Page 22 - MTW JANUARY 2022 Digital Magazine

COVER STORY

and quality, greater machine flexibility streamline many operational processes by The Future Of Machine Tools
becomes more important as one of the reducing production time and minimizing Advancements in hardware and software
main characteristics of new machinery. human error. The growing demand for are changing the machine tool industry.
Plant managers and responsible automated manufacturing in the industrial Industry trends in the coming years are
manufacturing managers recognize sector has resulted in the increasing usage likely to focus on these advancements,
the increasing importance of digital of CNC machines. Also, the establishment especially as they pertain to automation.
features to improve the productivity and of manufacturing facilities in Asia-Pacific The machine tool industry is expected
efficiency of their assets. Data security, has spurred the usage of computer to see advancements in:
open communication interfaces, and numerical controls in the sector. • Inclusion of smart features & networks
newest information and communication A highly competitive market has • Automated and IoT-ready machines
technology (ICT) are essential to integrate compelled players to focus on efficient • Artificial intelligence (AI)
digital applications and solutions for a manufacturing techniques trying to gain • CNC software advancements
higher degree of automation and serial competitive advantage by redesigning
production. Today’s shortage of digital their facilities, which include CNC Inclusion Of Smart Features And
know-how and financial resources and machines. Apart from this, the integration Networks
time constraints hinder the implementation of 3D printing with CNC machines is Advancements in networking technology
of digital enhancements and new services a unique addition to some of the new have made it easier than ever to connect
for end users. Furthermore, consistent production units, which is expected to smart devices and build local networks.
tracking and storage of process data offer better multi-material capability, with For example, many devices and
becomes important and a mandatory little resource wastage. industrial edge computing networks
requirement in many customer industries. Along with this, with the rising concerns are expected to use using single-pair
over global warming and depleting energy Ethernet (SPE) cables in the coming
Positive Outlook for the reserves, CNC machines are actively being years. The technology has been around
Automotive Industry used in power generation, as this process for years, but companies are beginning to
Despite some headwinds, automotive requires wide-scale automation. see the advantage it provides in building
industry looks bright, globally. According smart networks.
to industry sources, global light vehicle Competitive Landscape Able to transfer power and data
production units have been remarkable The machine tools market is fairly simultaneously, SPE is well suited to
and is expected to continue to grow. APAC fragmented in nature with the presence connecting smart sensors and networked
is expected to register the highest growth of large global players and small and devices to the more powerful computers
rates in terms of production volumes medium sized local players with quite a driving industrial networks. Half the size
followed by North America. Furthermore, few players who occupy the market share. of conventional Ethernet cable, it can
Electric Vehicles sales and manufacturing Major competitors in global machine tools fit in more places, be used to add more
is increasing at a record pace, which markets include China, Germany, Japan, connections in the same space, and be
creates a demand for the machine tools and Italy. For Germany, apart from several retrofitted to existing cable networks. This
and other equipment associated with hundred sales and service subsidiaries makes SPE a logical choice for building
manufacturing process. Machine tools has or branch offices of German machine smart networks in factory and warehouse
wide range of applications in automotive tool manufacturers throughout the world, environments that may not be suitable for
industry like CNC milling (gearbox cases, there are probably less than 20 German current generation WiFi.
transmission housings, engine cylinder corporations producing complete units Low-power wide-area networks
heads, etc.), turning (brake drums, rotors, abroad currently. (LPWAN) allow data to be transmitted
fly wheel, etc.) drilling, etc. with the advent With the increasing preference for wirelessly to connected devices over a
of advanced technologies and automation, automation, the companies are focusing greater range than previous technologies.
the demand for machine is only going to on developing more automated solutions. Newer iterations of LPWAN transmitters
increase to gain productivity and precision. The industry is also witnessing the can go a full year without replacement
trend of consolidation with mergers and and transmit data up to 3 km.
CNC machine tools are expected to acquisitions. These strategies help the Even WiFi is becoming more capable.
dominate the market globally companies to enter new market areas and New standards for WiFi currently in
The computer numerical control machines gain new customers. development by the IEEE will use 2.4

18 MACHINE TOOLS WORLD JANUARY 2022 www.mtwmag.com