Superior technology for uninterrupted machine tools operations

February 1, 2022 5:12 pm

Lubricant industry has a driving role to play in enhancing the performance of machine tools and the success of the metal-cutting industry.

What are new trends impacting manufacturing and machine tools? 

The manufacturing and machine tools industry is undergoing a revolution of sorts. Businesses today are opting for precise and specialised equipment that can reduce man-machine interaction, improve safety conditions and also result in enhanced productivity and profitability. Today, digitalization and upgrading to smart machinery is the norm. Automation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML) and the era of Industry 4.0 are visibly imprinting the industry, and for a good cause. As we aim to cut negative fallouts, increasing performance through reduced machine breakdowns and better control is critical. Advancements in hardware and software are changing the machine tool industry. Especially in large-scale industries, the use of AI to program machines is increasing while advancements in computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software are furthering precision in machine tool performance. 

Please talk about the innovations like digitalization, AI and IIoT impacting the performance of core manufacturing and machining processes. 

The era of Industry 4.0 is here, and businesses must onboard the digital journey to remain profitable. Smart technologies and automation solutions will be the new order in a connected industry system marked by the emergence of cyber-physical interfaces, IIoT, AI/ML and cloud computing. A connected enterprise enhances decision-making, strengthens security, and improves productivity – along with providing the complementary benefits of overall collaboration and access to the right information at the right time. IIoT offers a chance to redefine sectors and accelerate economic growth and is today being widely adopted across manufacturing, construction, mining, and other industries. The benefits of digitalisation can today be optimally realised in the manufacturing industry that is expecting rapid growth while encountering everyday challenges in lack of real-time monitoring, inaccuracy in measurement, and absence of precise predictive analytics. Here, adopting AI/ML can significantly impact and improve the performance of core processes. 

What are the challenges and current trends prevailing for workmen safety as well as trends impacting the industry? 

The manufacturing industry requires workers to remain in close proximity to large complex machinery. Workers are also engaged in potentially high-risk activities such as soldering, welding, metal cutting, raw material assembling, and heavy lifting and rigging. To overcome this challenge, using efficient and innovative technologies and techniques can reduce man hours and man-machine interaction, thereby, resulting in enhanced safety. MobilTM Lubricants’ association with Bhilai Steel Plant, one of India’s leading industry houses, is one instance of achieving enhanced workmen safety through use of fresh technology. In Bhilai, the use of Mobil VacuolineTM 500 Series circulating oil with performance monitoring through Mobil ServSM Lubricant Analysis (MSLA) helped the plant reduce man-hours by 216 hours, resulting in greater workmen safety. At Mobil and elsewhere in the industry, leaders are constantly upgrading technology to achieve enhanced workmen safety with several regulations and best practises driving the same. 

Will the updated machine tools technologies bring benefits to Small Medium Enterprise (SME) and Micro Small Medium Enterprise (MSME) sectors? 

Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Micro, Small and Medium enterprises (MSMEs) play a critical role in India’s rapidly developing economy.They contribute ~17 per cent to the nation’s GDP and employ ~60 million people, the second largest workforce in the country after the agricultural sector

In India’s growth journey, MSMEs will have to play a driving role to ensure holistic growth. With small scales of operations, MSMEs are aiming to improve their operational efficiency to reduce per unit cost and achieve greater profits. Here, ensuring their access to premium technology along with digitalization of performance monitoring can bring long-term assured benefits and immense difference in productivity and profitability. 

What are Mobil’s latest offerings for the metal-cutting industry? 

With years of proven performance, Mobil Lubricants is constantly innovating to formulate the most precise and advanced lubrication solution that can address challenges of both large and small enterprises. We offer a wide range of engine oils, greases, metal-cutting fluids, and more to address challenges specific to industries and equipment. 

For instance, our Mobilcut™ Series has been created to specifically address challenges in metal removal processes. It consists of high-performance water-miscible metal removal fluids that have been formulated with leading-edge base oils, additives and emulsifiers that provide dependable performance in a wide array of conditions. Further, Mobilmet™ 760 Series high-performance neat cutting oils are intended for severe cutting operations especially on difficult to machine steels. These oils are formulated to prevent the formation of oil mist in the vicinity of the machine tool, thus contributing to a safer and more pleasant working environment. Another premium non-corrosive to copper, moderate duty straight cutting oils – the MobilmetTM420 Series oils are resistant to foaming, even with excess splashing, to ensure superior performance in machine tool lubrication systems. The smart transition to digitalization aided by MobilTMSolcare Service application has also allowed industries to cut costs by replacing paper-based charts with fully digitised reports. The Mobil Solcare Service application ensures the most optimal usage of lubricant by the equipment, augmenting machine shop productivity with diligent servicing. The application has been chosen by a number of businesses and, subsequently, brought positive results for business owners and customer goodwill for Mobil. In one instance, the Mobil Solcare Service app was recommended to Microtech CNC Pvt. Ltd., a manufacturer that caters to diverse global industries including automotive, industrial, aerospace, defence, manufacturing, etc. 

The lubricant industry has a driving role to play in enhancing the performance of machine tools and success of the metal-cutting industry. At Mobil, we are committed to our drive for innovation and advancement to bring the best of world-class technology and services to the Indian market. 

(Exxon Mobil Corporation has numerous affiliates, many with names that include ExxonMobil, Exxon, Esso and Mobil. For convenience and simplicity, those terms and references to ‘corporation’, ‘company’, ‘ExxonMobil’, ‘EM’, and other similar terms are used for convenience and may refer to one or more specific affiliates or affiliate groups.)