Astrix Networks Inc., operating as Memex Automation, is a provider of manufacturing M2M productivity solutions. Memex was invited by Mazak Optonics to jointly demonstrate Manufacturing Enterprise Real-time Lean Information Network (MERLIN) with Mazak's laser cutting systems at FABTECH 2014. "The joint demonstration showcased MERLIN's ability to connect all manufacturing machines to management, report plant-wide capacity utilization and increase production and income from operations in real-time," said a company spokesperson.
Mazak Optonics was the third division to demonstrate MERLIN as a value-add MTConnect-based solution, according to the company. MERLIN was demonstrated by Mazak at IMTS in September 2014 and at Germany's EMO Hannover metalworking technology tradeshow in September 2013.
"The implementation of MTConnect is one of the simplest and fastest ways to improve productivity and increase machine utilization," said Mazak President Brian Papke. "Mazak's MTConnect implementation provided the highest ROI for any capital investment because of the significant increase in utilization of equipment for a very moderate expenditure."
According to the company, Papke personally drove the project to implement the MTConnect protocol to determine machine availability with maximum accuracy at the company's Kentucky-based North American headquarters, an 800,000 square-foot complex that produces a variety of multi-axis turning and milling machines at a rate of 200 units per month. "An article recently published in a manufacturing productivity magazine reported that Mazak achieved a 42% increase in equipment utilization in its Kentucky plant," said the spokesperson.
"The availability of key data is crucial to managing operational performance," said Marc Lobit, General Manager Sales Support of Mazak Optonics. "The combination of MTConnect and MERLIN will deliver performance details including dashboards that open up tremendous real-time visibility for both individual machines and the entire shop floor."
MTConnect is an open, royalty-free machine communications standard designed to foster greater interoperability between manufacturing devices and software applications. "Mazak executives recognized its potential to facilitate plant-wide integration and enhance automation," said the spokesperson.
According to the company, Memex Automation's Chief Technology Officer Dave Edstrom was instrumental in creating the MTConnect vision in 2006, and he was the President and Chairman of the MTConnect Institute for three and a half years prior to joining Memex in January 2014.
"MERLIN is an MTConnect-based solution that universally connects all machines to management and shows manufacturers how to make more production, generating IRRs of up to 400%," said David McPhail, CEO of Memex Automation.
For more information contact:
John Rattray
VP Sales and Marketing
Memex Automation Inc.
A Division of Astrix Networks Inc.
3425 Harvester Rd, # 200
Burlington, ON Canada L7N 3N1
905-635-0590
jrattray@memex.ca
www.memex.ca
Mazak Optonics Corporation
2725 Galvin Court
Elgin, IL 60124
847-252-4500
sales@mazaklaser.com
www.mazakoptonics.com