Mazak Invests in Equipment and Digital Infrastructure

Yamazaki Mazak has made a significant investment in its European manufacturing facility by fully automating its sheet metal processing area. At the same time, a new website for European customers has been launched.

The first phase of the automation project was completed at the beginning of 2025. Its goal is to elevate the productivity of sheet metal processing at the Worcester, UK facility to new heights, while also offering visitors the opportunity to see Mazak’s laser cutting machines and automation systems in action under real-world conditions.

The core of the technical upgrade is the introduction of two new OPTIPLEX 3015 NEO 2D laser cutting machines, each with a 6 kW fiber laser. These machines are used to cut various components for the Mazak machine tools produced in the UK. Mazak is the only UK-based machine tool manufacturer that uses its own machines in production.

Enhanced Productivity and Cut Quality with Advanced Laser Technology and Automation

The OPTIPLEX series machines feature several productivity-enhancing features, including Mazak’s beam-shaping technology and beam diameter control, which increase productivity by up to 40% and deliver superior cut quality. These features also drastically reduce cycle times. The beam-shaping allows operators to cut sheet metal up to 50 mm thick with up to four times the stability compared to traditional laser cutting methods. Beam shaping also improves the bevel angle by more than 80% compared to conventional machines, resulting in significantly higher cut quality.

The two new machines replace three older Hyper Gear 510 laser cutting machines and one NTX-48 CO2 machine. The new fiber laser machines are loaded with material using a Mazak Compact Storage Tower Double System, which features a dual magazine tower, and are equipped with a robot parts sorting system – the Mazak Smart Manufacturing Cell. The double magazine tower provides ample storage space for material, finished, and scrap parts, and includes several conveyor units that reduce waiting times and further enhance productivity through unmanned operation.

Driving Sustainability and Efficiency: Reduced Energy Consumption and Enhanced Productivity

This technical upgrade in the sheet metal cutting area will help the company achieve its environmental and sustainable manufacturing goals. The introduction of the two OPTIPLEX NEO machines also has a positive impact on electricity consumption. Compared to the four previous CO2 machines, the new machines consume 67% less power – an aspect that significantly improves the carbon footprint of the Worcester facility.

Richard Smith, European Group Managing Director at Yamazaki Mazak, emphasizes that this investment demonstrates Mazak’s ongoing commitment to manufacturing in Europe and sustainability. “Mazak’s company philosophy has always been to invest in new technologies that aim to drive productivity improvements and reduce costs. We replaced four old machines with two new ones, and yet we can still reduce our cycle times, increase plant throughput, and make our sheet metal processing much more efficient.”

He continues: “The improvements we’ve made are designed to benefit our customers. This applies to reducing lead times for our key machines made in the UK, as well as to our commitment to sustainability and our focus on environmentally friendly production processes.”

European Laser Event

Mazak’s newly upgraded sheet metal processing area will open its doors for visitors as part of the upcoming European Laser Event, taking place from May 20-22, 2025, at the European manufacturing facility in Worcester.

At this event, visitors will see the two new OPTIPLEX 3015 NEO 2D laser cutting machines in action, each with a 6 kW fiber laser. European laser customers will also have the chance to see a demonstration of the Mazak FT-150 NEO tube laser, the ideal machine for automatic material loading, laser cutting, drilling, and parts unloading. Its unique U-axis allows for uninterrupted, high-precision cutting of small to medium diameter tubes at high speed.

New Website for the European Market

In addition to its significant investment in the technical upgrade of its European manufacturing facility, Mazak has also invested heavily in its digital presence, starting with the launch of a new website for the European market this year.

The website boasts high user-friendliness, tailored to the various needs of customers. It features quick responsiveness and a modern, appealing design optimized for use on mobile phones, tablets, and desktop computers.

Key features for customers include easier navigation and quicker access to the most frequently visited sections – product catalogs, technical specifications, service and support, and contact details for sales offices within the company’s extensive distribution network.

The website also includes a dedicated support hub where customers can access service and maintenance centers, the FAQ section, and regional contact information. Mazak’s reliable customer support is always within reach.

Users now also have seamless access to the Mazak iCONNECT web portal, where they can log in via single sign-on for secure and convenient usage. Customers can also easily register for events and training sessions, making it simple to take advantage of the company’s offerings and maximize their investments.

Anita Kenny, Head of European Marketing and CRM at Mazak, describes the new website as follows: “The new Mazak website reflects our commitment to putting customers at the heart of everything we do. We are confident that this modern platform will provide our customers with quick and easy access to crucial information, enabling them to optimize their production and achieve their business goals.”

For more information please visit: https://www.mazak.com/de-de/