Emerging technologies applied to manufacturing applications

Smooth Technology, Mazak SmartBox IIoT connectivity solution, Hybrid Multi-Tasking additive manufacturing (AM), and VR Training technology from Mazak will be on display at the MT360 Conference, taking place at the Hyatt Regency Santa Clara in Santa Clara, California, June 17-20, 2019.

During MT360, Mazak representatives will demonstrate Smooth Technology, a comprehensive suite of digital solutions and network connectivity options, including Smooth Link, Smooth MPP, and the Mazak SmartBox initially developed in collaboration with Cisco Systems Inc. – technologies that help manufacturers achieve full digital connectivity for process monitoring and optimization.

The Mazak SmartBox Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) connectivity solution gives customers secure digital connectivity to thrive in today’s competitive manufacturing industry. As a scalable, end-to-end solution, the Mazak SmartBox connects machines, software, and other manufacturing equipment to a single network via the MTConnect open source communications protocol for a fully networked manufacturing environment.

Because the digital connectivity needs of manufacturers differ, Mazak developed its Smooth Link solution, which only requires a commercial-off-the-shelf wireless network to monitor and manage machines from any computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Smooth MPP smart automation software, that works with Mazak’s space-saving multi-pallet pool (MPP) automation, predicts necessary tools and production output according to the production schedule, displaying pertinent information to the user in a variety of graphs that enable easy utilization analysis.

The Hybrid Multi-Tasking series of machines integrate advanced additive manufacturing (AM) technology into traditional multi-tasking and full simultaneous 5-axis subtractive machine tools, such as wire arc AM and multi-laser metal deposition.

While still in its beta-testing stage, Mazak’s Virtual Reality Training program featured at MT360 creates an environment where participants safely learn to repair, program, operate, disassemble, and reassemble components, all in a world in which mistakes cause neither injuries nor machine damage. The version of the training program at MT360 will show a lesson in operating Mazak’s Mazatrol SmoothX CNC on a Mazak Integrex i-200 advanced multi-tasking machine.