More than 82,000 industrial decision-makers, including many of your competitors, attend the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) to get ideas and find answers to their manufacturing problems. They will see new technology demonstrated … and choose the best for their needs. Signup to get an email when registration opens.

At IMTS 2012 they find ways to cut costs and get more work. They know that to survive and succeed, they must keep up with technology … and stay ahead of their competitors!

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Florence, Kentucky, October 27, 2011 – Thousands of North American manufacturers attended T3 – Tomorrow’s Technology Today, a Discover Mazak 2011 event. As a uniquely formatted event, T3 took place over the course of two weeks, allowing manufacturers to experience the absolute latest in machine tool technology and innovation in an intimate, interactive environment. Held at Mazak’s Florence, Kentucky campus, T3 was the largest, most comprehensive manufacturing technology solutions event ever held by a private company in the manufacturing industry.

For T3 attendees, advanced machine tool technology was one of the main attractions. Mazak debuted and demonstrated over 30 new machines, including models from Japan and several designed and built at the Kentucky plant, including the QUICK TURN NEXUS 450 MY Multi-Tasking CNC Turning Center, VERTICAL CENTER SMART 530C Vertical Machining Center, the ORBITEC 20 Machining Center and the new VERTICAL CENTER NEXUS – COMPACT Vertical Machining Center, which is designed for medical industry work.

Machine models from Japan debuting in the United States at T3 included the new VARIAXIS i-Series of 5-axis Multi-Tasking Machining Centers and the FJV 60/80 High-Precision Vertical Machining Center. Mazak also debuted the new, linear motor-driven Y-axis SUPER VELOCITY CENTER 2000L/200-II for long and large parts such as those often found in the aerospace industry. The HORIZONTAL CENTER NEXUS 6800-II featuring a hard metal machining package and the INTEGREX i-630V for gear cutting capability were also demonstrated.

Many of the new machines at T3 are additions to Mazak’s Five Levels of Multi-Tasking, which represent the most comprehensive lineup of Multi-Tasking technology in the world and one that addresses all industry segments. At T3, Mazak displayed 15 machine models from its Five Levels of Multi-Tasking – four machine models from Level One, two models from Level Two, two models from Level Three, four models from Level Four and one machine model from Level Five.

Level One machines, which typically offer a single turning spindle and drum-style turret with rotating tool capability for processing minimally complex workpieces, were the QUICK TURN SMART 250, SLANT TURN NEXUS 550M, and the MEGA TURN NEXUS 900M. Level Two machines add Y-axis functionality for off-center machining operations and Done-In-One machining using twin spindles/milling turret or twin spindles/twin turrets. Level Two machines displayed at T3 included the QUICK TURN NEXUS 250 MSY, 350 MY and 450 MY, along with the HYPER QUADREX 200 MSY and 450M and the MULTIPLEX 6200Y-II.

Independent milling spindle headstocks with B-axis indexing, as well as Y-axis travels and tool storage magazines, characterize Level Three of Mazak’s Five Levels of Multi-Tasking. In the Level Three category at T3, Mazak demonstrated the INTEGREX j-200 and j-400.

With an emphasis on automation and processing large or highly complex workpieces, Level Four encompasses full, simultaneous 5-axis machining. Machines showcased from this level included the INTEGREX i-150, i-200 ST and i-400 ST machine models, as well as the INTEGREX e-420H-S II and INTEGREX e-670H II.

The addition of specialized machining tasks, such as gear cutting, honing and grinding, transform a Level Four Multi-Tasking machine into a Level Five Ultra-Tasking machine that processes even the most demanding and complex parts complete in single setups. The Level Five Ultra-Tasking machine at T3 was the INTEGREX i-630V.

Machines demonstrated from all five Multi-Tasking levels, along with Mazak’s Multi-Tasking Machine Selector Tool interactive experience, offered T3 attendees an effective way to determine the best multi-tasking technology for meeting their specific application and process needs.

Additionally, Mazak premiered its new MAZATROL MATRIX 2 CNC control, which is designed to maximize 5-axis machining performance. MATRIX 2 provides increased processing speeds and functionality that together result in shorter part cycle times and vastly superior surface finishes.

Another unique aspect of T3 was the participation of each of Mazak’s Value Inspired Partners (VIP) that demonstrated their latest manufacturing innovations and shared with customers the ways in which their collaboration with Mazak results in more highly productive solutions for manufacturers. Each VIP conducted a technical seminar in The Learning Center at the National Technology Center and Center for Multi-Tasking and Manufacturing Excellence – a facility focused on education and training.

Additionally, technical specialists from Mazak’s VIP partners were stationed at the various Points Of Action near machine tool cutting demonstrations. Both Mazak technicians and technical specialists from the VIP partners answered attendee questions, offered valuable part processing advice and explained the technology being demonstrated.

T3 attendees also took part in the first public tours of Mazak’s recently expanded manufacturing floor. Those on the tours experienced the latest results of Mazak’s continuous investment in its U.S. manufacturing operations, which has included expanding the Kentucky facility’s manufacturing floor space and making significant technology upgrades. These continuous expansions and upgrades, coupled with Mazak’s Production-On-Demand approach to manufacturing, allow the company to quickly introduce new, innovative products into the market and continue to be highly competitive.

Factory floor expansions have entailed the installation of an additional 5-axis 10-meter double-column Mazak VERSATECH V-140N machining center for increasing large-size part production capabilities. Mazak also installed three Mazak Optonics OPTIPLEX 3015 laser fabrication centers in an FMS that improves the processing of sheet metal machine components. And a new paint system for large and heavy sheet metal parts, as well as new spindle repair/rebuild areas, were added.

About AW Miller

A.W. Miller is a full-service, sales and application engineering-based distributor, offering dedicated customer product support programs through each of our fully equipped regional technology centers located in Toronto, Montreal, Buffalo & Pittsburgh.  Please contact us to help oyu solve any tooling problem you have at www.awmiller.com

About Mazak Optonics & AW Miller

Mazak Optonics Corporation is a major supplier of laser-cutting systems, offering 50 laser models and leading the industry in the implementation of emerging laser technologies distributed by AW Miller (www.awmiller.com).

The company’s 50,0000 sq. ft. North American Headquarters are located in Elgin, Illinois, and feature a 25,000 sq. ft. laser technology center housing up to 18 machines for demonstrations and training. Mazak Optonics is part of Yamazaki Mazak Corporation (Oguchi, Japan), the global leader for the manufacture of machine tools and systems for the precision machining of metal parts, including CNC turning centers, horizontal and vertical machining centers, Multi-Tasking machining centers, turnkey cells and software solutions. The North American Headquarters for Yamazaki Mazak are located in Florence, Kentucky. For more information on Mazak Optonics’ products and solutions, visit AW Miller Laser’s web page.

Florence, Kentucky, September 19, 2011 – Mazak Corporation today announced that it has begun exporting machines designed and built at the 2company’s Florence, Kentucky plant to Japan and other countries in Asia, as well as to Brazil and other South American countries.  Initially, Mazak Corporation will export a range of Kentucky-built models to these countries beginning in October with the QUICK TURN SMART Series. Exports to Europe will begin with the QUICK TURN NEXUS 450-II MY Multi-Tasking machines and the ORBITEC 20 machining centers, both of which are being featured at EMO in Hannover, Germany, September 19-24.

The decision to export machines from Kentucky comes as a natural progression for Mazak Corporation, reflecting the company’s continued growth in the North American market, the ongoing commitment to the highest quality standards, and incorporating new product designs from the U.S.

“Exporting Kentucky-designed and built machines reaffirms the fact that the United States remains a very competitive manufacturing environment for advanced technology products,” said Brian Papke, president of Mazak Corporation. “In fact, we see the exporting of Kentucky-built machines as a catalyst that lays the groundwork for future expansion of our North American manufacturing operations.” Papke further advised with regard to the manufacturing industry, “The fundamentals of our North American manufacturing sector are solid. To ensure its continued strength and viability as the global economic climate changes, the U.S. together with industry leaders must support investment in new technology that accelerates productivity, as well as improving workforce education and training.  But if done correctly, there are significant opportunities for manufacturing in North America.”

ISO 9001:2008 certified, Mazak Corporation opened its North American Headquarters in Florence, Kentucky in 1974, and since then, has continued to expand and invest in its manufacturing operations.  Over the last three decades, Mazak has expanded its manufacturing operations in the U.S. 15 times, growing the facility to over 600,000 sq. ft. Mazak currently manufactures over 28 series of machines and over 100 models at its Kentucky plant, including vertical 3-, 4- and 5-axis machining centers, NEXUS turning centers and NEXUS Multi-Tasking machines.

Most recently, Mazak has invested $13 million in expanding the Kentucky facility’s manufacturing capabilities through additional floor space and significant technology upgrades. These investments will continue through 2011, with the installation of an additional 5-axis 10-meter double-column Mazak VERSATECH machining center for increasing large-size part production capabilities and three Mazak Optonics OPTIPLEX 3015 laser fabrication centers in an FMS system that improve the processing of sheet metal machine components. A characteristic of the plant is that Mazak uses its own multitasking INTEGREX technology and PALLETECH systems to provide the same attractive levels of productivity offered to customers.

Mazak applies their unique Production-On-Demand approach to manufacturing in its Kentucky plant, which incorporates modular assembly operations to reduce inventory and streamline production, allowing the company to quickly introduce new, innovative products into the market.

Manufacturers will have the opportunity to experience the QUICK TURN NEXUS and ORBITEC machines first hand, along with over 30 other models of new machines at T3 – Tomorrow’s Technology Today, a Discover Mazak 2011 event. The largest event of its kind, T3 is scheduled for October 18-20 and 25-27, and will host large numbers of manufacturers from across North America. In addition to featured machine technology, attendees will have the opportunity to tour Mazak’s manufacturing plant and learn about the latest in complementary technologies from Mazak’s VIP technology partners including Sandvik Coromant, Renishaw, Inc., Parlec, Seco Tools, LNS America and Royal Products. Live cutting demonstrations on all 30 machines will provide a broad spectrum of capability for manufacturers of different industries. For more information on T3 and to register, please visit our website.

About AW Miller

The survey also showed that, at the same time, close to half of respondents cite “keeping production costs under control” and “improving workforce productivity” as their most pressing challenges. That means ongoing investment in new technology and processes is not only happening, but continues to play a key role as manufacturers rebound from the economic downtown of 2008-2009, said Nick Samain, Event Manager with SME, which is organizing the upcoming Canadian Manufacturing Technology Show 2011 (CMTS 2011).

Responding to the survey, organizers of CMTS 2011 – Canada’s leading manufacturing event, which takes place October 17-20 at the Direct Energy Centre in Toronto – have announced an expanded show for this year, featuring live equipment demonstrations, a 600-exhibit trade show, an exclusive industry keynote, interactive panel discussions and extensive networking opportunities.

“Our survey shows that there is optimism for the future, and as Canadian companies look for ways to increase efficiencies while keeping costs down, they rely on a venue like CMTS more than ever to help break through the massive clutter of information out there,” said Samain.

When asked to name the most pressing challenges they face today, one-third of SME survey respondents pointed to either expanding into new markets, finding and retaining qualified personnel, or updating equipment and processes. Meanwhile, 22 per cent reported difficulty keeping up with industry trends.

According to the survey, 58 per cent of respondents have increased their manufacturing equipment budgets this year while 29 per cent have maintained the same budgets. Sixty per cent of those surveyed are exploring areas for diversification, with 62 per cent planning to upgrade their machining and equipment as part of that strategy.

Other areas earmarked for upgrading or diversification include design and engineering (45 per cent), processing equipment (38 per cent), quality (38 per cent) and materials (35 per cent). Just under 75 per cent of respondents plan to invest in manufacturing equipment this year. Budgets range from $1 million and over (10.5 per cent); $250,000 to $999,999 (16.3 per cent); $50,000 to $249,999 (25.4 per cent); and, under $50,000 (21.8 per cent). Two-thirds of respondents noted that trade shows play a role in their purchasing strategies. 81.3 per cent use trade shows to see equipment in action; 70.3 per cent to learn about new applications; 72.5 per cent to see new products; and, 52.7 per cent to meet with technical staff.

About AW Miller

A.W. Miller is a full-service, sales and application engineering-based distributor, offering dedicated customer product support programs through each of our fully equipped regional technology centers located in Toronto, Montreal, Buffalo & Pittsburgh.

These numbers and all data in this report are based on the totals of actual data reported by companies participating in the USMTC program.

“At this pace, the industry would post orders equal to all of 2010 by the end of August,” said Douglas K. Woods, President of AMT. “Still, industry leaders view the rest of 2011 with cautious optimism given the weakness in parts of the economy illustrated by the Dow’s plunge at the beginning of August. We expect a bump in orders related to customers taking advantage of the current Bonus Depreciation rate before it is reduced in 2012.”

The United States Manufacturing Technology Consumption (USMTC) report, jointly compiled by the two trade associations representing the production and distribution of manufacturing technology, provides regional and national U.S. consumption data of domestic and imported machine tools and related equipment.  Analysis of machine tool consumption provides a reliable leading economic indicator as manufacturing industries invest in capital metalworking equipment to increase capacity and improve productivity.

U.S. manufacturing technology consumption is also reported on a regional basis for five geographic breakdowns of the United States.

Northeast Region

At $61.82 million, June manufacturing technology orders in the Northeast Region were down 2.9% when compared with the $63.68 million total for May but up 18.3% when compared with June a year ago. The year-to-date total of $367.33 million is 72.1% more than the comparable figure for 2010.

Southern Region

June manufacturing technology orders in the Southern Region totalled $65.77 million, 18.5% more than May’s $55.49 million and 94.2% more than the June 2010 total. With a year-to-date total of $306.30 million, 2011 is up 64.0% when compared with 2010 at the same time.

Midwest Region

Midwest Region manufacturing technology orders in June stood at $155.39 million, 5.5% more than the May total of $147.24 million and up 114.0% when compared with last June. At $855.13 million, the 2011 year-to-date total is 157.1% more than the comparable figure for 2010.

Central Region

Manufacturing technology orders in the Central Region in June totalled $124.86 million, up 30.8% from May’s $95.48 million and up 126.7% when compared with the June 2010 figure. The $677.66 million year-to-date total is 108.2% higher than the total for the same period in 2010.

Western Region

Western Region manufacturing technology orders totalled $51.55 million in June, 40.7% more than the $36.64 million total for May and 99.2% higher than the tally for June 2010. At $247.35 million, 2011 year-to-date is up 70.5% when compared with last year at the same time.

Mazak Corporation engineering at its U.S. facility has a long history of developing machines and standard options that meet and exceed the demands of North American customers. The company has added new machine models to its extensive product lines every year since 1994 and would exhibit its Kentucky developed machines at IMTS tradeshows.

Mazak Corporation currently produces over 100 different models of Turning Centers, Multi-Tasking machines, and Vertical Machining Centers, many of which include 5-axis machining capabilities. At Mazak’s U.S. facility, the company incorporates modular assembly operations as part of its “Production-On-Demand” manufacturing principle, as well as using an extensive amount of Mazak Multi-Tasking technology and unattended machining operations. With such advanced manufacturing in place, Mazak can quickly introduce new innovative products and technologies that are highly competitive within the U.S. marketplace.

The Kentucky-built machines appearing at EMO are the Multi-Tasking QUICK TURN NEXUS 450-II MY and the ORBITEC 20 Valve Production Center. The QUICK TURN NEXUS 450-II MY has beenwell accepted in the U.S. market, and demand for the machine continues to grow. The machine is the largest model in Mazak’s NEXUS series of Turning and Multi-Tasking machines developed for the oil and gas services and construction machinery industries.

The QUICK TURN NEXUS 450-II MY showcases not only turning and milling, but also boring capabilities for long, large-diameter shaft-type workpieces. The machine’s special combination tailstock, equipped with a bull nose center and a 40” boring bar, allows for deep-hole boring to depths of up to 31.5″.

The machine’s headstock features a 7.2” through-bore size and a 50 hp integrated spindle motor that provides a maximum speed of 2,000 rpm. Optional 18” or 21” chuck sizes are available. Together with the Y-axis travel of a 12-position milling turret, the spindle is used as a C-axis, capable of being indexed at 0.0001° increments to accurately position workpieces for square facing and slotting cuts or off-center-line drilled holes.

Mazak’s Kentucky developed ORBITEC 20, featuring a unique headstock spindle design and optional two-pallet changer, provides quick and easy setups and increases throughput for large valve body machining. Equipped with a 40 hp, 600 rpm integrated spindle motor and axis travels of 11.8″ (X), 23.62″ (U), 23.62″ (V) and 48.43″ (Z), the ORBITEC 20 machines part diameters up to 20″ and allows for a variety of valve features, including the facing of flange surfaces, conicalboring of taper holes, face milling and endmilling, to be done in single setups.

Additionally, with the two-pallet changer on the ORBITEC 20, Mazak’s PALLETECH solution can be incorporated to link the ORBITEC 20 with a Mazak horizontal machining center having a pallet size of 24.8”.

About Mazak Corporation
Mazak Corporation is a leader in the design and manufacture of productivity-improving machine toolsolutions. Committed to being a partner to customers with innovative technology, its world-class facility in Florence, Kentucky recently increased its production capacity to 150 machines per month in 2011. The facility’s “Production on Demand” manufacturing concept uses the latest in machine tool technologies as part of its lean strategy. Continuous training and development of the workforce has created a “lean” culture, which has created opportunities for continuing growth in America. Mazak maintains eight Technology Centers across North America to provide local hands-on applications, service and sales support to its customers. For more information on Mazak’s products and solutions, visit www.mazakusa.com or follow us on Twitter at @MazakCorp and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/MazakCorp.

Local media was also on hand covering the event. Reporters from the
Cincinnati Enquirer and Cincinnati television stations WXIX Fox 19, WKRC
17 CBS and WLWT 5 NBC conducted interviews with the drivers, discussing
Penske’s technical partnership with Mazak and other racing-related
topics.

The machine shop at Penske Racing uses Mazak’s VERTICAL TURNING CENTER
800/30 SR, VERTICAL CENTER NEXUS 510 C, QUICK TURN NEXUS 250 MSY, and
VERTICAL CENTER NEXUS 410 B. These machine tools give Team Penske a
competitive advantage in manufacturing both its simple components in the
Team’s race shop and its extremely complex ones machined in the Team’s
engine shop, where they have an INTEGREX e-410, INTEGREX 300, VERTICAL
CENTER NEXUS 510 C, VERTICAL CENTER NEXUS 410 B, QUICK TURN NEXUS 250 M
and a VERTICAL TURNING CENTER 200 B.

“We were proud to be able to welcome the Penske Racing Team drivers to
our facility and to display the Kurt Busch Sprint Cup No. 22 Pennzoil
car and Brad Keselowski’s No. 22 Nationwide Series Discount Tire car.
Mazak has long been a strong Penske Racing technology sponsor since
1994, and the Mazak logo can be seen on these Penske racing cars,” said
Brian Papke, president of Mazak. “Penske Racing uses Mazak machines to
manufacture various critical car components, and many of those
components were showcased for Mazak employees to see exactly how the
innovative machine tools that they build are helping to keep Penske in
the winner’s circle.”

During the factory tour, both Busch and Keselowski showed marked
interest in the Mazak technology that plays a key role in the
manufacturing of components for their racecars. The drivers also
acknowledged how critical technical sponsorships, such as the one
withMazak, are to Penske Racing’s success.

Mazak is considered the largest metalworking machinetool builder in the
world and a technological leader of the industry. The company is well
established internationally with technology centers in 30 different
locations including all the major countries of the world, and factories
in the United States, Japan, United Kingdom, Singapore and China. The
Florence, Kentucky, facility is Mazak’s North American headquarters and
employs 455 people.

Busch and Keselowski were in the Kentucky area for the July 9 NASCAR
Sprint Cup Quaker State 400 race at the Kentucky Speedway in Sparta. The
speedway is a short distance from the Mazak facility, and the Quaker
State 400 is the speedway’s first hosted NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.

Busch drives the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Dodge for Penske Racing Team and
recently won his first-ever NASCAR Cup Series road course victory, the
Toyota/Save Mart 350 at the Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California, on
June 26. His racing career includes 22 victories, 80 top-five and 153
top-10 finishes, along with 12 career Cup Series poles and a Cup Series
title.

As a second-year Penske Team Racing driver, Keselowski has had the
opportunity to get behind the wheel of the well-known No. 2 Miller Lite
Dodge during the 2011 season. Fresh off his first NASCAR championship in
the Nationwide Series, Keselowski is well positioned for a strong Cup
Series run in 2011.

About Mazak Corporation & AW Miller
Mazak Corporation is a leader in the design and manufacture of
productivity-improving machine tool solutions. Committed to being a
partner to customers with innovative technology, its world-class
facility in Florence, Kentucky recently increased its production
capacity to 150 machines per month in 2011. The facility’s “Production
on Demand” manufacturing concept uses the latest in machine tool
technologies as part of its lean strategy. Continuous training and
development of the workforce has created a “lean” culture, which has
created opportunities for continuing growth in America. Mazak maintains
eight Technology Centers across North America to provide local hands-on
applications, service and sales support to its customers. For more
information on Mazak’s products and solutions, visit www.awmiller.com

We are please to share with you our our new website www.awmiller.com

In the design of the new website, AW Miller created a single location for all the information, specifications and case studies that will help their clients in the process of buying new & used equipment.  Within the next two weeks we intend to create a simple portal where all of our customers & prospects can come together and share best practices, solutions and business development ideas, said Bill Miller, President of AW Miller.