Connected Manufacturing Bridges the Communications Gap

To bridge the gap between manufacturing and technology, Mazak Corporation (Florence, KY) offers innovative applications that include:

• Smooth Technology, a comprehensive suite of digital solutions and network connectivity options that includes Smooth Link, Smooth MPP and the Mazak SmartBox that was initially developed in collaboration with Cisco Systems Inc. (San Jose, CA) to help achieve full digital connectivity for process monitoring and optimization. Because the digital connectivity needs of manufacturers differ, Smooth Link makes remote monitoring simple by requiring only a commercial-off-the-shelf wireless network to enable users to monitor and manage their machines from any computer, tablet or smartphone. The merging of technology and manufacturing resulted in the development of cognitive or smart automation through Smooth MPP software that works with Multi-Pallet Pool (MPP) automation, a space-saving palletized system for shops unable to accommodate full-size linear-style automated pallet systems. With smart capability, Smooth MPP 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.
• SmartBox IIoT connectivity provides easy and highly secure entrance into the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and is a cornerstone that gives users the secure digital connectivity they need to thrive in today’s competitive manufacturing industry. As a scalable, end-to-end system, 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.
• Hybrid multi-tasking additive manufacturing provides true, single-setup DONE IN ONE® part processing capability by integrating wire arc additive manufacturing and multi-laser metal deposition into traditional multi-tasking and full simultaneous 5-axis subtractive machine tools.
• VR training technology is still in its beta-testing stage, but it creates an environment in which participants safely learn to repair, program, operate, disassemble and reassemble components, all inside a world where mistakes cause neither injuries nor machine damage. For example, one version can provide lessons in operating the Mazatrol SmoothX CNC on an Integrex i-200 advanced multi-tasking machine.

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Mazak Corporation, 8025 Production Drive, PO Box 970, Florence, KY 41042, 859-342-1700, Fax: 859-342-1865, www.mazakusa.com.