Mr. C. S. Sharma is the Joint Director and Head- of PMU(UAS) in the Quality Council of India. Coming from a background in Electronics and Communications Engineering, he is MBA in Finance. With over two decades of diverse experience in 3rd party certification/accreditation, Total Quality Management, Lean Management, International cyber laws, skill training, etc., Mr. Sharma is a qualified lead assessor for a variety of management systems. He oversaw the world’s largest personnel credentialing program for the Indian Air Force, as well as Asia’s first accredited certification for the National Accreditation Board for Education and Training. Presently, Mr. Sharma is in charge of various conformity assessment schemes and programs at QCI, such as UAS, the Cybersecurity Framework for Critical Information Infrastructure, and others.

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#Oemupdate #IndustryTalks #Computernumericalcontrol #CNC #Shaping #Metal #Forming #Technologies #automotive #aerospace #medical #consumer #products #electronics #industries

Computer numerical control (CNC) technology is revolutionizing the manufacturing industry with its ability to precisely cut, shape, and form metal parts and components. Sheet metal fabrication is one of the most popular subtractive processing methods for cutting sheet metal into parts. The demand for CNC metal-cutting machines is rising, especially in the automotive, aerospace, defense, medical devices, consumer products, and electronics industries.

The latest advancements in metal forming technologies have further increased manufacturing efficiency. The growth of automation and Industry 4.0 trends has also fueled the demand for CNC machines, as they offer higher automation and connectivity options that can be integrated into the manufacturing process. As a result, emerging economies are adopting CNC metal-cutting machines, presenting numerous opportunities for growth in this sector.

OEM Update is hosting a Zoom session on “CNC Machines Shaping Metal Forming Technologies” on April 25, 2023, at 4:00 pm to address the emerging opportunities. During this 90-minute session, industry experts will discuss the advances in digital manufacturing practices in sheet metal forming, trends in automation and Industry 4.0, and competitive challenges faced by traditional manufacturing processes and skilled workforce for operating such machines.

PANELISTS

Mr. C. S. Sharma, Joint Director and Head- PMU(UAS), Quality Council of India: “Importance of quality and Current quality compliance ecosystem”
Mr. Preetesh Singh, Specialist CASE and alternate Powertrains, NRI Consulting, and Solutions India Pvt. Ltd: “Impact of IIoT and connected technologies on CNC Metal Shaping and Forming Technologies”
Mr. Daniel Raravi, Director – Marketing & Strategic Initiatives, Mastercam: “CAM for Advanced Manufacturing”

#Oemupdate #IndustryTalks #Computernumericalcontrol #CNC #Shaping #Metal #Forming #Technologies #automotive #aerospace #medical #consumer #products #electronics #industries

Igus India plans to invest 100 crores (12 Million euros) in setting up new facility to strengthen and grow operations in India.

 igus announced the setup of a new facility at Bengaluru in India and further strengthen and grow its successful operations in the country for over two decades, since it established as a subsidiary in 2000. Igus India, a wholly owned subsidiary of the German motion plastics company igus GmbH, announced that the company plans to invest INR 100 crore to enlarge the availability of items and establish value adding processes at its new plant. Igus India has taken up a new four-acre facility near Budigere in Bengaluru. Igus’ new facility will be spread over 84,000 sq feet with world-class equipment and infrastructure in motion plastic production. Igus has already invested around INR 15 crore in the first phase of construction of the facility, which is expected to be operational in the coming months.  

 Igus India currently is the 6th largest among 38 subsidiaries and the company’s growth plans in the country has gained further momentum after doubling its growth in the market in the last two years.  Igus India revenues have grown from INR 118 crores in 2020-21 (during the pandemic) to INR 199 crores in 2021-22 and to INR 284 crores in 2022-23. Igus India forecasts to sustain and further accelerate growth with the additional investments to strengthen its operations.  

 Igus India’s growth plans is coupled with a continued quest for innovation within the space that Igus is globally recognized for. The company launched 190 new products in 2023 for the India market and several digital services and solutions under its global program, “Enjoyneering”, advocating fun with innovation in  

Engineering. “Enjoyneering” aims to make the job of engineer’s fun, helping them unleash their engineering power with innovation for better productivity and success at work.  

 Elaborating on the growth plans for India, Deepak Paul, Managing Director, igus (India) said: “Our continued investments in our manufacturing capabilities in India reiterate our commitment to deliver cutting-edge products and solutions to customers here and globally. Igus has a global focus on cost-sensitive and sustainable solutions, designed to meet customer demands, in line with our motto ‘Tech up, cost down’, which is also the Indian approach to technology and innovation, a key factor that has led to our significant growth in the country. With the economy looking buoyant and with our continued commitment to invest in growth, we are looking to further double our current revenues in a shorter span of the next 3-4 years.” 

Santhosh Jacob, Country Manager and Director, Igus India added, “Technology and innovation have always been igus’s cornerstone and prime focus. Along with the 190 new innovations, we have launched the iguverse, an igus metaverse and an efficient user-friendly platform that empowers sales and engineering with virtual reality. This enables companies to save time, money, and resources in product development, optimization, and maintenance and virtually simplifies engineering. The digital twin in iguverse can also be used for training. Our aim is to develop new solutions for smaller companies with limited budgets and easy applications”.

 Talking about Igus’ focus on sustainability and commitment to the environment, Stephen Moreno Simpson, International Group Development, Igus GmbH said, “Igus has been concerned about the environmental impact of plastic and is committed to the concept of recycling to ensure sustainability. Keeping this in mind, we have initiated ‘Chainge’, a recycling program, wherein customers can send their discarded energy chains to igus for recycling, irrespective of the company they purchased from and this will be recycled responsibly. In a path-breaking initiative, the igus-bike is the world’s first robust and durable fully-designed bicycle using recycled plastic. The bike uses plastic rim brakes ensuring maximum safety and is compatible with the common V-Break brake pads. ‘Reguse’ is another initiative we run, that turns electrical devices, like for example waste computers we use in our job, into functional devices for less demanding employees personal use. Besides, we have our tree planting projects, wherein we have planted over 9000 trees in India and over 30,300 trees globally”.  

The conference was divided into four thematic sessions: Bio Initiative, Electrification, Gas Based Mobility and Circularity. These sessions delved into various topics, including the use of low-carbon fuels with a specific focus on ethanol and gaseous fuels.

In alignment with the vision of promoting sustainable mobility, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) hosted an international conference titled “Imperatives of Sustainable Mobility: Towards Vision India@2047” in New Delhi, coinciding with the commemoration of World Environment Day 2023. The conference was graced by the distinguished presence of Chief Guest, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, alongside eminent speakers from the government, and industry leaders hailing from both India and various corners of the globe. Their invaluable contributions, laden with profound insights and rich experiences, augmented the conference, laying the groundwork for a sustainable future in the realm of mobility.

The conference was divided into four thematic sessions: Bio Initiative, Electrification, Gas Based Mobility and Circularity. These sessions delved into various topics, including the use of low-carbon fuels with a specific focus on ethanol and gaseous fuels. Additionally, the discussions revolved around material circularity, decarbonisation, carbon neutrality and ESG compliance within the automotive sector. The conference also covered existing and upcoming policies, the regulatory and legislative framework for alternative fuels, as well as sustainable mobility on both national and international levels.

Chief guest Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, said. “Under the leadership and guidance of our Hon’ble Prime Minister, India is making rapid progress towards sustainability. Previously, we sought inspiration from the world, but now the world looks to India for inspiration. It is crucial to recognize that progress must be not only significant but also sustainable. I extend my congratulations to SIAM for achieving new milestones through five sustainable initiatives around decarbonisation. The time has come to transform sustainability into a public movement by raising awareness and promoting active participation, enabling us to achieve sustainability goals, including net-zero emissions before 2070.”

Sharing his thoughts during thematic Session titled Gas Based Mobility Revolutionizing Mobility with Gas-based Solutions, Pankaj Jain, Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Government of India, “Today, we are faced with the task of managing multiple fuel options. It is no longer limited to traditional choices of petrol or diesel, but now includes natural gas, hydrogen, biofuels, and fuel cells. This diversification poses a significant challenge for manufacturers and consumers alike. Our objective is to ensure that consumers have a wider range of choices and that healthy competition exists within the market.”

The thematic session, titled Bio Initiative: Bio-Initiatives for Promoting Low Carbon Economy focused on the production and utilization of biofuels obtained from renewable biological sources. The session emphasized on the importance of alternative fuels in reducing dependence on petroleum and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. 

Sharing his thoughts in this session, Hanif Qureshi, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India, commented, “We have reached a consensus that our objective is to achieve a 20% ethanol blending rate, and we are fully committed to this goal. Originally set for 2030, we have revised our target to 2025, given the progress we have made thus far. The development of automobiles which will be suitable for E20 are already underway and we are confident that we are making significant strides towards realizing our stated objectives for flex fuels.”

Thematic session on Electrification Powering the Future: Benefits and Challenges of Electrification covered various aspects of electric mobility. It included discussions on advanced electric vehicle technology, environmental benefits, infrastructure requirements, challenges in charging infrastructure and grid integration, government policies and incentives, and the automotive industry’s role in driving the transition to electric vehicles.

Sudhendu J Sinha, Adviser (Infrastructure Connectivity – Transport and Electric Mobility), Niti Aayog, further outlined the strategies for transitioning to E-Mobility: Role of supportive policies of the Government, and commented, “Globally, there are examples of successful transitions to sustainable mobility achieved through collaboration between industries and auto associations. We aim to replicate such collaborations and successes in India. The government has supported the development of EVs, components, and charging infrastructure through initiatives like FAME. We anticipate focused efforts in areas such as raising awareness, enhancing R&D capabilities, improving manufacturing quality, and expanding charging infrastructure to expedite the shift towards sustainable mobility.”

Sharing his thoughts during thematic Session, Circularity Fostering Circular Economy through Efficient Material Circulation, Mahmood Ahmed, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, said, “The transport industry is undergoing a significant transition towards cleaner and greener mobility. From petrol and diesel, it is shifting to CNG and e-mobility for greater energy efficiency. India, as a fast-developing nation, must be future-ready. The National Green Hydrogen Mission will enable commercial production of green hydrogen, decarbonize transportation, reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, develop indigenous capabilities, and create jobs. We strive for innovative solutions and sustainable transportation.”

On this occasion, Rajesh Menon, Director General, SIAM highlighted that the Indian Automobile Industry under the aegis of SIAM is working on Sustainable Mobility solutions with specific emphasis on Ethanol, Electrification, Hydrogen, CNG/LNG and lastly on Circular Economy through Recycling. 

In commemoration of World Environment Day 2023, the Society for Automotive Fitness & Environment (SAFE), an initiative by SIAM (Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers), conducts environmentally responsible activities in collaboration with automobile dealers and service stations across India. With a focus on combating plastic pollution, SIAM organizes mass awareness campaigns, including free PUC check-ups and distribution of saplings, to promote sustainability and drive sustainable development within the industry. These initiatives raise awareness and foster a collective commitment to environmental preservation, showcasing SIAM’s dedication to a greener future.

The program focused on the automotive industry’s commitment to adopt environment-friendly policies aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 and COP-26 goals for achieving the target of carbon net neutrality by 2070. 

NAMTECH and Schneider Electric collaborate to design and deliver short- and long-term academic programs, starting with a Professional Master’s Program in Smart Manufacturing and a Professional Technologist Program in Automation. NAMTECH will start operating in an interim campus at IIT Gandhinagar from August 2023.

Schneider Electric and ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India), a collaboration between ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a cutting-edge smart campus in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The project is dedicated to the New Age Makers Institute of Technology (NAMTECH), an educational initiative by Arcelor Mittal Nippon Steel India. The objective is to provide a comprehensive and advanced model of engineering and technical education, focusing on manufacturing and sustainability. NAMTECH will initially operate from an interim campus located at the Research Park of IIT Gandhinagar, starting from August 2023.

Deepak Sharma, Zone President-Greater India, MD & CEO, Schneider Electric India, said,“The MoU ims to transform the Smart Manufacturing and Sustainable Energy segment through professional training of young minds. This strategic partnership opens avenues for us to provide comprehensive training to young individuals from diverse backgrounds, equipping them with digital skills to thrive as proficient technicians and engineers. As part of the MoU, we will leverage our solutions to foster the development of digitally skilled technicians, empowering them to contribute effectively in a digitally-driven world. Together, we envision transforming the education sector and empowering the youth of India to become industry-ready professionals, poised to contribute to the nation’s growth and development.”

NAMTECH and Schneider Electric will collaborate to design and deliver short- and long-term academic programs, starting with a Professional Master’s Program in Smart Manufacturing and a Professional Technologist Program in Automation. They will also work in tandem on the design and delivery of a smart campus and several technical labs at the campus in Ahmedabad.

Dilip Oommen, Chief Executive Officer, ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS INDIA) said, “This initiative reinforces our commitment to fostering innovation and equipping young people with essential skills and knowledge required to excel in the digital era of manufacturing. We are pleased to partner with Schneider Electric and look forward to drawing on their industry knowledge and expertise in designing cutting-edge training labs and smart campus for the upcoming NAMTECH institute. Together, we aim to provide the necessary skills to the next generation of manufacturing leaders to help shape a sustainable future for India.”

The partnership will also work to launch programs in the areas of academic and capability development to ensure the delivery of student services, such as providing industry experts as faculty members, organising industry visits, and creating internship and employment opportunities for students in India and abroad.

The selection of the Critical Manufacturing MES is part of a smart manufacturing journey for Danfoss, with aims to achieve greater visibility, create transparency, enhance quality, secure IT/OT operations, and have faster time to market.

L&T Technology Services Limited, in strategic alliance with Critical Manufacturing, the provider of innovative, future-ready Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), initially plans to work with the multi-national engineering group, Danfoss, to implement a comprehensive digital framework that harnesses cutting-edge technologies and next-gen capabilities.

Abhishek Sinha, Chief Operating Officer and Board Member at L&T Technology Services said, “The advanced Critical Manufacturing MES complements our industry-leading technology services. Our combined expertise and understanding of the markets we serve, supported by the most modern MES platform for Industry 4.0 success, will enable us to drive better business outcomes for our manufacturing and industrial clients.”

“The Danfoss digitisation project is an important starting point for our partnership. We will work together to uncover opportunities and drive better business outcomes for our joint global customers. Together, we will engineer a sustainable tomorrow and build a better future for the world,” adds LTTS’ COO Abhishek Sinha. The selection of the Critical Manufacturing MES is part of a Smart Manufacturing Journey for Danfoss, with aims to achieve greater visibility, create transparency, enhance quality, secure IT/OT operations, and have faster time to market. The platform will help standardise operations and processes to improve business process outcomes, compliance, and risk management.

Tarun Chopra, Sr. Director, Head of Manufacturing Service, Danfoss Group IT, said, “We selected the Critical Manufacturing MES because of its best-of-suite capabilities that allow users to take advantage of different functionalities within the same unified architecture, which is expected from a modern MOM platform,” comments. “The product has been designed for the future and will enable us to drive innovation within our business. Improving operational efficiency and cost management control gives us a clear return on investment and will enable us to respond more quickly to changing market demands.”

He continues, “While the Critical Manufacturing MES is being implemented in our Climate Solutions segment, we are also defining a global MES roadmap. The ease of deployment of the platform and its performance is an important element as we continue our pathway to digitalisation and standardisation throughout the global Danfoss group.”

Augusto Vilarinho, Head of Global Sales at Critical Manufacturing, commented, “DevOps within our platform means that new functionality and upgrades can be quickly and easily deployed and new sites added, ensuring the system is always future-ready. This supports Danfoss, LTTS and Critical Manufacturing’s aligned visions to take manufacturing to a future state that will deliver new benchmarks in efficiency, quality, agility, and sustainability.”

Vilarinho concludes, “This is an exciting time for our companies, and we are looking forward to a long relationship with Danfoss and LTTS as a strategic partner. I strongly believe that together we will reach new goals and raise the bar for manufacturing worldwide.” Critical Manufacturing works closely with a strong network of certified global partners to ensure customers have access to domain and application experts and are supported throughout their projects.

LTTS works with plant operators worldwide to optimise efficiency, improve productivity, and simplify operations while ensuring compliance with global sustainability standards. The Critical Manufacturing MES is designed from the ground up to embrace Industry 4.0 technologies and provide a comprehensive pathway to smart manufacturing of sophisticated and complex products.

 

A sustainable approach to combating climate change involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions while promoting economic growth, environmental conservation, and social equity.

Addressing climate change necessitates a comprehensive strategy that acknowledges its global complexity. The primary contributors to climate change include the utilisation of fossil fuels for power generation and manufacturing, deforestation, inefficient transportation practices, agricultural activities, and escalating energy needs, all of which stem from the excessive exploitation of natural resources. It accounts for over 75 percent of greenhouse emissions and nearly 90 percent of carbon emissions. A sustainable approach to combating climate change involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions while promoting economic growth, environmental conservation, and social equity.

The Government of India encourages companies to adopt sustainable practices and to integrate sustainability into business processes. Businesses, the engine of growth and employment, play an important role in mitigating climate change and delivering the Sustainable Development Goals. Achieving both inclusive and sustainable national development will be possible only when there is a collaborative effort from all stakeholders.

Sustainable industrial development

Sustainability in industrial development involves minimising environmental impact while maximising economic and social benefits. This can be achieved using renewable energy sources, reducing waste and emissions, and implementing circular economy practices.

For example, companies can transition to renewable energy sources like wind or solar to power their operations instead of relying on fossil fuels. They can also implement energy-efficient practices, such as upgrading equipment and using automation, to reduce energy consumption.

Strategies to implement across various sectors

• The circular economy approach can be used to minimise waste by reusing, repurposing, or recycling materials. This can reduce the need for raw materials, which can reduce the environmental impact of extraction and processing.
• Investing in sustainable supply chains and promoting sustainable practices among suppliers and customers.
• Sustainable farming practices, such as regenerative agriculture, can help reduce carbon emissions from agriculture while improving soil health and biodiversity.
• Sustainable forestry practices, such as reforestation and reducing deforestation, can help reduce carbon emissions while promoting biodiversity and protecting ecosystems.
• A robust domestic carbon credit market can incentivise businesses to reduce their carbon emissions while promoting innovation in renewable energy and energy efficiency.
• Promoting climate education can raise awareness about the importance of combating climate change and encourage individuals and communities to take action.

CII Climate Action Charter: A step towards sustainability

Launched on 21st September 2022, CII Climate Action Charter (CCAC) aims to help businesses develop long-term actions to build resilience, facilitate businesses to lead their sectoral climate actions and showcase best practices for addressing climate risks. It has been designed to provide an impetus for collective action by Indian businesses to drive solutions for a just, equitable and sustainable transition. CII Climate Action Charter is based on four core principles-

GHG emission reduction: measure the present GHG emission and develop measurable short-term and long-term targets for GHG emission reduction,

Transition in the value chain: Identify risks to which the value chain is exposed and support in climate transition,

Building resilience: Work with the company’s leadership team to build resilience for future climate change impacts, and

Mobilising green finance: help in framework development of green bonds usage, accelerate green finance for climate transition and to improve the identification and management of financial risks related to the climate and the environment.

Climate change is the defining issue of present times and businesses are facing major challenges due to increasing extreme weather events and fatal climate events causing damage on a large scale. This initiative aims to drive corporate climate action in India and facilitate businesses to lead their sectoral climate actions.

The bottom line

The increase in climatic change leads to various consequences detrimental not only to humans but to the entire globe at the macro level. Given the urgency, we see Indian industry making concerted efforts to deal with this challenge and help India reach closer to its sustainable goals. India is set on a sustainable mission and intends to achieve zero net carbon emissions by 2070 and meet 50 percent of its electricity requirements from renewable sources by 2030.

Embarking on a transformative journey to empower ‘Agniveers’ and other retired army officers, the company entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Dogra Regiment.

Wardwizard Innovations & Mobility Ltd., an Indian manufacturer of electric two-wheelers under the brand ‘Joy e-bike, entered into MoU with the Dogra Regiment and established the Wardwizard’s EV Centre of Excellence at Dogra Regimental Centre, Ayodhya Cantt in Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh.

This strategic collaboration aims to provide specialised skill development and upskilling opportunities in the flourishing Electric Vehicle (EV) industry for ‘Agniveers’and other retired army officers.

As part of the Enable to Empower project, Wardwizard Innovations, in partnership with the Dogra Regiment, will conduct an immersive 5-6-day training workshop for selected retired officers/personnel. The training program is meticulously designed to equip participants with the necessary knowledge and expertise to thrive in the dynamic Electric Vehicle domain. With Joy e-bike vehicles and components for demonstration and hands-on learning, participants will gain comprehensive insights into various aspects of Electric Vehicles. This initiative aims to facilitate skill development and create employment opportunities for retired army personnel associated with the Dogra Regiment, supported by the visionary leadership of Wardwizard Innovations.

Yatin Gupte, Chairman & Managing Director of Wardwizard Innovations & Mobility Ltd., commented, “We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Ministry of Defence and the Dogra Regiment for their unwavering support in this noble endeavour. Wardwizard Innovations acknowledges and celebrates the courage and dedication of ‘Agniveers’ and other retired Army Officers, and we are committed to empowering them with new possibilities. Our comprehensive EV training program equips them with the skills to thrive in this transformative industry. Together, we forge a sustainable future where their expertise and unwavering spirit make a profound impact. We are further committed to signing MoUs with different regiments shortly. With each step forward, we honour their legacy and build a brighter tomorrow, shaping our nation’s progress with their unwavering commitment to service.”

The EV Centre of Excellence has specially designed classes to provide practical training, lectures, and industry exposure in various areas of the EV industry. Equipped with state-of-the-art technical equipment, including part display tables, low-speed scooters, battery and charging facilities, chargers, and E-Rickshaws, the centre will serve as a hub for immersive learning and hands-on experience.

Talking about building more refineries and relation to clean energy at IACC-NIC’s first energy summit, ‘Energy Transition – Evolution of our Energy Mix, Mr. Hardeep Singh Puri said, “Refineries will make petro-chemicals and green hydrogen; at this time, the refining capacity is around 250 million metric tonnes per annum, we want to increase it to 400 or 450 million metric tonnes per annum. “

Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Mr. Hardeep Singh Puri talked about India’s preparedness to achieve green energy targets before the set time. Talking about building more refineries and relation to clean energy at IACC-NIC’s first energy summit, ‘Energy Transition – Evolution of our Energy Mix, the minister said, “Refineries will make petro-chemicals and green hydrogen; at this time, the refining capacity is around 250 million metric tonnes per annum, we want to increase it to 400 or 450 million metric tonnes per annum. We are looking at a large number of 20 million metric tonnes per annum refineries, and not the bigger ones.”

Talking about India’s stride towards green energy, he said, “We have reached 10 percent blending in June 2022, and our saving on import bill was Rs 41,000 crore, benefiting farmers also. We will achieve the target of 20 percent blending by 2025, much before the initial target of 2030. In bio-fuel India is a success story, we are using the presidency in G-20 for the bio-fuel alliance.”

Against the backdrop of the summit organized by the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce North India Council (IACC-NIC), Mr. Puri said, “Any collaboration with the US would require a considerable focus on clean energy. India and the US are in the process of carving out a new partnership which will not only add strength and intensify existing areas of cooperation but also carve out new areas. Despite turbulence, we have not allowed prices of Oil and Gas to go up; prices have not gone up since April 2022 despite the Russia-Ukraine issue. On two occasions, November 2021 and May 2022, PM decided to reduce excise duty; non-BJP ruled states did not reduce and sell at higher prices; this is, what I call, inherent hypocrisy in Indian energy discourse.”

Maintaining that the existing challenge in green energy is availability, affordability, and sustainability; every action is measured in terms of quantified delivery to the consumers, the minister praised PM Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership to achieve the goals. “Our domestic gas production went up by 18%, normal gas cylinder distribution went up to 31 crore, PNG connections went up from 25.4 lakh to 1.05 crore; this happened due to well-thought-out policy,” the minister said.

In the theme address, Mr Sunil Jain, Summit Chair & Chairman, Energy Committee, IACC & Operating partner, Essar Capital Limited, said, “If the world has to achieve, we have to install three times more resources from Renewable Energy. India needs 500 billion dollars in the next eight years, i.e. by 2030; we need large storage capacity like nuclear energy. Energy transition calls for a holistic approach, and integration of technology.”

Lalit Bhasin, National President, IACC, said, “There is preparedness at every level in India to tackle climate change. We have to address issues such as can we move away from traditional sources of energy, ideal time frame for transition, alternative sources of sustainable energy, etc.”

Guest of Honour, Ms. Veena Reddy, Mission Director, USAID India Minister Counselor for International Development, said, “We are gathered here to discuss changes that have shaped global energy markets in recent years such as price volatility, geo-political challenges, and supply chain disruptions, which have impacted worldwide energy transition. Through such summits we can focus on the partnership that we need to build the future. For decades, USAID has partnered with the Ministry of power and Ministry of Renewable Energy among others collaborating on initiatives that span the electricity value chain from generation to transmission and distribution. Now, we are turning to India as a committed partner on shared global development priorities on toughest problems that the world faces, and as PM Biden has said climate change is an existential threat to the world, so we naturally turn to India to help make a positive global impact.”

The plant will manufacture Timken® spherical and cylindrical roller bearings.

Timken India Limited, a leader in engineered bearings and industrial motion products, today announced construction of a new manufacturing facility at its existing industrial campus in Bharuch, Gujarat. Company officials participated in a ceremony today, laying the first bricks in the new facility’s foundation.

“This new plant at our Bharuch site is the latest in a series of investments to expand our global manufacturing footprint, “said Timothy A. Graham, vice president, operations, at Engineered Bearings. “India is an important market for us, and we are committed to investing here to support our customers’ growth and evolving needs.”

The plant will produce spherical and cylindrical roller bearings and related products, adding to the tapered roller bearing manufacturing capabilities at its existing Bharuch plants.

Sanjay Koul, president, India and Southeast Asia, and managing director, India said, “This marks an important milestone in Timken’s continued expansion in India. Adding cylindrical and spherical roller bearings to our existing capabilities in Bharuch will bring us closer to our customers while boosting our speed to market.”

Timken has been recognised among America’s Most Responsible Companies by Newsweek, the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by Ethisphere, America’s Most Innovative Companies by Fortune and America’s Best Large Employers, Best Employers for New Graduates and Best Employers for Women by Forbes.

EMO Hannover 2023 driving the advancement of zero-defect manufacturing with intelligent clamping technology. Prominent exhibitors such as Hainbuch GmbH and H.D. Schunk GmbH & Co. Spanntechnik KG will showcase innovative solutions that leverage digitalization and sensor integration to achieve cost-efficiency, energy savings, and superior product quality.

EMO Hannover paving the way for zero-defect manufacturing

Many manufacturing companies are confronted with a challenging situation where their survival depends on implementing zero-defect manufacturing practices that offer improved cost-efficiency and reduced energy consumption. Intelligent clamping technology, now evolving into a self-contained system, has emerged as a solution. By incorporating sensors, this advanced technology can detect and rectify anomalies and malfunctions. EMO Hannover recognizes the significance of zero-defect manufacturing for the industry and is actively supporting its adoption. Prominent exhibitors such as Hainbuch GmbH and H.D. Schunk GmbH & Co. Spanntechnik KG will showcase innovative solutions at the World’s Leading Trade Fair for Production Technology from September 18 to 23, 2023, with a particular focus on the role of digital transformation in this process.

“The future is cyber-physical.” This was the slogan that VDMA Präzisionswerkzeuge and Maschinenbau-Institut GmbH from Frankfurt am Main used on its invitations to the clamping device forum in Düsseldorf in 2020. The forum was well-attended, attracting production experts from industrial companies and research institutes who came together to discuss the advantages of clamping devices that are now evolving into cyber-physical equipment thanks to digitalization.

Starting signal in race towards digital world

But what became of this mega-trend? Was it merely a flash in the pan? For the manufacturer Schunk, it proved to be the starting signal in the race towards a new world of digital production. In March 2020, the company presented a high-sensitivity tool holder with integrated sensor technology at the clamping device forum in Düsseldorf. This holder can even be used as a retrofit in existing machines. There is a lot to be said for this form of digital transformation, says Markus Michelberger, Head of Sales Clamping Technology at Schunk. Integrated sensors in various clamping devices permit the permanent monitoring of process parameters, and their correction in the event of deviations.

Michelberger explained, “Inline monitoring and adjustment ensure reliable processes and consistent product quality for users. The automated, real-time inspection of clamping devices or toolholders during production is the basis of predictive maintenance and correction. What is more, it also serves to document measurement and test values in the manufacturing process.” These are reasons enough for Schunk to continue on its digital path. The southern German company places particular emphasis on simple plug-and-play solutions that users can quickly integrate into their systems.

Clamping module that sends real-time data

Highlights at EMO Hannover 2023 will include a new electromechanical clamping module with fully integrated sensor technology, and a smart hydraulic expansion tool holder that provides real-time data from the tool itself and detects wear at an early stage. This intelligent tool holder enables reliable machining, extends tool life and reduces scrap levels. Michelberger mentioned, “Digitalization has arrived in machine tools in the form of the itendo² intelligent tool holder – which provides high-precision inline control. Its advantages can be harnessed in all industries where the quality of the machined surfaces is of paramount importance – in precision drilling and in cases where high surface quality is required, for example.”

Michelberger believes that the electrical quick-change pallet system controlled via IO-Link is unique because it can generate identical forces to comparable pneumatic clamping systems, but with no increase to its installation space. In addition, Schunk has fully integrated the sensor technology into the module. No external sensors are required, meaning that no interference contours arise. Michelberger: “The NSE3-PH 138 clamping module applies identical pull-down forces to the conventional system with the same dimensions. This technology has just been launched on the market and can rightly be deemed ‘disruptive’.”

Hainbuch takes a different approach to zero-defect manufacturing. Stefan Nitsche, Director Main Products, describes the basic requirements for clamping devices: they must be impervious to dirt and require almost no maintenance. They are characterized by their very high rigidity and holding forces, their high concentricity accuracy with deviations of no more than five micrometers, and minimal centrifugal losses.

Fast and precise – O.D. clamping with chucks

Secondly, Nitsche recommends that users always use the right clamping device for the workpiece, even if this increases the setup effort. For example, I.D. clamping is the best solution for 5-sided machining. However, if the workpiece does not have the necessary clamping bore for this, Nitsche believes that O.D. clamping with chucks is the ideal solution. Nitsche: “We make use of our Centrotex quick change-over interface and Docklock zero-point clamping system to keep manual setup times to a minimum – under one minute with our system instead of 30 minutes or so using conventional means – and change-over accuracy down to no more than three microns.”

Hainbuch’s measuring intelligence, which enables in-line process control, has been in successful use for over 15 years now; the company describes it as its third “zero defect” component. It is used to check the pre-machining clamping diameter down to the nearest micrometer, and to detect the workpiece system. “In addition, the actual clamping force on the workpiece is continuously measured. As components gain in complexity, this represents a crucial process stability factor,” Nitsche explains. “We will be showcasing all three technologies and products live at EMO Hannover. Using Centrotex or Docklock, it’s child’s play to change over our clamping devices in seconds with microscopic precision, or to use our IQ clamping devices for high-precision clamping while simultaneously performing various measuring operations.”

Embarking on a transformative journey to empower ‘Agniveers’ and other retired army officers, the company entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Dogra Regiment.

Wardwizard Innovations & Mobility Ltd., an Indian manufacturer of electric two-wheelers under the brand ‘Joy e-bike,’ has embarked on a transformative journey to empower ‘Agniveers’ and other retired army officers. In a significant move, the company has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Dogra Regiment and established the Wardwizard’s EV Centre of Excellence at Dogra Regimental Centre, AyodhyaCantt in Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh. 

This strategic collaboration aims to provide specialised skill development and upskilling opportunities in the flourishing Electric Vehicle (EV) industry for ‘Agniveers’and other retired army officers. As part of the Enable to Empower project, Wardwizard Innovations, in partnership with the Dogra Regiment, will conduct an immersive 5-6-day training workshop for selected retired officers/personnel. The training program is meticulously designed to equip participants with the necessary knowledge and expertise to thrive in the dynamic Electric Vehicle domain. With Joy e-bike vehicles and components for demonstration and hands-on learning, participants will gain comprehensive insights into various aspects of Electric Vehicles. This initiative aims to facilitate skill development and create employment opportunities for retired army personnel associated with the Dogra Regiment, supported by the visionary leadership of Wardwizard Innovations.

Yatin Gupte, Chairman & Managing Director of Wardwizard Innovations & Mobility Ltd., commented, “We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Ministry of Defence and the Dogra Regiment for their unwavering support in this noble endeavour. Wardwizard Innovations acknowledges and celebrates the valour and dedication of ‘Agniveers’ and other retired Army Officers, and we are committed to empowering them with new possibilities. Through our comprehensive EV training program, we equip them with the skills to thrive in this transformative industry. Together, we forge a path towards a sustainable future, where their expertise and unwavering spirit make a profound impact. We are further committed to signing MoUs with different regiments in the near future. With each step forward, we honor their legacy and build a brighter tomorrow, shaping our nation’s progress with their unwavering commitment to service.”

The EV Centre of Excellence has specially designed classes to provide practical training, lectures, and industry exposure in various areas of the EV industry. Furthermore, the centre will organize Training of Teachers (ToT) programs to ensure that faculty members stay updated with the latest developments in their respective fields. Equipped with state-of-the-art technical equipment, including part display tables, low-speed scooters, battery and charging facilities, chargers, and E-Rickshaws, the centre will serve as a hub for immersive learning and hands-on experience.

The MoU signing and inauguration ceremony, held in the presence of Dy. Commandent Colonel Saurabh Shah, Dogra Regimental Centre, Commandent Brigadier K Ranjeev Singh, Dogra Regimental Centre and Mr. Yatin Gupte, Chairman & Managing Director, Wardwizard Innovations & Mobility Ltd. marks a significant milestone in supporting the holistic growth and career transitions of defence personnel.

Pune facility will be the only dealership office in the region for SANY, making it a critical hub for the company’s operations in the region, and offering customers a one-stop solution for sales, service, spare parts, and skill development of machines.

SANY India, a leading manufacturer of construction equipment, has announced the inauguration of its new 4S office in association with OM Hydraulics Equipments in Pune, Maharashtra. The move strengthens SANY India’s presence in the region and expands its commitment to providing customers with high-quality construction equipment and excellent customer service.

This Pune facility will be the only dealership office in the region for SANY, making it a critical hub for the company’s operations in the region, and offering customers a one-stop solution for sales, service, spare parts, and skill development of machines. The head office will cover several districts in Maharashtra, including Pune, Ahmednagar, Aurangabad, Bid, Hingoli, Jalna, Kolhapur, Latur, Nanded, Osmanabad, Parbhani, Ratnagiri, Sangli, Satara, Sindhudurg and Solapur. 

Mr. Deepak Garg, Managing Director, SANY India & South Asia, along with Mr. Dawson Zhu – Executive Director, Sany India, Mr. Dawson Zhu – Executive Director, Sany India, Mr. Dheeraj Panda, Chief Operating Officer (Sales, Marketing & Customer Support) SANY Heavy Industry India Pvt. Ltd. and Mr. Vijay Salunkhe, Managing Director of OM Hydraulics Equipments, hosted customers from the region for the inauguration. The dealership will serve a large number of potential customers in the area. This new facility will aid improving the company’s future scalability plans. 

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Deepak Garg, Managing Director, SANY India  & South Asia, stated, “Strengthening our partnership with Om Hydraulics Equipments the new facility showcases our commitment to providing high–quality products and exceptional service to our clients. In this sector, it is important to be innovative, and the launch of the new 4S office in Pune is an important step in that regard. We will continue to innovate to expand our reach in the region and increase scalability options.

Mr Vijay Salunkhe, Managing Director of OM Hydraulics Equipments, said, “The new state-of-the-art facility will offer SANY India’s finest products equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Our partnership with SANY India will help us grow our business and provide better service to our customers.”

Over 250+ exhibitors expected to display state-of-the-art products and solutions at Machine Tool Expo. 

The Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers’ Association (IMTMA) is organizing the fourth edition of the Delhi Machine Tool Expo (DMTX 2023) at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 24 to 27 August 2023. The expo would have pavilions on Metrology Expo (metrology, testing instrument and equipment), Weld Expo (welding, cutting, and joining), and Digital Manufacturing (additive manufacturing and evolving Industry 4.0 concepts).

DMTX 2023 would feature over 250 exhibitors occupying an exhibition space of around 12,000 square metres of gross area showcasing the latest technologies in metal cutting and metal forming. Both Indian and foreign exhibitors are expected to participate and connect with the 15,000+ visitors that are expected to attend the expo.

The machines and accessories on display are expected to serve the needs of industries such as automobiles, auto components, medical equipment, railways, aerospace, defence, electrical, electronics, textile, construction, general engineering, farm equipment, etc. that would be looking to source solutions to their production units.

DMTX 2023 would be an ideal platform for the manufacturing industry to upgrade and improve productivity and quality requirements, and demonstrate solutions to manufacturing industries, especially the various small and medium-scale enterprises.

Primarily, the focus will be on the industrial units located in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, etc., as well as representation from other regions.

Stating his views on DMTX 2023, Ravi Raghavan, President, IMTMA said, “The previous edition of the show held in Pragati Maidan in 2017 had evoked a good response from the manufacturing industry. Machine tool manufacturers who participated in the show were able to expand their range and I firmly believe that DMTX 2023 would help them to build on to their earlier success and reach out to many more industries in the northern region of India.”

Speaking on the objective behind organising the expo, Jibak Dasgupta, Director General & CEO, IMTMA said, “IMTMA is organizing the expo to enable industrial units in the North Indian region to stay in sync with the emerging technologies. DMTX 2023 would play an enabling role to address the numerous requirements of OEMs and component manufacturers in the North India market. The Association expects a good turnout, and we believe the expo will continue to grow in future editions as well.”

Delhi Machine Tool Expo last held in Pragati Maidan was a great success. The show back then had attracted 11,279 visitors from 9 countries – China, the Czech Republic, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and the USA. DMTX 2023 is an excellent opportunity for machine tool and manufacturing technology exhibitors to tap the rising demand for machine tools and augment their business.

 

Huntsman is announcing the development of innovative polyurethane, carbon nanotube and epoxy materials at The Battery Show, which are all designed to help improve the integration of batteries into electric vehicles and enhance their protection and performance.

In a move that helps to deliver high-performance composite battery structures, alongside design and production flexibility, Huntsman has assembled a portfolio of customisable, quick-cure, high-strength polyurethane and epoxy resins that can be used to create underbody and top cover battery protection components up to 30% quicker than some existing technologies. Crucially, the products can also lower overall part weight and increase strength and structural performance. A range of products is currently available covering various battery performance and protection needs:

Targeting underbody battery protection, Huntsman offers RIMLINE® WCM system – a low-viscosity liquid resin that enables the moulding of high fiber volume fraction composites under low pressure. Balancing a long working life and short cure time with easy mould release, this system can help reduce overall cycle times and is formulated for use on high-pressure-mix machines. For battery enclosures, ARALDITE® FST resins allow the design of flame-retardant composite parts. These OEM-qualified systems have proven performance and reliability, meeting battery safety requirements.

Targeting battery underfloor protection, Huntsman has developed three products: 

• RIMLINE® FC (foam core) system can offer a cost-effective solution for manufacturing sandwich composites. This lightweight system has great flow properties, which can help with the creation of complex 3D shapes. This system can typically also adhere well to different overmoulding materials and cure quickly for fast cycle times.
• RIMLINE® LFI (long fiber injection) resin system can be moulded into strong stiff parts with a density of – for example – 1100 kg/m3 including 30% glass fiber reinforcement. The resulting parts can help to provide lower total sandwich thickness and improved damage tolerance.
• ARALDITE® 3031 / 3032 WCM system has proven in operation to combine fastest processing cure time and outstanding mechanical properties and stiffness.

Targeting top cover applications, VITROX® WCM system enables the development of composite lid structures that can help achieve thermal resistance while reducing weight compared to metallic cover alternatives; and ARALDITE® SMC solutions enable part design freedom for semi-structural applications and requirements.

• In the electric vehicle battery cell, Huntsman has also developed a range of materials that help with lightweighting and improved conductivity, as well as thermal, vibration, and structural protection.
• SHOKLESS™ encapsulation foam and elastomer systems help to create potting foams and encapsulants that are mechanically strong and have the thermal insulation and vibration dampening properties needed to protect batteries at a cell, module, and pack level.
• ARATHANE® thermally conductive adhesives and encapsulants provide excellent mechanical fixation and thermal connection, enabling effective heat management from the cells and enabling new battery pack designs and higher-performance batteries.
• For battery cell producers looking to increase the capacity of their cells or interested in reduction of the weight of their cells, Huntsman has introduced MIRALON® NMP Dispersions and MIRALON® Current Collectors. The MIRALON® NMP Dispersions for LFP and high-nickel cathodes offer high conductivity with much lower concentration than carbon black and are rate performance-compatible with fast charging protocols. MIRALON® Current Collectors for ultra-lightweight applications can replace heavier metallic current collectors.

 Irina Bolshakova, Global Strategic Marketing Lead for Automotive Polyurethanes at Huntsman, said: “As demand for electric vehicles grows, we’re continually innovating, making it easier than ever for battery manufacturers, automotive OEMs and their suppliers to make new gains in powertrain performance. We’re excited to share details of our new systems at The Battery Show and discuss the latest challenges with customers face-to-face.”

L&T Technology Services Limited, a leading global pure-play engineering services company announced its partnership with Critical Manufacturing, the provider of innovative, future-ready Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES). The strategic alliance initially sees the companies working with the multi-national engineering group, Danfoss, to implement a comprehensive digital framework that harnesses cutting-edge technologies and next-gen capabilities.

LTTS works with plant operators worldwide to optimize efficiency, improve productivity, and simplify operations while ensuring compliance with global sustainability standards. The Critical Manufacturing MES is designed from the ground-up to embrace Industry 4.0 technologies and provide a comprehensive pathway to smart manufacturing of sophisticated and complex products.

Abhishek Sinha, Chief Operating Officer and Board Member at L&T Technology Services, said, “The advanced Critical Manufacturing MES complements our industry-leading technology services. Our combined expertise and understanding of the markets we serve, supported by the most modern MES platform for Industry 4.0 success, will enable us to drive better business outcomes for our manufacturing and industrial clients.”

The selection of the Critical Manufacturing MES is part of a Smart Manufacturing Journey for Danfoss, with aims to achieve greater visibility, create transparency, enhance quality, secure IT/OT operations, and faster time to market. The platform will help standardize operations and processes to improve business process outcomes, compliance, and risk management.

“We selected the Critical Manufacturing MES because of its best-of-suite capabilities that allows users to take advantage of different functionalities within the same unified architecture which is expected from a modern MOM platform,” comments Tarun Chopra, Sr. Director, Head of Manufacturing Service, Danfoss Group IT. “The product has been designed for the future and will enable us to drive innovation within our business. The improvement in operational efficiency and cost management control gives us a clear return on investment and will enable us to respond more quickly to changing market demands.”

Danfoss has a large global presence with 97 factories in more than 20 countries worldwide. The initial MES deployment will be within the Danfoss Climate Solutions segment. This segment is focused on leading the way to a greener future with integrated, energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions that enhance sustainability across areas including buildings, cold chains, industry, and infrastructure.

LTTS offers consulting, engineering, and implementation services to drive global digital transformation initiatives across sectors including semiconductors, electronics, medical devices, and discrete manufacturing. These are sectors where the Critical Manufacturing MES offers rich functionality and is recognized as being one of the most innovative, flexible, and comprehensive platforms to support businesses on their journey to Industry 4.0.

Chopra continues, “While the Critical Manufacturing MES is being implemented in our Climate Solutions segment, we are also in the process of defining a global MES roadmap. The ease of deployment of the platform and its performance is an important element as we continue our pathway to digitalization and standardization throughout the global Danfoss group.”

“The use of DevOps within our platform means that new functionality and upgrades can be quickly and easily deployed and new sites added, ensuring the system is always future-ready,” comments Augusto Vilarinho, Head of Global Sales at Critical Manufacturing. “This supports Danfoss, LTTS and Critical Manufacturing’s aligned visions to take manufacturing to a future state that will deliver new benchmarks in the levels of efficiency, quality, agility, and sustainability.”

“The Danfoss digitalization project is an important starting point for our partnership. Going forward, we will work together to uncover opportunities and drive better business outcomes for our joint global customers. Together, we will engineer a sustainable tomorrow and build a better future for the world,” adds LTTS’ COO Abhishek Sinha.

Critical Manufacturing works closely with a strong network of certified global partners to ensure customers have access to domain and application experts and are supported throughout their projects.

Vilarinho concludes, “This is an exciting time for our companies, and we are looking forward to a long relationship with Danfoss and LTTS as a strategic partner. I strongly believe that together we will reach new goals and raise the bar for manufacturing worldwide.”

The water pressure gauge used in the evaluation was equipped with a new type of silicon resonant pressure sensor, and was installed on the seafloor near the Boso Peninsula at a water depth of 3,436 m.

The National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience (NIED), the Earthquake  Research Institute (ERI) belonging to the University of Tokyo, and Yokogawa Electric Corporation  (Yokogawa) have undertaken evaluation of an innovative water pressure gauge for use in the early  detection of tsunami. The water pressure gauge used in this evaluation was equipped with a new type of  silicon resonant pressure sensor, and was installed on the seafloor near the Boso Peninsula at a water depth of 3,436 m. In this evaluation, the gauge successfully identified pressure fluctuations of seven  hectopascals that are equivalent to a 7-cm change in sea level. Although it is difficult to obtain data on tsunamis, which are infrequent events, the evaluation allowed the detection of changes in sea level similar to those of a tsunami, and the water pressure gauge is expected to be used in the event of an actual tsunami.  The water pressure gauge will be adopted for the Nankai Trough Seafloor Observation Network for  Earthquakes and Tsunamis (N-net) to observe water pressure fluctuations on the seafloor caused by tsunamis generated by earthquakes, enabling reliable detection of tsunamis and contributing to damage mitigation. 

Details of N-net, the newly developed water pressure gauge, and its evaluation will be presented at the  Japan Geoscience Union Meeting 2023 that will be held from May 21 to 26, 2023. 

NIED, ERI, and Yokogawa have evaluated the effectiveness of a water pressure gauge equipped with a  MEMS (Micro electro mechanical systems technology) silicon resonant pressure sensor for use as a seafloor pressure observation device that enables the acquisition of accurate data during the significant shaking that occurs during an earthquake. In view of the significant ground movement that occurs during an earthquake, this test sought to identify whether the acquisition of measurement data would be impacted by vibrations or attitude changes. It was confirmed that the effect of attitude changes on the water pressure gauge is smaller than conventional water pressure gauges. In addition, in a precision test in which 70 megapascals (MPa) ―equivalent to a water depth of  7,000m― was repeatedly applied, repeatability of 0.005% of 70MPa or less was confirmed to be an excellent characteristic. This water pressure gauge uses MEMS technology, so it offers the advantage of each product having the same quality. 

To evaluate the performance of the water pressure gauge in an actual seafloor environment, the seafloor observations were performed for a total of 203 days at a depth of 3,436 m in the region off the Boso  Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture, Japan. The acquisition of observation data on tsunamis is usually difficult because tsunamis are a rare phenomenon. However, we observed a 7-cm fluctuation in the sea level due to the January 15, 2022 eruption of the Hunga-Ha’apai volcano in Tonga during our evaluation work. Further data analysis also confirmed that the water pressure gauge was able to observe pressure changes equivalent to a change in sea level of less than 1cm. The confirmed sensitivity indicates that the water pressure gauge has sufficient performance to observe an actual tsunami. The water pressure gauge is a made-in-Japan product with high precision for deep sea applications, and possesses the same level of sensitivity as the most cutting-edge instruments manufactured anywhere in the world. 

The observation network for earthquakes and tsunamis is part of the disaster risk reduction (DRR)  infrastructure that contributes to the enhancement of DRR information and the development of DRR research on earthquakes and tsunamis. NIED operates the Monitoring of Waves on Land and Seafloor  (MOWLAS) covering all land and sea areas in Japan. Starting in 2019, NIED has been developing N-net,  a cable-type seafloor earthquake and tsunami observation system. N-net will be installed within the seismic source region in the Nankai Trough where earthquakes are anticipated and where no observation network has been established (from the off-coast of Kochi Prefecture to Hyuga-nada). N-net is a network system that directly detects earthquakes and tsunamis and reliably transmits the information to land, enabling observation in real-time. This new silicon resonant water pressure gauge, which plays an important role in this system, has been adopted. NIED, ERI, and Yokogawa have conducted numerous tests to ensure the reliability of this water pressure gauge, aiming in the event of a Nankai Trough mega-thrust earthquake to contribute as much as possible in the mitigation of damage. 

Fastener Fair India, the leading international exhibition on fastener and fixing technology to showcase a diverse range of products including industrial fasteners and fixings, assembly and installation systems, storage and logistics services, fastener manufacturing technology and construction fixings. Fastener Fair India will be a 3-day event to be held from June 1-3, 2023 at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon ( East), Hall 2, Mumbai.

Organised by RX India, the event is supported by Fastener Manufacturers Association of India(Regd) and Fastener Association of India(FAI). The exhibition will witness leading players from the industry including Deepak Fasteners, Daljit Engineering Work, Nexo Industries, Kaloti Engg., Kova Fasteners, Royal Machine Tools, Capital Bolts and Hardwares, Magni India, Sudhir Automotive Industries, Agarwal Fasteners, ABAN Technologies, Metaforge Engineering, HSN Fasteners, Gel fasteners,  Anu Extrusions, Grauer & Weil, ARC Finishers, Fittech Steel,Shah Precision Industries, Raajratna Ventures, Varad Automation & Robotics, SK Fastener Machinery and Metals, Sumit Fasteners, Satya Industries, Hans Motors, Micron Precision Screws, Marposs India, Super Technoforge, The Krishna American Oil, Senso Vision Systems, Shruti Fasteners, Precise Alloys, Right Fit Fasteners, Fortran Steel, Bhupindra Industries, Atotech India, Test GmbH, ECM Datensysteme GmbH among others who will be demonstrating and displaying their latest fastener products, technologies and fixing solutions. 

According to Shri Narinder Bhamra, President, Fastener Manufacturer Association of India (Regd.) “Fastener Fair India is going to provide a platform for Fastener Manufacturers around the world, where they can showcase their latest products and technologies and a platform to network with industry stakeholders. Fastener Fair India is a step towards creating a joint venture between national & international counterparts”.

Vicky Kumar, Project Manager, RX India said, “Fastener Fair India will provide a platform for a diverse range of products such as fasteners, fixing technologies, installation systems, construction fixings, fastener manufacturing technology etc. Celebrating the 10th edition and the overwhelming response received from the industry and participants, the 2023 edition is going to be held for 3-days, thereby giving a boost to the sector and creating more opportunities for the stakeholders. Around 180 exhibitors are participating and over 6000 visitors are expected to attend the event. We are looking forward to welcoming the industry at the most anticipated event for this sector in the country”.

Informa Markets inaugurated the first edition of the Security and Fire Expo (SAFE), West India (18^th – 20^th May) with the aim of bringing key stakeholders in the security domain on one platform and to deliberate on new-age challenges to the security of cities and organizations.

The SAFE expo is a subset of the IFSEC, India and has also seen great success in South India. The three-day exhibition and two-day conference being held at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, was met with an enthusiastic, positive response on the very first day, bringing in higher levels of anticipation for the rest of the event. As the SAFE West expo enters its second day, it presents a unique opportunity to connect and network with India’s largest assembly of decision-makers, specifiers, and end-users. The event is showcasing the swift advancements in India’s security market and emphasized on trends, innovations, challenges, and opportunities required for its future growth and expansion.

The opening ceremony took place in the presence of key dignitaries – Dr Rukmani Krishnamurthy, Ex-Director, Directorate of Forensic Science Laboratories, Govt. of Maharashtra &  Academic council member, National Forensic Science University, Gujarat, Ministry of Home Affairs, Capt. Sanjeev Tiwari, ARVP, ASIS India West Region; Mr. Vinay Khanduri, CPP, CFE, Head, Security & Vigilance, Adani Electricity, Capt. Rajesh Sharma, Founder & Board Member, Global Association for Corporate Services; Mr Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India and Mr Pankaj Jain, Sr. Group Director & Digital Head, Informa Markets in India in an august gathering. 

At the inaugural ceremony of SAFE West India, Dr Rukmani Krishnamurthy, Ex-Director, Directorate of Forensic Science Laboratories, Govt. of Maharashtra & & Academic council member, National Forensic Science University, Gujarat, Ministry of Home Affairs said, “By integrating innovative security measures, such as CCTV, RDX detection, and more, we are extending the realm of forensics into the corporate sector.  Cybersecurity is now a critical necessity, backed by government focus and the need for corporate monitoring to minimize risks. Our approach includes preventive training for law enforcement, corporate professionals, and individuals in positions of power. To tackle complex cyber issues such as intellectual property theft, traditional system checks are insufficient. Hence, we employ innovative techniques like lie detectors to efficiently narrow down culprits and resolve matters effectively. Our focus on preventive technology and security innovations ensures a comprehensive and forensically integrated security system which we hope we can all integrate going further.”

Highlighting the importance of security, Mr. Vinay Khanduri, CPP, CFE, Head, Security & Vigilance, Adani Electricity said, “The convergence of physical security and cyber-IT may not be inevitable; rather, it is the IT aspect that will encompass and integrate physical security within the overall security framework. As professionals with considerable years of service ahead, it is crucial for us to continuously upgrade, upskill, and align ourselves with this evolving landscape. Exhibitions like this provide an excellent platform to explore the latest market technologies and gain insights into prospects. I am grateful for this opportunity and eagerly anticipate the unveiling of the technology that awaits us today.”

Capt. Rajesh Sharma, Founder & Board Member, Global Association for Corporate Services also said, “The volumes and magnitude we witnessed here today has surpassed what was previously seen in India. SAFE West has undoubtedly done a commendable job, and we aspire to create a similar platform to our center of excellence. As the saying goes, if we use yesterday’s tool in today’s business, we will be out of business tomorrow. Thus, this platform becomes essential for all of us. Here, we can encounter firsthand what we otherwise search tirelessly for online. I am confident that we will all derive immense benefits from this experience, as it solely depends on the connections and relationships we establish.”

While comparing security industry with auto industry, Capt. Sanjeev Tiwari, ARVP, ASIS India West Region said, “This platform serves as an exceptional experience for users, demonstrating its immense value with numerous participants, exhibitors, and OEMs showcasing their technologies. When we compare it to users in the auto industry, they are often ahead of manufacturers, possessing a clear understanding of their needs. However, in the realm of security, safety, and fire safety, users generally lack awareness of the cutting-edge technologies available today. Platforms like this bridge that knowledge gap, empowering users to comprehend and leverage these technologies for optimized security. Over time, security has evolved from relying heavily on manpower with limited processes and technology to embracing advanced technology, robust processes, and reduced human intervention. With this purpose in mind, this initiative stands as an outstanding endeavor.”

Top industry leaders and pioneering innovators came together at SAFE West India 2023, sharing the latest research, developments and products revolutionizing security and fire safety, specifically targeting the Western Indian markets with over 75 brands. These included companies like Earth, Hikvision, Prama, Realtime, Tiandy Premier Partners: Biomax, eSSL, Magtech, Rova, Syrotech, Timewatch, TP Link, Voltaic Zkteco, Aavik, Avtron, Bioroles, COFE, CCL, D P Garg, Eagle Eye Networks, Fyber, Hubris, SOS, Lifelong, Securus and many more. Hikvision has even launched their eDVR 1TB for enhanced storage capacity, eSSD Technology helps in 45% energy savings at SAFE West India 2023.

Hikvision has launched three new products at SAFE West 2023. During the launch Ashish P. Dhakan, MD & CEO, Prama Hikvision India Pvt. Ltd said, “We see a great synergy of these products with the safe reopening phenomenon happening now in the post-pandemic times.  The schools, stores, offices, retail shops and many other application scenarios can benefit from the ‘touch-free’ experience that face recognition provides. With advanced deep learning technology and diverse practical functions, we expect that MinMoe DSK1T320 Access Control Terminals can bring more security and efficiency to our small and medium sized customers, making access control, time and attendance, much easier. This is a platform for companies like us to demonstrate and launch new technologies. And keeping in mind the Make in India initiative we look to build more products locally in India with our Mumbai based Vasai factory.” 

Speaking on the commencement of SAFE West India, Mr Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India, said, “We are extremely proud of the overwhelming response received for the first edition of SAFE West India, be it the participating companies or the buyer’s community. The significant growth witnessed in the security industry post-pandemic presents an opportunity to leverage the same across India. Drawing on our successful track

record with six editions of SAFE South India Expo in Chennai and Hyderabad, we were fully equipped to bring the same to Western India. The attendees’ quality at SAFE West India 2023 looks unmatched, providing valuable brand exposure to industry-relevant individuals and organizations. The event is showcasing the potential of next-gen security technologies such as cyber security, Internet of things (IoT), AI, and more, setting the tone for India’s transition to safer and smarter cities.”

On the first day of the expo, the highlight was the release of the White Paper Report – India Risk Review 2023 by MitKat Advisory as the Knowledge Partner. The report analyzed various risk categories, including infrastructure, economic, political, and cyber security risks in 2023 to help understand India’s risk environment and anticipate upcoming challenges. The event also featured a conference with informative speaker sessions and panel discussions on relevant topics such as ‘Emerging Threats to Industrial Security and the CSO’s Role in Crisis Management’, ‘Harnessing the Power of Next-Gen Technologies in Industrial Security’, ‘Disruptive Technologies in Enterprise Security Risk Management’.

Day 2 of the conference will delve into additional subjects such as ‘Digital Asset Management and the Role of Technology in Mitigating them’, ‘Managing Security Across Locations Globally – Risks & Challenges, Integrated Technologies for Safe Cities in the New Normal’, and more. The insightful discussions will be followed with networking among the speakers and attendees, providing a mutually beneficial wrap-up to the conversations.

SAFE West India is well supported by key associations such as associations namely the APSA (Asian Professional Security Association), ASIS (American Society for Industrial Security) Ahmedabad, Mumbai and New Delhi Chapters, ESAI (Electronic Security Association of India), OSAC (Overseas Security Advisory Council) Chennai Chapter, GACS (Global Association for Corporate Services) and Mitkat Advisory.

The exhibition is showcasing products and services such as Drones AI & IOT & Network Security, Surveillance Cameras with Night Vision, Digital Video Recorders, Encoders & Decoders, Security Alarm System, Audio Video Door Phones, RFID Systems, Bio Metric Systems, Access Control, Security gates, Guard Patrol Monitoring System, Electric Locks, Entrance Management Solutions, Home Automations, GPS Tracking, Swing Gate Barriers, Anti- Theft EAS Systems, and more.

India Warehousing Show remains country’s most successful platform for the warehousing, logistics, material handling, automation, and supply chain sector bringing together buyers and sellers from around the globe. This year, the market-leading event is set to take place on 14,15 &16 June in 2023 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. 

India’s warehousing market continues to boom amid the rising wave of consumerism. As the demand surges for multi-storeyed warehouses, 3PL, material handling, automation and supply chain solutions, India Warehousing Show aims to bring the best suppliers to cater to the burgeoning market.

Around 230 suppliers will be showcasing generation next technologies under niche segments including Automation for Logistics, Ecommerce Zone, Supply Chain Zone, Warehouse Real Estate Zone and Packaging for Logistics offering logistics professionals an exclusive opportunity to connect face-to-face with the right solution providers in New Delhi, in the upcoming edition. 

Shri Surendra Ahirwar, Joint Secretary, Logistics & Trade, DPIIT, Ministry of commerce & Industry, Govt of India said, “India Warehousing Show has been successfully bringing the logistics stakeholders for almost 12 years now. It continues to shine after all these years and is one of the most awaited events to highlight the current issues, trends and future plans for the logistics sector. Wishing IWS team and RX India the best for the upcoming event and hoping for more diversified events in the years to come.” 

Janish Jafri, Project Manager, India Warehousing Show, said: “My colleagues and I look forward to welcoming all participants to the 12th edition of India Warehousing Show is scheduled to take place from 14th to 16 June 2023 at Pragati Maidan. IWS has received an overwhelming response and is looking very good. This year, 230 exhibitors and around 15,000 attendees are expected to be a part of the event, product and solutions on display will include warehouse building solutions, materials handling solutions, storage solutions, automation and packaging for logistics, AIDC and software solutions, logistics service providers, LCV’s and UCV’s and other related services. 

Echoing the same sentiment Manu Raj Bhalla, President, the Warehousing Association of India, said: “At the outset, on behalf of the Board & Members of WAI, we are glad to be associated with IWS which has now become an annual event which industry stakeholders look forward to. We wish the team at IWS best wishes for a successful and impactful event.” 

The highlight of the event is the networking conference program, India Warehousing Summit based on the theme “Decoding the National Logistics Policy and its Roadmap” and will boast over 70 speakers who will share their insights, experiences and trends which will be of immense value to the industry.

Furthermore, renowned industry players such as A.V. Engineers, Action Construction Equipment, Aerolam Insulations, APL Apollo Tubes, Armstrong Dematic, ATMOS, Bastian Solutions, Chainway India, Cognex Sensors India, Craftsman Automation, Ethics Prosperity, Everest Industries, Falcon Autotech, Gandhi Automations, Godrej Koerber, Godrej Storage Solutions, Hiranandani Industrial Parks, iRayple Zhejiang HuaRay Technologies, Jungheinrich Lift Truck India, Kelley Material Handling Equipment India, Kirby, LEAP India, Leuze Electronic, LYNKIT, Muvro Technolgies, Nido Machineries, Nilkamal, Pepperl+Fuchs, Prama Hikvision India, Sato Argox India, Schoeller Allibert India, Shakti Hormann, Shiv Shanti Industrial & Logistics Park, Sidharath Shutters & Automations, Siemens, System Logistics India, TVS Industrial & Logistics Parks & many other big names would be present.

Attendees can pre-register to attend at www.indiawarehousingshow.com to receive their entry tickets. Visit India Warehousing Show from 14-16 June at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

The focus on environmental pollution and the current escalation of energy prices is driving markets towards more efficient technologies and solutions. Atos provides the optimal response to market needs thanks to the range of energy-saving servopump with pq control, capable of saving up to 80 percent.

Energy saving Servopump Vs Traditional systems
Differently to traditional systems equipped with asynchronous motor that rotates at constant speed generating pressurised oil even when the machine cycle does not require it, servopump delivers hydraulic power only in the quantity necessary to satisfy the work phase being performed.

Comparative analyses, performed on a 300 tons plastic injection molding machine, revealed that the energy consumption of the SSP servopump has been lower than 80 percent with respect to fixed displacement pump, leading to annual savings of 75 MWh and 11,7 tons of CO2.

The Atos difference
The Atos R&D department has developed innovative features to let the servopump a simple and straightforward experience.

Smart Start-up
Smart Start-up feature greatly simplifies the SSP servopump commissioning with a quick and intuitive wizard procedure in order to configure, test and auto-tune the servopump to obtain the best dynamic response in three simple steps.

Hydraulic pq control algorithm
Atos exploited its electrohydraulic know-how to develop a P/Q algorithm dedicated to the control of SSP servopumps and specifically designed for hydraulic axes. Hydraulic machinery manufacturers will be relieved of the development of their own control algorithm.

Autotuning and overheating protection
Modeling and Simulation, together with extensive R&D tests have been the key to develop patented algorithms to simplify SSP servopump commissioning and managing.
Autotuning avoids any need of manual setting, since it performs the automatic parameterization of the servopump to obtain the best dynamic response, ensuring accuracy and stability during the pressure control phases.

Smart cooling prevents temperature peaks during extended phases of static pressure control. The algorithm estimates the internal temperature of the pump without the use of any transducer. If the temperature exceeds limits, a drain valve for oil recirculation is activated which allows a reduction of pump temperature.

Multiple hydraulic axis management
SSP control allows the real-time selection of optimal configuration of the axis to be controlled, ensuring the maximum performance for each hydraulic axis of the machine.

Servopump sizing software
The high efficiency of servopump allows the downsizing of the hydraulic power unit. The free S-SW-SIZING software leads the user to the selection of most suitable servopump by simply entering the desired machine cycle. Moreover, it also performs an energy estimatation of the system, highlighting the CO2 and operating costs savings of Atos solution compared to conventional systems.

Servopump with pq control: much more than energy saving
The angular position transducer integrated into the motor pump allows to precisely estimate the instantaneous flow rate. Thus, granting higher level of accuracy and repeatability during flow control phases when compared to proportional valves.

The high efficiency of SSP system translates in tank downsizing and heat exchanger removal. Moreover, the possibility to reach higher rotational speed allows for pump displacement reduction. Compared to a variable displacement pump it has a lower noise emission down to 7 dB during flow control phases and 20 dB during pressure control phases, due to low noise emissions of the internal gear pump and the capability to modulate the speed of the motor-pump unit.

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The global semiconductor fabrication materials market is poised to grow rapidly in the coming years, with an expected market size of US$ 47.2 billion in 2023. Looking ahead, experts at FMI anticipate that the market revenue could exceed US$ 87.9 billion by 2033, registering a CAGR of 6.4%. The sky is the limit for this constantly evolving market since the demand for advanced electronic components continues to surge.

The demand for advanced semiconductors is likely to remain strong given the proliferation of emerging technologies like 5G. The growing emphasis on energy efficiency and sustainability is expected to create new opportunities for innovative semiconductor fabrication materials.

Key Drivers Boosting the Demand for Key Drivers Boosting the Demand for Semiconductor Fabrication Materials:

1. Increasing demand for electronics and semiconductor devices across various industries, such as automotive, healthcare, and aerospace
2. Growing demand for consumer electronics such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and wearables
3. The rising adoption of IoT, AI, and cloud computing technologies is driving the demand for semiconductor devices
4. Growing demand for advanced packaging materials along with technological advancements in semiconductor fabrication processes
5. Advancements in semiconductor manufacturing technology as well as integrated circuit fabrication technology
6. Increasing demand for semiconductor manufacturing equipment and machines from the automotive industry

Challenges for Market Players in the Semiconductor Fabrication Materials Industry:

1. High costs associated with semiconductor fabrication materials and equipment
2. Technological complexity and high skill requirements of manufacturing processes Dependence on a few key players in the industry can lead to supply chain disruptions and market volatility
3. High initial capital investment required for wafer fabrication facilities
4. Stringent government regulations on hazardous chemicals and certain materials used in the semiconductor fabrication process
5. Limited availability of raw materials and volatility in the prices of semiconductor materials

2023 to 2033 Semiconductor Fabrication Materials Demand Outlook in Comparison to Sales Registered from 2018 to 2022

The semiconductor fabrication materials market size was US$ 44.1 billion between 2018 and 2022, where it exhibited a CAGR of 7.7%. Between 2018 and 2022, the semiconductor fabrication market share was primarily influenced by the ongoing trade war between the United States and China. The trade war caused fluctuations in the demand for semiconductor fabrication materials.

The market is expected to have significant potential prospects between 2023 and 2033 when it is projected to increase by about 1.9X. There is an increasing focus on digitalization and automation of semiconductor manufacturing processes. As demand for them continues to rise, the government and industry collaborate to increase semiconductor fabrication materials production. This is projected to positively influence the semiconductor materials market during the forecast period.

The increasing use of semiconductors in various industries is driving the adoption of semiconductor fabrication materials. Rising demand for renewable energy sources and electric vehicles is anticipated to impact the market growth. These technologies heavily rely on semiconductor devices.

Semiconductors have been crucial in modern telecommunications. They have allowed for the development of technology from narrow broadband to private packet-switched networks. Additionally, they have made 5G network technology possible. Moreover, these materials are used to produce consumer appliances that depend heavily on semiconductors. As a result, the demand for semiconductor fabrication materials has increased.

Semiconductor Fabrication Materials Market Key Trends & Opportunities

Growing deployment of advanced materials in semiconductor fabrication, such as silicon carbide, gallium nitride, and graphene

A shift toward new business models in the industry, such as foundries, fabless companies, and chipsets

The emergence of new substrates bonding technologies as well as new materials for lead frames and substrates

New applications for semiconductor devices, such as autonomous vehicles, 5G wireless networks, and smart cities

Integration of semiconductor devices with other technologies, such as sensors, actuators, and energy storage systems

An increasing focus on digitalization and automation of semiconductor manufacturing processes

Innovation in semiconductor materials and manufacturing processes to reduce costs, increase efficiency, and improve performance

United States Semiconductor Fabrication Materials Sector Receives Strong Investment

The United States semiconductor fabrication materials market is witnessing strong growth owing to the rising proliferation of the 5G network. Given the expanding ownership of technical equipment that supports 5G, the United States is predicted to contribute significantly to market revenue. The market is also expanding because of the commercial and military applications utilizing 5G technology.

The government has taken the initiative to strengthen semiconductor supply chains in the United States. It has made substantial investments in chip production. The United States Innovation and Competition Act was passed in June 2021, providing US$ 52 billion to support domestic chip manufacturing.

Manufacturers in the United States are emphasizing mergers and acquisitions to strengthen their position in the market. For instance, BASF completed the acquisition of Solvay’s polyamide business in January 2020. The acquisition gives BASF access to more cutting-edge polyamide products, such as Technyl®. With this acquisition, BASF can provide its clients with even better engineering plastics solutions. These solutions are particularly useful for driverless cars and electric mobility. Additionally, the deal improves its access to North and South America as well as Asia Pacific.

 

Informa Markets in India, a leading B2B exhibition organiser, is all set to launch the debut edition of Security & Fire Expo, West India slated to take place from May 18^th – 20^th, 2023, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. The event is anticipated to attract over 5000+ attendees, and 75 + brands.

The expo, a subset of IFSEC India, one of the celebrated expos in the Security and Fire Safety domain, will cover a broad spectrum of solutions in the sphere of commercial security with preventive technologies and innovation in the western India market. It will bring together renowned Indian and international brands from video surveillance, access control entrance and home automation, and perimeter protection industries to interact, network, view the latest innovations, source business solutions, and gather invaluable expert support.

The commercial security market in India has been growing steadily over the past few years, driven by increasing awareness about the need for security among businesses and the government. The market includes a range of security products and services, such as access control systems, video surveillance systems, fire alarm systems, intrusion detection systems, and security personnel. Given the nature of external security threats, State Governments are also increasingly adopting video surveillance to improve security and safety. For instance, the Maharashtra government is primarily focusing on enhancing surveillance on the streets to upgrade Mumbai’s safety. Small and big enterprises, public sector companies and gated communities, shopping malls etc., across various cities in the Western Region of India are adopting video surveillance technology. More than 10 lakh IP cameras are expected to be installed across the western region of India in the coming five years.

Speaking on the announcement of SAFE West India 2023, Mr Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India, said, “There is a huge demand for safe city projects in India to ensure public safety. The government has taken various initiatives to increase security services revenue which will benefit the citizens as well as the security and surveillance services industry. This is particularly true for the western region of India, which has several smart cities and offers strategic vantage points from a security perspective. A modern civil city should be able to showcase seamlessly safe, smart, energy-efficient, and technologically advanced features. Moreover, rapid technological advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, internet of things (IoT), and cybersecurity are driving the security market in India.”

 “Our expansion into the western market through SAFE West India is a strategic move aimed at bringing the show closer to end-users in multiple key cities across Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, parts of North & Coastal Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh. This platform will serve as an exclusive opportunity for prominent commercial, industrial, and homeland security players to tap into India’s rapidly growing Western market. These leading players can establish a strong foothold in the region through joint ventures, partnerships, sourcing, dealerships, and networks. We are thrilled to bring together the sharpest minds in the industry for this must-attend exhibition and look forward to a successful debut.”

 With over 75 participating brands, 5000 Plus attendees will be able to witness the most recent industry products, innovations and services and network with potential suppliers and business partners. Premeir Plus Partners: Earth, Hikvision, Prama, Realtime, Tiandy Premier Partners: Biomax, eSSL, Magtech, Rova, Syrotech, Timewatch, TP Link, Voltaic  Zkteco. Other Key exhibitors: Aavik, Avtron, Bioroles, COFE, CCL, D P Garg, Eagle Eye Networks, Fyber, Hubris, SOS, Lifelong, Securus and many more.

The event is also supported by various associations namely the APSA (Asian Professional Security Association), ASIS (American Society for Industrial Security) Ahmedabad, Mumbai and New Delhi Chapters, ESAI (Electronic Security Association of India), OSAC (Overseas Security Advisory Council) Chennai Chapter, GACS (Global Association for Corporate Services) and Mitkat Advisory.

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the latest trends and innovations in the industry, including Drones AI & IOT & Network Security, Surveillance Cameras with Night Vision, Digital Video Recorders, Encoders & Decoders, Security Alarm System, Audio Video Door Phones, RFID Systems, Bio Metric Systems, Access Control, Security gates, Guard Patrol Monitoring System, Electric Locks, Entrance Management Solutions, Home Automations, GPS Tracking, Swing Gate Barriers, Anti- Theft EAS  Systems, and more. One of the highlights of the expo will be the release of the whitepaper – Geopolitical Risk Report 2023 in collaboration with MitKat Advisory as Knowledge Partner. Addressing the challenges expected in 2023, the report will provide a comprehensive analysis that enables a greater understanding of India’s risk landscape and will deliver a detailed forecast for various risk categories including but not limited to cyber security, economic, political, and infrastructure in 2023.

The event will also be organising an insightful two-day conference and will comprise in-depth speaker sessions and panel discussions on trending topics such as Tech n Trends in Global Security Operations Centres (GSOC); Integrated Technologies for Safe Cities in the New Normal; Reimagining corporate security; evolving Role of CSOs – Security Manager to Risk Manager to Business Manager; Reimagining Cyber Security for a Hybrid Workplace; The Role of AI & ML in Critical Event Management; Managing Security Across Locations Globally – Risks & Challenges; Ensuring Diversity and Inclusion in Corporate Security, Safety & Loss Prevention amongst others. According to a report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the security industry is a significant and expanding sector of the economy. Studies estimate the national cost to be approximately 20% of India’s GDP. SAFE West India is part of Informa Markets’ ongoing series of events in the security sphere. The expo has successfully united security and fire professionals, industry experts, and key government officials from various regions to deliberate on the latest industry trends and innovations.

European manufacturing companies are faced with multiple challenges when competing internationally. The hurdles that have to be overcome range from high energy and personnel costs to shortages of skilled workers and unstable supply chains for a wide variety of components. However, these very same difficulties are also giving rise to some remarkable innovations. The smart use of digitalization – including artificial intelligence – in combination with robotics and automation solutions can bring about major leaps in productivity and help raise competitiveness on a long-term basis. Cutting-edge solutions were presented at the EMO Hannover 2023, the world’s leading trade fair for production technology. 

Highly attractive platform for information exchange

For Maschinenfabrik Berthold Hermle AG from Gosheim, EMO Hannover is the international trade fair for engineering in 2023. The main topics – especially for Hermle – are digitalization and automation. “Despite the continuous flow of new trends, we always put our customers – and their wide ranging requirements – first,” reports Udo Hipp, Head of Marketing. “Especially in our growth areas, which involve high levels of automation, we often have to consider the aspects of Industry 4.0 and the digitalization of our products. Here we offer solutions in the form of digital modules such as Digital Production, Digital Service and Digital Operation – with each module interlocking with the others. For example, the Digital Operation module provides machine tuning, permitting dynamic adaptation of the controller parameters and intelligent processing setups. The Digital Production module contains various tool and information management and automation control systems. The Digital Service module includes remote maintenance, diagnostic and monitoring systems.

“That’s a whole bunch of digitalization components we are able to offer our customers,” says Hipp. “At EMO Hannover 2023 we will be showcasing permanent digitalization and a number of automation solutions, including robotic and handling systems adapted to our machining centers. One of our priorities is ensuring that our automation solutions are easy to integrate into areas and industries that have not yet given much thought to these processes. It is this very shortage of skilled workers – a frequently heard topic of discussion at present – that is forcing us and our customers to invest in sophisticated automation solutions combined with highly efficient machining centers, ideally all from a single source. We are hoping to see large numbers of high-caliber visitors at EMO Hannover 2023, and we’re also hoping that the event will serve as a platform for an intensive exchange of information and for new projects.”

Flexible and automated loading

The manufacturing industry, especially the machining industry, is currently having to contend with decreasing batch sizes and increasing levels of variance in parts. The situation is further exacerbated by the shortage of skilled workers in all areas. This is forcing companies to keep their machines in operation for as long as possible. One solution offered by automation experts Schunk GmbH & Co. KG, based in Lauffen am Neckar, Germany, is automated pallet handling. This allows systems to be loaded around the clock, even in small-batch and single-part production and with minimum staffing levels.

The system consists of a palletizer module and robot coupling for automated loading. The workpieces and clamping devices are set up on clamping pallets, magazined and successively loaded onto the machining center from the pallet magazine. On the bottom of the pallets is a uniform interface to the zero point clamping system. Similar to an adapter, it connects the machine to a wide variety of workpieces. The pallet systems also have a side interface which allows the pallets to connect securely to a robot or gantry. The southern German company has developed a new generation of power clamping blocks for automated clamping of workpieces in the machine. “The robot and Schunk gripper can then directly load and unload the centric clamping vices and workpieces,” explains Markus Michelberger, Head of Sales Clamping Technology at the company’s site in Mengen. “At EMO Hannover, we will be showcasing further automation and digitalization options in machining, as well as new developments in the field of sustainable, resource-saving clamping equipment.”

AI meets Digital Twins

Although feed drives rarely fail, they can cause high costs in production when they do. In its Kidz project, iwb is conducting research into how predictive maintenance can be implemented by combining algorithms and traditional machine tool models, even in cases where only a few failures have been observed. The background is that feed drives have a considerable influence on the productivity of machine tools: On the one hand, such failures are time-consuming and costly to repair. On the other hand, they significantly influence the machine dynamics and thus the actual metal removal rate. Switching to a predictive maintenance strategy therefore offers great economic potential. However, there is currently no comprehensive system on the market that only uses existing sensors to monitor and predict the condition of feed drive components of producing machine tools.

The Kidz project is therefore carrying out research into a hybrid system for predictive maintenance. It combines a digital twin with modern AI methods. “In contrast to purely data-driven approaches, the hybrid system can work with much less training data in the form of failure observations – which are difficult to obtain in the case of machine tools,” says Michael Zäh, Professor of Machine Tools and Manufacturing Technology at the iwb within TU Munich, emphasizing a key aspect. “At the same time, this approach allows a certain degree of interpretability with regard to its predictions, since wear can not only be detected globally via the digital twin, but also assigned to specific feed drive components.” External additional sensors can then largely be dispensed with, and only internal signals used. Grenzebach Maschinenbau GmbH from Asbach-Bäumenheim is involved in the project, and its machine will eventually be used to demonstrate the functionality of the system. “EMO Hannover 2023 offers an excellent platform for the international exchange of views on the various technical aspects for optimal solutions,” concludes Professor Michael Zäh.

Innovations and international contacts

“EMO Hannover is the number one platform for innovations,” confirms Stefan Raff, Head of Sales Robomachines at Fanuc Europe – Fanuc Deutschland GmbH, based in Neuhausen auf den Fildern. “Which is why it’s only natural that Fanuc is featuring two European premieres involving robomachines in Hanover. I can’t reveal any more at this point.” Overall, Fanuc will be moving in a new direction at the next EMO. Instead of focusing only on its own CNC controls and machines, Fanuc will now also be presenting complete packages to visitors, such as a system for manufacturing automotive parts. The specific demands of electric vehicles have brought about a change in the design of manufacturing facilities. There is a greater need for flexible manufacturing equipment, for instance. Criteria such as TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) and ROI (Return on Investment) are playing a greater role than ever. “In addition, we are seeing further growth in demand for process solutions – a trend that has now well and truly taken hold,” Raff continues. “The European Development Center we have set up in Neuhausen will support the design of such solutions based on European standards.” This gives added weight to the company’s claim: “Fanuc puts customer requirements at the heart of its R&D”. One such example – and representative of many other solutions – is the development and testing of extreme applications such as power skiving on Fanuc machines.

“A crucial factor, we believe, is having up-to-date equipment for initial and further training,” emphasizes Stefan Raff. “Automation is certainly needed as a means of coping with labor shortages in general and the lack of skilled staff in particular – but so. too, is the early and comprehensive incubation of young talent. And so, for the first time, Fanuc will be exhibiting an ‘Education cell’ at EMO, consisting of a machine, a robot and a complete training package. There will certainly be plenty of innovations on show at EMO Hannover 2023. Personally, though, I’m looking forward to the direct contact, especially with international visitors, which we’ve all missed for so long.”

The effective linking of automation, robotics and digitalization represents an established solution when it comes to optimizing process flows in the production environment. And now this approach is increasingly being enriched by digital twins and artificial intelligence. All the big names will be at EMO Hannover 2023 to present their latest solutions and to gather ideas and forge partnerships for their own optimization efforts. Hanover thus offers companies a globally unique opportunity to put themselves far ahead of the competition.

The universal VEGAPULS 6X measures the level of liquids and bulk solids reliably, even under the most adverse process conditions. And regarding IT aspects, users know one thing for sure: The radar sensor is one of the first level sensors developed with IEC 62443-4-2 in mind.

Many users in the process industry have so far paid little attention to cyber security. Either because they still think it’s the IT department’s job or they do not feel directly threatened. However, both these attitudes are a little negligent. Here is why. For one thing, IT security should always be a joint task between IT and OT. And for another, digital networking is forging ahead rapidly in the process industry. Concepts such as NOA (NAMUR Open Architecture), MTP (Modular Type Package) or Ethernet-APL (Advanced Physical Layer) are being deployed more and more. All of this opens up new avenues into the previously self-contained automation level and offers, at least theoretically, a convenient entryway for attacks.

The dangers of digital networking
Modern, integrated automation solutions simplify handling and make processes more flexible and efficient. However, due to this open-mindedness, process automation engineers have begun to focus more and more on the issue of security.

One concrete number to emphasise the vulnerability is according to the industry association Bitkom e. V., the German economy suffers a loss of around 203 billion euros yearly through the theft of IT equipment and proprietary data and espionage and sabotage. Especially problematic is the fact that cyber adversaries can be quite different: They can range from individual ‘script kiddies’, to criminals or even nation-states. Such attacks are still rare in the process industry; however, operators of power plants, fuel tanks or equipment in the water industry have recently gotten a wake-up call. Because what is often neglected: Any attacks on IT can affect OT areas very quickly.

The advantages of wireless communication
Nevertheless, this new open-mindedness offers numerous advantages for users. For example, level sensors provide important data across many different areas of industrial activity. Process data are thus available at all locations, allowing worldwide inventory management (Vendor Managed Inventory). Sensors from VEGA, for example, have been supplying critical data to higher-level systems for many years, for example, level data from road salt silos along motorways or production data from flour mills, to optimise raw material logistics. Motorway maintenance depots and mills can thus rely on their storage facilities being automatically filled with road salt or grain. Incidentally, VEGA started this development long before Industry 4.0 became a topic.

The development of wireless communication with Bluetooth has once again increased the use of such applications. Bluetooth makes adjustment and commissioning of sensors and controllers easier, which, in many cases, also helps avoid situations where accidents can occur. No matter where the level data originates from – whether huge towering silos, external measuring points like distant stormwater overflow basins, potentially explosive environments or complex, labyrinthine processing plants – VEGA sensors make it available where it is needed. Wireless data transmission is also used to retrieve status information from the sensors, for example, to report maintenance requirements or to request an update. Downtime can be significantly reduced this way.

Yet, from a cyber security perspective, there are challenges: Such data is increasingly being bundled into production and maintenance systems to be further processed in the office or control room. This creates discontinuities between operational and security functions.

Holistic security concepts for VEGAPULS 6X
Therefore, VEGA put great effort into achieving certification as per IEC 62443-4-2 while developing its new shooting star, the radar-level gauge VEGAPULS 6X. This international series of standards provides a flexible framework for systematically assessing, evaluating and implementing security standards. Its guidelines define security requirements for hardware as well as software. It is aimed at plant builders, plant operators, and component manufacturers like VEGA.

The entire development process of VEGAPULS 6X was therefore geared to the IT security standard IEC 62443-4-2. It included, among other things, an analysis of possible threats right from the start to identify weak points early and develop countermeasures during development. All of this, by the way, had to do with the security of the device and a company’s entire production process. This work was supervised by the independent institution TÜV Nord, which tested every measure.

The safety measures start with the encapsulated electronics of VEGAPULS 6X, which prevents manipulation. Built-in is also a Defense-in-Depth strategy, i.e. a tiered security concept consisting of several IT security layers. The concept includes production equipment security, network security and the security strategies of the various system components. For VEGAPULS 6X, it means protection against threats such as-
• Data manipulation (violation of integrity)
• Denial of Service “DoS” (violation of availability) and
• Espionage (violation of confidentiality)
• The instrument has additional security features:
• User authentication: Every VEGAPULS 6X is delivered with an individual device and Bluetooth access codes. The Bluetooth connections are encrypted using standardised cryptographic methods and allow the user to be deactivated again after the device has been configured.
• Event memory (logging): VEGAPULS 6X records locking and unlocking processes in an event memory, successful and failed attempts. The functionality of this security function can be tested by trying to unlock the instrument with an incorrect instrument code. This faulty authentication must then be recorded in the “IT Security” event memory. If the event memory is checked regularly, attacks or manipulation can be easily detected.
• Firmware integrity checks: The software update package is encrypted and signed. This prevents unauthorised software from being loaded into VEGAPULS 6X.
• Data backup for recovery: Using the DTM, the parameters of VEGAPULS 6X can be saved with the “Create backup” function. HART-enabled control systems also allow saving the parameters of VEGAPULS 6X.

What happens in a worst-case scenario?
When defending against a cyber attack, time is of the essence. All companies should make appropriate preparations, including drawing up a clearly defined emergency plan to ensure valuable time is not wasted if worse comes to worst. It also includes planning how to rebuild a secure system in case of severe damage. At VEGA, the PSIRT – Product Security Incident Response Team – always stands ready to help. These experts continuously search for any vulnerabilities, provide assistance with updates and patches, answer customer questions and immediately take action in critical situations, for example, if a user discovers a vulnerability. At the same time, VEGA works closely with CERT@VDE, an IT security platform for industrial companies, in reporting and investigating vulnerabilities.

For decades, VEGA-level sensors have made it easier for users to monitor their industrial processes. With VEGAPULS 6X, the user doesn’t have to worry about the application area, the technology involved, the frequency or version of the sensor – all it takes is just a few mouse clicks to put it into operation. VEGA also tries to make everything as simple as possible regarding cyber security. It’s true that VEGA cannot exempt the plant operator from all responsibility; cyber security is an ongoing dynamic process that requires constant attention. VEGA does, however, support the operator in this effort. This help includes: Encouraging the operator to apply the measures mentioned in the security guidelines, which enable him to use the sensor correctly and securely. The security guidelines document provides additional tips on making a production system even more secure. Users are, therefore, optimally prepared.

 

Polyworks integrates new root cause analysis tools into its data management solution that can automatically identify the factors that impact product quality and reduces the cost of measuring in 3D by improving the global dimensional management process.

InnovMetric, the independent software development company that empowers manufacturers of every size to transform their 3D measurement processes digitally, launched PolyWorks 2023. This new release expands the PolyWorks universal 3D metrology platform to offer a digital ecosystem integrated into the four phases of a manufacturing organisation’s global dimensional management process: product design, process design, validation, and production.

In addition to optimising the performance of 3D measurement teams through universal platform enhancements, PolyWorks 2023 further reduces the cost of measuring in 3D in three different ways:
• PolyWorks offers improved Model-Based Definition (MBD), and Measurement System Analysis (MSA) digital workflows that help manufacturing organisations minimise the number of software used within their global dimensional management process.
• The PolyWorks data management solution can now be deployed in less than 15 minutes in the cloud and be interconnected with a corporate identity server.
• Finally, PolyWorks integrates new root cause analysis tools into its data management solution that can automatically identify the factors that impact product quality.

Marc Soucy, President of InnovMetric says, “For 10 years, we have invested heavily in digital technologies, which today allow us to help our customers increase their use of 3D measurement data while reducing their operating costs. What is our secret? We digitally interconnect our customers’ platforms, such as CAD and PLM, PolyWorks, and Microsoft solutions. As a result, we can now easily provide business processes that previously required three or four different software and react in real time to problems on the production line. At the same time, our decisions are based on factual 3D measurement data. Moreover, our customers can now deploy our data management solution in less than 15 minutes, which is a breakthrough for small- and medium-sized enterprises” He concludes, “For manufacturing organisations that are still questioning the relevance of their digital transformation, the question to ask is no longer why, but when.”

Product and process design phases
The PolyWorks|Inspector™ solution helps reduce time-to-market by measuring, controlling, and analysing 3D dimensions at every product and process design phase stage. With PolyWorks|Inspector 2023, 3D measurement specialists can now set up measurement templates and perform 3D measurement tasks more efficiently. They can quickly analyse and edit large measurement sequences by finding steps using keyword searches or navigating through step types, such as errors and warnings. This solution can create curve-based features in a single click over a polygonal model of a measured piece to rapidly inspect a piece without CAD data.

Mixed reality display technologies provide localised visual guidance, measurement feedback, and access to inspection functionalities without encumbering the hands of operators. The PolyWorks|AR™ 2023 mixed reality app offers new powerful tools to guide laser scanning, review inspection results, and collaborate with colleagues. Users can now position the hologram of the PolyWorks|Inspector 3D Scene window within the operator’s field of view to see scanning progression, perform additional scanning in areas of poor data quality etc.

The PolyWorks|PMI+Loop™ Model-Based Definition solution allows manufacturing organisations to manage all the dimensional controls defined by the design and manufacturing teams within their native CAD platform. By associating dimensional controls to CAD geometries within CAD software, PolyWorks|PMI+Loop can automatically update these controls when the CAD model is modified and provide the digital traceability needed to accelerate the integration of a CAD design change within an inspection project. With version 2023, InnovMetric has improved the speed of its MBD solution by order of magnitude and significantly reduced CAD file size. PolyWorks|PMI+Loop is available for the Siemens NX, PTC Creo, and DS SolidWorks CAD platforms.

Validation phase
Measurement System Analysis tools are essential to guarantee 3D measurement processes’ capability before certifying production tools. With PolyWorks 2023, InnovMetric has improved the speed of data transfer to Excel while removing previous limitations regarding the number of dimensional controls, iterations, measured pieces, and operators.

Production phase
PolyWorks 2023 offers major evolutions to manage data from production lines and resolve manufacturing issues faster. Customers can now store up to one million pieces sampled from a production line within a single inspection project. The operators can monitor the production’s dimensional trends at a glance by displaying hundreds of charts within the PolyWorks|DataLoop™ Web Interface.

Data management
The PolyWorks|DataLoop, a data management solution, stores 3D measurement data on central servers and digitally interconnects all the people that capture or need access to 3D measurement information. With version 2023, InnovMetric has simplified the deployment of PolyWorks|DataLoop.

They have long been part of our daily lives: smartphones, which are operated intuitively without the need for instructions, and smart building automation, which is operated via an app while you are on the move. These technologies are used as a matter of course and support people. It’s logical, then, that the call for more usability in engineering is getting louder.

Plants are getting more sophisticated in their operations, incorporating interconnectivity between plants and machinery to create modular systems that are essential for future factories. Mobile applications are also critical components of these systems. Other necessary features include the ability to conduct remote maintenance, especially for mobile machines, and access to production and diagnostic data. Despite the complexity, the setup and operation of these systems should be straightforward and self-explanatory. This challenges secure machine communication, but user-centric operating concepts can provide a solution.

Challenge: safe and user-friendly
To ensure functional safety, an operating concept must prioritise user-friendliness. When a safety device becomes overly complicated, there is a risk that it will be tampered with and rendered ineffective. Therefore, customised solutions that are purpose-built and tailored to the specific application are necessary. The operating concept must be easy to understand, with a clear and intuitive design. This reduces the training required for machine operators, preventing misuse and minimising downtimes.

Touchscreen operation
The operating concept will incorporate operator terminals, such as the Pilz Machine Interfaces (PMI), which provide all the necessary functions to create ergonomic user interfaces and web-based visualisation solutions, like PASvisu. By closely collaborating with the controller and visualisation, users can enjoy easy plant operation while benefiting from monitoring and diagnostic features. To achieve this, the operator terminals must be seamlessly integrated into the machine design, as users must have a comprehensive view of their application at all times. Therefore, PMI touchscreen panels are available in various sizes and designs, making them ideal for integration into different environments. Customers who use their software can combine it with the PMIopen, an open hardware platform.

Visualisation with PASvisu
The PMIvisu operator terminals can be accessed through PASvisu, which uses HTML5, making it platform-independent. This means that nearly any end device, such as a PC, tablet, or smartphone, can be used to access it in the respective web browser. This allows for remote maintenance based on Client-Server functionality and ultimately reduces downtimes. Additionally, this solution can be used to create mobile applications. PASvisu provides all the expected human-machine interface (HMI) functions in modern visualisation software.

Smart operation of widely networked solutions
Diagnostics and maintenance are evolving to become more user-friendly and predictive. An example is the PSENmlock safety gate system, which now has a version suitable for series connection and can be used in stand-alone machines up to large-scale interconnected plants. When combined with the Pilz diagnostic solution Safety Device Diagnostics (SDD), gates can be connected through a one-cable solution and controlled individually. Unlike other systems, this innovative diagnostic solution can cover 900 meters, enabling the connection of large high bay racking systems through a single cable solution. All sensors are centrally managed through a fieldbus module on the diagnostic system, making the wiring more user-friendly and opening up new diagnostics and maintenance possibilities. SDD can retrieve status information from connected safety gate sensors, read configuration parameters, and visualise actions. If a sensor is faulty, users can quickly locate and rectify the issue.

Centralised data management
Intelligent diagnostic solutions offer extensive data on the status of safety devices. Smart diagnostics provide predictive data on maintenance and sensor replacement and display past data. This results in shorter downtimes and increased productivity. The greater the data available, the more precise the diagnostics become. Clear presentation and simple evaluation are crucial to ensure users maintain an overview. Cloud solutions are increasingly popular, allowing for centralised data storage and remote access from anywhere worldwide. Remote maintenance has become an essential component of modern automation solutions.

Paving the way for “machine learning.”
However, smart operating concepts for Industrie 4.0 are far from exhausting the possibilities. In future, IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) Gateways will contribute towards the further networking of plants and machinery. User management will be coupled with operator panels. It will be possible to operate touchscreen panels with gestures, similar to smartphones, and operators can teach robots via hand guiding. Virtual reality, on the other hand, opens up a whole new range of possibilities for modern machine training or remote maintenance.

However: at the centre of the new operating concepts is always the human, supported by intelligent technologies.

For more info contact Pilz India Pvt. Ltd.
www.pilz.com

Collaboration between TRUMPF, Fraunhofer ILT and DESY provides the  most detailed of insights into laser welding processes to date thanks to the particle accelerator // Fraunhofer expert Marc Hummel: “We have now been  able to clearly prove for the first time that raw materials can be saved in the  welding high-performance electronics by using lasers with green wavelength.”  

 Lots of raw materials can be saved in the welding of high-performance electronics. This is the result of an investigation at the German Electron Synchrotron DESY of the Helmholtz  Association in Hamburg. High-performance electronics are in every e-car and, as a key technology, ensure the best performance of the battery and motor. The  Hamburg researchers, together with the high-tech company TRUMPF and the  Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT, have now investigated the laser welding processes that are used in the manufacture of e-cars. TRUMPF,  Fraunhofer ILT, DESY and the Helmholtz Center Hereon each contributed their highly specialized knowledge of X-rays, laser sources and welding processes. As a result, insights that remain invisible to the eye and even to microscopes have now been achieved for the first time. The result: When a laser with green wavelength is used, far fewer rejects are produced than with other laser welding processes. Car manufacturers save raw materials and thus contribute to more sustainable manufacturing.  

Particle accelerator provides detailed insights  

The project partners used the brilliant X-rays of the particle accelerator at the  Hereon experimental setup for their investigation to take high-speed images at several thousand to ten thousand frames per second. “We wanted to use the investigations at the particle accelerator to find out exactly what makes the difference in copper welding. A stable welding process is important because manufacturers of electric vehicles have to weld several billion connections of the highest quality,” says Marc Hummel, a scientist at Fraunhofer ILT. In the future, TRUMPF and the Fraunhofer ILT plan to expand research to other areas such as  3D printing, laser cutting and laser drilling with ultrashort pulse lasers, and to bring other industry partners on board.  

E-mobility: Fewer rejects thanks to lasers with green wavelength 

Electromobility poses major challenges for laser technology. Copper is the most important material for the manufacturing of core e-mobility components. This non-ferrous metal absorbs only about 5 percent of laser radiation in the near-infrared range (NIR) and conducts heat very well. Both of these properties lead to considerable problems when welding. The processes are therefore under scrutiny. In addition to NIR lasers, TRUMPF also has lasers with green wavelength in its product range. “Lasers with green wavelength are the solution to this problem. In fact, copper can be welded better with these lasers,” said Mauritz Möller, Automotive Industry Manager at TRUMPF. Copper absorbs the green wavelength much better than the infrared. Because the material thus reaches its melting temperature more quickly, the welding process also starts faster and less laser power is required. “More stable processes when welding mean fewer rejects and thus greater sustainability, which is a major issue in e-mobility,” said Mauritz Möller.  

Experiments at the particle accelerator  

To study welding processes in detail, experts from the Fraunhofer ILT, in collaboration with the Chair of Laser Technology LLT at RWTH Aachen  University, use DESY’s PETRA III X-ray light source on the experimental setup at the Helmholtz Center Hereon. “Conventional methods actually only see the electromagnetic emissions from the plasma. With DESY’s radiation, we can not only look inside the melt, but we can even make the melt dynamics visible,”  explained Marc Hummel.  

To do this, a team from Fraunhofer ILT and TRUMPF studied laser welding processes at DESY using two different laser systems: a NIR laser and a laser with green wavelength. “For us, this is a great opportunity to study welding processes on industrial parts. For example, how do spatters and pores form, and how does the heat from the welding process affect sensitive components such as electronic parts,” said Mauritz Möller.  

FLUKE, the world leader in portable handheld test and measurement instruments, introduced a set of 2 New Temperature-Humidity Meters in the Indian market.

Temperature and humidity are two essential items for the comfort test of indoor air and environment. The Fluke 972 Series Temperature Humidity Meters can quickly and easily collect accurate humidity and temperature data. It features a streamlined industrial design and is comfortable to hold. Simplified buttons require no complicated operations. The selected high-precision sensors ensure that reliable data is collected. The Fluke 972 Series is an indispensable environmental monitoring tool for facility maintenance and engineering technicians, HVAC service contractors, R&D and manufacturing engineers, and professionals involved in indoor air quality (IAQ) assessments.
• FLUKE 972 A – Temperature Humidity Meter with Internal Sensor
• FLUKE 972 B – Temperature Humidity Meter with Internal & External Sensor & Wet Bulb, Dew Point Measurement
• FLUKE 972 ES – External Sensor for Fluke 972A & 972B Models

Features and Benefits of New Fluke Temperature-Humidity Meters
• Quickly measure Temperature & Humidity.
• Calculate Wet Bulb and Dew Point Temperatures (Fluke 972B).
• Quick settling humidity sensor to capture quick humidity changes.
• Large 2-inch HD display for easy & clear viewing.
• Two models, Fluke 972A & 972B, with internal and external probes.
• Accuracy of ± 0.4 °C and ± 3% RH to meet industrial-grade testing requirements.
• 99 sets of stored data, easy to review (Fluke 972B only).
• Comfortable grip and ergonomic design.
• Reinforced sensor protective cover for worry-free operation.
• Long battery Life, with an Automatic switch-off feature to save battery.
• Free Protective Carry Case for the instrument.
• 1 Year Fluke India replacement Warranty.

Major Applications for Fluke 972 Series T-Rh Meter
• Facility Maintenance for maintaining HVAC performance.
• Food & Pharmaceuticals – Production, Storage, Transportation
• Cold storage, Laboratories & Data Centers
• Paper, Cardboard, and Textile Manufacturing Industries
• Electronics & Semiconductor Manufacturing
• Green House Facilities & Agricultural Research
• Clean Room Applications

Fluke 972 Series Meters have fast-settling sensors that can measure quick parameter changes and give customers the most accurate readings.  The sensors are covered with a protective cap to prevent damage while in storage.

The Fluke 972 Series Temperature Humidity Meters addresses common daily challenges customers face, plus more – reducing your customers’ frustrations and addressing their unique needs – all with the quality and accuracy they can only get from Fluke tools. All models come with a carry case and are backed by Fluke India 1 Year replacement warranty.

For more info visit: www.fluke.com/indi

At the Carbon Black production unit in the Bhuj plant, BKT has already initiated working on producing specialty carbon black suitable for applications such as paints, plastics, and inks. 

The BKT Carbon, being manufactured in Bhuj, has a wide range and can be used in numerous fields, such as manufacturing high-performance tires, tubes, hoses, conveyor belts, moulded products, extruded profiles, gaskets, seals, rubber flooring, plastic masterbatch, basic inks to name a few.

Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT), the Indian multinational group and a global player in the Off-Highway tire market, set up Carbon Black manufacturing facilities in 2017 and augmented the supply of critical raw materials. Besides, the company’s carbon black product is utilised captively and balanced and is sold in the markets under the brand name ‘BKT Carbon’.

The current production of about 165,600 MT per annum of Carbon Black comprises ‘Hard Grade’ Carbon and ‘Soft Grade’ Carbon. Hard Grade Carbon is used in the tire tread, and Soft Grade is used in the casing compound to improve tire strength & durability and generate less heat.

In the vicinity of the carbon black plant (in Bhuj plant) is the ‘3550, THE LAB’, a dedicated carbon black R&D lab that is cutting-edge, equipped with world-class modern equipment, and staffed by experienced chemists and specialists in carbon black technology.

Going forward, in line with the business plan, BKT’s goal is to increase carbon black production to 192,600 MT per annum by 2023. In addition, BKT has already initiated working on the production of ‘Specialty carbon black’, which is suitable for use in specific applications such as paints, plastics, and inks.

While working towards the goals, BKT, this year, introduced a new and sustainable approach to producing carbon black. The company substituted bulk bag containers with mobile silos for captive carbon black usage, which are transported pneumatically to the tire manufacturing plant. Additionally, the entire approach is designed to reduce energy consumption along with the reduction in CO2 emissions and, at the same time, maintain the quality of carbon black.

The increase in production would obviate an increased power requirement. To meet the additional power requirement, the company has set up an additional power plant of 20 MW by tapping flue gas, a by-product from the carbon black plant, which provides the required additional power at a lower cost. The approved estimated capex to increase the capacity of the carbon black and co-gen power plant of ` 650 crores is expected to be completed by the year’s end.

For Carbon Black manufacturing, BKT recycles Carbon Black Feed Stock, which originates from the high-temperature cracking of petroleum fractions, the by-product of BKT’s supplier. This helped protect the environment and society at large.