MAZAK expands manufacturing campus with new Syncrex Plant

Mazak has increased the size of its Florence manufacturing campus by constructing a new SYNCREX Assembly Plant to enable the fabrication of yet another brand-new line of machine tools that were designed and constructed in Kentucky. The company recently introduced the SYNCREX Series of Swiss-style machine tools, which are specifically built for precision high production of small components, and is housed in a 27,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility that integrates engineering, production, and applications support.

The SYNCREX building has all the overhead cranes and equipment required for its staff to produce 16 distinct models within the SYNCREX Series for the North American market, with an output capability of up to 10 machines per month. The machines are available with four various axis configurations up to a 9X model with complete B-axis contouring capabilities, and four different bar stock capacities (20/25/32/38) as well. A machined base serves as the building’s starting point for production, which then moves through assembly processes, alignment, testing, inspection, and runoff procedures before shipping.

The SYNCREX Assembly Plant is the name of the structure, but much more than simply assembly takes place there, according to Kevin Sekerak, Plant Manager at Mazak. “We have implemented applications support, which is crucial for this specific type of machine, into the manufacturing flow of the new facility. To provide that support, numerous automation and auxiliary systems must be integrated with the machines and tested to ensure that they all meet the performance needs and specifications of the customer. During machine customer runoffs, applications specialists frequently collaborate with assembly personnel.”

All of the SYNCREX sliding-headstock machines are built using Mazak High Damping Composite Castings (HDCC), which are made in the US and machined at Mazak Kentucky. When compared to a cast iron foundation machine, the unique high-stiffness base offers better vibration-damping properties, reduced heat growth, and greater component surface capabilities, according to a company spokeswoman. To guarantee that every machine has the best possible accuracy and repeatability, Mazak also manufactures SYNCREX spindles, headstocks, sheet metal, and many other essential components in Kentucky