FLORENCE, Ky., December 3, 2018 – Mazak Corporation has announced its
acquisition of MegaStir, a supplier of friction stir welding (FSW) tools and technology
located in Provo, Utah. With the acquisition, Mazak continues to expand and build upon
its HYBRID Multi-Tasking Machine Technology. The new Mazak MegaStir will provide
further system advancements and evolve into an FSW technology center. A resident
FSW machine in Provo as well as in other Mazak Technology Centers will provide
customers the potential for real manufacturing solutions in a Done in OneÒ capacity.
Through several key developmental collaborations and now the MegaStir acquisition,
Mazak continues to pioneer the HYBRID Multi-Tasking concept. One that extends
beyond the combination of additive and subtractive processes to also include others
such as FSW capabilities for complete part processing on one machine tool platform
and often in one setup.
Mazak first collaborated with MegaStir on the development of the Mazak VTC-800 FSW
vertical 5 axis machining center and they recently introduced the Mazak VTC-300C
FSW at the IMTS show in Chicago. Designed and manufactured in Kentucky, the VTC-
300C FSW features Mazak’s MAZATROL SmoothG CNC, a powerful 40-taper spindle,
full traveling-column design and a fixed table for the machining of extremely long and
heavy workpieces (or multiple work-holding fixtures). The FSW package adds friction
stir welding capability to the spindle via a unique tool holder and includes closed-loop
FSW process control as well as FSW programming software that enhances the speed
and capability of the process.
According to Dan Janka, president of Mazak Corporation, the MegaStir acquisition is a
testament to Mazak’s rock-solid commitment to furthering the HYBRID Multi-Tasking
Machine concept. “Our goal is to continuously explore and develop new technologies,
processes and product innovation that will keep our customers productive, competitive
and profitable,” he said, “and the various Mazak FSW machines are perfect examples
of that, as are the other various machine models within the Mazak HYBRID Machine
Series.”
Since 2002, MegaStir has led the industry with improved FSW tool material innovation
and applications. Designed for endurance and quality welding, MegaStir tools
consistently produce top quality, high strength welds in a single pass.
Dale Fleck will head up operations as the general manager of the new Mazak MegaStir
and said that all those at MegaStir are extremely thrilled to now be part of the Mazak
team. “Together with Mazak, we will advance FSW’s applications not only within the oil
and gas industry sector but also into other new and dynamic high-tech segments as
well.”
FSW is a solid-sate joining process that uses frictional heat and forging pressure to
create full-penetration, defect-free welded joints with greater strength than conventional
welding methods. The process utilizes a non-consumable tool to join two metal plates
without melting the workpiece. Commonly considered a forging process, FSW is wellsuited
for joining alloys with low melting points, including aluminum, copper and brass,
among others.