There are three flavours: SmoothX for 5-axis control (revealed earlier this year); SmoothG, developed specifically for machines with up to 4-axis simultaneous motion control; and SmoothC for entry-level machines. The latter two were unveiled at EMO this month.
Focusing on the SmoothX, this is capable of ultra-fast processing speeds up to four times faster than its predecessor, enabling it to respond to the demands of the latest generation of servo motors employed.
The launch of SmoothX also marks a major leap forward in usability with the development of the new Smooth Graphical User Interface (GUI), designed in conjunction with the world famous industrial designer Ken Okuyama. This features five new process home screens that present critical data in a single page view, whilst simplifying the key operational stages: from part programming, management of tool data and set-up, through to the actual machining cycle and machine maintenance.
The new Quick Mazatrol interface for SmoothX dramatically reduces the process time and number of keystrokes required to input a program, by 38% compared to its predecessor. This is achieved by the use of touch screen technology and real-time processing of the 3D part shape, in simultaneous view, as the program is complied.
Additionally, Mazatrol SmoothX includes a range of new Mazatrol programming functions, such as Intelligent Pocket Milling that can reduce machining time by up to 60%, compared to conventional offset tool paths.
