By Kevin Bates, Mazak Midwest Technology Center General Manager
Each year we look forward with great anticipation to our region’s DISCOVER MORE WITH MAZAK™ event. For three days, we welcome regional manufacturers to join us at the Mazak Midwest Technology Center to experience the latest developments in machine tool, automation and cutting tool technology through real-world metalworking demonstrations. Mazak’s expert application engineers are also on hand to discuss specific part-processing optimization techniques.
Plus, attendees gain valuable production improving insightful from seminars presented by both Mazak and members of its Value Inspire Partners program. A number of our VIPs will present during our three-day event. Renishaw will discuss how to use process control to transform your manufacturing, Sandvik Coromant will talk about productive gear machining on Multi-Tasking machines, ESPRIT representatives will discuss process planning for multi-channel machining, and Kennametal will show their latest web-based Virtual Tool Advisor, NOVO.
This year’s event is especially exciting following the groundbreaking DISCOVER 2013 event that took place at Mazak’s Kentucky headquarters. There, customers experienced as many as 40 machine tool models in action, and 20 of those same machines will be represented at the Midwest Technology Center. From the VERTICAL CENTER UNIVERSAL 400A 5X Vertical Machining Center to the HYPER QUADREX 250 MSY Multi-Tasking Turning Center and INTEGREX e-420HS Multi-Tasking Machining Center, DISCOVER MORE WITH MAZAK Midwest attendees will witness the latest advancements in milling, turning, 5-axis and Multi-Tasking technology.
During the event’s presentations, manufacturers will learn how to capture a substantial improvement in productivity through the incorporation of MTConnect. This open-source royalty-free manufacturing protocol allows manufacturers to establish, at a reasonable investment, a means to gather valuable information on the use of their equipment in operations. As the first machine tool manufacturer to incorporate MTConnect, Mazak speaks from first-hand experience when demonstrating the effectiveness of the protocol in the improvement of equipment utilization.
Long time Mazak partner Penske Racing is off to a hot start 2014 following the team’s first NASCAR Nationwide Series Owners’ Title, and a special guest from the team will be at the Midwest event. Matt Gimbel, Production Manager for Penske Racing, will provide attendees with a glimpse into Mazak and Penske Racing’s 23-year partnership and how Mazak technology has played a vital role in the team’s success. Matt will also discuss, in detail, the use of Mazak technology in the production of Penske Racing engine cylinder heads, intake manifolds and suspension components.
Rounding out the event, special guest Harry Moser, founder of the Reshoring Initiative, will discuss the benefits of bringing manufacturing jobs back to the United States and the tremendous boon it has provided so far. Attendees will walk away with a better understanding of how manufacturers can objectively decide if reshoring or offshoring is the right decision for their operations.
The DISCOVER MORE WITH MAZAK Midwest event promises to be just as exciting as years past. Manufacturers in search of education, information and demonstrations will find all three in Schaumburg, Illinois March 25 - 27. We hope to see you there.