Mazak NEO Series: Even More of a Good Thing

At Mazak, we never rest on our laurels and constantly strive to make the best even better. Through continuous improvement and redesign, we’ve built a rock-solid reputation for engineering machines that provide our customers with unmatched levels of performance, quality and reliability.

As a result of our continuous improvement efforts, we developed the NEO Series that takes our well-known existing machine models to the next level in terms of increased speed, precision, efficiency, versatility and productivity. The NEO name is fitting because it means “new,” and for us it stands for “Next, Excellent and Optimal.” As such, the machines feature numerous upgrades and design changes involving spindle speeds and motors, tool change times, control technology and automation, among other aspects.

We kicked off the NEO Series with models from our extremely popular HCN Horizontal Machining Center and VARIAXIS Vertical Machining Center Series. We then quickly expanded to include machines from our HQR Multi-Tasking Series and most recently from our INTEGREX Series with the introduction of the INTEGREX j-200 and j-200/S NEO Multi-Tasking Machines.

The INTEGREX Series is the flagship of Mazak Multi-Tasking Machine technology, and the new NEO models combine even more advanced technology and outstanding value with high-performance productivity. The horizontal Multi-Tasking machines feature single and twin-turning spindle versions along with milling spindles to significantly shorten cycle times and provide single-setup part processing.

To further maximize their material removal rates, we ratcheted up their integral spindles with higher torque capabilities and paired them with faster spindle rpm specifications. We also enhanced their positioning accuracy and expanded their tool magazine capacities, giving them the ability to handle longer tool lengths.

At IMTS 2024, we debuted two additional NEO-version Mazak Multi-Tasking Machines from our HQR Series, the HQR-200/3 NEO and HQR-250/3 NEO, and our PMC NEO software-based control. The HQR NEOs take high-volume production to the extreme. Outfitted with two spindles and three turrets – two upper and one lower – these machines deliver unequaled DONE IN ONE^® part processing in single setups for incredible levels of machine output.

The PMC NEO software allows shops to further maximize output of our modular, pre-engineered PALLETECH automation cell. The software helps shops create a schedule and prioritize jobs within that schedule. It will also look ahead within the schedule and check that all necessary requirements – such as tooling, material and fixturing – for the jobs are in place, and it will notify operators if anything is missing or needs attention.

As we’ve continued to expand our NEO family, the HCN NEO series of horizontal machining centers has grown from the initial HCN-6800 to now include the HCN-4000 and HCN-5000 NEO models with improved standard spindles, tables and tool magazines. The VARIAXIS NEO Series of full 5-axis Vertical Machining Centers has also progressed beyond the initial VARIAXIS i-800 NEO to now include our VARIAXIS i-600 and VARIAXIS i-700 NEO models, all enhanced with powerful CNCs along with faster machining cycle times, expanded workpiece capacities and more automation options.

When it comes to new products, we always compare them to their predecessors, then develop new products that make them even better while also fulfilling current customer needs. This is why we speak in terms of “more” with our continually expanding Mazak NEO Series – more power, more speed, more capacity and so on – that makes the best even better.