Mazak European Open House 2023: showcasing the latest machining and laser cutting technologies

Mazak, the global leader in machining centers, laser cutting machines, and automation solutions, recently held an Open House event at its European Technology Center Laser in Milan from March 1-4, 2023. The occasion attracted over 600 visitors, including customers, partners, and industry experts from all Europe.

Machine highlights and laser technology on display

Twelve units, both machines with chip removal and laser machines, were on display, offering a range of solutions for different applications, from sheet metal processing to heavy-duty machining.

The FG-400 NEO, designed for long tubes and structural materials, garnered interest from visitors with its ability to streamline production and improve performance by running multiple processes in one machine. The OPTIPLEX 3015 NEO, equipped with the new MAZATROL SmoothLx CNC Control and MCT3 cutting head, stood out for its excellent accuracy and precision in sheet metal processing. Mazak has recently expanded the range of powers available on this model, introducing the brand-new 12 kW version, which was unveiled for the first time in Europe at the Open House in Milan. The OPTIPLEX 3015 NEO 12 kW on display was equipped with the CST 3015 automation system featuring a single tower mounted above the laser pallet changer. It is fitted with eight separate pallets, each with a load capacity of up to 3,000 kg, and deploys a suction-based system for loading raw material and a dual-supported fork set for unloading processed workpieces.



Along with showcasing their machines, Mazak also presented Mazak iCONNECT, a new digital platform that offers a broad range of customer service functions. The state-of-the-art customer portal, which is accessible to registered clients, provides machine-specific information such as manuals, maintenance videos, parts order history, and professional training resources, among other benefits.

Mazak offered technical seminars twice a day, where they demonstrated various technologies, including this one, in a practical and hands-on manner.

Special activities for Mazak’s customers

Mazak's meet-up, held at the Mazak Technology Center in Cerro Maggiore, in the province of Milan, was essentially a European Open House event. The gathering was well-attended by many Italian customers and also saw a significant number of visitors from other parts of the world. 

Mazak organized a unique initiative for select customer delegations - a multi-day tour of companies in Veneto and Piedmont equipped with Mazak machines or automation solutions, coupled with the chance to savor local delicacies and enjoy sightseeing. This highly popular program was made possible by the collaboration of renowned firms such as Irinox Spa of Conegliano (TV), Moretto Spa of Massanzago (PD), Multitel Pagliero of Manta (CN), and Olimac of Margarita (CN).

We at expometals seized the opportunity of the Open House to have a chat with Gaetano Lo Guzzo, Director of Laser Business Europe at Yamazaki Mazak.

How would you comment on the turnout at the Open House?
The attendance was very good. This get-together, which takes place on a regular basis, was also a chance to present and promote the latest two models in our range: FG-400 NEO, the versatile all-in-one solution for tube processing, and OPTIPLEX 3015 NEO, which excels in 2D laser cutting automation.

What are your thoughts on the current state of the market?
Despite the challenging sociopolitical situation, companies are actively engaged in their work; only a few have been slightly cautious about investments in new technology since the outbreak of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Certainly, the increase in interest rates - dizzying in some countries - has made access to credit more expensive. However, I can say that the market appears to be quite stable today.

Have you noticed any particular trends?
The demand for automation in laser machines is increasing rapidly, not only among larger corporations but also from smaller companies that operate on a single shift:  These companies are also recognizing the benefits of automating their processes and are considering it more frequently. 

What about the current state of the sheet metal and tube markets for Mazak? How do they compare in terms of size and growth rate?
In terms of volumes, the sheet metal market still has more significant specific weight for us compared to the tube market, but the latter is growing at a much higher rate now: the market demand is lower in absolute terms, but it is increasing steadily.

What about your outlook for 2023?
I predict that 2023 will bear significant similarities to 2022, a year that was not particularly negative but undoubtedly less remarkable than the previous year, 2021.

We know that for Mazak, innovation, and investment have always gone hand in hand. Beyond Europe, where is Yamazaki Mazak currently focusing?
One of the places where Mazak has strengthened its territorial coverage is India. We just constructed a new manufacturing plant in Pune, Maharashtra, which began operations in March 2023. The demand for machine tools is expected to grow in India, and the new plant will help Mazak quickly provide products that meet local needs. That’s why the new plant will initially produce a new type of vertical machining center designed for the Indian market, but we plan to gradually increase the production in the future.

What are the upcoming European dates for Yamazaki Mazak?
Mazak has planned several upcoming events in Europe, including the Machineering fair in Brussels, Metal Show & TIB in Bucharest, Lamiera in Milan, and EMO in Hanover. An upcoming Open House has been scheduled for Oct. 25-28, which will showcase the technologies presented at EMO for those who were unable to attend the fair in Germany.

See you there!
If you would like to learn more about Mazak's tube and sheet metal technologies, feel free to contact their experts using the references on the side.