Mazak Features Ez, SYNCREX and VARIAXIS Series Machines at SOUTHTEC 2023

FLORENCE, Ky., October 27, 2023 – With versatility, precision and productivity in mind, Mazak will demonstrate models complete with corresponding automation and digital solutions from the Ez Series, SYNCREX Series and VARIAXIS Series in booth 1309 at SOUTHTEC 2023. The Ez Series of Vertical and Horizontal Turning Machines provides job shops reliable, maximum machine-tool performance at a lower capital investment, the SYNCREX Series further expands Mazak’s machine tool technology portfolio into the Swiss-style machine market and the VARIAXIS Series provides the benefits of highly versatile full simultaneous 5-axis machining. 

At the show, Mazak will spotlight the Kentucky designed and built VC-Ez 26 and QT-Ez 8MSY models from the Ez Series. The VC-Ez 26 Vertical Machining Center meets many production needs with enhanced operator ergonomics and a generous work area to ease the loading and unloading of workpieces and tools. 

The machine accommodates workpieces up to 55.12" long (1400 mm), 24.02" (610 mm) wide, 22.4" (569 mm) tall and up to 3,306 lbs (1500 kg) in weight. The ergonomically designed machine features a compact footprint that measures only 113.8 sq ft (10.57 m3).

Standard equipment includes a powerful 40-taper 12,000 rpm 25 hp (18.64 kWh) spindle and 30-tool magazine automatic tool changer. Options include a versatile 15,000-rpm 29.5-hp (22 kWh) spindle with 81.13 ft-lb (11.22 N•m) of torque and a 50-tool capacity tool changer.

Equipped with milling and Y-axis capability paired with a second turning spindle, the QT-Ez 8MSY Horizontal Turning Machine delivers complete DONE IN ONE® part processing. The versatile automation-ready machine also integrates seamlessly with bar feeders and robots and accepts many additional options to tailor its high-value versatility to the needs of any shop.

As its model number indicates, the QT-Ez 8MSY, with a 20" bed sports an 8" chuck as standard equipment, with a 6" chuck as optional. Available machine turrets include 2-axis drum style with a bolt-on or BMT55 turret for rotary tool applications.

The QT-Ez 8MSY uses an A2-6 spindle mount with 5,000 rpm, 20 hp (14.9 kW), 123 ft-lbs (17 N•m) of torque and a 2" (50.8 mm) bar capacity. It handles parts up to 23.47" (596 mm) long. The turret milling spindle offers 6,000 rpm with 7.5 hp (5.59 kW) and 25.8 ft-lbs (3.57 N•m) of torque. A 6,000 rpm second turning spindle with a 5" chuck accepts an optional through-hole package for shaft transfer applications.

For further productivity, the QT-Ez 8MSY accepts a range of automation solutions from simple bar feeders and parts catchers to full cooperative robot installations such as Mazak Automation Systems’ Cobot Cell System models, the CC-10 and CC-16.

To streamline both VC-Ez 26 and QT-Ez 8MSY machine programming and shorten the learning curve for new operators, Mazak’s MAZATROL SmoothEz CNC provides dual 800-MHz processors, 512 MB of RAM and a vibrant 15" capacitive touch screen that includes a full keyboard and displays up to 60 lines of code. Within the control, EIA/G-code and MAZATROL Conversational programming languages support a full range of programming options directly on the machine, while the MAZATROL TWINS function enables use of Solid MAZATROL, Virtual Machining and Cutting Adviser through SMOOTH Cam Ai, and centralized storage and file management through SMOOTH Project Manager.

For Swiss-style turning at its best, Mazak will have the SYNCREX 25/7 machine cutting real-world parts at SOUTHTEC. With a maximum bar diameter of 1” (25mm), the SYNCREX 25/7 powers through high-speed production of small, precise parts in a seven-axis configuration that includes five spindle motors and standard 10,000 rpm main and sub spindles.

Like all models in the series, the SYNCREX 25/7 is a sliding headstock machine constructed on the Mazak High Damping Composite Casting (HDCC). This unique high rigidity base provides greater vibration damping characteristics, less thermal growth and greater part surface capabilities when compared to a cast iron base machine, while the sliding headstock allows shops to run full bar capacity with no special bar end prep.

The Mazak SYNCREX 25/7 is equipped with the MAZATROL SmoothSt CNC with 15" touch-panel for easy input of setup and programming data. Intuitive user-friendly screens make it quick and easy to touch off tools and prepare the machine for automatic cycles, which regains production time and lessens setup. The optional Mazak Swiss Setup Assist (MSSA) further enhances fast and easy production, along with the optional Mazak Dynamic Chip Control (MDCC) functionality that increases chip-management performance.

For more Done In One® machining action, visitors to Mazak’s SOUTHTEC booth will experience the VARIAXIS i-600 Vertical Machining Center that performs multiple and complex curved surface machining on small and medium-sized workpieces in single setups. This is possible thanks to the machine’s rotary/tilt table that provides 150° of A-axis tilt and 360° of C-axis rotation. Mazak offers the machine with a wide range of available spindle speeds for increased processing versatility along with tool storage capacities up to 120 tools. 

The machine provides complete part processing by incorporating all operations from raw material input through final machining in just one machine. As such, it reduces production lead times, improves machining accuracy and lowers operating expenses. An optional two-pallet changer provides continuous machine operation and integration within a Mazak PALLETECH System for automated manufacturing.

The VARIAXIS i-600’s MAZATROL SmoothAi CNC achieves highly realistic program simulations with current, real-time setup information, which gives even less-experienced operators the confidence to run highly complex part programs. The machine’s tooling configuration can be modified and updated at the CAM workstation and sent back to the machine, so operators can complete setup more accurately than ever before.

The SOUTHTEC 2023 show takes place at the Greenville Convention Center October 24-26 in Greenville, South Carolina. SME hosts the show that is part of a Manufacturing Technology Series of events.