Hot Trends in Cutting Tools | Digital Dialogue
Cutting tools have long been instrumental in transforming the way we manufacture, shape, and transform raw materials into finished products. As industries continue to evolve and seek greater efficiency, precision, and sustainability, the cutting tools sector is no exception, experiencing remarkable developments.
On this note, mojo4industry had an intriguing session discussing “Hot Trends in Cutting Tools”. Here prominent industry experts have offered their insights on the current cutting tools trends, which are propelling innovation and shaping the future of machining.
While talking about the importance of cutting tools in manufacturing and production processes Sharad Kulkarni, Sales Director – Asia, Dormer Pramet, said, “Let’s examine the requirements and emerging trends among customers in our industry. The key aspect is establishing partnerships within the machine tool sector. Fortunately, we have a representative from the machine tool industry on our panel. It’s essential to ensure a strong synergy between cutting tools and machines. Without this alignment, meeting customer demands would be challenging. Prioritizing customer needs and fostering collaborations with the machine tool industry are both crucial. These factors significantly influence our new developments and the dynamics driving the cutting tool industry in India and globally.”
Commenting on the importance of cutting tools in manufacturing and production processes, Rahul Inamdar, VP – Product & Application – Asia, Dormer Pramet, said, “Regarding the current significant trends, we’re discussing Industry 4.0, digitalization, Bluetooth-enabled devices, 3D printing including cutting tools, as well as notable advancements in coatings and other areas. These factors are driving the changes and advancements in the manufacturing sector.”
Sharing his views, Manoj Mohikar, DGM – Sales & Marketing, Oerlikon Balzers Coating India, said, “Our fundamental principles revolve around introducing highly innovative products to ease industrial operations. In the realm of machining, our focus is on providing customers with optimal productivity solutions that enhance cost-effectiveness per component, making the process more economical. This aligns with Oerlikon’s overarching vision. Our robust research and development efforts ensure regular product launches, each building upon the strengths of existing products. These new iterations consistently offer heightened productivity and cost-efficiency enhancements for our valued customers.”
Mohamed Arshath, National Application Manager, Hurco India, said, “Typically when we engage in process or machine sales, we emphasize that achieving output isn’t solely reliant on the machine itself. Rather, it’s a synergistic interplay of the machine, tools, fixtures, and cooling systems. Machines and tools play crucial roles among these components. Progress in technology occurs simultaneously in both the machine and tooling sectors. As one advances, the other catches up, creating a cyclical evolution. Staying aligned with these advancements is crucial for us and our customers. Sharing insights like these in sessions can provide fresh perspectives. On the market, there are machines integrated with the latest technologies and cutting tools equipped with advanced features. This combination can significantly reduce cycle times and produce highly precise results, leading to increased profitability. This includes predictive cycle time estimations and other related enhancements.”
Kulkarni said, “Observing the current state of the cutting tool industry, it’s evident that Indian customers have made significant technological strides on the shop floor. They are adopting advanced machinery, leveraging resources more efficiently, and enhancing their understanding not only of machine tools but also of cutting tools. Proficiency in systems like CAD CAM has notably grown, serving both domestic and global demands. The past decade has brought transformative changes to the manufacturing sector. The contribution of manufacturing to India’s GDP, which was slightly above 15 percent, has seen a marked rise due to increased investments in manufacturing and machining. Consequently, the market holds strong appeal for both local and global brands. The production services that customers globally access are now accessible within India as well. This shift has made the market highly attractive for a diverse range of manufacturers.”
Mohikar said, “Currently, the demographics of the manufacturing sector are undergoing significant changes. This is especially evident in the Aerospace industry, particularly within India. The utilization of cutting-edge technologies is becoming more prevalent in this industry. However, this shift also presents numerous challenges. It’s important to note that there still exist customers who rely on outdated machinery setups, alongside those who embrace the latest technologies. Furthermore, the emergence of industries like the mobile handset manufacturing industry is set to introduce a multitude of novel application areas. This expansion is poised to experience rapid and exponential growth.”
When asked about government initiatives like Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat working on the ground? Kulkarni said, “Certainly, I believe various initiatives are indeed making tangible impacts. As my fellow panelist highlighted the aerospace industry as a burgeoning sector for India, I concur that this field has the potential to greatly benefit the automotive industry. Notably, India holds a prominent position in the commercial civilian market, which is the third largest globally. Expanding on this, there’s a crucial aspect involving geopolitics. A few years ago, globalization took precedence in discussions, but the landscape has shifted toward geopolitics today. This shift has prompted a reconfiguration of supply chains, redirecting industries from traditional reliance on China to alternative markets such as Vietnam, Indonesia, India, and Mexico. India stands to gain from this trend, provided we adeptly adopt manufacturing best practices and embrace governmental initiatives. However, the industry must actively participate in this transformation beyond government-led efforts.”
