POSTED ON 10/31/2019 – Today, when many people think of Multi-Tasking, they think of INTEGREX, the series of Mazak machines that introduced the concept to many manufacturers, and the myriad benefits shops can achieve with the technology. Without the need to transfer workpieces from one machine to the next, Multi-Tasking machines require minimal human intervention and can operate unattended for longer periods of time. They allow manufacturers to accomplish more with fewer machine tools on their factory floors, which saves valuable production space. Fewer required machines, in turn, results in lower production costs and shorter job turnaround times.
Of course, many breakthroughs made Multi-Tasking possible. From the start of its Multi-Tasking machine development process, Mazak strived for completing parts in one setup: A solid raw piece of material enters the Multi-Tasking machine, and a completed component exits. But to reach DONE IN ONE® part production, many technological advancements had to occur, such as the development of integral motors, controllers/computers with increased processing power and CAD/CAM software.
Higher power controllers, like Mazak’s MAZATROL Smooth CNCs, allow manufacturers to maintain data points across milling and turning operations within the same workpiece setup on a Multi-Tasking machine. This ensures repeatability and eliminates the risk of human error when moving workpieces from one single-process machine to the next. Further CNC advancements ensured that machines could control a greater number of machining axes and simplify part-programming requirements.