Mazak invites manufacturers to its Discover More with Mazak Midwest event, taking place March 25 – 27 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the company’s Technology Center in Schaumburg, Illinois. The event will focus on ways to boost production efficiency through total manufacturing solutions, highlighting advancements in machine tool technology, automation systems, cutting tools and more. Plus, special presentations on the use of Mazak technology in the racing industry and the growth of U.S. manufacturing will round out the event.

Attendees will experience real-world metalworking demonstrations on 20 different Mazak machines, witnessing the latest advancements in milling, turning, 5-axis and multi-tasking technology. Applications experts will also be available during the demonstrations to discuss part-processing optimization.

Technology in action will include: the Vertical Center Universal 400 5X with a 5-axis rotary/tilt table for high-value small parts production; Hyper Quadrex 250 MSY twin-spindle, twin-turret machine for medium to high volume bar and/or chuck work; Megaturn Nexus 900M vertical turning center with multi-tasking functionality for cutting large, low to medium profile parts; and the Integrex e-420H II Multi-Tasking machine for processing heavy, large-diameter shaft-type parts in single setups.

Attendees will also experience advanced automation solutions working in conjuction with several Mazak machines, including a gantry loader on the Integrex i-300 Multi-Tasking machine to demonstrate a quick, turnkey system with high productivity levels.Furthermore, Mazak will integrate its Orbitec 20, which generates turned features on large, odd-shaped parts, with its Horizontal Center Nexus 6800 horizontal machining center and pre-engineered Palletech System to demonstrate how a fully automated manufacturing cell can shorten product life cycles, reduce in-process inventory and allow for just-in-time production.

In addition to the demonstrations, attendees can participate in technical seminars on how to improve factory utilization using the MTConnect open-source royalty-free manufacturing protocol as well as how Sandvik Coromant cutting tools can enhance gear production on Mazak Multi-Tasking machines.

A special presentation given Matt Gimbel, Nationwide Series crew chief for Penske Racing, will discuss how Mazak technology has played a vital role in the team’s success. With Mazak machine tools and its in-house manufacturing staff, Penske Racing is able to push the envelope with its part production, which includes engine
cylinder heads, intake manifolds and suspension components.

Another special presentation by Harry Moser, founder of the Reshoring Initiative, will discuss the benefits of bringing manufacturing jobs back to the United States as well as how manufacturers can objectively decide if reshoring or offshoring is the right decision for their operations.