Machine tool automation to have an enhanced role in the manufacturing

August 2, 2022 11:46 am

Digitisation and predictive maintenance technologies for SMEs, tools and new trends for cutting processes harp upon automation for future progress and accuracy, saving downtime.

Rising industrial automation represents the critical factor driving India’s machine tools market growth. Machine tools, the power-driven devices, are utilised for cutting, forming, drilling, grinding, and abrading metals and manufactured components in identical shapes. These tools function through automated, repeatable cutting operations, which improve product uniformity and reduce the overall human interaction required in the production process. Robotics technology for machine tool automation increases utilisation lowers downtime, and saves costs. Automation also helps in preventive maintenance, accuracy and quality components. Industrial robots are a boon to manufacturing, and reliance on these is increasing. Today, Cobots are simultaneously catching up to aid manufacturing.

Outlook 

Be it the adoption of digitisation and automation or the acquisition of newer technologies, and automation is the key. Whether it’s a design solution, a manufacturing solution, or the metrology solution, constant innovation is the recurring phenomenon with increasing emphasis on R&D. Studies indicate investing in machine tools is leading MSMEs to better accuracy and functionality of services for better monitoring and performance. IMARC Group’s latest report, titled “India machine tools market forecast 2022-2027”, offers a comprehensive analysis of the industry, including insights into the India machine tools market. The report also includes competitor and regional research and contemporary advancements in the market. The Indian machine tools market is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 11.45 per cent from 2022 to 2027.

“The machine tools industry plays a driving role in influencing the growth of the manufacturing sector. It pivots core processes by enabling efficient, high precision and effective production of components. Over the years, at MobilTM Lubricants, we have been developing best-in-class solutions and application expertise that have assisted manufacturers in implementing innovative practices that enhance operations, improve safety, minimise environmental impact and streamline maintenance”, says Deepak Miglani, General Manager, Industrial Lubricants, ExxonMobil Lubricants Pvt. Ltd.

The advancement of smart manufacturing will ensure the goal of automation in manufacturing. We had been witness to lockdowns and the wobbling geopolitical situation around Europe. But there is always a silver lining across the horizon. Of course, the entire world deals with supply chain issues, one of which is the microprocessor. The chip shortage has been going on for a long. This could be an opportunity for India to play a big part in developing facilities for innovative technologies for chip manufacturing to meet global supply chain challenges. Government initiatives like PLI schemes are a booster. Nitin Gadkari has announced that our manufacturing component of the GDP target is increased from 13 to 30 per cent. So that is going to be a giant leap. India can encash upon the burgeoning situation with an ambitious goal of accomplishing automation. More and more companies are looking for automation and robotics in the present scenario. Robotic automation plays a vital role in manufacturing. Robot-assisted CNC cells and Cobots deliver a great value when it comes to integrated manufacturing. Many manufacturing professionals are considering upgrading to Industry 4.0 and smart factories, J. Mohankumar, Regional Sales Manager- South India, Schmalz.

India is steadily on the way to developing smart factories. Elucidating his point of view, S.K. Saha, VPMarketing, Electropneumatics & Hydraulic (India) Pvt. Ltd., mentions that all manufacturing is being digitised. Digital manufacturing has arrived, followed by additive manufacturing and IoT. With so many advancements, it’s a changing world with changing paths. The industry is looking for complete automation and intelligent factory solutions. Industry 4.0 technology is now operational in many facilities. India is still a long way from reaching Industry 4.0 status compared to its counterparts. Industry people are now thinking about Industry 4.0 and smart factories so that the system can be perfectly organised and preventive and corrective action can be monitored. AI is an integral part of digitisation, as access to real-time data in conjunction with Knowledge-based machining systems allows for analytics. The AI and the automation-enabled system can help gain operational and performance insights, take corrective actions and increase productivity while transforming industries into smart factories.

Machine tools technologies benefit SME sectors 

Access to technology will improve domestic manufacturers’ manufacturing capacity and promote domestic production. A significant beneficiary of machine tool innovations is the SME and MSME sectors, as they are typically involved in discrete manufacturing – where this innovation and updating is of prime importance. Equipping laser technology will significantly impact small businesses. Also, equipping super-fast laser cutting machines with robotics allows them to work on 3D cutting applications with faster speed and more efficient quality in less time and at a reasonable cost. Asserting his point, S.K. Saha states, “There has been a lot of improvement on the electronic side, and technologies like additive manufacturing are being developed.” Indian machine tools sector offers many lucrative opportunities for investment. Heavy investment is required for upgradation and automation as the industry still recognises the benefit of implementing technology. The need for real-time data, flexibility in manufacturing schedules and lights-out machining, among others, are primary motivators for the intelligent Tools Machine manufacturing markets. While enabling lights-out manufacturing, it also combines in-process inspection and validation, ensuring a watertight production and manufacturing process – avoiding potential post-manufacturing rejections.

Finally, some factors like the demands from OEMs on higher quality and mass customisation needs will help MSMEs invest in newer and updated machine tools and technologies. Robotic automation is essential when manufacturing or repairing nuclear or hazardous material. Machine tool automation will undoubtedly enhance the role in the manufacturing sector. Creating innovative private-public partnerships for automation will strengthen our economy