Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and Mazak have partnered to develop a convergent metal additive manufacturing platform that combines metal additive manufacturing and high-precision machining within a single production workflow. The platform, which features two Mazak VC-Ez 20X Vertical Machining Centers, is designed to support manufacturers producing high-mix, low-volume parts while also providing a production path for low-mix, high-volume applications. The technology will be showcased at IMTS 2026 in the Emerging Technology Center of The Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT).
“We will showcase this innovative platform during IMTS 2026 in The Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT)’s Emerging Technology Center,” said Dan Janka, President of Mazak. “This system represents Mazak’s longstanding relationship with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in terms of machining research and the advancement of hybrid additive manufacturing technology.”
The manufacturing system combines a Mazak VC-Ez 20X five-axis machining center with a Fronius International Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) system. The integrated setup brings additive and subtractive operations into an automated manufacturing framework.
The Fronius WAAM system uses an electric arc and standard welding wire to deposit metal layer by layer. The process provides a large-scale metal additive manufacturing capability and can produce components at high deposition rates while offering flexibility in part design and material use.
After a component is produced through the additive process, it is transferred to the VC-Ez 20X machining center for finishing. The machining centre performs precision milling using standard three-plus-two or full five-axis machining. A Mazak automated palletized transfer system moves common pallets between the additive and machining stages. This allows repeatable workpiece fixturing and supports consistent production across both processes.
The platform is intended for applications including structural repair, rapid tool production and near-net-shape manufacturing. It can also support manufacturing operations that require different part configurations and production volumes. The VC-Ez 20X machines use a five-axis rotary/tilt trunnion table with roller gear cam technology. Axis travels are 31.49 inches in X, 20.07 inches in Y and 20.07 inches in Z, equivalent to 800 mm x 510 mm x 510 mm. Rapid traverse rates reach 1,260 inches per minute on all three axes.
The machines accommodate workpieces up to 27.55 inches in diameter and 23 inches in height, with a maximum weight of 880 pounds (400 kg). Their compact footprint measures 104.21 inches by 146.32 inches. The VC-Ez 20X is equipped with Mazak’s MAZATROL SmoothEz5 CNC, supporting both EIA/G-code and MAZATROL conversational programming.
