A new series of turning machines and vertical machining centres, as well as a new pick-up spindle vertical turning lathe, were introduced at a recent Open Day event in Worcester.

Yamazaki Machinery UK introduced its new Mazak Nexus series of turning machines and vertical machining centres as well as a new Integrex 200-III series multi-tasking machine tool and the IVS-200 inverted spindle CNC lathe at its recent Open House event at Worcester. In total, 17 Mazak machine tools were running on live demonstrations throughout the 4 day event which also gave visitors the opportunity to tour the completely upgraded plant which has, in the past 12 months, undergone a GBP 10m investment. This programme includes the installation of two new FMS machining lines, increasing capacity and efficiency while reducing the numbers of machine tools utilised.

In addition there has been a significant investment in customer support facilities including a new training academy.

The new Mazak Nexus range is very competitively priced while providing the high machining capabilities familiar to users of Mazak products.

The Quickturn Nexus turning machines incorporate all the features of the acclaimed Mazak Quickturn 2 axis lathes but their higher specification includes faster tool change (in under 3 seconds chip-to-chip) and rapid traverse rates of 36 m/min.

In addition, the machines feature larger spindle bores - 61mm, 76mm or 88mm - for applications involving large capacity bar machining.

From the range of 4 models, the Nexus 100 and 200 models were demonstrated.

The new vertical centre Nexus range joins the highly successful VTC 200C and 300C by replacing the VTC 200B but with a greater range of capacities.

The VTC Nexus 410A was demonstrated.

The Mazak Integrex 200-III series is the latest development to the world's most advanced range of multi-tasking machine tools, providing improved single set-up turning and milling performance.

The new model incorporates the same 5 axis capability but now with more power to the milling spindle (15kW) along with higher speeds (15,000rev/min) permitting efficient machining in both steels and aluminium alloys.

There is the additional option of a lower turret which provides for simultaneous machining from top and bottom tooling.

Four axis turning can be carried out using both tool holders or alternatively, both tool stations can operate simultaneously on each of the main and second spindles.

Finally, on demonstration for the first time was the new Mazak IVS-200 inverted spindle CNC lathe which is particularly suited to the manufacture of high volume components.

The Mazak IVS-200 CNC lathe offers the combination of high speed and precision in a very compact machine layout which is designed with a vertical 'hanging' spindle to enable auto-loading and un-loading and simplify transfer between first and second operation machining.

Demonstration machines - among other machines demonstrated at the Open House were the recently introduced Integrex e-410 and e-650 multi-tasking machine tools with their unique e-tower control and operators station, a Variaxis 630 twin pallet 5 axis double column machining centre and an Integrex-200 SY which was demonstrating simultaneous 5-axis machining of turbine blades.

'Even though market conditions have remained tough, Mazak has continued to invest in both its manufacturing infrastructure, new machine tool developments and improvements to its customer support facilities,' explains Tony Saunders, sales director of Yamazaki Machinery UK.

'When the upturn in manufacturing occurs, customers wishing to invest in the latest state-of-the-art high precision machine tools will find that Mazak has a substantially increased range of machine options including the new Nexus range which offer significantly improved production capabilities with a very competitive pricing structure,' he concludes.