Increased efficiency in production with Yamazaki Mazak's 2D laser cutting machines

Smart Manufacturing Mazak Invests in Plant and Digital Infrastructure

2025-05-14 Source: Press release | Translated by AI 3 min Reading Time

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The manufacturer Yamazaki Mazak wants to increase productivity and improve customer service by investing in 2D laser cutting machines. The aim is to strengthen the focus on efficiency and sustainability in European production.

Mazak has installed two new 6 kilowatt fiber laser machines. These are part of a larger investment in the sheet metal department of its European production facility.(Image: Yamazaki Mazak) — Mazak has installed two new 6 kilowatt fiber laser machines. These are part of a larger investment in the sheet metal department of its European production facility.
(Image: Yamazaki Mazak)

The first stage of the automation project was completed at the beginning of 2025 with the commissioning. It aims to raise the productivity of sheet metal processing at the plant in Worcester, UK, to a new level. At the same time, the exhibition hall should also provide an opportunity to showcase the company's laser cutting systems and automation systems under real-life conditions.

Investments to Increase Productivity

At the heart of the technical upgrade is the introduction of two new 2D laser cutting machines from the Optiplex 3015 Neo series with fiber lasers and an output of 6 kilowatts each. They will be used to cut a wide range of components for Mazak machine tools manufactured in the UK. The company is the only UK-based machine tool manufacturer to use its own machines in production.

The Optiplex series machines are characterized by various features. These include Mazak's beam shaping technology and beam diameter control, which increases productivity by up to 40 percent and achieves a superior cutting quality. This leads to significantly shorter cycle times. Thanks to the adjustment of the beam shape, operators can now cut sheets up to 50 millimeters thick with up to four times the stability of conventional laser cutting. The beam shaping can also improve the bevel angle by more than 80 percent compared to conventional machines, resulting in a significantly higher cutting quality.

The two new machines replace three older Hyper Gear 510 laser cutting machines and an NTX-48-CO₂ machine, according to the manufacturer. The new fiber laser machines are fed with sheets via a compact storage tower double system with a double magazine tower and are equipped with a robotic parts sorting system - the Smart Manufacturing Cell. The double magazine tower offers sufficient storage space for material, finished and scrap parts and is equipped with conveyor units that reduce waiting times and lead to a further increase in productivity as a result of unmanned operation.

Improved CO2 Balance

This technical upgrade of the sheet metal cutting division should help the company to achieve its goals with regard to the environment and sustainable production. The introduction of the two Optiplex Neo machines will also have a positive impact on electricity consumption. Compared to the four CO₂ machines previously used, 67 percent less electricity is now consumed - an aspect that contributes to a significantly better overall CO₂ balance at the Worcester plant.

European Laser Event

Mazak's redesigned sheet metal fabrication area will open its doors to visitors as part of the upcoming European Laser Event, an event that will take place at the European manufacturing facility in Worcester from May 20-22, 2025.

Here, the two new 2D laser cutting machines from the Optiplex 3015 Neo series with fiber lasers and an output of 6 kilowatts each will be on display. At the same time, laser customers from all over Europe will be able to see a demonstration of the FT-150 Neo tube laser. This is a system for automatic material loading, laser cutting, drilling and parts unloading. The U-axis enables uninterrupted and high-precision cutting of small to medium diameter tubes at high speed.

Adapted Website for the European Market

However, Mazak has not only invested in the technical upgrading of its European production facility. The same applies to the digital space, starting with the launch of a new website for the European market this year. The website now has a more modern layout, is more user-friendly and has been optimized for use on cell phones, tablets and desktop computers. The website also includes a special support hub that gives customers direct access to service and maintenance centers, the FAQ section and regional contact addresses.

Users now also have access to the I-Connect web portal. This gives customers the opportunity to easily register for events and training courses and thus quickly benefit from the company's offers.

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