Mazak iSMART Factory™ Initiative Spreads to Japan Plant

FLORENCE, Ky., July 12, 2017 – Mazak continues its steadfast advancement toward the complete digitization of all its manufacturing operations with the recent transformation of its Oguchi, Japan, facility into yet another Mazak iSMART Factory™. The Oguchi plant now joins Mazak’s iSMART Factory in Florence, Kentucky, as the first two in the company’s plan to eventually designate all ten of its manufacturing operations as Mazak iSMART Factories.
 
As a dynamic, ongoing and limitless concept, the next-generation iSMART Factory represents Mazak’s all-encompassing manufacturing vision and global branding initiative. These next-generation factories use advanced manufacturing cells and systems together with full digital integration to achieve free-flow data sharing in terms of process control and operation monitoring.
 
In the Mazak iSMART Factory, the MTConnect® open communications protocol works with process support software and provides connectivity and the capability to monitor then harvest data from all the different production floor machines, cells, devices and processes.
 
“There is little doubt in the industry that MTConnect will soon be the standard worldwide and the foundation of tomorrow’s digitized manufacturing operations,” said Brian Papke, chairman of Mazak. “At Mazak, we’ve experienced double-digit increases in productivity and machine utilization in each facility immediately after the implementation of digital process monitoring through MTConnect and our SmartBox technology.”
 
For the Oguchi Mazak iSMART Factory, the MTConnect open protocol allows the plant to use its own in-house cyber monitoring software. This software then works in conjunction with Mazak’s Smooth Monitoring software so the plant can monitor operations and optimize production efficiency.
 
With its Mazak iSMART Factories, Mazak continues to position itself at the forefront of factory digitization. Relative to that, the company will make further announcements concerning that ongoing initiative at this year’s EMO Hanover 2017 show September 18-23 in Hanover, Germany.

About Mazak Corporation

Mazak Corporation is a leader in the design and manufacture of productive machine tool solutions. Committed to being a partner to customers with innovative technology, its world-class facility in Florence, Kentucky produces over 70 models of turning centers, Multi-Tasking machines and vertical machining centers, including 5-axis models, Hybrid Additive processing machines and Swiss Turning Machines. Continuously investing in manufacturing technology allows the Mazak iSMART Factory™ to be the most advanced and efficient in the industry, providing high-quality and reliable products. Mazak maintains eight Technology Centers across North America to provide local hands-on applications, service and sales support to customers. For more information on Mazak's products and solutions, visit www.mazakusa.com or follow us on social media.