Company makes popular VMC even faster, more versatile and easier to automate
FLORENCE, Ky., February 24, 2021 – Mazak’s new VARIAXIS i-800 NEO Vertical Machining Center offers shops an enhanced version of a popular 5-axis machine, with a powerful CNC, faster machining cycle times, expanded workpiece capacities and more automation options. Mazak showcased the new machine during the company’s recent All Axes LIVE event in February 2021.
Among the primary enhancements on the VARIAXIS i-800 NEO is the MAZATROL SmoothAi CNC. It features such functions as SMOOTH Machining Configuration (SMC) for process optimization with real-time operator control of a wide range of cutting parameters and Ai Thermal Shield for stable machining accuracy through smart compensation for heat displacement. Also with the launch of the MAZATROL SmoothAi, Mazak introduced its SMOOTH Project Manager Gateway software as an available option.
Working with external CAM software such as Autodesk’s Fusion 360, SMOOTH Project Manager Gateway allows access to internal machine data, which enables the Fusion 360 programmer to query the machine to download machine models, current tooling configuration, offset data, stroke limits and many other configuration parameters. This information can then be used at the CAM workstation to create more accurate machine programs configured to the limits and capabilities of the actual machine.