(FLORENCE, KENTUCKY) – With competition growing around the world, increasing competitiveness is not just for global companies. Even local manufacturers and job shops are rethinking their relationships, adjusting their businesses and investigating new technologies to maintain their competitive edge. In this spirit, Mazak Corporation is presenting “Manufacturing Technologies for Global Competitiveness,” a three-day event at its Florence, Kentucky headquarters campus, December 4 – 6, 2007.
           In addition to Mazak, leading manufacturing technology suppliers including Sandvik, Kennametal, Renishaw, Fanuc Robotics, UGS/Unigraphics and others will be participating. With an expected 2500 attendees, Mazak is presenting an information-rich program of technology solutions, seminars on manufacturing and machining technologies, tours of Mazak’s award-winning manufacturing plant, and new machine-tool introductions in what it’s calling North America’s largest privately held manufacturing event.
           Added special attractions include Gary Convis, executive vice president (retired) and senior executive advisor, Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., who will be speaking to an invitation-only dinner Tuesday evening, December 4. James D. Waters, vice president, Caterpillar Production System, Caterpillar, Inc., will be speaking at a second invitation-only dinner December 5.

New Multi-Tasking Technologies to Improve Your Business
           As the machine-tool industry’s leader in Multi-Tasking technology, Mazak is presenting multi-tasking manufacturing equipment for an expanding range of parts applications in an equally wide range of manufacturing industries. “All multi-tasking is not equal,” says Brian Papke, Mazak Corporation president. “Today, Mazak builds specific Multi-Tasking equipment choices for small precision components up to large aerospace and heavy equipment parts. We’re constantly refining Mazak Multi-Tasking technologies to make them more workable, so more industries benefit and grow stronger from Done-in One machining that eliminates multiple machines and multiple fixtures and completes complex parts in a single setup.”
           One example is the new Integrex i-150, the first of Mazak’s Intelligent Machines. An Integrex for small parts (bar stock of 2.5 inches and below), this machine maximizes Multi-Tasking capabilities (turning, milling, drilling, tapping, boring, and more) out of a small footprint. With B-axis scale feedback standard and available factory automation options, high accuracies and continuous unmanned machining of complex part shapes are possible.
           The Intelligent Functions come from a combination of machine design features and the processing power of the 6th-generation Mazatrol CNC, the Matrix. The result is the ability to look ahead and identify conditions before they become problems. Mazak Intelligent Machine functions include Active Vibration Control, Intelligent Safety Shield, Intelligent Thermal Shield, Intelligent Performance Spindle, Mazak Voice Adviser, Intelligent Maintenance Support, and Intelligent Balance Analyzer. This event marks the first time the Integrex i-150 is being shown in this country.
           Another new machine being seen for the first time in North America is theHyper Quadrex 150MSY, a two-spindle, two-turret CNC turning center with milling spindle and Y-axis stroke on both the upper and lower turret.  With improved heat-displacement control thanks to the Intelligent Thermal Shield, this machine has the accuracy necessary for prototype work as well as volume production.

Large Parts, Too
            Multi-Tasking technologies will also be on display for larger parts. The Integrex e-420 H-II features a multi-function lower turret that can be equipped with additional tools, a steady rest, or other parts support aimed at achieving process and cost savings. The Integrex e-650HS-II has a long-angle holder (an industry first!) for mounting a boring bar in the tilting milling spindle. The results are angled deep-hole milling to precise internal diameters

New Web-Based Palletech Control
           Job shops can increase their profits by expanding their part mix, and Mazak will be show how by using Palletech automation for the most efficient and flexible production possible. A first at this event will be a Palletech system managing an HCN 6800 horizontal machining center under web-based cell control. With this new advance, Palletech cells can now be monitored and managed from remote locations for greater productivity.

New Plant Equipment Boosts Productivity
           Mazak’s Florence, Kentucky headquarters campus is also home to the most advanced machine-tool plant in North America, and attendees to Manufacturing Technologies for Global Competitiveness have the opportunity to tour this vibrant, evolving complex. The newest investment in production equipment is the massive double-column Mazak Versatech V140 N with a 122-inch by 393-inch table. This will improve machining productivity on large castings such as beds and columns. With a nutating head that includes B- and C-axis positioning on a 50-Hp spindle, this large machine will increase processing productivity 50%.
            As part of Mazak’s commitment to promoting increased utilization of equipment, new additions to Mazak’s North America Parts Center will also be available for attendees to see. These include a new $2 million automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS), helping manage more than $50 million in spare parts inventory and maintaining a same-day parts shipping average of 97%.

Center for Multi-Tasking and Manufacturing Excellence
           Mazak’s Center for Multi-Tasking and Manufacturing Excellence, including the 200-seat Mazak Learning Center and additional classrooms, will be home to the event’s seminar program. It includes Professor David Dornfeld, Mechanical Engineering Department chair at the University of California, Berkeley on lean manufacturing; the Society of Manufacturing Engineers on how to obtain, motivate, and keep the workforce of tomorrow; Renishaw Corporation on how to apply advanced manufacturing principles and process improvements; and Fanuc Robotics on how to maximize the productivity and utilization of your machine-tool investment.
           Special keynote speakers will include Gary Convis, executive vice president (retired) and senior executive advisor, Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., and Caterpillar, Inc.’s James D. Waters, vice president, Caterpillar Production System.
            With 24 advanced-technology machine tools under power cutting parts, this is an unprecedented opportunity for manufacturers to see new applications up close and speak with the people cutting them. Opportunities also exist for demonstrations and information from Mazak’s leading technology partners in tooling, toolholding, automation, software and more.
            Mazak stresses this is a working event, and shops from all industries will benefit. These are the ideas, applications, and solutions that can prepare job shops and OEMs alike for what lies ahead. RSVP online at www.mazakusa.com/mtfgc or call your local Mazak distributor for more information.