiple sales subsidiaries worldwide, with 14 of them being in Europe.

The rising importance of the European subsidiaries, as well as the developments in laser cutting technology, has ultimately led to the creation of a dedicated site, the brand-new European Technology Center (ETC) Laser alongside the Italian subsidiary, located in Cerro Maggiore, near Milan.

The new European Technology Center Laser

The grand opening of the ETC Laser will take place from 26th to 28th May 2022.

The new facility features a large showroom where a selection of the company’s flagship laser-cutting machines will be in operation; a Clean Room, for maintenance operations on optical components such as cutting heads; and other technological solutions related to laser-cutting machines. The showroom also includes a Nitrogen Generator that, together with a Gas Mixer, allows Mazak’s engineers to develop new cutting technologies and processes. As well as a CAD\CAM corner to show and demonstrate Mazak software technology.

Customers will be able to enjoy multiple events and open-days to better understand the company’s expertise. Such an ample floor space can host a complete line-up of machinery to enhance technical training courses with hands-on experiences.

As well as the benefits of the new facility, Mazak laser-cutting machine users will benefit from access to its European Parts Center in Leuven, Belgium. Able to process 20,000 parts per month, 365 days a year, the warehouse can deliver 97% of the spare parts for all Mazak machines within 24 hours across Europe.

Inaugurating the ETC Laser: the Open House event (26th – 28th May)

During the exclusive three-day Open House event, customers will be able to see an extensive selection of Mazak’s laser cutting machine range, all under one roof.

Two brand-new machines will be the stars of the show: the OPTIPLEX 3015 NEO S-15 and the FG-220, with fiber technology.

The OPTIPLEX 3015 NEO S-15 – a 2D fiber laser-cutting machine – features the innovative Beam Shaping Mode technology for enhanced control of beam shape and diameter. A new MCT3 Cutting Head and a new MAZATROL Smooth Lx CNC control system ensure optimal performance on a wide range of materials, both in terms of speed and quality. Large front and side access doors, an adjustable control panel, and easy accessibility to the workpiece make this piece of equipment the ideal choice for versatile operations.

The FG-220 is Mazak’s newest fiber laser machine for round, square, rectangular, and open profile (I, L, and H) structural material cutting. Integrating multiple production processes in one single machine means reduced setup time, reduced lead time, fewer operators, and reduced floor space requirements.

Four independent rotating chucks prevent the material from distorting, thus ensuring maximum precision even when working with complex contours. Overall, the FG-220 sets the benchmark for a streamlined production processes.

The OPTIPLEX 3015 NEXUS FIBER 6 kW and the OPTIPLEX 3015 FIBER III 10 kW with CST Automation technology will also be on display.

As well as a suite of laser solutions, visitors to the new ETC Laser can also experience a variety of Mazak machine tools. These will include models from its flagship INTEGREX range of Multi-Tasking machines, as well as the new VARIAXIS C-600 simultaneous 5-axis vertical machining centre and QTE-200M entry-level turning centre.

Mr Gaetano Lo Guzzo, Director Laser Business Europe at Yamazaki Mazak, comments: “Mazak has a rich heritage in the development and delivery of revolutionary laser cutting technologies, and we are looking forward to welcoming laser customers from all over Europe to our new facility.

“It will not only act as fantastic demonstration space, but also play a fundamental role in the overall operational life of many Mazak laser machines – from applications engineering and aftersales support through to the repair and maintenance of laser cutting heads. Moreover, there is a rapidly growing customer base that deploys both Mazak laser processing machines and Mazak machine tools. Having a state-of-the-art facility with unrivalled engineering expertise in both disciplines will therefore be an invaluable resource to many European manufacturers.”

NTG opens new facility and invests in more 5-axis capacity

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 16/01/2023

NTG has put its first machine into a new facility in Gateshead and at the same time has increased its 5-axis machining capacity.

The subcontract manufacturer remains on the Team Valley Trading Estate in Gateshead, but has massively increased the size of its premises, up to 45,000 sq ft, from 18,000 sq ft.

The first machine into the new facility was a new state-of-the-art Mazak VARIAXIS i-800 NEO, a move that is designed to both increase NTG’s 5-axis machining capacity and enable the company to enter new markets.

Mike Hutchinson, Group Managing Director at NTG Holdings, says the investment in both the new facility and the new machining technology opens up opportunities for his company.

“Our 5-axis capability has become a bottleneck due to demand from customers for this type of complex work. The new machine will enable us to offer shorter lead times by reducing the restrictions around our 5-axis work.”

The VARIAXIS i-800 NEO is a 5-axis vertical machining center that delivers advanced high-speed multiple-surface machining in an exceptionally large machining area that enables the production of larger diameter parts.

The VARIAXIS becomes the first machine into NTG’s new facility and will be followed by another 50 machines that will be transferred to the new facility in the coming weeks, including Mazak turning center, INTEGREX multi-tasking machines and vertical machining centres.

Mr Hutchinson says the new facility offers further growth opportunities for NTG. “We’ve increasingly diversified the business from its roots as predominantly a tooling and oil and gas focused supplier. We now operate across defence, food production, energy, subsea, electric vehicles and renewables. The new facility will give us the footprint to be able to continue to grow and service all our sectors, whilst also giving us the footprint to introduce more capacity and new technologies in the future.”

Mazak has been a long-time partner for NTG helping the company make the move into complex 5-axis work more than a decade ago. “When we purchased our first 5-axis machine, the INTEGREX, it was because we wanted to be an early adopter of the latest production technology to maintain the highest levels of quality and productivity for customers.”

He continued: “Bringing in the new VARIAXIS allows us to take that capability to the next stage, opening up the potential for us to machine larger and more complex components. We are operating in a number of sectors, including defence and electronics, where we can now offer another level of capability and quote for work that was previously beyond our existing technology.”

New FG DDL makes its European debut at EuroBLECH 2018

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 08/11/2018

The new direct diode laser (DDL) version of Mazak’s highly successful FABRI GEAR machine range is making its European debut at EuroBLECH 2018.

Mazak has fast-tracked the development of a DDL FG to complement the existing CO2 machine, due to the enormous productivity potential that laser users can derive from DDL technology.

The DDL is perfectly suited to cutting both thin and thick materials, and is also capable of cutting high reflectance material, such as copper and brass.

The new machine is equipped with a 4kW DDL resonator that can achieve a 20 per cent productivity improvement. This exceptional productivity is derived from its use of nitrogen; a reduction in piercing time, due to the use of a beam-on approach pierce, and an increase in cutting speed due to its higher light harvesting.

What’s more, the new DDL is capable of rapid traverse rates of 100m/min in the X-axis, 36m/min in the Y-axis and 30m/min in the Z-axis. If production is interrupted by an alarm, the Quick Program Restart function makes it possible to quickly restart the machine, reducing downtime.

In addition, running costs for the DDL machine are significantly reduced in comparison to CO2, due to lower resonator and chiller unit consumption, as well as there being no need for laser gas.

The machine is also equipped with a new 3D head, developed with an independent Z-axis and tapping units. Furthermore, new laser light shielding covers have been developed to cover both the loading and unloading sides of the machine.

Higher productivity is matched by the outstanding quality of the cut, with cutting quality for thick mild steel comparable to a CO2 laser.

The FABRI GEAR range has long been a favourite of the construction industry, due to its ability to cut round, square and rectangular pipe or tube often used in construction projects. The machine is controlled using the new Mazak FX CNC, which couples outstanding ease of operation with high productivity.

Caption: The new direct diode laser (DDL) version of Mazak’s highly successful FABRI GEAR machine range will make its European debut at EuroBLECH 2018.

Mazak expands UK-made machine portfolio with high-performance turning centre series

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 12/07/2021

Following a series of major investments at its Worcester-based European Manufacturing Plant, Yamazaki Mazak has begun production of a number of models from its QUICK TURN series of high-performance turning centres.

The models include the QUICK TURN 350, 350MY and 350MSY models, and will take the total number of UK-made machine tools to eight, alongside the CV50-500, QUICK TURN 250M, VCN-430A, VTC-760C and VTC-800/30SR.

Previously manufactured at Mazak’s manufacturing facility in Minokamo, Japan, the QUICK TURN 350 series offers high performance turning from a compact footprint for demanding applications. Models now manufactured at Mazak’s Worcester site include the standard QUICK TURN 350 machine tool, as well as those with milling and Y-axis functionality, (MY), and milling, second spindle and Y-axis capability (MSY).

Mazak’s increased production capacity follows in the wake of a series of strategic investments over the past 24 months at the manufacturer’s flagship European production facility. These include the installation of a state-of-the-art twin-pallet VERSATECH V-140N/280 and FJV-60/80 double-column vertical machining centre in early 2021, along with two INTEGREX i-Series Multi-Tasking cells supported by RoboJob automation systems.

Following the reopening of its European Technology Centre, Mazak has also expanded 22-strong Applications Engineering team, with the addition of two new engineers, and unveiled a new 360° virtual showroom to increase accessibility for customers across the country.

Jason Butler, Sales Director – UK & Eire Sales & Service Division at Yamazaki Mazak, comments: “While the past 18 months have certainly been among the most challenging in living memory for UK manufacturing, Mazak’s strategic investment plan has remained undeterred. We are now seeing the benefits of focused spend throughout our European Manufacturing Plant, which has allowed us to increase the volume of models manufactured here by over a third.

“The QUICK TURN 350 series is an incredibly diverse family of machine tools, and closely aligned to the machining needs of both British and European machine tool users. We hope that by manufacturing the series here in the UK, we can increase both production capacity and speed of supply.”

Mr Butler concludes: “As society continues on its journey to fully reopening, our European Technology Centre also remains open to both existing customers and prospective machine tool buyers alike. For those unable to travel in person, we have also invested in a virtual ‘digital twin’ of the ETC, which will feature an interactive overview of all machines currently installed. This investment will remain in place for the long-term to give all customers the opportunity to see the latest technology for themselves irrespective of their location.”

Studer Elevates Daily Grind for Mazak

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 06/06/2022

Investment in Yamazaki Mazak’s European Manufacturing Plant continues apace following the purchase of new Studer S41 CNC universal cylindrical grinding machine.

Located in Mazak’s state-of-the-art Spindle Service Centre at the heart of its European HQ in Worcester, the new grinding machine will deliver a step-change in its in-house grinding capabilities

The S41 is the sixth grinding machine Mazak has purchased from Studer in a relationship spanning in excess of 20 years, and is one of a select few non-Mazak CNC machines used throughout the European Manufacturing Plant.

The machine will be used for the highly precise grinding of a wide range of components with demanding geometric and surface finish specifications, including those which have single figure micron dimensional tolerances such as spindles.

Its accurate and efficient thread grinding capabilities have also eliminated the need for Mazak to outsource such work, which was previously subcontracted to a third party. What’s more, the increase in productivity of the S41 – which has resulted in an 80% reduction in cycle time for some applications – has enabled Mazak to move its grinding department from a three-shift to a two-shift working pattern.

The S41 is the latest in a series of long-running investments from Mazak in its flagship manufacturing facility in Europe to promote the sustainable production of a diverse range of homegrown machine tools. It follows a multi-million-pound investment in a twin-pallet VERSATECH V-140N/280 and FJV-60/80 double-column vertical machining centers in 2021, and two automated INTEGREX i-Series cells in 2019.

Stuart Astley, European Service & Added Services Director at Yamazaki Mazak, comments: “Our European Manufacturing Plant is a vital part of our global manufacturing footprint. Where possible we aim to exclusively use Mazak machines in our production processes, however grinding is a highly specialist area and we have to rely on the expertise of other manufacturers.

“Over the years we have developed an extremely strong relationship with Studer, and when it came to making further strategic investments to our grinding department, we needed to look no further than the S41.”

Mr Astley continues: “Our Spindle Service Centre plays a pivotal role in the overall operational life of a Mazak machine tool, with the grinding department tasked with finishing and refinishing both new and replacement spindles. The S41 has enabled us to dramatically improve the productivity of our surface finishing operations, while its thread grinding capabilities mean we can perform more operations in-house.

“Moreover, the Studer team in both the UK and Switzerland were incredibly accommodating during the specification, installation and training processes; much of which took place under international travel restrictions. The S41 has already demonstrated its value to our Worcester production team and we look forward to many more years of successful operation.”

Company Ramp Up Production Thanks to Mazak Investment

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 09/02/2022

Taylor Made Fabrication (TMF) has invested in a Mazak OPTIPLEX NEXUS FIBER 3015 III to improve processing speeds and increase production capacity in order to meet demand.

Ray Baker, Director at TMF, says strong demand led the company to approve the investment. “We’re always busy and given our levels of demand we felt that it was important to upgrade our laser cutting technology.”

He continued: “Our previous unit was becoming slower and needed more maintenance to keep operational. We can’t afford any downtime or let customers down, so the new investment, which has coincided with our move to a new facility, is very important for the future of the company. Mazak’s OPTIPLEX NEXUS ticks all the boxes for us in terms of price, performance and capacity.”

The OPTIPLEX is equipped with a powerful 3.0kW laser has dramatically improved production throughput. “We’ve been able to make significant improvements in processing speed and also begin processing thicker aluminium and stainless and mild steel which has opened doors for us with new customers.”

Founded in 1992, TMF provide a wide array of services in the general contracting space alongside its precision laser cutting offering, including metal fabrication, punching, folding, welding and guillotining.

The company manufactures for multiple industries, producing parts to order through its fully-equipped CNC machine workshop and online CAD/CAM facilities, which ensure continuity and accuracy.

“One of the main things that stood out about the OPTIPLEX NEXUS was the flexibility offered by its twin pallet design, as opposed to our previous machine, which was only equipped with a single pallet,” say Ray. “Because we work in general subcontracting, we’re always busy. Being able to save time on loading in new sheet metal while we take out the completed workpieces has made a significant improvement to our productivity.”

Training and support during the installation has been vital to making the transition to the new machine. “Throughout my dealings with Mazak, I have always found them to be a responsive company – if ever there was a problem, they solved it immediately.”

Alan Mucklow, Managing Director UK & National Distributor Sales at Yamazaki Mazak, commented: “Mazak is a byword for quality in the laser processing market, and we’re pleased to have helped Taylor Made Fabrication upgrade their existing machinery and take on new business.

He continues: “The OPTIPLEX NEXUS FIBER 3015 III was designed to offer market-leading performance and precision, while also being extremely energy-efficient. Consequently, I am sure that this unit will not only enhance the company’s day-to-day operations, it will also help reduce the new site’s overall carbon footprint and electricity consumption levels.”

Expert turn to Mazak for Multi-Tasking solution

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 03/05/2022

Expert Technologies Group shook hands on a deal to acquire a Mazak QUICK TURN 350MSY at MACH 2022.

The machine is the first Mazak to be acquired by the Group and will go straight from MACH to Expert’s facility in the North West of England.

Expert Technologies Group is a global provider of automation solutions for a wide variety of industry sectors, ranging from medical and pharmaceutical through to food and beverage, automotive and aerospace. The group has seven global locations including three manufacturing facilities in the UK.

Chris Clifton, Head of Manufacturing at Expert Technologies commented: “Our philosophy is to provide the most advanced manufacturing technologies and it is important that our own machining capabilities therefore remain at the cutting-edge of technology.

“Mazak share many of our own manufacturing philosophies, including a commitment to excellence in all of their operations. The machine we selected fits our requirements perfectly and the combination of machine capability, build quality and on-going support made the decision easier.”

The QUICK TURN 350MSY is a high productivity turning centre equipped with milling, second spindle and Y-axis function to offer a Multi-Tasking solution for machine users. The machine specified by Expert Technologies Group is also equipped with SmoothG CNC.

Jason Butler, Sales Director at Yamazaki Mazak commented: “Expert visited us at our November Open House and were impressed by our own manufacturing operations and the potential of the QUICK TURN to upgrade their machining capabilities. It’s a great machine and we look forward to supporting its commissioning and the training of Expert’s machine operators on the SmoothG control.”

Mazak apprentice crowned regional champion at flagship awards ceremony

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 11/02/2020

Beth Addis, a production apprentice at global machine tool manufacturer Yamazaki Mazak, has won the Advanced Level Apprentice of the Year award at this year’s Worcestershire Apprentice of the Year Awards.

Held at the West Midlands Safari Park on 14th November, Beth was one of three regional apprentices shortlisted for the awards. Beth joined Mazak in September 2016, and has just completed her three-year Advanced Level Apprenticeship in CNC machining. Beth stood out for a number of reasons, including her role as team leader, excellent academic performance, time spent mentoring younger apprentices, as well implementing a number of improvement projects throughout the company, including one which saved the company over 45 hours of CNC grinding time per month.

In a month of unprecedented success for Beth, she has also been shortlisted for the GTA England Apprentice of the Year Awards, which will take place in February 2020; collected the Final Year Apprentice Award at Mazak’s internal Apprentice Awards, and won 2019 Best Senior Craft Apprentice at Worcestershire Group Training Association’s (WGTA) Annual Awards.

Second year mechanical apprentice, Dan Coupland, was another Mazak winner at this year’s WGTA Annual Awards, picking up the Engineering Endeavour Award.

(Source: PES magazine)

Richard Smith, European Group Managing Director at Yamazaki Mazak, commented: “Beth is, without doubt, one of our stand-out apprentices, and has very quickly become a key member of the team, who is well-respected by her colleagues for her knowledge, skill and determination to improve how her section functions. As such, the resounding success she has experienced this year is thoroughly well-deserved.”

He continues: “Apprentices are the beating heart of our business, and are an incredibly important part of futureproofing our operations here in Worcester for years to come. To Beth, Dan, and all the winners of our internal Apprentice Awards, on behalf of everyone here at Yamazaki Mazak, I’d like to offer a huge congratulations. Our industry really is in safe hands.”

Beth is one of 15 apprentices from the Worcestershire area to have completed their apprenticeships with Mazak in 2019. This year’s graduating cohort also includes Jemma Dighton, who is the first Industrial Cadet to complete her training at Mazak. Jemma undertook a week’s placement as part of the Industrial Cadet programme with Mazak in July 2015, and successfully applied for an apprenticeship the following year. Having completed her apprenticeship, Jemma was recognised with an Industrial Cadets Gold Award.

18 new recruits joined the Mazak Apprenticeship Scheme in September 2019. This takes the current total of apprentices training with Mazak, across a number of different disciplines, including CNC machining, electrical, mechanical, sheet metal and fabrication, to 47.

Applications for Mazak’s 2020 Apprenticeship Scheme opened on 1st December. For more information, please visit: www.mazakeu.co.uk/careers.

Mazak's Unmatched Quality With Market Entry Machines at MACH 2022

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 15/03/2022

Among its extensive technology offering at MACH 2022, Yamazaki Mazak, member of Made in the Midlands, will be drawing show visitors attention to its ‘entry level’ portfolio of machine tools on Stand 350 in Hall 20 at the Birmingham NEC. As the industry’s marquee brand, Mazak will be showcasing a series of ‘entry level’ machines that will emphasise how its high-quality machine tools are a cost-effective, productive and environmentally friendly solution for manufacturers of all sizes and budget levels.

The cost-effective technology on show at MACH will include the CV5-500 5-axis machining centre, the 3-axis VCE Series machining centre and the robust QTE Series of turning centres. This diverse blend of technologies will demonstrate how the unparalleled levels of quality, technology and productivity that is the benchmark of the industry, is perfect for newcomers to the industry as well as seasoned experts – credit to the user-friendly Mazatrol Smooth CNC system.

Certain to draw crowds at MACH will be the CV5-500 entry-level 5-axis machining centre that has been designed to combine high-speed precision machining with ease of operation. The bridge construction design of this 5-axis VMC with a fully supported trunnion table provides uncompromising levels of rigidity for precision machining, defining a new standard for exceptional value 5-axis machine tools.

From a technical standpoint, the CV5-500 has a fully supported trunnion table with roller gear cam on the B/C axes and roller linear guides on the X, Y and Z-axes to provide a stable and robust machining platform. The rolling motion of the cam gear delivers enhanced torque whilst eliminating backlash. This results in high performance and precision with its ability to contour or index in 0.0001-degree increments.

Offered with a 12,000rpm 18.5kW spindle as standard or with an optional 18,000rpm high-speed spindle, the CV5-500 incorporates a 30-tool magazine with a lightning-fast 1.3 second tool-to-tool ATC, a compact footprint and the Mazatrol SmoothX CNC system. With an X, Y and Z-axis stroke of 730 by 450 by 470mm and a BT40/CAT40 interface, the new machine can accommodate components up to 500mm diameter by 320mm high with a maximum table load of 200kg. The spacious work envelope and table capacity give the CV5-500 the ability to produce everything from small to relatively large components.

The CV5-500 also incorporates a multitude of features that underpin the power and precision that are the cornerstones of this machine. This includes the THERMAL SHIELD automatic temperature compensation system that maximises accuracy to retain perfect precision during ambient room temperature changes.

Additionally, the machine has been designed with a compact spindle nose to minimise workpiece interference, maximise rigidity and prolong tool life whilst tools can be changed without returning the table to its home position, shaving valuable seconds off cycle times. Mazak has designed the CV5-500 with full consideration given to automation; and at MACH, show visitors can discuss the credentials of the machine along with the multitude of automation solutions and the groundbreaking SmoothX CNC control that makes the utopia of ‘done-in-one’ machining a reality for 5-axis newcomers.

Complementing the CV5-500 with a MACH exhibition premiere will be the VCE-600 3-axis vertical machining centre. Designed and built in the UK, the VCE-600 has an impressive specification and appealing price-point that justify why Mazak classes this next generation machining centre an affordable solution for everyone from OEMs down to small subcontractors and hobbyists.

The new VCE-600 incorporates a variety of new technologies that deliver industry-leading performance, productivity and ease-of-use - all in a small footprint. The compact 2.9 by 3.12 by 3.14m (height/width/depth) floor area and a spacious 1.3m by 600mm table with X, Y and Z-axis travel of 1050 by 600 by 600mm will attract manufacturers with limited factory space. Inside the machine envelope is a 12,000rpm 18.5kW dual winding spindle with 119.4Nm of torque that provides exceptional power for heavy-duty milling at the low-speed range whilst at high speed, the spindle retains a high-power output at high speed for machining lightweight materials and profiling parts.

The 7/24 No40 spindle with through coolant is supplied with cutting tools by a 1.9 second tool-to-tool quick-change 24 position ATC. As well as a class-leading spindle, the new VCE-600 demonstrates its build quality with extremely rigid linear roller guides on all axes that emphasise the machine’s ability to perform both heavy-duty cutting as well as high-speed machining. This is complemented by direct drive servo motors on all axes and fully ground pre-tensioned ball screws that combine to deliver unsurpassed levels of precision and repeatability.

The new Mazatrol SmoothEz CNC control system on the VCE-600 with its intuitive 15inch touch screen display that can offer ‘Ez Operation’ with its ability to be operated like a smartphone or tablet will be a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at MACH. The display can be customised with the positioning of data to suit the user. By customising the display, data can be checked and edited with minimum screen transition. For ‘Ez Machining’, the Mazatrol SmoothEz allows customers to use the Mazak Mazatrol interface to create, check and edit programmes via a 3D model of the workpiece or alternately use full EIA/ISO functionality for G-Code programming – offering engineers the utmost in flexibility.

Added to this, the SmoothEz offers ‘Ez Setup’ where all manufacturing data, such as programs, fixture setup, machine models, tooling data and co-ordinate systems, can be synchronised by Smooth Project Manager to SmoothCAM Ai. Having all this in an entry-level machine tool defines why Mazak leads the industry with its technology.

Appearing alongside the machining centres at MACH will be the QTE Series of turning centre that ranges from the extremely compact QTE100SG that has a maximum machining capacity of 290mm diameter by 299mm length through to the QTE300SG that offers a diameter up to 350mm with a workpiece length up to 1063.5mm. The variant on show at MACH will be the QTE200SG that can accommodate parts up to 290mm diameter with a maximum workpiece length of 285/520mm. The QTE200SG is a highly compact workhorse that provides productive turning capability. At the same time, further QTE model variants enhance machining capability with milling, Y-axis and second-spindle functions to facilitate ‘done-in-one’ machining of the simplest to the most complex of workpieces.

The QTE200SG is driven by an integral 5000rpm high-performance 15kW stepless spindle motor that requires no transmission via belts, pulleys or gears. This feature minimises vibration during high-speed cutting to generate impeccable surface finishes and improve tool life whilst delivering exceptional power throughout the speed range. To maximise uptime, the QTE200SG has a servo-driven 12-position tool turret with a capacity for 25mm diameter tool shanks that minimises non-cutting time with its non-lifting indexing. Optionally, customers can select an 8 or 24 tool turret as well as milling spindles that can be found on the M, MY, MS and MSY variants.

To simplify turning operations, the QTE200SG has an NC tailstock with travel and thrust controlled by a servo motor to precisely move the MT No4 tailstock position in 0.1kN increments. Using the menu key or an M-Code on the set-up screen, operators can move the tailstock with its low thrust capability to maximise precision and stability on even the smallest of workpieces.

Separating the QTE200SG from other machines in its class is the Mazatrol SmoothEz (Easy) CNC interface. Similar to other Smooth controls in the Mazak portfolio, the SmoothEz defines ease of use and productive solutions with fast set-up times and an interface equipped with Quick Mazatrol for enhanced Mazatrol programming and ease-of-use through its enhanced 15-inch screen. For ‘Ez set-up’ the data on the machine can be synchronised with a PC in the office via Smooth Project Manager, creating virtual machines to duplicate factory floor production. Optionally, manufacturers can integrate Smooth CAM AI to automatically generate programmes from 3D CAD data. As an entry-level machine, nothing defines the QTE200SG more than the Quick Mazatrol that provides ‘Ez operation’ with its ability to quickly and easily create, check and edit programmes by displaying the 3D model of the workpiece on the customisable touch-screen display. Whilst the ‘Ez operation’ defines the entry-level credentials of the QTE200SG, it is the ‘Ez Machining’ technology with built-in heat displacement control via the THERMAL SHIELD that epitomises the quality and innovation behind the machine.

As with all machines in the Mazak range, the QTE200SG is available with a wealth of optional extras that make this extremely compact (2.2m by 1.59m footprint) machine perfect for all machine shops. The options include 8 or 24 tool-position turret, Y-axis milling, sub-spindle, automated workpiece loading and unloading via gantry or the Ez Loader 10 Cobot system, a tool eye for tool measurement, compensation and tool breakage inspection and also a steady rest.

Mazak engineers will be available at MACH 2022 to discuss the unfathomable depth of products and options from both the cost-effective range of machines through to the bespoke high-end production solutions. For the environmentally and cost-conscious manufacturer, all Mazak machines incorporate the latest technology that reduces power consumption, costs and CO2 emissions. To find out more about how you can be more environmentally friendly, productive and cost-efficient, visit Stand 350 in Hall 20 at MACH.

Find out more by heading to www.mazakeu.co.uk

Three new Mazak machines to make UK debuts at EMO Encore

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 18/10/2021

Three new Yamazaki Mazak machining tools are being given their UK debuts at its EMO Encore Open House in November, including the much-anticipated VCE-600 and VCN-700 vertical machining centres.

The Open House, which is being held at Mazak’s European Technology Centre in Worcester from the 2^nd to the 5^th November 2021, will emphasise how customers can deliver more productive, profitable and environmentally-aware manufacturing operations. At total of 18 machines will be on display, including 12 previously showcased at EMO 2021 in October.

Taking pride of place will be Mazak’s new VCE-600 and VCN-700 machines, following their much-anticipated world debut at EMO. The VCN-700 is a new vertical machining centre that delivers a step-change in performance through dynamic milling techniques, combining high-efficiency CAD/CAM toolpaths and the latest tools to enable constant load milling.

Mazak’s new VCE-600 has been similarly designed to maximise productivity following demand from subcontractors and jobshops for a high-specification entry-level machining centre with a large Y-axis stroke. Also making its UK debut at EMO Encore will be the latest generation of Mazak’s highly successful QTE Series, the QTE-300 MSY SG, which is equipped with SmoothEz, the company’s new easy-to-use MAZATROL CNC developed during the programming language’s 40^th anniversary this year.

Automation will be a key theme of the event, with over half the machines at EMO Encore being exhibited with one of seven different integrated automation systems. This includes the latest Multi-Tasking machine tool in the company’s INTEGREX i-H series, the INTEGREX i-250H ST, which has been specifically designed to provide greater accessibility for site automation. Mazak’s market-leading laser processing machine, the OPTIPLEX 3015 FIBER III, will also be featured at the event, alongside the INTEGREX i-200 ST AG, a model developed with gear cutting applications in mind.

Alan Mucklow, Managing Director UK, Eire and National Distributors at Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd., commented: “EMO Encore is traditionally our opportunity to bring back the best of Milan for a UK audience, and is especially welcome this year with COVID still affecting travel in some capacity. Three outstanding machines will be making their UK debuts at the event, so I would encourage all UK machine users to put the 2^nd to the 5^th November in their calendar.”

To register to attend EMO Encore, please visit: www.mazakeu.co.uk/emo-encore-2021

Mazak brings latest generation 5-axis machining to Autosport & Southern Manufacturing

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 21/12/2018

Yamazaki Mazak will be exhibiting its INTEGREX i-400S Multi-Tasking machining centre at the upcoming Autosport Engineering and Southern Manufacturing 2019 exhibitions. The i-400S features a large 1500mm machining bed with a completely new design offering higher performance machining and greater workpiece capacity than any other multi-tasking machines in its size range.

At the heart of the machine is an 30kW 3,300rpm main spindle, supported by a powerful 26kW 4,000rpm second spindle, which combine to deliver high-speed, high-accuracy machining of medium to large workpieces up to Ø658mm and 1,519mm in length.

The INTEGREX i-400S is equipped with SmoothX, the world’s fastest CNC, which not only contributes to improved cycle times, but can also reduce programming and set-up times to provide unsurpassed productivity. Alan Mucklow, Managing Director UK & Ireland Sales Division at Yamazaki Mazak, comments: “The INTEGREX i-400S combines the capabilities of a high-powered turning center and full-function machining centre to produce a wide range of complex parts, from fully prismatic to round or highly contoured parts, in one single set-up. The integrated second spindle also reduces the amount of non-cutting time and set-up times, further improving productivity. This ensures the i-400S can be used across small batch, prototype work, in addition to volume production, to deliver outstanding productivity and performance above and beyond any other machine in its size range.”

On Southern Manufacturing, Alan added: “Subcontract manufacturing provides the supply chain backbone for so many sectors of UK industry. With an increasing number of subcontractors diversifying their sector mix in recent years, the need for machine tools that can adapt to a variety of different applications, materials and batch sizes has never been greater. The i-400S is tailor-made for this audience, and we are very much looking forward to showcasing it to the UK’s subcontract manufacturing base at Southern Manufacturing.”

On Autosport Engineering, Alan concluded: “Given the UK’s manufacturing pedigree in the motorsport industry, Autosport Engineering is always one of the highlights of the machining year. The INTEGREX i-400S is an exceptional machine, perfectly suited to autosport and automotive applications, and equally adept at small batch and prototype work, or in volume production roles.”

Mazak to debut Laser Beam Shaping technology at EuroBLECH 2022

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 20/09/2022

Laser-cutting beyond the limits of efficiency and sustainability

Yamazaki Mazak is set to unveil two new game-changing laser processing machines for the cutting of tube, pipe and sheet metal at EuroBLECH 2022: the FG-400 NEO and OPTIPLEX 3015 NEO 15 kW.

FG-400 NEO

The FG-400 NEO can streamline production and improve performance by running multiple processes in one machine including 3D cutting, tapping, drilling, chamfering and flow-drilling.

The system is ideally suited for large-size tubes and pipes, including round, square, and rectangular cross-sections; as well as H, I, and L beams. Thanks to the combination of a brand-new 3D laser head with A-axis, B-axis and fiber laser technology, it can facilitate the stable machining of complex shapes and highly reflective materials, such as copper and brass. The 4-chucks system provides additional stability by preventing material distortion during processing.

To complement the machine, Mazak has developed a set of quality-of-life functions including part nesting, tool simulation, and a tool path monitor to speed up set-up times and enable continuous production.

OPTIPLEX 3015 NEO 15 kW

The OPTIPLEX 3015 NEO 15 kW is the newest entry in the OPTIPLEX 2D laser cutting machine series. Thanks to a winning combination of MAZATROL SmoothLx CNC Control, MCT3 cutting-head, and a wealth of customization options, the machine delivers highly accurate and precise sheet metal processing.

The model benefits from a high degree of automated features to deliver faster set-up times (up to 95% compared to standard laser machines), including automatic nozzle changing, as well as automatic focus detection and positioning to improve ease of use and optimize piercing performance.

The large front and side access doors improve accessibility to the working area, easing loading and unloading operations. The Nozzle Auto Centering Camera displays the nozzle location on the CNC screen, allowing the operator to make adjustments on the torch, while the nesting feature automatically determines how to arrange the parts for optimal cutting on residual materials.

Automation

The OPTIPLEX 3015 NEO 15 kW displayed at EuroBLECH will be equipped with the CST 3015 automation system featuring single tower mounted above the laser pallet changer. This CST 3015 automation system has 8 separate pallets each with a load capacity of up to 3,000 kg and deploys a suction-based system for the loading of raw material and a dual supported fork set for the unloading of processed workpieces.

Designed with environmental sustainability in mind

As a world-leading manufacturer of machine tools and laser processing machines, Mazak is strongly committed to reducing its environmental footprint and achieving carbon neutrality by 2030, as highlighted by the company’s ‘Go Green’ initiative.

Both machines on display at EuroBLECH 2022 leverage Mazak’s revolutionary Laser Beam Shaping and Fiber technologies. The cutting quality is achieved by controlling the power density concentration of the laser beam, while a wide range of different materials and thicknesses can be accommodated by adjusting the beam’s diameter and shape.

The Fiber technology can deliver significant cost reductions and energy savings (up to 60% compared to previous models), while providing unsurpassed cutting speed and quality for both thick and thin materials.

Mazak will showcase its latest innovations at the EuroBLECH exhibition in Hannover (Germany) at STAND D26/HALL 11 from October 25 to 28.

Yamazaki Mazak moves into the fast lane with F1 team

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 14/08/2018

Yamazaki Mazak has supplied a further three of its machines to the McLaren Formula 1 team, as part of its ongoing role as the team’s Official Supplier of CNC machine tools.

Having supplied the McLaren team for the last 19 years, the latest additions – two full 5-axis VARIAXIS i-600 Multi-Tasking machining centres, and one QUICK TURN 250 MY turning centre – take the Formula 1 team’s current total of machine tools at its Surrey-based McLaren Technology Centre to 36.

The new machines are the latest investments by McLaren since the renewal of the partnership contract in 2017, confirming Mazak as the team’s Official Supplier of CNC machine tools. Since exclusively partnering with Mazak in 1999, the team has won two world championships and 62 Grands Prix; with the Mazak machines providing a vital in-house engineering support infrastructure, ensuring the cars remain as competitive as possible throughout the season.

The McLaren team’s in-house production capacity is integral to meeting the changing rules within the sport. For example, in 2017 the McLaren team changed every single Mazak-made part to comply with the new laws; with nearly 3,000 parts made in one week alone.

Simon Roberts, Chief Operating Officer, McLaren Racing, said: “Long-term partners like Mazak are extremely important to our racing team. We expect a lot from our technical partners and official suppliers, and Mazak continues to deliver year-on-year. With over 12 per cent of our car being successfully produced on Mazak machine centres, it’s vital to our Formula 1 operations that upgrades are delivered on time and to the highest standard.

“The expansion of our in-house machining capabilities demonstrates our commitment to designing and manufacturing McLaren’s world-famous Formula 1 cars.”

Richard Smith, European Group Managing Director, commented: “Formula 1 is a sport defined by the finest of margins, with a network of engineers making constant changes to the car throughout the season. Given the intense and often unpredictable nature of grand prix races, the ability to quickly produce precision parts in between race weekends is integral to the team’s ability to arrive at the starting grid in the best position possible.

“To have been the team’s exclusive supplier of CNC machine tools for 19 years is one of Yamazaki Mazak’s proudest achievements, and we believe the three new machines will contribute to McLaren continuing as one of the iconic motorsport teams for many years to come.”

Photo caption: Yamazaki Mazak has supplied a further three machines to the McLaren Formula 1 team, as part of its ongoing role as the team’s Official Supplier of CNC machine tools.

New UK manufactured 5-axis machine to debut at EMO Encore

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 01/11/2019

Yamazaki Mazak’s new CV5-500 entry-level 5-axis machining centre is being given its UK debut at EMO Encore in December.

The Open House, which is being held at Mazak’s European Technology Centre in Worcester from the 3^rd to the 5^th December 2019, will showcase 26 machines in total.

The star of the show is the UK launch of the CV5-500, a new fully simultaneous 5-axis machine developed in the UK for European machine users engaged in, or aspiring to, 5-axis machining. The machine, which is being brought to market at a highly competitive price point, has a high-rigidity bridge construction with a fully supported trunnion table, which delivers an accurate and extremely compact machining solution.

It is equipped with a new versatile 12,000 rpm spindle, capable of a peak performance of 18.5 kW and 119.4 Nm, making it highly suitable for a wide range of materials. Crucially, the machine has a compact footprint, making it ideal for smaller machine shops, and it can also be easily automated with a side-loading door and robot interface. The CV5-500 is equipped with SmoothX CNC, Mazak’s specialist 5-axis version of its SMOOTH Technology.

The new INTEGREX i-H series, the latest generation of Mazak’s flagship Multi-Tasking machine range, combines reduced floorspace with increased working capacity, operator access and ergonomics. The i-H series, which incorporates Ken Okuyama KOD design, prioritises ease of operation, automation and ergonomics.

The standout machine at EMO Encore is the new INTEGREX i-200H ST. It is equipped with a second spindle, a newly designed lower turret and multiple turning and milling spindle specifications. In addition, the new machine is equipped with a new CNC, SmoothAi, Mazak’s new artificial intelligence control.

At the core of SmoothAi are three core capabilities, machine learning delivered by the application of artificial intelligence; digital twinning and automation. This combination enables the machine to learn from a variety of information sources, including the operator, previous cutting processes and environmental data input – ultimately delivering cycle-time reduction, cutting surface improvement, ease of operation and automation.

Mazak will also be giving UK launches to two new specialist gear cutting and measurement machines with the highlight being the new INTEGREX e-1250 V/8S AG. The AG series, which stands for Auto Gear, are high-specification machines with specialist hardware, unique software and metrology, which in combination produce highly accurate gears compared to conventional CNC machining.

At the core of the machines is the INTEGREX AG Software, which includes three SMOOTH Gear Cutting Solutions – Smooth Gear Skiving, Smooth Gear Hobbing and Smooth Gear Milling. These solutions enable the easy programming by conversational input of gear data in under 10 minutes, without the need for 3D models or CADCAM software.

EMO Encore will also include a specialist laser Open House featuring the OPTIPLEX 3015 FIBER III
laser equipped with advanced Multi-Control Torch and Intelligent Functions. The 8.0 kW fiber laser is ideal for cutting thick material, such as stainless steel and aluminium, and is equally adept at cutting thin worksheets due to the power of its resonator and machine acceleration.

Alan Mucklow, Managing Director UK and Ireland Sales and Service Division at Yamazaki Mazak, commented: “EMO Encore is traditionally our opportunity to bring back the best of Hannover for UK machine users. The new CV5-500 is the standout machine this time, further developing our capabilities in 5-axis machining, with a price point that offers a real opportunity for those with the ambition to move into more complex machining processes. However, our other machines, many of them making their UK debuts, such as the INTEGREX i-H series and the AG Series of gear cutting machines, deserve enormous attention and I would encourage all UK machine users to put the 3^rd to the 5^th December in their calendar.”

To register to attend EMO Encore, please visit: www.mazakeu.co.uk/EMOencore.

Yamazaki Mazak set to open new Machine Tool Museum in 2019

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 06/07/2018

Yamazaki Mazak is set to open its own historic Machine Tool Museum on the 100^th anniversary of its founding.

The new museum, which will open in Autumn 2019, is located in Minokamo-city, Japan, in the newly renovated underground factory of Yamazaki Mazak Optonics Corporation, currently home of the company’s laser manufacturing operations.

The interactive museum will give visitors the opportunity to see, touch and learn about machine tools and their history. The overall aim of the new facility is to celebrate the history of machining and also educate the next generation of engineers.

Machine tools, commonly referred to as “Mother machines”, are used to make a wide variety of components used across industry, from aerospace through to automotive, medical and energy applications. The museum will exhibit traditional machine tools in operation, as well as showcase the many products machined on them, including a steam train, cars and aircraft.

In addition, the museum will also be equipped with a Flexible Manufacturing System area, where the latest machine tools, with integrated Internet of Things capability, will be displayed. This will give visitors an insight into machine development, from the earliest single axis lathes through to the most modern multi-axis machining centres.

Productivity, profitability and planet drive Mazak focus for EMO

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 02/09/2021

Yamazaki Mazak is heading to this year’s EMO with 12 machines complimented by a range of automation and technology solutions that promise to deliver the three key customer benefits of productivity, profitability and environmentally-aware manufacturing operations.

The Mazak stand at EMO 2021, which runs from the 4^th to the 9^th October 2021 in Hall 5, Stand E01 of the Fiera Milano in Milan, will focus on how technology can make machine users faster, leaner, greener and more intelligent.

The Mazak stand will showcase a host of new machines, including integrated automation solutions, vertical machining centres and the most recent additions to the INTEGREX i-H series. Under its theme of ‘Discover More’, Mazak will display two world debuts at the show and another machine being exhibited for the first time in Europe.

In addition, Mazak will display its latest CNC technology, MAZATROL SmoothEz, featuring a 15” touchscreen and an intuitive operating system to deliver increased efficiency through faster setup, programming and operation for those with limited NC programming experience.

One of the key themes will be automation with over half of the products showcased with integrated automation systems on show including the latest generation of its flagship PALLETECH system, a new collaborative robot system and Mazak’s latest 5-axis automation solutions for high-mix, low volume work.

Environmentally-aware manufacturing will also be a key focus with technologies such as energy dashboards and digital services helping customers to measure energy utilisation and CO2 impact.

Mazak will also exhibit the latest in virtual machining with the next generation of MAZATROL SmoothAi and Digital Twin technology that can deliver machine and engineering data directly to those who need it supporting production plans and business decisions.

For those that are unable to attend the show in Milan this year, Mazak will make available a digital experience where customers can discover all the latest and new technologies.

Richard Smith, European Group Managing Director at Yamazaki Mazak, commented: “Our theme is ‘Discover More’, but our focus is on the benefits that Mazak users can gain from being faster, leaner, greener and more intelligent in their machining operations.

“We want to clearly define the benefits of Mazak machines and their impact on productivity and profitability. We will demonstrate how lean manufacturing means you can get more from your machines and your people, and how in-built intelligence can drive even greater efficiencies in machining operations. Most importantly, we will also focus on how greener manufacturing can benefit the planet and the bottom line. I’m looking forward to welcoming machine users from across Europe to our stand and showing them a range of new technologies.”

To find out more about Yamazaki Mazak’s EMO stand in Hall 5, Stand E01 of the Fiera Milano, or to sign up for the digital experience of the event, visit https://emo.mazakeu.com/.

Mazak strengthens Scottish presence with new Sales Manager

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 21/02/2024

David Martin has joined ScotMaz – the sole distributor of Yamazaki Mazak machine tools in Scotland – as Sales Manager to support the manufacturer’s growing presence in Scotland.

David, who has 25 years’ experience in the metalworking industry, began his career as a toolmaker before moving into technical sales roles with ABT Machine Tools, Arno UK and most recently Kyocera Unimerco Tooling.

He joins ScotMaz with a remit to promote Mazak’s extensive machine tool portfolio to customers in the oil and gas and general subcontracting industries, while also targeting growth opportunities in the country’s aerospace, food and beverage and renewable energy markets.

The role will see him work closely with ScotMaz directors Scott and Steven Hunter out of ScotMaz’s Technology Centre in Stirling.

Jason Butler, Sales Director at Yamazaki Mazak, said: “The Scottish market is particularly dynamic and it is not often you find someone of David’s considerable experience in the right place at the right time. Both our flagship INTEGREX range of Multi-Tasking machines and UK-made VTC series of vertical machining centers are already popular choices for Scottish machinists with demanding cutting requirements; I am very confident David’s appointment will bolster what is already a robust presence for Mazak in Scotland.”

David said: “Mazak is one of the iconic brands in the metal cutting industry and, through my tooling experience, I know the company is already the machine tool provider of choice for many Scottish engineering firms. With more and more customers in need of ancillary support, particularly with offline programming and integrating automation, Mazak’s offering is perfectly placed to deliver a turnkey solution. I’m looking forward to getting out on the road and connecting with many of my existing contacts while forging new relationships throughout the country.”

Mazak celebrates 10 years of success with European Technology Centre

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 26/04/2019

Yamazaki Mazak will celebrate a decade of success for its European Technology Centre (ETC) in 2019.

The state-of-the-art facility, which is located at its European Manufacturing Plant in Worcester, first opened its doors in 2009, and has seen in excess of 33,000 visitors walk through its doors in that time.

The 2900m² facility is home to a regularly-changing line-up of CNC machine tools and laser processing machines from Mazak’s extensive portfolio. It is often the first place in the UK customers can see the company’s new models once they have been launched.

As well as a 97-seat auditorium and demonstration area, the ETC also includes Mazak’s ‘Solutions Gallery’, which displays a snapshot of finished components that would have been processed on a Mazak machine tool or laser machine at some stage of their production process. All parts on display were produced by Mazak customers.

Over the years, the ETC has played host to a number of Open Houses, notably in the aftermath of major European events such as EMO and EuroBLECH. The Open Houses give those UK customers unable to attend the exhibitions a chance to see many of the models in live-cutting action.

As well as Open Houses, the ETC has also hosted a number of broader UK manufacturing events, as well as many educational visits from local schools and colleges. Its constant use emphasises its importance not just to Mazak, but to both the sector as a whole, and the Worcestershire community.

Richard Smith, European Group Managing Director, commented: “The ETC is one of the biggest assets Mazak has here in the UK, and it has played a significant role in growing both our UK and European customer base over the last decade.

“To have welcomed over 33,000 visitors since opening is a feat Mazak is incredibly proud of. We always take great pleasure in taking visitors – be they a seasoned Mazak customer, or a primary school pupil – around the ETC, and allowing them to witness a snapshot of our extensive product portfolio in live-cutting action.”

Richard concludes: “However, with two more Open Houses and several other events already in the pipeline, there will no let-up in 2019. We are very excited to see what the future holds for this fantastic facility.”

Mazak increases UK production following lockdown easing

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 08/06/2020

Yamazaki Mazak has increased the number of shifts for production at its European Manufacturing Plant following the easing of lockdown restrictions for UK manufacturers.

The company will be focusing on the manufacture of a core group of machines, including its new CV5-500 fully simultaneous 5-axis machining centre, as well as models from its VCN and VCT vertical machining centre range, and QT Series of high-performance CNC turning centres.

Mazak has also been able to safely increase production levels at its European Manufacturing Plant in recent weeks, following the implementation of a series of stringent new factory systems and processes. The new measures ensure compliance with UK Government guidance on social distancing and workplace safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 31-page document, which is published on the Mazak website, provides in-depth details of all changes made to the factory, alongside a full risk assessment for all production and administration areas of the site, and a breakdown of all potential risks to staff and customers, and proposed control measures.

Richard Smith, European Group Managing Director, Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd, commented: “There is no doubt that the last few months have been incredibly challenging for the UK as a whole, and for manufacturing. However, the resilience and adaptability on display across industry has been nothing short of outstanding. I would like to thank our own staff who have adapted to the situation in an overwhelmingly positive way, and have continued to work safely and diligently so as to ensure we are able to meet the requirements of our customers.”

Stuart Astley, Production Director at Yamazaki Mazak’s production facility in Worcester, adds: “As Production Director my primary concern has always been the health and safety of all our staff. As a team, we have collaboratively created a safe working environment that has allowed us to complete machine orders and support our customers during these difficult times.”

“The workforce has played a key role in achieving this, not only by helping to establish the new ways of working, but by following them to the letter. They have been incredibly supportive of what we are doing and I am happy to say that the morale on the factory floor has been superb throughout this difficult time.”

Phil King, who is both an Assembly Worker and a Factory Floor Health & Safety Representative, added: “I feel that Mazak has clearly put into place a system that has allowed myself and others to work during these unprecedented times, while feeling safe and valued. Any concerns that I had at first have been put to rest completely.”

European launch for entry-level machining centre with large Y-axis stroke

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 18/10/2022

Mazak has responded to market demand for a high-specification entry-level machining centre with a large Y-axis stroke by launching the new VCE-600.

Designed to deliver superior productivity at a competitive price, the new machine is ideal for subcontractors and jobshops looking to invest in machines that make them faster, leaner, greener and more intelligent.

For its category, the VCE offers a generous table size of 1300 mm x 600 mm with a large machining envelope, whilst retaining a compact floorspace. Specifically, the VCE-600 offers increased versatility due to its X/Y/Z axes travel of 1,050/ 600/ 600 mm that together maximise space for workpieces and fixturing.

With productivity at the forefront, the new VCE boasts a ‘best in class’ 12,000 rpm / 18.5 kW / 119.4 Nm spindle with an electronic two-speed shift. This makes it a versatile choice for a wide range of materials, with power and speed for machining non-ferrous materials and torque and power for steel.

The UK-built VCE-600, the first model of a new range of vertical machining centres, is built to Mazak’s Global Manufacturing Standards with no compromise on build quality. The level of specification mirrors that usually found on premium-priced machines and includes pre-tensioned ballscrews, direct coupled servo motors and linear roller guides on all axes, resulting in high-accuracy agile machining performance with 36 m/min rapid feedrate on all axes. The machine is equipped with a 24-tool magazine as standard, with options available for 30 and 48 tools.

The VCE-600 is equipped with Mazak’s latest CNC, SmoothEz (pronounced ‘easy’), a high-specification CNC developed for entry-level machines, that offers intuitive programming to deliver increased productivity through faster setup, programming and operation.

The 15-inch touchscreen enables programming in two languages, MAZATROL and EIA/ISO for G-code and is customisable to the operator’s own preferences with a full QWERTY keyboard. What’s more, the QUICK MAZATROL function simplifies program creation and confirmation by a conversational dialogue and an instantaneous 3D representation of the programmed part.

Mazak’s commitment to operator ergonomics is also evident in the new machine, with a single side-door entry that can be operated single-handedly by the operator.

Similar to many of Mazak’s latest generation of machines, the VCE-600 has been designed for automation, either immediately or as a retrofit for those customers not ready for automation but wanting to futureproof their investment. Predefined automation packages include automatic door-opening and robot interface and hydraulic and pneumatic fixture preparation.

The VCE-600 also has a comprehensive range of measuring packages to aid faster setup and enhance productivity, including the Renishaw RTS toolsetter and the RMP 60 Touch Sensor.

Mazak Investment in UK Manufacturing Delivers ‘Packed’ Open House

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 11/12/2023

Yamazaki Mazak’s investment in its UK manufacturing facilities was one of the main draws behind strong attendance at its recent annual Open House.

The event, themed ‘Building For Your Future’, linked the increase in capacity at the company’s European Manufacturing Plant with its ability to now offer significantly shorter lead times on key machines.

In total the Open House received over 700 visitors over the four days, with a strong proportion comprising of potential new customers making their first visit to Mazak.

Jason Butler, Sales Director for Yamazaki Mazak UK, says the strong attendance proved Mazak’s strategy in the UK. “I’m very pleased, we had a packed European Technology Centre over each of the days with plenty of potential new customers visiting us for the first time. That says to me our message of continued investment in Worcester, which has led to increased production capacity and very short lead times on key machines, is getting through and really resonating with UK manufacturers.”

Central to the success of the ‘Building For Your Future’ event was the ability for visitors to view machines in the European Technology Centre, talk to applications engineers about their specific machining challenges, see machines being built on the factory floor with a tour led by Mazak’s bright and enthusiastic apprentices and then arrange suitable finance packages – all in one day.

Jason continues: “We wanted to provide a very sales-focused one-stop solution for visitors to enable them to access competitively priced Mazak machines quickly and easily. The ability to sit down with our preferred finance partner, Finance for Industry, was crucial and we’ve seen strong take-up of creative finance options, such as payment holidays and low-start finance.”

In total, Mazak exhibited 18 different machines, including new UK-designed and built vertical machining centers through to 5-axis machines, models from its flagship INTEGREX Multi-Tasking range, turning centers and laser cutting machines. In addition, Mazak placed a strong focus on its range of automation options and service and support solutions, including the new Mazak iCONNECT package.

Alan Mucklow, Managing Director UK and Ireland Sales and Service Division at Yamazaki Mazak, says the success of the Open House demonstrates the positive attitude that UK manufacturing is taking into 2024.

“There’s been a very positive outlook during the week from all visitors, with a sense of confidence returning to the market. The government’s recent announcement of a permanent extension to fully expensing capital investment against corporation tax was very welcome and demonstrated a real understanding of the importance of manufacturing to the UK economy. We’ve seen that confidence this week in Worcester and we’re excited about 2024.”

Mazak strengthens UK sales team with new sales engineer role

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 22/06/2022

Yamazaki Mazak has strengthened its UK sales team with the appointment of a new dedicated sales engineer to support Mazak’s existing sales managers.

Steve Livett joins from MSC Industrial Supplies with the remit to develop new business opportunities across the entire Mazak range of machines, CNC controls and automation systems.

The appointment comes on the back of Mazak’s focus on increasing its market share amongst non-Mazak users with its range of entry-level machines designed to bring the benefits of Mazak technology to a whole new machining demographic.

In recent years, the company has particularly targeted non-Mazak users with a range of entry-level machines, including the phenomenally successful CV5-500 5-axis machining centre that offers a cost-effective entry point into more complex machining strategies for subcontractors.

The new wide-ranging role will see Steve working alongside existing sales managers, and he will report directly to General Sales Manager, Tony Creamer.

Jason Butler, Sales Director at Yamazaki Mazak, said: “Steve brings a wealth of subcontracting experience and established relationships that can be of great benefit to us as we look to increase our market share by accelerating our penetration of non-Mazak users amongst UK subcontractors.

“He knows subcontractors, talks their language and knows the challenges they face. His experience will be invaluable as we have a great story to tell about bringing the benefits of Mazak technology to machine users who know our name but have not yet benefited from our technology.”

Steve served an advanced apprenticeship and throughout his career has developed a skillset in milling applications, tooling, CNC tooling and the development of specific machining solutions for subcontract manufacturers.

He comments: “I’m delighted to join a company at the cutting edge of manufacturing technology at a time when the quality of machining technologies that can help subcontractors become more productive, competitive and enter new markets, has never been stronger. Machines like the new VCE-600 entry-level vertical machining centre and the new SmoothEz controller provide price-competitive solutions that are ideally suited to subcontractors and I’m looking forward to getting out there and telling the Mazak story.”

Mazak rewards production staff after record month

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 19/12/2022

Yamazaki Mazak has put on a month’s worth of festive activities for its production staff after November 2022 saw its European Manufacturing Plant produce the highest number of machines for three years.

The month-long programme saw employees treated to a broad array of festive fun, with each day involving a different activity. These included a range of Christmas treats such as mince pies, doughnuts and hot chocolate, as well as a number of different games and competitions including finding the ‘Elf on the Shelf’, ping pong and darts.

One of the standout moments was a Christmas Karaoke session, led by ‘Stale’ – a duet by Assembly Supervisor, Steve Lane and Assembly Assistant Manager, Dale Astley.

Mazak’s European Manufacturing Plant is responsible for the production of an extensive range of UK-designed and built machines, including the highly popular entry-level CV5-500 5-axis machining centre as well as the VCN-700 and VCE-600 next generation vertical machining centres.

Ben Bonds, General Manager – Production, at Yamazaki Mazak, commented: “November 2022 was a record month for machine tool production here for the past three years, so we wanted to show our appreciation to all our staff who worked flat-out to reach such an impressive number.

“To achieve this feat took a real team effort, especially after such a challenging three years for UK manufacturing. However, it has been great to reward the production staff for all their hard work and really get into the festive spirit in the run up to Christmas.”

The record month for production is the latest benchmark of success following a sustained period of investment in the manufacturer’s flagship European facility.

This includes the installation of a state-of-the-art twin-pallet VERSATECH V-140N/280 and FJV-60/80 double-column vertical machining centre, as well two manufacturing cells equipped with an INTEGREX i-Series machine and RoboJob automation system.

Mazak hails EMO 2023 a success

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 11/10/2023

Yamazaki Mazak has declared EMO 2023 in Hannover to be a roaring success with excellent visitor numbers and strong sales leads.

Mazak took 19 machines and eleven automation systems to EMO 2023, including new entry-level vertical machining centers, 5-axis and Multi-Tasking machines, laser processing, specialist gear cutting machines and a new hybrid friction stir welding solution.

The Mazak stand recorded a similar number of visitors to 2019 with a high number of prospect leads recorded. The EMO organisers have since confirmed the number of visitors this year was recorded at 92,000, which confirms that the Mazak brand has maintained a strong position in the minds of visitors.

Mazak’s strategy for EMO 2023 was to offer innovative, affordable solutions to the challenges faced by manufacturers across Europe, with new technologies, plug and play automation systems, best-in-class Multi-Tasking solutions with the INTEGREX range and digital products, such as the new MAZATROL DX software.

Alan Mucklow, Managing Director UK, Eire and National Distributors at Yamazaki Mazak, says EMO 2023 proved that European manufacturers are still willing to invest in new technology. “It was a highly successful show with our stand visitors holding up very well despite lower overall visitor numbers. We gave European machine users what they wanted, namely practical solutions to the manufacturing challenges they face every day, specifically maintaining productivity and profitability in the face of rising energy prices and continuing lack of skills.

“As a result, we exceeded our targets and generated a very high number of prospects during the week which we believe is indicative of a superior quality of lead with serious intent to invest in new technologies.”

During the week, Mazak recorded strong enquiries for its flagship range of INTEGREX models, as well as its CV5-500 5-axis machining center and the newly expanded VCN and VCE ranges, which now includes the VCN-700 with large capacity tool magazine, the VCN-600 with a large 700 mm Y-axis and the new VCE-500.

Mr Mucklow adds: “The UK-built CV5-500 and our entry-level machining centers that are manufactured in our Worcester facility, have proved to be very popular with European machine users looking to invest in high quality machines at very affordable prices. Our three INTEGREX models on display also attracted strong interest from manufacturers specializing in high-complexity Multi-Tasking machining. Ultimately, EMO 2023 was a great showcase for our technologies and we are delighted with the results.”

Resilient UK manufacturing delivers strong year for Mazak

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 06/02/2023

The continued resilience of the UK’s manufacturing base has delivered a strong sales year for Yamazaki Mazak in the UK.

Despite challenging conditions, the company has reported strong sales in key markets and machine categories as UK manufacturers continued to invest in new technologies.

Alan Mucklow, Managing Director UK, Eire and National Distributors at Yamazaki Mazak, says the company’s strong UK sales demonstrate that UK manufacturing remains highly competitive.

“Against a challenging backdrop of rising inflation, interest rates, skills shortages and energy costs, we have delivered a strong year for machine sales driven in large part by the continued resilience of the UK’s manufacturing base. The post-COVID upturn that started in H2 2021 continued into 2022 and we delivered a record month for production in late autumn. Our new machine sales figures are proof that UK manufacturing is willing to invest in new technology in order to remain productive and competitive.

He continued: “Our customers are telling us that they remain very busy, order books are full and they are confident about the future, particularly those who have more technologically-advanced machining operations. Anecdotally, we are hearing that there is still a 5-axis capacity gap in the market which is a major opportunity for the UK’s subcontract manufacturing base. The message coming from the market is that if you’ve got the right technology, we’ll help you fill that machine.”

Mr Mucklow says Mazak has demonstrated strong growth across multiple sectors and machine types. “We’ve seen growth in key sectors including defence, medical and energy, including renewables; as well as automotive, which is trying to fill a backlog of orders for new vehicles. The stand-out sector however has been aerospace, which is benefiting from the major aircraft OEMs increasing production, such as Airbus with the A320.”

He continued: “We’ve also benefited from the introduction of new machines with a lower price point, such as the CV5-500 5-axis machining centre that continues to be a star performer amongst our UK-built machines. The VCE-600 vertical machining center is opening up new opportunities amongst customers who have never previously acquired Mazak technology, and we’ve seen very strong interest in our new VCN-700 high performance machining center.”

Looking forward, Mr Mucklow says Mazak is responding to demand in the market with a number of initiatives. “We’re continuing to work closely with automation partners to deliver plug and play machine and automation solutions that are helping our customers respond to the deepening skills crisis. Our automation solutions continue to go from strength to strength as customers see the value of freeing up high-value employees from low-value tasks to concentrate on critical applications.

“We’re also introducing a new sales structure that will be rolled out shortly and, the fact that it is an EMO year, will inevitably drive further innovation. There is much to look forward to and we remain very positive in our outlook.”

Mazak commits to next generation with 17 new apprentices

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 05/11/2020

Yamazaki Mazak UK has reaffirmed its commitment to the future of British manufacturing by welcoming 17 new apprentices.

Despite the challenges facing the manufacturing sector, the machine tool manufacturer has shown its forward-thinking and willingness to plan beyond the COVID-19 pandemic by continuing to develop the skilled workers of tomorrow. The class of 2020’s apprenticeship journey began at the Worcestershire Group Training Association’s (WGTA) training centre in September, where they started learning the skills crucial to future CNC machining, electrical, mechanical and sheet metal working roles.

(Mazak has successfully trained over 200 apprentices since the scheme began in 2011 – a figure set to increase with September’s intake)

The 17 apprentices accepted onto the scheme are studying in socially distanced classrooms, in adherence with coronavirus-related restrictions. They will eventually move to work across multiple departments at Mazak’s European Headquarters in Worcester, as part of the company’s commitment to providing a combination of hands-on training and college-based learning. All apprentices will complete an accredited apprenticeship pathway to Level 3, with the option for some students to complete a further top-up to HNC/D level.

Intake numbers have been unaffected by ongoing coronavirus-induced disruption, with the new class joining the existing 44 apprentices who are currently training with Mazak. The company has successfully trained over 200 apprentices since the scheme began in 2011 – a figure set to increase with September’s intake.

Commenting on the new intake, Richard Smith, European Group Managing Director at Yamazaki Mazak, said: “The apprenticeship programme is a vital part of Mazak’s ongoing commitment to the future of UK manufacturing. In these unprecedented times, developing a skilled workforce is vital to the continued success of any business, and our apprentices are key to this ongoing strategy.

“Indeed, a sizeable number of the workers currently employed at our Worcester site undertook a Mazak apprenticeship, highlighting how the scheme remains a cornerstone of our ongoing operations. With that in mind, I am thrilled to welcome our new group of students and wish them every success in their training and studies.”

Mazak rates recruitment Open House a major success and plans second event

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 19/05/2023

Yamazaki Mazak has declared its recent recruitment Open House a major success and is planning a second event later this month to hire more trainees.

The recruitment Open House, which was held in April, attracted 22 attendees with 16 subsequently being offered positions as trainee machine tool builders.

The event, which was open to all ages from education leavers through to career changers, was advertised online and through internal notices.

Christopher Bills, Production Manager – Assembly at Mazak’s European Manufacturing Plant at Badgeworth Drive in Worcester, says a change in format helped attract more attendees.

“We changed our method because we recognise that not everyone responds well to traditional job interviewing. Our Open House events are normally for customers, where we throw open our doors and let people see the facility and how we make our machines.

“The Recruitment Open House was based on this template – more informal with an opportunity to meet the management and supervisory teams to find out more about the Mazak culture and our way of working. Attendees then went on a tour of the facility to see our machines being made and the advanced technology, including industrial robots and other automation systems we use, along with a tour of the European Technology Centre.”

Mr Bills continued: “We selected people mainly on attitude as these are trainee vacancies. With a good attitude we can train all the skills required to be a successful machine tool builder. I am delighted that all 16 who were offered a position accepted. The new recruits are now working in a variety of roles including electrical assembly, mechanical assembly, and fitting roles.”

Mazak’s Worcester facility is one of 11 manufacturing sites across the world and its only machine tool production facility in Europe. The plant employs over 600 members of staff and has the capacity to manufacture over 1,000 machine tools every year for the UK market and for export to Europe.

The company now intends to run a second event on the 25^th May at 10am. Mr Bills adds: “Like most sectors we are experiencing challenges in finding the right people to fill the roles that are available. We need good people with the right attitude and, in return, we can offer a rewarding career in one of the most advanced manufacturing facilities in Europe. I would urge anyone interested in a career in machine building, whether they are a school leaver or career changer, to turn up on 25^th May at 10 am at Mazak for the next Recruitment Open House.”

Mazak launches dedicated website for Portuguese customers

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 18/10/2022

Mazak has strengthened its commitment to Portuguese customers with the launch of a dedicated website for its sales and service operation.

Mazak created a dedicated sales and service channel for the Portuguese market, to work alongside its long-time distributor, Normil, in 2020. The new website, which went live in September 2022, is intended to further raise awareness of the machine tool manufacturers capabilities in the country and offer an easy access resource for further information. The new website can be found at https://www.mazakeu.pt.

The website has specialist areas for INTEGREX, 5-axis, turning, vertical machining centres, horizontal machines and laser, along with sections for automation solutions and Mazak’s SMOOTH Technology CNC. In addition, the website details aftersales and service solutions available to Mazak customers, including application support, parts and training.

Alan Mucklow, Managing Director UK, Eire and National Distributors, who takes responsibility for Portuguese operations, says bringing the market into the official Mazak family has proved to be a major boost to customers. “We’ve had a very positive response from Portuguese customers to the creation of the direct sales channel and our on-going investment in more sales and service engineers. The dedicated website is further evidence of our commitment and confidence in our Porto-based team, which continues to grow month on month.”

Armando Gonçalves, who leads Mazak’s sales team in the Portuguese operation and has more than 17 years’ experience in the machine tool industry, says the website can serve as a first point of contact for existing customers and those who are new to Mazak.

“Since the introduction of the direct sales we have benefited enormously from the support of European Headquarters and the new website is further evidence of Mazak’s faith in the Portuguese team and the potential in the market. The website is a window on our capabilities that are expanding all the time, not only in terms of machines, but also in the vitally important areas of service and aftersales support.”

To visit the new site, go to https://www.mazakeu.pt.

Record year for engineering giant

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 02/02/2015

WORCESTER-based manufacturer Yamazaki Mazak has reported a record breaking year for machine orders and sales in 2014 driven by strong growth in multi-tasking machine sales and the companys SMART range.

The company's UK headquarters and advanced manufacturing plant in Badgeworth Drive manufacturers around 100 machines every month for UK domestic customers and for export.

Richard Smith, managing director UK & Ireland sales division, said: "2014 was a record sales year for the UK business with a very strong final quarter in particular. Growth has been driven by the strength of the UKs manufacturing sector, specifically aerospace, and a very buoyant oil and gas sector which continues to invest in new technology. Growth has been achieved across the entire Mazak range but our multi-tasking and the SMART range are particular drivers. In terms of machine type, we are seeing continued strong growth in multi-tasking machines. This is growth that is being propelled by the UKs manufacturing base adopting the latest technologies in order to maintain its competitive advantage.

We have also seen significant growth in our entry-level machine sales, such as the QUICK TURN SMART. I believe the UKs subcontract manufacturing base is recognising more and more that Mazak can supply it with affordable entry-level machining solutions and then grow with them as their companies develop and they move into more sophisticated machining techniques, such as multi-tasking and simultaneous five axis machining.

Pictured: Richard Smith of Yamazaki Mazak

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Stepping up tube cutting capabilities with Mazak FG-220 3D fiber laser cutting machine

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 22/04/2022

Stepping up tube cutting capabilities with Mazak FG-220 3D fiber laser cutting machine

Yamazaki Mazak takes its laser-cutting capabilities to the max with the launch of the new compact 3D fiber laser-cutting machine FG-220.

The FG-220 is designed for precision 3D cutting of long tubes (with round, square, rectangular, and triangular cross-sections) and structural materials (such as I and H beams, angle iron, and additional user-defined shapes).

Its use improves the productivity of cutting thin to medium thickness pipe and other structural materials. This is due to the fiber laser technology having a shorter wavelength than a CO2 laser for high-speed cutting of medium steel with nitrogen assist gas. Higher productivity translates into significant energy savings thanks to the 100% elimination of laser gas and a 50% reduction in electrical consumption.

Furthermore, the FG-220 is an all-in-one machine that can perform multiple processes including cutting, drilling, tapping, and clamping, which leads to significantly reduced in-process times.

Maximum 3D flexibility

Mazak has engineered a proprietary 3D laser cutting head with an extended range of movement across an A- and a B-axis, which expands on the array of possible applications. The FG-220 enables machining at any desired angle and from various directions, thus achieving even complex shapes, as well as tight joint-fits. As a result, rigid space frames can be quickly constructed with reduced welding when compared to conventional construction processes. The machine is suitable for use on a broader spectrum of workpieces, including highly-reflective materials such as copper and brass.

Higher accuracy

The machine is equipped with several features to enable high-precision cutting of long materials, such as auto-centering and clamping of the workpiece, and various support units to prevent sagging during cut. Four chucks simultaneously travel on and rotate around the axis to avoid material swaying. The machine can also be provided with work length measurement and inclination compensation to detect bends or twists, a tapping unit for shorter production lead time, and a chain type conveyor for continuous operation.

Easy programming

The FG-220 comes installed with the unique Mazak FX CNC and FX TUBE CAD/CAM software for pipe cutting, which offers plenty of quality-of-life functions such as part nesting, a simulation tool, and a tool path monitor to speed up setup times and enable a continuous production.

Thanks to a winning combination of efficient fiber laser technology, wide range of 3D possibilities, and numerous customization options for high-precision cutting, the FG-220 is the ideal machine for tube manufacturers looking to streamline their production processing and achieve a higher level of performance.

Mazak takes five lasers and two automation solutions to EuroBLECH

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 30/08/2018

Yamazaki Mazak is taking five state-of-the-art laser cutting machines and two automation solutions to EuroBLECH 2018.

The highlight is likely to be a new 6kW version of the OPTIPLEX 3015 DDL (Direct Diode Laser) machine. It will be equipped with a multi-control torch, new MAZATROL PreviewG and a variety of intelligent functions that deliver a 15 per cent increase in productivity, due to the machine’s high-speed cutting capability.

Alongside will be the new 3D FABRI GEAR DDL, a new Direct Diode Laser version of the company’s highly popular tube and pipe cutting machines.

Also on the stand will be 10kW and 8kW versions of the OPTIPLEX FIBER III lasers, with the 8kW machine being loaded by a Mazak Smart Cell automation system.

The final machine on the stand will be a 6kW OPTIPLEX NEXUS 3015 FIBER, equipped with Fasani CST automation.

Yamazaki Mazak backs Worcester elephant parade

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 29/07/2021

Yamazaki Mazak is supporting its local community by supporting a charity arts festival this summer in the city home to its European Manufacturing Plant, Worcester.

The global machine tool manufacturer is sponsoring one of 66 elephant sculptures that appeared on the city’s streets and public spaces from 12 July as part of Worcester’s Big Parade, forming an eye-catching art trail. After eight weeks on display, the elephants will be sold to raise money for St. Richard’s Hospice, a Worcester-based organization that cares for adults with serious progressive illnesses.

The Big Parade follows in the footsteps of the hugely successful Worcester Stands Tall giraffe trail in 2018, which saw giraffe sculptures displayed across the city before being auctioned off for a total of £210,000 for St. Richard’s Hospice. The 66 sculptures include 30 large elephants decorated by artists and 36 smaller calves crafted by schools and community groups from the city.

As well as sponsoring the ‘Strawberryphant’ elephant, Mazak has planned to carry out multiple internal activities during the eight-week summer period to raise money for charity. This includes holding a Euro 2020 Fantasy Football league, sponsoring miniature painting workshops with charity raffles, and selling a variety of strawberry-themed foods in the staff canteen, including strawberries and cream, and strawberry flapjacks. The company has been a major employer in Worcester for over 30 years, with a workforce of over 500 staff manufacturing in excess of 1,000 machines annually to a wide variety of industry sectors.

Sara Matthews, Business Development Manager for St Richard’s, said: “We’re delighted Mazak are joining us for Worcester’s Big Parade, as one of the city’s proud employers, and can’t wait for Worcester to meet the company’s elephant, Strawberryphant. Together we’re looking forward to helping local people reconnect with friends, with family, with colleagues and with the city over the summer.”

Mr Richard Smith, European Group Managing Director, Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd, commented: “As a Worcester-based business, we are supportive of our local community and are always looking for new ways to help brilliant charities and causes. Worcester’s Big Parade will create many happy memories for local people this summer, including our own team here at Mazak who will enjoy the trail with family and friends.

“We’re so pleased to be sponsoring an elephant and supporting the care that St Richard’s Hospice provides to local patients and their families. After such a challenging year for everyone it’s wonderful to be helping the city smile again this summer.”

Worcester’s Big Parade is a Wild in Art event being brought to the city by St Richard’s Hospice. It is supported by partners Crowngate, Worcester City Council, Worcester Business Improvement District (BID), DRPG, West Midland Safari Park the Worcester News and BBC Hereford & Worcester.

To find out more, visit www.worcestersbigparade.co.uk. You can also follow Worcester’s Big Parade on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Mazak hosts local primary school students in STEM Challenge Final

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 11/10/2023

Yamazaki Mazak hosted over 80 primary school students from across Worcestershire as they showcased their skills and ideas in the 2023 Primary STEM Challenge Final.

After the success of the 2022 Worcestershire Primary STEM Challenge, which returned to a physical format for the first time since the COVID pandemic, this year’s competition once again highlighted the breadth of young engineering talent on display throughout the county.

The Worcestershire Primary STEM team hosted two-hour workshops at over 40 schools throughout the county which focused on educating students on structures and mechanisms, before tasking them to solve a construction challenge of their own.

This year’s brief was set by Worcester-based home delivery and warehousing specialists, Arrow XL, and focused on using K’NEX to create a model warehouse automation cell. Each design, which needed to fit on an A3 sheet of paper, had to incorporate at least three shelves and be able to transport a 13cm red K’NEX rod.

Each school then put forward their best team to reproduce their design and compete at the Primary STEM Challenge Final, which was once again held at Mazak’s UK Headquarters in Worcester, on Thursday 15^th June.

While the judges deliberated, all the students who took part in the final were given a guided tour of Mazak’s European Technology Centre, which also included the opportunity to help program some of Mazak’s latest machine tools on display.

Teams from Nunnery Wood Primary School and Eldersfield Lawn CofE Primary School were eventually crowned winners, with Grimley & Holt CofE Primary School and Broadheath CofE Primary School being recognised as highly commended runners up.

Gary Woodman, Chief Executive of the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), said: “I would like to congratulate the winners, runners up and all the participants from this year’s Primary Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) Challenge. Everyone who came along developed creative solutions to the special challenge set.

“The Worcestershire LEP and its partners aim to inspire young people to consider a future career in STEM industries and this event is one of many within a programme of activity that is helping to do just that. By giving young people the opportunity to explore STEM interests we can help to create the county’s future workforce.”

Sarah Lalor from STEMworks UK, said: “It is a real privilege to be part of this programme. The children are given the opportunity to develop essential skills such as problem solving, communication and teamwork within a real-world context. Positive experiences like these are important for children to have exposure to potential STEM sector careers which they might otherwise be unaware of.”

Max Jones, People Development Manager, for Yamazaki Mazak UK, added: “It was fantastic to once again host the Primary STEM Challenge Final here at Mazak, and to see the students put their problem-solving skills to the test in an authentic engineering environment. There were some great team performances from all of the entrants, and I’d like to extend a hearty congratulations to the winners on behalf of everyone at Mazak.

“Fostering the next generation of engineering talent is central to the Mazak philosophy. While we have multiple entry points for school and university leavers, as well as experienced engineers and career-changers alike, activities such as the Primary STEM Challenge are a brilliant way of enlightening young minds to the rewarding opportunities a career in engineering can deliver.”

The Primary STEM challenge competition is run by STEMworks UK – a not-for-profit company, in partnership with Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, Worcestershire County Council and District Councils across the county. Over 32 schools have already signed up for the 2024 competition.

Mazak recognised as one of leading employers in Worcester

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 11/10/2023

Yamazaki Mazak has been recognised as one of the top employers in Worcestershire following its long-standing work with local education institutions and commitment to sustainable job creation.

Mazak stands out as one of just 12 businesses in the region to be awarded the Cornerstone Certificate by Worcestershire County Council’s Local Enterprise Partnership. It celebrates employers with a deep-rooted culture of fostering the next generation of talent and an on-going commitment to nurturing the future workforce, continuously enhancing skills and promoting academic achievement.

The company employs over 600 people at its European Manufacturing Plant in Worcester, which has the capacity to build over 1,000 machine tools a year. Mazak provides diverse opportunities for individuals interested in pursuing careers in manufacturing and business, appealing to a wide range of candidates, including recent school, college and university graduates, as well as mid-career professionals seeking a change.

It has successfully trained over 250 apprentices, a significant number of whom currently hold senior positions within the company. This year, Mazak already hosted two recruitment ‘open houses’ in its European Headquarters in Worcester, along with the Primary STEM Challenge Final, which saw 80 local primary school students engaged in an interactive engineering design challenge. The company has recently welcomed its latest cohort of production and business administration apprentices who commenced their training in September.

Mazak, as a Cornerstone Employer, will collaborate with a consortium of local businesses in a leadership capacity with the shared objective of enhancing support for schools, colleges and young people in the area.

Gary Woodman, Chief Executive of Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “We are delighted to have Yamazaki Mazak UK on board as one of our Cornerstone Employers. As a company, they often go above and beyond to support our careers guidance activity, and have done so for many years now. By supporting our work with schools, they are ensuring that the younger generations in Worcestershire are aware of the career options available to them on their doorstep, helping inspire their future workforce.”

Max Jones, People Development Manager, for Yamazaki Mazak UK, added, “Yamazaki Mazak UK is delighted to be recognised as a Cornerstone Employer by Worcestershire County Council. We are very proud of the work we do within local schools, colleges and organisations to support young people in achieving their goals and aspirations for the future. As a global manufacturer of world class machine tools, we are committed to the principle of excellent corporate citizenship and by offering advice, experience, time, opportunity and education, we aim to inspire the next generation of professionals to achieve their full potential.”

Mazak Machines Power Rapid Progress for Scottish Subcontractor

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 21/03/2022

A new name in Scottish subcontracting has continued its upwards trajectory and expanded its machining capacity through further investment in high-quality machinery from machine tool supplier Yamazaki Mazak.

Aberdeen-based 247 Machining Services (247) was founded by husband-and-wife director team, John and Aileen Forrest, in 2018 after 30 years working in the steel fabrication and engineering sector. The company specialises in providing performance-critical parts for the oil and gas industry, and traditionally produce low-volume, high-quality batches of components.

Having previously purchased multiple Mazak QUICK TURN turning centres machines over the company’s three-year history, including a QT-COMPACT 200M and two QT-350MY machines, the Forrests have now invested in a INTEGREX i-400 full 5-axis Multi-Tasking machining centre, to increase the complexity of their production capabilities.

“When we first formed 247 Machining Services, we knew it was key to employ a highly skilled team of machine operators if we were to enjoy the strongest start possible,” explains John. “So, while we had found a premises to begin operations, we were reliant upon the recommendations of our employees when it came to specifying the right machine tools for the business.

“The quality machining offered by our existing QT turning centres meant that when we were looking to expand our portfolio further, Mazak was our first choice. We wanted to make the move into high-volume, high-quality batch machining for the oil and gas sector, and look at branching into additional industries in the future, and the INTEGREX fitted the bill.”

The latest generation of Mazak’s highly popular Multi-Tasking series of machine tools, the INTEGREX i-series offers higher performance machining and greater workpiece capacity than alternatives in its class. With a maximum machining diameter of 658 mm and capable of processing on the X-, Z-, Y-, W-axes, the unit is ideally suited to 247’s ambitions to produce a wider range of more complex parts.

With Mazak machinery now making up three quarters of 247’s factory floor, the Forrests are optimistic about the future and are considering further expansion, as Aileen explains. “The lockdowns over 2020 and into 2021 obviously posed challenges, but as social restrictions have fallen away, the oil trade has really picked up and demand for parts has grown with that.

She continued: “Our combination of highly trained operators and cutting-edge machine tools, of which Mazak makes up the majority, have been key parts of our continued growth. These, alongside a rigorous quality control process, has meant we have been able to go from an empty floor to a situation where our current premises may not be large enough to service growing demand levels. We can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

Alan Mucklow, Managing Director UK, Eire and National Distributors at Yamazaki Mazak, adds: “247 Machining Services’ exceptional progress since its founding in 2018 is a textbook example of the impact Mazak machining tools can have on a business’s production capability.

“Whether they are newly formed or well-established, all subcontractors, regardless of industry, have one thing in common – the need for high-quality, precise machine tools. We are proud to have provided 247 Machining Services with the capabilities it needed to hit the ground running and establish itself in such a competitive market.”

For more information on 247 Machining Services, click here.

For more information on Yamazaki Mazak’s INTEGREX i-400 multi-tasking machine, click here.

Mazak apprentices interview their seniors for NAW 2020

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 07/02/2020

Yamazaki Mazak has chosen to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2020 (3-7 February) with an innovative twist, by allowing the company’s current crop of young engineering talent to turn the tables on the senior management and interview them on their own careers in the manufacturing industry.

Mazak currently employs 48 apprentices and has trained in excess of 200 in recent years across a range of different disciplines, including production, service and business administration. Overone third of the current employees at the machine tool manufacturer’s European in Worcester began their careers as an apprentice, including 53 of whom undertook a Mazak apprenticeship.

In honour of National Apprentice Week 2020, the company invited a selection of its current class of 47 apprentices to put their own questions on a career in engineering to a selection of senior staff, including Managing Director UK & Ireland Sales Division, Alan Mucklow; General Manager – European Sales Engineering, Lawrence McCann; and Spindle Service Centre Manager, Dave Clarke.

The questions were recorded as part of a new video, which premiered at the start of National Apprentice Week, and can be accessed here.

Alan Mucklow, Managing Director UK & Ireland Sales Division at Yamazaki Mazak, commented: “Anyone who has ever visited our Worcester facilities over the years will have caught several glimpses of eager blue-shirted employees to-ing and fro-ing across the site, often in tow with one or more of our senior engineers. These are the Mazak apprentices, on whose shoulders the future of our company, and – arguably – the machine tool industry, lies.

“Without doubt, our apprentice scheme is one of the cornerstones of our operations here in Worcester. As a former apprentice myself, I can offer first-hand ratification as to the solid foundation such a route lays down for you in our industry, and the ceremony in which we present newly qualified apprentices with their first grey shirt of a full-time engineer always fills me with great pride.”

He concludes: “Speaking on behalf of all of us who took part in the video, it was great fun to connect with the apprentices in such a fun way. They asked a lot of intriguing questions, and I hope people enjoy watching the video as much as we did participating in it.”

For more details on Mazak’s apprenticeship programme, please visit: www.mazakeu.co.uk/careers.

Mazak Celebrates 35 years of UK Manufacturing with Drayton Manor Family Fun Day

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 26/08/2022

Yamazaki Mazak celebrated 35 years of UK manufacturing by hosting a fun-filled day for its employees and their families at Drayton Manor Theme Park.

The celebration, which took place on Sunday 21^st August, was the first time in three years where colleagues and their families could once again come together communally.

Over 750 guests were treated to complimentary use of the theme park as well as a private lunch, while younger visitors had the chance to meet Drayton Manor’s own Rory the Lion.

The Family Fun Day also marked 35 years since the manufacturer first opened the doors of its European Manufacturing Plant in Worcester, in 1987. In that time, the site has produced over 30,000 machine tools, many of which have been installed throughout the UK and Europe.

Richard Smith, European Group Managing Director at Yamazaki Mazak, commented: “We are a family business founded by the Yamazaki family and our core principle is to take care of both our customers and our employees. This objective has remained the same for more than a century and this philosophy, at the heart of our operations, has helped the company develop into the world leader in the manufacture of CNC machine tools.

“Many of those who attended the Family Fun Day have dedicated large parts of their careers to Mazak. Ultimately, we would not be in a position to be celebrating 35 years of UK manufacturing without the hard work, commitment and energy our employees bring to work every day. It was a very special day, and I was delighted to be able to share it with everyone who attended.”

Mazak releases dates for ‘Manufacturing Solutions’ Open House

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 09/05/2019

Yamazaki Mazak has released dates for its specialist ‘Manufacturing Solutions NOW’ Open House in June at its European Technology Centre in Worcester.

The Open House, which will run from the 11^th to 13^th June and will include 22 machines in total, will focus on entry-level machines, Siemens control and laser-cutting; and feature guest talks from representatives from McLaren Applied Technologies and Concorde.

Entry-level machines, designed to improve productivity within the capital investment budget, are taking centre stage at the event. The highlight is likely to be two QUICK TURN 250MSY machines equipped with milling capability, Y-axis, and second spindle. A second machine has been equipped with a FANUC TA-20, ‘plug and play’ robotic machine tending solution, which makes it ideal for applications that require lights-out unmanned and overnight running.

Alongside will be the new QT-COMPACT 300M which features a new optional 24–index position turret. The QT-COMPACT is a high specification machine for its price point, equipped with Y-axis and second spindle and capable of high accuracy positioning with its high rigidity linear roller guides and direct coupled servo motors on all linear axes.

Making its UK debut will be the HQR-250MSY, a 2 turret / 2 spindle CNC turning centre, specifically developed to offer best-in-class cycle times. The HQR can be operated with a variety of optional automation equipment to further improve productivity, including bar feeders, workpiece unloader and robot.

Laser machines will be represented by the OPTIPLEX 3015 FIBER III 4kW, which is designed for exceptionally high productivity with faster acceleration for high-speed cutting. The laser machine is equipped with new generation Mazatrol PreviewG CNC, including a 19” touch panel for increased ease of operations.

Machine users that have standardised on Siemens control can still access the benefits of Mazak technology by specifying an ever-increasing number of Siemens-equipped machines. At the June Open House, the VTC-760C Siemens, a high productivity vertical travelling column machining centre will take centre stage. The VTC-760C is equipped with the new Siemens 828D control and is powered by a 12,000rpm spindle with rapid traverse rates of 42m/min in the X-, Y- and Z-axes.

In addition to new machines and automation equipment, the Open House will also feature keynote speakers from the world of motorsport and aerospace, including Richard William from McClaren Applied Technologies’ Human Performance Team, as well as Les Evans and Tony Yule, both of whom are ex-Concorde Pilots.

Mr William will be speaking on the McLaren DNA Programme, which aims to accelerate the training of young drivers through the delivery of unique training developed in conjunction with current and past drives. Mr Evans and Mr Yule, who both served in the RAF before joining British Airways’ Concorde programme, will be sharing their firsthand experience in the world of aerospace, with a specific focus on the intricate engineering and manufacturing challenges involved with the iconic Concorde aircraft, which celebrates its 50^th Anniversary this year.

The Open House will also provide an opportunity to undertake guided tours of Mazak’s European Manufacturing Plant, which has experienced a number of investments since Mazak’s most recent Open House, as well as Q&A sessions and on-hand application support from Mazak engineers.

Alan Mucklow, Managing Director – Sales UK, commented: “This specialist Open House taking place in what is our 100 year anniversary aims to provide the solutions to the productivity issue that is the top priority for British manufacturers. From state-of-the-art machines through to machine tending solutions, robotics and laser, we aim to demonstrate that productivity does not need to come at a high price and that there is a solution for every type and size of machine user, from Tier-1 aerospace supplier through to a growing and ambitious subcontractor.”

For more information, and to register for Mazak’s ‘Manufacturing Solutions NOW’ Open House, please visit: https://www.mazakeu.co.uk/NOW.

Mazak declares EMO 2019 an ‘enormous success’

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 14/10/2019

Yamazaki Mazak has returned from EMO 2019 buoyed by strong machine orders and record visitors to its stand.

The company has reported a stand visitor increase of circa 5% in comparison to 2017 numbers during the five-day Hannover show, along with strong enquiries for the 27 machines and 15 different automation solutions exhibited.

The most popular machines on the stand, based on machine enquiries, were the CV5-500 entry-level 5-axis machining centre, a new machine designed and built in Europe specifically for the continent’s machine users, and the latest generation INTEGREX i-H series machines. In addition, the company recorded strong interest in its new SmoothAi artificial intelligence CNC, and the QUICK TURN 250MSY turning centre, which is supported by an innovative RoboJob Tower automation system.

Mr Richard Smith, European Group Managing Director at Yamazaki Mazak, commented: “We saw a very positive increase in stand visitors during show compared to 2017 and excellent levels of machine orders across the range. What is clear from customer and visitor feedback is that our focus on turnkey automation, entry-level machines, such as the new CV5-500, and artificial intelligence, struck a chord machine-users across Europe and made the show an enormous success for us.”

During the show, Mr Takashi Yamazaki, President of Yamazaki Mazak, also confirmed the company’s intention to further upgrade its UK-based European manufacturing facility in Worcester to full iSMART Factory™ status, Mazak’s highest level of Industry 4.0 connectivity.

Mr Yamazaki commented: “Europe now accounts for more than 30% of our global sales and is currently our biggest and best-performing market. This year, we will complete the massive iSMART Factory™ upgrade of Minokamo 1 and 2 in Japan, and we intend to upgrade our UK factory to iSMART status. These facilities join Inabe and Kentucky in the United States at the cutting edge of our connected factory capabilities.”

Mazak now intends to bring a selection of the machines exhibited at the show to its traditional EMO Encore Open House at its UK European Technology Centre in early December 2019.

Toolmaker Upgrades Capabilities With Mazak Vertical Machining Center

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 27/04/2023

Toolmaker, SJ Dimmock, has upgraded its manufacturing capabilities with the purchase of their first UK-made Yamazaki Mazak VCN 530C vertical machining center.

The family-owned firm, based in Dunstable in Bedfordshire, was set up by the late Stephen Dimmock, father of the current owner Jamie Dimmock, in 1985. It has since built a reputation for manufacturing high specification injection moulding tools for the aerospace, medical, food and drink, automotive and Formula One industries.

Mr Dimmock commented: “Following the retirement of one of our long-serving employees, I found myself in a position of having three machines that I would need to train myself to operate. As they were older machines, I thought it would be more effective to sell the machines to finance a new, larger vertical machining center.

“After a lot of careful consideration and time spent evaluating the performance of comparable machines, I chose the VCN 530C vertical machining center from Mazak. Each day that goes by confirms it was a fantastic decision.”

The VCN 530C is a high productivity vertical machining center made at Mazak’s European manufacturing facility in Worcester. Equipped with a 40-taper spindle, the machine excels at delivering high-speed machining with maximum stability and rigidity thanks to heavy-duty casting.

Mr Dimmock continues: “I was taken aback by the Mazak after the first meeting. I wanted Japanese technology with high processing speeds because in toolmaking the surface quality is imperative to reducing the amount of second operation work that we need to do, such as spark erosion or polishing. With the VCN we have Japanese intelligence combined with British manufacturing. It ticked all the boxes.”

Typically, SJ Dimmock is working to exceptionally high tolerances of +/- 0.005 mm to meet the surface finish requirements of their customers and Jamie says the VCN has transformed the company’s machining operations. “We’ve replaced three machines with one and vastly improved the surface quality of the moulds while reducing the volume of second operation work. The processing speeds are exceptional with the Mazak which has not only helped with the quality of the work we are doing but has also doubled our capacity.”

Yamazaki Mazak Corporation Announces Leadership Transition

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 19/07/2019

Manufacturing technology leader Yamazaki Mazak Corporation has announced that President Tomohisa Yamazaki will become the company’s Chairman, while Vice President Takashi Yamazaki has been named the new President.

The transition, which will take effect on June 24 to coincide with the company’s 100th anniversary, is the result of a long-planned leadership evolution designed to position the company for continued growth, while cementing its ability to provide support to manufacturers around the world.

Takashi Yamazaki described the approach he would bring as President: “Many evaluate the company’s virtue with the revenue figure, but I won’t be just pursuing that. With 100 years of company history, we would like to continue providing customers around the world with greater technologies and better products.”

Tomohisa Yamazaki’s appointment as Chairman is the culmination of his dynamic career as a long-time leader of one of the world’s largest machine tool companies. In addition, he will continue to act as the Vice Chairman of the Japanese Machine Tool Builders’ Association (JMTBA).

He commented: “I will stay involved in the decision-making process for medium and long-term plans and will support the new leadership from a broader perspective.”

Prior to joining Yamazaki Mazak Corporation in 1990, Takashi Yamazaki earned his bachelor’s degree in business from Xavier University. After garnering experience in numerous departments across the company, he became a managing director in 1999 and a vice president in 2013. His key objectives will be to reinforce Mazak’s position in the increasingly globalised manufacturing market and the promotion of new technologies and products to further strengthen the company’s customer philosophy of ‘Together Success’.

Mr Richard Smith, European Group Managing Director, commented: “Yamazaki Mazak is remarkable for its consistent dedication to customers and, importantly, the stability of its operations and leadership. This stability has enabled both sustained developments in technology and a proven track-record of customer service, allowing our customers to access the most advanced and effective manufacturing solutions.”

He continued: “On behalf of all branches of Yamazaki Mazak in Europe, we would like to offer sincere thanks to Tomohisa Yamazaki for his exemplary leadership and his continued commitment to European manufacturing. Our warmest congratulations also go to Takashi Yamazaki and we look forward to working with both executives in continuing to deliver the highest levels of support to our customers in the future.”

Mazak Apprentices Enjoy Award-Winning Night

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 17/12/2018

Yamazaki Mazak apprentices celebrated a series of wins at the 2018 Worcestershire Group Training Association (WGTA) Annual Awards evening.

The event, which showcases those that have excelled over the last 12 months, was held on Wednesday 14^th November at Sixways Stadium in Worcester. Three Mazak apprentices picked up individual awards at the ceremony.

The first winner was Arandeep Kallar, an electrical apprentice in his second year. Arandeep scooped the Engineering Endeavour Award for the technical and personal skills he has established, as well as his “impressive commitment” and enthusiasm towards his apprenticeship.

Second year SMD apprentice, Zac Norton, won the Engineering Development Award for demonstrating key communication and leadership skills and for taking significant steps to develop himself on a personal level too.

Finally, Demelza Pike, picked up the Commerce Level 3/4 Apprentice of the Year Award, and was also short-listed for the Intermediate Level Apprentice of the Year at the Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards. Demelza was recognised for the high standard to which she completes her work, and the manner in which she has managed and built supplier relationships.

With a history spanning over 25 years training apprentices, Mazak also held its own internal apprentice awards. The event took place on 9^th November 2018, and featured eight categories. The winners included Alex Roberts; First Year Production Apprentice of the Year, Beth Addis; Second Year Apprentice of the Year, Tom Lock; Final Year Production Apprentice of the Year, Sam Piper; Most Improved Apprentice of the Year, and Demelza Pike; Commercial Apprentice of the Year.

Mazak employees were also nominated by the apprentices and recognised at the ceremony too. Rob Grimes picked up Apprentice Champion of the Year, Lol Savage won Cadet Champion of the Year and SSC was awarded Apprentice Section of the Year.

Richard Smith, European Group Managing Director at Yamazaki Mazak commented: “It is not only our role to support and train the next generation of engineers, but to applaud their ongoing achievements as well. For that I’d like to wholeheartedly congratulate the apprentices on their respective wins at both the WGTA ceremony and our internal awards. All of them are brilliant examples to their peers and in particular, we hope that they will be seen as an inspiration by the newest intake of apprentices.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our Learning and Development Team, specifically Dave Barnett and Chris Morris, who play a vital role in our exceptional apprenticeship programme.”

A pallet-able wildlife solution

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 26/05/2021

Yamazaki Mazak has partnered with local environmental organisation, the Worcester Environmental Group (WEG), to recycle its leftover wooden packaging into houses and feeders for local wildlife.

The manufacturer began donating wooden pallets from its European Manufacturing Plant in Worcester to the WEG following the group’s inception in June 2020. The volunteer-run organisation has since recycled the wood into bird boxes, bat boxes, hedgehog houses and feeding stations that have been used throughout Worcestershire to promote biodiversity and support the development and sustenance of local wildlife.

In a fitting culmination of the process, Mazak has also taken delivery of ten bird boxes which will be located throughout the manufacturer’s outdoor recreational and relaxation areas, ahead of the spring bird breeding season.

Paul Snookes, Co-founder of the WEG, commented: “Our birds need all the help they can get at this time of the year. There are not enough natural sites left in Worcester for birds to raise their young, so the bird boxes we make will provide a safe place to nest during the spring and summer. They are also great places for birds to roost in the colder months.

“Mazak is very much part of the fabric of the local Worcester community, and we were delighted when the company agreed to donate its excess wood. We have all come to appreciate our surroundings even more so over the past 12 months, and the partnership will go a long way towards helping us on our journey of educating the local community about the importance of biodiversity.”

Ben Thomas, Health, Safety, Environmental & Energy Manager at Yamazaki Mazak UK, added: “Mazak has always sought to ensure the company keeps its impact on the environment as low as possible. While we are certified to the ISO 50001 standard for Energy Management, and have implemented a broad range of sustainability initiatives in recent years, we will never stand still. Indeed, the events of 2020 have brought greater focus to environmental issues, so it is more important than ever before that we identify additional ways to improve overall sustainability in our operations.”

“As such, when we first came across the Worcester Environmental Group, we were immediately drawn to their cause. It’s actually quite a complicated process to dispose of pallets, so to be able to find a local and sustainable home for them solves a number of problems. It is fitting that some of the pallets have now come full circle in the form of new bird boxes for our garden areas, and I look forward to hopefully enjoying my breaks to the sound of birdsong over the coming months.”

The WEG is currently selling a variety of bird boxes for a small donation. To find out more, please visit: www.theweg.org.uk.

Mazak extends its entry-level range

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 12/07/2016

Yamazaki Mazak has extended its range of entry-level machines with two new turning centres designed for machine users demanding high quality at an affordable price.

The new QUICK TURN COMPACT (QTC) and QUICK TURN PRIMOS (QTP) are both aimed at the general subcontracting market, specifically those subcontractors involved in small to medium size manufacturing operations. There are optional variants for each machine type, which should ensure that the correct choice of machine specification is much quicker for customers, with resulting shorter lead times.

The QT COMPACT range is a high performance turning centre equipped with a Mazak manufactured driven tool turret with either 500mm or 1000mm bed and a bar capacity of ø65 mm or ø80mm. Each variant is available with an optional Y-axis, and /or an optional second spindle. There are two variants of the QT COMPACT available; the QTC 200 which is equipped with a eight inch chuck, a maximum speed of 5,000 rpm and a peak torque of 167 Nm, and the QTC 300, which has an ten inch chuck, a maximum speed of 4,000 rpm and a peak torque of 356 Nm.

The machine is controlled by the SmoothC control, the latest edition to the Smooth Technology portfolio, incorporating state-of-the-art motion control technology. A productivity package is available and includes bar feed interface , parts catcher and higher power coolant options.

The QT PRIMOS is a compact, high performance 2-axis turning centre with high productivity and a small footprint, making it ideal for subcontract manufacturers requiring simple turned components in volume production.

The PRIMOS is available in three variants. The PRIMOS 50 S has a bar capacity of ø32mm, and is equipped with a 5,000 rpm 7.5kW spindle capable of 48 Nm of torque; whilst the PRIMOS 100 S has the same spindle speed but possesses a 9kW spindle and an increased maximum bar capacity of ø36mm, as well as a higher 75 Nm of torque. The PRIMOS 150 S has a maximum bar capacity of ø51mm and uses a lower speed 4,000 rpm 11kW spindle, capable of 131 Nm of torque. The machine is equipped with MAZATROL Smart conversational control.

All of the PRIMOS variants are equipped with a Mazak-manufactured turret and are capable of rapid traverse rates of 30 m/min in both the X- and Z-axes. A large capacity standard oil pan, which comes as standard, reduces coolant temperature rise to ensure high accuracy machining. All variants are also equipped with a tool eye, which can be programmed for automatic tool measurement and compensation. The design of the machine enables easy chip removal from the rear, which allows multiple machines to be closely packed together.

An optional integrated gantry loader is also available on all PRIMOS variants to accommodate automated loading for larger batch sizes and high volume manufacturing.

Both the QT COMPACT and QT PRIMOS are equipped with direct drive spindles and full circumferential brakes, which are standard on Mazak machines due to their superior performance compared to belt drive spindles and conventional disc brakes. The use of direct drive also helps to ensure a smaller footprint for the machines.

Whilst the machines are entry-level there is no compromise on build quality, with both the COMPACT and the PRIMOS built in line with Mazak manufacturing and quality standards. In addition, customers specifying entry-level machines will benefit from the same levels of Mazak aftersales service and support as other machines in the Mazak range.

John Liverton, Product Manager at Yamazaki Mazak commented: Entry-level machines have always been important to Mazak because one of our core philosophies is to support our customers through the different stages of their development, from turning through to more complex machining methods.

The development of our entry-level range, with the additions of the new QUICK TURN COMPACT and QUICK TURN PRIMOS, is as important as the development of our 5-axis, multi-tasking or horizontal machining capability, because this type of machine is often the first time a customer has owned a Mazak.

He continued: These new machines, alongside the QUICK TURN NEXUS, complete our entry-level range and provide an ideal introduction to the benefits of Mazak ownership at a competitive price point with no compromise on quality.

Mazak heads to EMO with biggest ever stand and nine new machines

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 10/07/2019

In its centenary year, Yamazaki Mazak is heading to EMO 2019 with plans for its biggest ever stand, hosting the largest number of machines and automation solutions ever exhibited by the company.

Exhibiting under its EMO 2019 theme, ‘DISCOVER MORE WITH MAZAK’, Mazak will showcase 27 different machines in total, two more than for EMO 2017, along with 16 integrated automation solutions.

Mazak to offer ActiveEdge tooling with VCN-530C machining centre

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd — 24/07/2019

Mazak has partnered with Rigibore to incorporate the ActiveEdge boring bar system into its VCN-530C machining centre.

The ActiveEdge technology is an auto-compensating boring bar system that allows extremely high bore tolerances to be held on a machine automatically. The boring bars, which are manufactured in the UK at Rigibore’s headquarters in Cornwall, are being made available as an option on Mazak’s high productivity VCN-530C machining centre.

ActiveEdge tooling has a separate drive mechanism integrated into the rotating tool which can be adjusted to within individual microns of accuracy on a wireless closed feedback system. The tools enable multiple critical diameters to be machined simultaneously, significantly reducing cycle times and increasing process efficiency. Typically, ActiveEdge users are working within a tolerance of circa 0.002 microns on bore diameters.

ActiveEdge has a number of advantages, including its ability to enable machine operators to meet critical tolerances without removing the tool from the machining envelope and stopping the manufacturing process. As a result, machine uptime, productivity and operator safety are improved and scrap is reduced due to the system’s highly accurate cutting.

Alan Mucklow, Managing Director UK and Ireland Sales and Service Division at Yamazaki Mazak, commented: “We recently showcased the ActiveEdge technology at our ‘Manufacturing Solutions NOW’ Open House in our European Technology Centre and got a fantastic response from customers working in boring bar applications.

“The VCN-530C is a high productivity vertical machining centre that is specified by machine users who want ultra-fast cycle times with no compromise on accuracy.

“Boring bar work has often slowed cycle times due to the need for extremely high tolerances and manual adjustment by the operator. The option to specify the ActiveEdge technology with the VCN-530C offers Mazak users working in boring bar applications the ability to maintain cycle times whilst improving the accuracy of the cut, due to the simple and precise wireless adjustment of the cutting tool during the process. The combination of the VCN-530C plus ActiveEdge is a step-change for boring bar work.”

Mazak Europe is now working with Rigibore and other Mazak manufacturing facilities across the world to integrate ActiveEdge technology into horizontal machining centres and INTEGREX technology, and also offer a retrofit option for machines that are already in the field.