The Welding process will be the Big Question. Most would disregard this process because of the Welding element involved. Not shown in this application. But Post Heat Treatment could stabilize the base metal. Of course this process would need to be completed in the Pre Machining stage. Not totally sure IF the Mazak with Welding capabilities would be more cost effective than a Stand Alone, Robotic Welding Cell. I would prefer a Robot Cell, because it could be used for other applications. The disadvantage I see with Welding in the machine. Is delaying the Machining Process. Definitely an interesting concept. But I feel, Welding outside the machine would have more advantages than combining the 2 processes. Especially when considering Post Heat Treatment.
