The Kentucky-built Mazak Ez series comes to Canada for the Western Manufacturing Technology Show in Edmonton from May 30 to June 1.

Mazak will feature its QT-Ez 12MY multi-tasking chuck, mounted on a face plate or secured between centers and rotated while a cutting tool, normally a single-point tool, is fed into it along its periphery…" title="Workpiece is held in a chuck, mounted on a face plate or secured between centers and rotated while a cutting tool, normally a single-point tool, is fed into it along its periphery…" aria-label="Glossary: turning">turning center and VC-Ez 20 vertical milling and boring. Normally comes with an automatic toolchanger. See automatic toolchanger." title="CNC machine tool capable of drilling, reaming, tapping, milling and boring. Normally comes with an automatic toolchanger. See automatic toolchanger." aria-label="Glossary: machining center">machining center, both from the series of machines that the company says puts Mazak quality and reliability within reach for virtually any shop with productive, space-saving efficiency at an affordable price.

For multi-tasking part processing, the QT-Ez 12MY features milling and Y-axis off-centerline capability, and for further increased productivity and unmanned operations, the machine seamlessly integrates with a range of automation solutions. These include simple bar feeders and parts catchers as well as full cooperative robot installations such as Mazak Automation Systems' Cobot Cell System.

Top: Mazak's QT-Ez 12MY multi-tasking turning center and (above)the VC-Ez 20 vertical machining center.

While the machine comes standard with a 12" chuck, Mazak offers a smaller 10" option. Available bed lengths are 20" and 40", and machine turrets include 2-axis drum style with a bolt-on or BMT55 turret for rotary tool applications. Tailstocks are offered with either manual positioning via hydraulic quill or servo positioning capability.

All QT-Ez models feature powerful and reliable integral motor headstocks, Hybrid MX roller guideways and pre-tensioned ball screws supported at both ends for reliable, thermally stable and precise machine axis movement. An innovative bed casting design provides outstanding rigidity as well as streamlined chip flow that helps to eliminate chip accumulation.

Also an automation-ready machine, the Mazak VT-Ez 20's rugged 40-taper spindle and space-saving design offer unprecedented affordability with a full range of spindle, auto tool changer and chip/coolant management options. The affordable, highly configurable machine meets many production needs with a compact, space-saving design.

Enhanced operator ergonomics and a generous work area ease the loading and unloading of workpieces and tools, while an extremely fast traverse rate of 1,654 ipm (42 m/min) in the X, Y and Z axes enables higher throughput. A 25 hp (18.64 kW) 12,000 rpm (standard) or versatile 29.5 hp (22 kW) 15,000 rpm (optional) spindle offers 81.13 ft-lb (110 Nm) of torque for additional production versatility.

All VC-Ez Series machines sport 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 ensure precise axis movement. For increased maintenance free operation, the auger-type chip removal systems provide an economical solution, or for increased chip volume the addition of an affordable hinge-type chip conveyor that ships affixed to the machine to eliminate the cost of a second shipping pallet.

To ensure ease of use and programming success, Mazak equips all its Ez Series machines with its MAZATROL SmoothEz CNC that provides dual 800 MHz processors, 512 MB of RAM and a vibrant 15" capacitive touch screen that includes a full keyboard and displays up to 60 lines of code. Within the control, 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.

In addition to its Ez Series, Mazak will spotlight its MPower complete customer service and support program that comes with every Mazak machine. The Mazak team will also be on hand to discuss special events happening at the Mazak Edmonton Technical Center.