At IMTS 2024, Mazak took its Kentucky-built VC-Ez 16 VMC to the next level of advanced manufacturing. Along with the machine's 40-taper spindle and full range of auto tool changer and chip/coolant management options, the VC-Ez 16 demonstrated how virtually any shop can increase part processing capability with the addition of Friction Stir Welding (FSW).
For conventional subtractive machining, the cost-effective VC-Ez 16 features enhanced operator ergonomics and a generous work area that simplifies the loading and unloading of workpieces and tools. Plus, the machine's fast traverse rate of 1,417 IPM in the X, Y and Z axes enables high throughput.
The VC-Ez 16 comes standard with a 25 HP, 12,000 RPM spindle, and a versatile 29.5 HP, 15,000 RPM spindle is available as an option. An efficient 30-tool auto tool changer (50-tool optional) keeps the machine's spindle supplied with tools for long production runs.
Beyond subtractive machining, FSW is a solid-state joining process that uses frictional heat and forging pressure with a nonconsumable tool to join two metal plates without melting the workpiece. Commonly considered a forging process, FSW creates full-penetration, defect-free welded joints stronger than conventional methods and is suited for joining alloys with low melting points, including aluminum, copper and brass, among others. This capability was seamlessly demonstrated on the VC-Ez 16 using the Mazak MegaStir Premium toolholder combined with the MT Tablet option for program download and tool monitoring.
All VC-Ez Series machines feature C-frame designs with X- and Y-axis motion via moving the table and saddle. For rigidity and repeatable part precision, guideway systems use Mazak's MX linear roller guide systems, and dual lagged pre-tensioned ball screws help ensure precise axis movement. For increased maintenance-free operation, the auger-type chip removal system provides an economical solution for increased chip volume.
Mazak's MAZATROL SmoothEz CNC on the VC-Ez 16 provides dual 800 MHz processors, 512 MB of RAM and a vibrant 15" capacitive touchscreen that includes a full keyboard and displays up to 60 lines of code. Within the control, EIA/ISO G-code and MAZATROL conversational programming languages support a full range of programming options directly on the machine, while the MAZATROL TWINS function enables use of Solid MAZATROL, Virtual Machining and Cutting Adviser through Smooth Cam Ai and centralized storage and file management through Smooth Project Manager.
The VC-Ez 16 is designed for standard or customized automation solutions for unattended production and productivity, including full collaborative robot installations, such as Mazak Automation Systems' CC-10 and CC-16 Cobot Cell System models. Additional options include a rotary table, filter tray, dual probe kit, through-spindle and Niagara coolant, auger chip conveyor and Mazak's SUPERFLOW 1,000 PSI high-pressure coolant system. For hands-free adjustment, operators can control an optional programmable coolant and/or air nozzle system via M-code or from a separate control panel for 180°+ range of motion and to teach a specific angular location for every tool.
For more information contact:
Mazak Corporation
P.O. Box 970
Florence, KY 41022-0970
859-342-1700
www.mazakusa.com
Southwest
Chris Papke
Mazak SW Technology Center
10950 Greenbend Blvd.
Houston, TX 77667
281-931-7770
cpapke@mazakcorp.com
www.mazakusa.com
LA
Richard Cahn
Dixie Mill Machine Tools Co.
901 Tchoupitoulass Street
New Orleans, LA 70152
504-525-6101 / 888-462-9519
rcahn@dixiemill.com
www.dixiemill.com
OK, AR
Pioneer Machine Sales
4702 Mimosa Circle
Richmond, TX 77406
832-509-1089
Arkansas location: 479-401-2880
sales@pioneermachinesales.com
www.pioneermachinesales.com
N. TX
Chris Papke
Mazak Corporation
935 S. Kimball St., Ste. 151
Southlake, TX 76092
800-642-6110 / 817-329-6290
cpapke@mazakcorp.com
www.mazakcorp.com
W. TX
Chris Edgar
Magnum Precision Machines, Inc.
12025 Rojas Drive, Suite A
El Paso, TX 79936
915-856-7900
cedgar@magnumabq.com
www.magnumprecisionmachines.com
NM
Chris Edgar
Magnum Precision Machines, Inc.
8448 Washington Place NE
Albuquerque, NM 87113
505-345-8389
cedgar@magnumabq.com
www.magnumprecisionmachines.com
Southeast
Travis Kirby
Mazak Southeast Technology Center
1075 Northbrook Pkwy.
Suwanee, GA 30024
678-985-4800
tkirby@mazakcorp.com
www.mazakusa.com
NC, SC, VA
Crotts & Saunders, LLC
2709 Boulder Park Ct.
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
336-765-7250
cmiller@thehehgroup.com
www.thehehgroup.com/crotts-saunders/
TN
Dennis McCurry
Pinnacle Machine Tools, Inc.
5912 Toole Drive
Knoxville, TN 37919
865-951-0260
mccurry@pinnaclemachine.net
AL, FL Panhandle
Jerry Edwards
Pinnacle Machine Tool Inc.
141 Nick Fitcheard Road
Huntsville, AL 35806
256-852-0900
edwards@pinnaclemachine.net
GA
Tim Kramer
Premier Engineering Co.
1635 Lakes Pkwy. Ste. U
Lawrenceville, GA 30043-5858
678-442-8382
tim@premierengineering.com
www.premierengineering.com
MS
Richard Cahn
Dixie Mill Machine Tools Co.
901 Tchoupitoulass Street
New Orleans, LA 70152
504-525-6101
rcahn@dixiemill.com
www.dixiemill.com
FL
Perry Leonor
Mazak Florida Technology Center
6895 McCoy Drive, Suite 100
Orlando, FL 60504
689-205-5626
pleonor@mazakcorp.com
www.mazakusa.com
Northeast
New England, E. NY, N. NJ
Greg Kaufman
Mazak Northeast Technology Center
700 Old County Cir.
Windsor Locks, CT 06096
800-436-8900 / 860-292-4400
gkaufman@mazakcorp.com
www.mazakusa.com
MD, DE, PA, N. WV, S. NJ, W. NY
Bill Miller
A.W. Miller Technical Sales
7661 Seneca St. / P.O. Box 69
East Aurora, NY 14052
716-652-8286
Harmony, PA: 724-453-1691
Harleysville, PA: 215-256-8281
bmiller@awmiller.com
www.awmiller.com
S. WV
Crotts & Saunders, LLC
2709 Boulder Park Ct.
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
336-765-7250
cmiller@thehehgroup.com
www.thehehgroup.com/crotts-saunders/
Midwest
Kevin Bates
Mazak Midwest Technology Center
300 East Commerce Drive
Schaumburg, IL 60173
847-885-8311
kbates@mazakcorp.com
www.mazakusa.com
ND, SD, MN, W. WI
Joel Lundin
Tony Bailey
Northwest Machine Technologies, Inc.
20851 Commerce Blvd.
Rogers, MN 55374
763-493-3660
tbailey@nwmtec.com
www.nwmtec.com
NE, W. IA
Duane Ohlrich
Industrial Systems & Supply Inc.
2760 E. 29th Avenue
Columbus, NE 68601
402-564-4445
ohlrich@industrial-systems-supply.com
industrial-systems-supply.com
E. IA
Jeff Everett
Mazak Iowa Technology Center
609 Myatt Drive, Ste. 1
Maquoketa, IA 52060
563-652-6065
jeverett@mazakcorp.com
www.mazakusa.com
E. MO, S. IL
Nick Shelton
Municipal Machinery, A TSM Group
2465 Rock Island Blvd.
Maryland Heights, MO 63043
314-994-9905
nshelton@tsmachinegroup.com
municipalmach.com
S. MO, W. MO
Nick Shelton
Concept Machinery, A TSM Group
9900 North by Northeast Blvd.
Fishers, IN 46037
317-845-5588
nshelton@tsmachinegroup.com
www.conceptmachinery.com
E. WI
Mike Cekanor
Machinery Systems North
3280 Gateway Rd.
Brookfield, WI 53045
262-781-4850
mikec@machsys.com
www.machsys.com
N. IL, N.W. IN
Eric Hilliard
Machinery Systems Inc.
614 East State Parkway
Schaumburg, IL 60173
847-882-8085
erich@machysys.com
www.machsys.com
E. MI
Steve Addy
Addy Machinery Co.
36055 Groesbeck Highway
Clinton Township, MI 48035
586-741-3000 / 800-ADDY-NOW
steve@addymachinery.com
www.addymachinery.com
W. MI
Peter Addy
Addy Machinery Co.
3757 Broadmoor Ave. SE, Ste. A & B
Grand Rapids, MI 49512
800-AddyNOW
peter@addymachinery.com
www.addymachinery.com
S. OH
Greg Knox
Knox Manufacturing Solutions
375 Industrial Drive
Franklin, OH 45005
937-743-2641
gknox@knoxmachinery.com
www.knoxcnc.com
IN, KY
Nick Shelton
Shelton Machinery, A TSM Group
9900 North by Northeast Blvd.
Fisher, IN 46037
317-845-5588
nshelton@tsmachinegroup.com
www.sheltonmachinery.com
N. OH
Motch & Eichele
318 Remington Road
Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44224
800-833-9730
jszymczyk@thehehgroup.com
www.thehehgroup.com/motch-eichele/
West
CO, E. WY
Randy Breitenbach
Action Machinery International
7790 S. Wheeling Ct. Unit A
Englewood, CO 80112
303-532-2900
randy@action-machinery.com
www.action-machinery.com
WA, OR
Mark Harris
CNC Machine Services, Inc.
7808 184th St. SE
Snohomish, WA 98296
425-788-4500
sales@cncmachineservice.com
www.cncmachineservice.com
N. ID
Dave Fisher
Dependable Machine
88 W Orchard Ave.
Hayden, ID 83835
866-967-0146 / 208-714-4652
sales@dependablemachineryrepair.com
www.dmi-cnc.com
AZ, S. NV
Chris Edgar
Magnum Precision Machines
4848 S. 35th St.
Phoenix, AZ 85040
602-431-8300
cedgar@magnumabq.com
www.magnumprecisionmachines.com
UT, S. ID, MT, W. WY
Tom Weaver, General Manager
Smith Machinery Company
41 W Guest Avenue
Salt Lake City, UT 84115
80l-263-6403
tweaver@smithmachinetools.com
www.smithmachinetools.com
S. CA
Jeff Shaver
Mazak Western Technology Center
Aerospace Technology Center
1333 West 190th Street
Gardena, CA 90248
310-327-7172
jshaver@mazakcorp.com
www.mazakusa.com
N. CA
Jeff Shaver
Mazak Northern California
Technical Center
47273 Fremont Blvd.
Fremont, CA 94538
jshaver@mazakcorp.com
www.mazakusa.com