SMART MANUFACTURING
When laser cutting and machining are combined, optimising equipment utilisation becomes easier to achieve, especially when supported by automated tasks and flexible workflows.
Factors such as customer demand, order size, material supply, workforce availability and logistics can all be fed into adaptive programming systems. This makes it possible to identify improvements and implement them quickly. With the right factory layout and the necessary operator skills in place, the focus then shifts to maximising the opportunities that integrated laser and CNC operations now make possible. The MAZAK SMART SYSTEM, for example, demonstrates the advantages of this approach. By consolidating data from different processes into a single platform, it removes the delays caused by fragmented information and ensures production can start without unnecessary interruptions. This effective scheduling not only helps to optimise resources, saving both time and cost, but also supports reliable inventory control and increases overall capacity.
With the right partner, scheduling benefits do not stop at the point of purchase either. Programming and setup support extend well beyond the customer service centre. Alongside traditional training and technical advice, new tools such as augmented reality are being introduced to strengthen diagnostic, repair and service support, further ensuring that schedules remain on track and downtime is minimised.
CRAFTING CHANGE
be maintained while significantly speeding up the production process, particularly when the advantages of technology and skills of operators blend to achieve the highest standards.
Workplace organisation remains at the core of lean manufacturing principles. Having computercontrolled equipment, such as laser cutters and machine tools positioned side by side makes it easier to share knowledge and expand capabilities. Operators gain crosstraining opportunities simply by working in these integrated environments and can effectively run more than one machine at a time if they can easily move from one to another. As robotics and artificial intelligence develop, continual workforce upskilling will be essential. Yet, there is technology out there that also considers the challenges machine-tool users face. Modern conversational interfaces are easy and intuitive to use, while collaborative robots take on repetitive handling tasks safely alongside skilled staff. Both approaches ensure that automation supports rather than replaces people, making learning and adaptation an ongoing process.
Practical applications are already showing these advantages. In integrated laser and machining, robotic sorting systems can load raw material and remove waste for unattended production periods, sort finished parts and load pallets ready for the next stage of production. With these tasks coordinated by
UKManufacturing Autumn 2025
intelligent software, changeovers take place faster and motion waste is reduced to a minimum. As proficiency grows and teams become more confident through integration and automation, the benefits multiply. Businesses find they can extend their services, diversify production, and deliver more complete solutions to customers. Synchronisation, therefore, does more than raise efficiency, it builds an environment where both machines and people learn continuously, reinforcing each other’s strengths. The impact of automation has been highlighted through the adoption of Mazak fibre systems at AV Metals, a business specialising in sheet metal manufacturing. Previously, the company had relied on an older CO₂ laser, which meant that reliability had become a major issue. However, by upgrading with a Mazak fibre laser solution, AV Metals not only improved cutting consistency but also integrated processes alongside machining. This has removed uncertainty, strengthened planning, and ensured customer orders proceed without delays caused by breakdowns or interrupted workflows.
SCHEDULING FOR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
As technology use in manufacturing increases, more production data is available than ever before, creating a strong foundation for productivity gains.
One of the most immediate benefits of combining laser and machining is the creation of short, simple production flows. But the value doesn’t stop there. Integration also opens up opportunities to add services, improve productivity, reduce energy consumption and raise overall quality standards. On a practical level, linking these operations can help reduce spatial waste. Recognising that grouping machines by type is not always the most logical approach can transform how floor space is used and deliver significant organisational improvements. In fact, Mazak identified this shift as far back as 2012. As the company extended its presence into laser cutting, the focus was placed on combining the latest CNC technology with advanced software and ergonomic machine design.
The aim was to make cuttingedge automation and advanced processing more accessible to a wider customer range of businesses. By aligning the strengths of the laser and machine tool divisions, Mazak set out to deliver greater benefits and efficiencies for manufacturers. When efficiency and organisation go hand in hand, even a single adjustment can trigger broader improvements across a factory. Time saved in one area rapidly translates into wider gains. And, after all, time is money.
Mazak
www.mazak.com/uk-en/
15
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48
