Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Taiwan machine tool manufacturers Thailand visit

In November 2018, machine tool builders from Taiwan gathered to visit factories in Thailand organized by Taiwan’s CSD (Corporation Synergy Development Center and ITRI (Industrial Technology Research Institute) and supported by International Metalworking News for Asia’s Editor-in-Chief Kathryn Gerardino-Elagio. The factory visits connect Taiwan technology developers and leading-edge suppliers: Chin Fong Machine Industrial Co. Ltd, Cosen, Mechatronics Co. Ltd, Equitop Hitech Corp., Everricho Company Ltd, Goodway Machine Corp., and Taiwan Takisawa Technology Co. Ltd with Thailand manufacturers: C.C. S. Advance Tech Co. Ltd, Global Thaixon Precision Industry Co. Ltd, Jitachai Engineering Products Co. Ltd, Lenso Wheel Co. Ltd, Somboon Advance Technology Co. Ltd, and P.C.S. Precision Works Co., Ltd.

With the plant visits, Taiwan makers hope to address the issues raised by Thai companies and use it to improve their machines and technologies. Each Taiwanese machinery builder was given a chance to introduce their machine tool solutions and explain how they can help Thai manufacturers to be more efficient, smarter, and more connected to their supply chain and customers alike. In return, Thai makers shared their criteria for choosing the right machine tool equipment they need.

Here's an inside look at the criteria that were discussed during the meeting, and some of the pitfalls Thai makers underwent during the process.

Global Thaixon Precision Industry













Global Thaixon Precision Industry Co. Ltd’s products include high-precision turning part, high-precision tooling/milling part and high-precision stamping part. In a job shop environment where parts of a multitude of sizes and shapes are machined, and where the requirements might change from day to day, Global Thaixon Precision said that it is important to select the right machine for a particular operation. 

Director and Deputy General Manager Saito Satoru, explained that with countless multi-tasking machines with advanced capabilities on the market today, it can be overwhelming when trying to choose the best solution for their operations. After all, they don’t want to overspend on unnecessary functions or under invest in a technology that could make them more profitable in the long run.

“We want a machine that offers the highest possible performance for our exact needs at the lowest possible operating and downtime costs,” he clarified.

C.C. S. Advance Tech













C.C. S. Advance Tech Co. Ltd is a one stop manufacturing company that provides aerospace components to its Tier 1 and Tier 2 customers, such as Boeing, Airbus, Rolls Royce and UTAS.


According to Ketan Pole, Chief Executive Officer, in today's competitive business world, being innovative in everything you do is the key to success. “Innovation is really about responding to change in a creative way. One way to do this is by acquiring equipment or technology that helps you improve your efficiency,” he said.

Ketan further said that buying the right tools from the start can be a huge investment, but considering the size of the contract and the cost of the machine bought to accomplish it, getting into production without delay is essential.

“If you’re a good business, people will come to you,” Ketan commented. Aside from aerospace components, C.C. S. Advance Tech is also involved in one-off, small batch, as well as mass production of high-quality precision parts for oil & gas, electronics, semiconductors, needle/standard miniaturized bearings, computer parts and hard disk components manufacturing, fiber optics, bio-medical and automotive.

Somboon Advance Technology












Somboon Advance Technology Co. Ltd (SAT) has a long and illustrious history of serving customers in a certain way. It is engaged in the manufacture and distribution of motor vehicle parts for passenger cars, pickup trucks and agricultural machinery. Their businesses were focused on having the right product in the right volume available.

Today, though, the triad of machines, place, and price are still important, manufacturers are being asked to do more. Business Development Manager Chanboon Sripramote, said, “It is not enough that we provide access to motor vehicle parts anymore. Customers are demanding that we give them an edge in an increasingly competitive market.”

As a result, SAT is looking for machine tool equipment that will bring increased value for them. They want to partner with a machine tool builder who has moved beyond the traditional sales model of fulfilment to one who provides specialized product knowledge, design, and value-added services.

P.C.S. Precision Works











P.C.S. Precision Works Co., Ltd is a leading manufacturer of auto parts with a unique strength in advanced technology development. It has been accepted by major auto makers in Japan and Europe for over 30 years.

Taiji Ushioda, Interim Managing Director shared some of the pitfalls they experienced during manufacturing. “Excessive heat, vibration and noise are usually some of the problems we encounter. A failed bearing or gear is also an effect of the problems we encounter.”

He added, “While striving to accommodate quality requirements from our clients, we hold our machine suppliers to the same high standards. We continue to add new features to our products to increase their value and put ourselves ahead of the competition.”

Mr. Ushioda revealed that Taiwan manufacturers should move toward high-end market segments to stand out against low-cost competition from mainland China.

Jitachai Engineering Products











Jitachai Engineering Products Co. Ltd’s number one concern when buying a machine is price.  They may place high importance on other factors, but in the end, the commercial success of the product depends on meeting margins, which means driving down manufacturing costs where possible. Managing Director Worradet Leelaassawin believes that the lowest price will not necessarily mean the lowest cost, but it's easy to lose sight of this when looking at attractive bids.

Although the company is not in need of a new machine, they want a partner with the capacity to be there during their "ups" but also to thrive through their "downs" -- not one that could be dangerously close to going out of business if their project is delayed or cancelled.

Jitachai Engineering’s main products and services include: mechanical parts, mechanical devices, jig & fixtures, mass production of rubber and metal molds, forming, prototype, test or sample work pieces.

Worradet advised Taiwan companies present during the visit to continually improve their technologies to create value-added products and deliver better solutions to customers to stay competitive.

Lenso Wheel

Rather than making isolated purchases, Lenso Wheel Co. Ltd Vice President Prasittiporn Thongchalaem looks at the overall needs of its operations. He said that short-term purchases without long-term plans are costly and may not yield the best results. The company has gone from strength-to-strength in the process of becoming an internationally recognized manufacturer of high-quality alloy wheels.


Mr. Thongchalaem focuses on improving one area of its business at a time, rather than tackling an entire process. Ultimately, they improve turnaround time, efficiency or other aspects of its business. When he learned that he doesn’t need to buy a new equipment, he saved the money to make other investments. One example is a system he is carefully developing.

When asked about Taiwan equipment, Mr. Thongchalaem expects Taiwan makers to create more value for its customers.

Conclusion
At the end of the day, Taiwan makers know they can’t compete with machine tool builders from Germany or Japan on reputation. But they have the unique Taiwanese combination of quality and price. Chin Fong, Cosen, Equitop, Everricho, Goodway and Taiwan Takisawa pride themselves on the fact that they have learned from the best before building their own machines, utilizing Japanese and German solutions and technology in a low-cost package not available from those countries. Taiwan is a tiny territory of just 23 million souls. Talent mobility, above all, spurred the birth of Taiwan machine tool industry. The people behind Taiwan’s rise, whose vision and determination turned a little mountain island into a technology engine, are stories less known.

Friday, December 7, 2018

Connect with US!

International Metalworking News for Asia now has a more powerful way for you to connect with us.

We’ve created Metal News Asia on Facebook (www.facebook.com/MetalNewsAsia) and Metal News Asia on Twitter (https://twitter.com/MetalNewsAsia).

What can you expect by connecting with us?

*You’ll be the first to hear about events in your geographic area
*You’ll be able to start and join discussions on a variety of topics related to metalworking, machine tools, lasers automation, Industry 4.0, digitalization and many more...
*And finally, you’ll join a community who share common interests!

So please join us and invite your friends to join:

Metal News Asia on Facebook (www.facebook.com/MetalNewsAsia)
Metal News Asia on Twitter (https://twitter.com/MetalNewsAsia)

Saturday, November 24, 2018

Improving yield in additive manufacturing with ZEISS Correlative Solutions



Additive manufacturing or 3D printing process is changing the way OEMs work, and the supply chain must evolve along with it in various ways. The greatest challenge lies in optimal recipe development, in-process quality assurance and final part inspection and classification. ZEISS correlative solutions improve the yield by reducing time for recipe development and optimisation, and accelerating learning by correlating process defects with potential root causes. 

To learn more and gain an advanced understanding of additive manufacturing, International Metalworking News for Asia interviewed Dr. Marcin B. Bauza, Head of ZEISS Additive Manufacturing Process and Control, and Vice President of New Technology & Innovation, during the Industrial Transformation ASIA-PACIFIC 2018 at the Singapore EXPO. 

Please click the link down below to read more

Hurco celebrates the future with new technologies


Hurco (S.E. Asia) Pte Ltd in Singapore opens its house with machine demos and technology previews. This comes on the heels of the company’s 50th anniversary.

Looking back on its five decades of growth and innovative service, Hurco has turned its own attention to the factory of the future and to continued innovation and expansion as it moves into 2019 and builds off of 2018’s successes.

Resilience, Innovation, and Commitment to customer service remained at the forefront of Hurco (S.E. Asia)’s goals shares General Manager Wai Yip Lee to Kathryn Gerardino-Elagio of International Metalworking News for Asia (IMNA). 

Find out more please click the link below

http://www.industrysourcing.com/article/hurco-celebrates-new-technologies

Monday, October 15, 2018

ASEAN 2-Wheeler Manufacturing and Sustainability Summit 2018


SE Asia transportation is dominated by 2-wheelers. Scooters and motorcycles, alongside with city-wide initiatives of public bicycle systems are the affordable way for millions of people to commute to work every day. New technologies and tools provide manufacturers with new ways to make better products: battery technology advancements, 3D printed parts, ever increasing range of available sensors, additive manufacturing providing stronger and lighter frames. The production itself is being revolutionized as well - sensors optimizing production, maintenance, material warehousing, quality control & testing, reducing costs by implementing 4.0 automation. All that and more will be talked about at ASEAN 2-Wheeler Manufacturing and Sustainability Summit 2018.

ASEAN 2-wheeler Manufacturing and Sustainability Summit 2018 will bring together manufacturing professionals and expert speakers to jointly pursue the necessary developments of the entire 2-wheelers manufacturing process chain - from materials to machine tools, batteries advancements, testing equipment, production line machinery and robotics and automation to sensors applications in preventive maintenance, safety and data collection.

SE Asia transportation is dominated by 2-wheeler. Scooters and motorcycles, alongside with city-wide initiatives of public bicycle systems are the affordable way for hundreds of millions of people to commute to work every day. New technologies,machinery and tools provide manufacturers with new ways to make better products: battery technology advancements, 3D printed parts, ever increasing range of available sensors, additive manufacturing providing stronger and lighter frames.

The production itself is being revolutionized as well - sensors optimizing production, maintenance, material warehousing, quality control & testing, reducing costs by implementing 4.0 automation.

Find out about how to increase profitability and create more competitive products at ASEAN 2-Wheeler Manufacturing and Sustainability Summit 2018.

Friday, October 5, 2018

Innovate without boundaries


By: Kathryn G. Elagio


Is it possible to innovate without boundaries? As PLM (product lifecycle management) digital strategy is quickly becoming a core part of addressing the needs of a growing manufacturing business in South East Asia, running a digitalised business is no longer just a consideration during a typical use-case exercise. Business executives are now faced with making decisions on solutions that go beyond previous limitations. Selecting the latest tools to address a business process gap is now less about features and more about functionality.

Siemens held its Industry Analyst Conference (SIAC) from August 27-30 in Boston. A follow up report by International Metalworking News for Asia Senior Editor Kathryn G. Elagio who was a part of the media delegate reveals the extent to which Siemens is poised to play a major role in navigating the best path to building, running, and operating your own critical business processes.

In his speech, “Innovate without Boundaries,” Tony Hemmelgarn, President and CEO explained the transformative business value of the digital enterprise can only be realised by dissolving the boundaries between people, processes and applications. “We are integrating software applications into new solutions that reflect and support our customers’ pursuit of more ubiquitous innovation,” he added.
Tony Hemmelgarn, President and CEO 

Tony quoted Mark Weiser, Chief Scientist at Xerox, Father of Ubiquitous Computing, “The most profound technologies are those that disappear. They weave themselves into the fabric of everyday life until they are indistinguishable from it.” Mark’s quote articulated a far more powerful role for technology. It speaks clearly of what Siemens is trying to convey to everyone present during the conference in Boston.

Technology can and should extend beyond to become something far more powerful and Siemens is an advocate that empowers you to be smarter, better, adept, more accomplished.

The age of ubiquitous innovation

According to Tony, the boundaries between systems are disappearing: Ideation, Realisation, and Utilisation. The old rigid labels are dissolving, such as CAD, CAE, PLM, CAM, EDA and etc. The question now is how do you connect? At Siemens, Tony explained that they are focusing on optimising integrated solutions. “New data management technologies can bring more data transparency, collaboration and connections,” he stated.

Tony highlighted, “The new generation of PLM systems place solid foundation behind data organisation allowing manufacturing companies to manage data, collaborate and connect pieces of information using new data management tools including flexible data models, database frameworks and machine learning.”

Key integration initiatives
The president and CEO outlined the key integration initiatives that can help improve business processes: (1) Closed-loop Digital Twin: Use real-world performance insights to change the way you do business. Integrating planning, design, and engineering with ERP and production for >97% on-time delivery. (2) Generative Engineering: Automate engineering exploration to find optimal designs and systems orders of faster magnitude. (3) Electrical / Electronic Integration: Optimise design and manufacturing of complex electrical, electronic and mechanical systems. (4) Autonomous Mobility /Electrification: Realise autonomous mobility faster by integrating design and validation of the entire system in one environment. (5)  Additive Manufacturing: Industrialise additive manufacturing to design and produce useful parts at scale. (6) Digital Factory: Build intelligently automated digital factories to achieve configurable, flexible and personalised production. (7) IIoT/Edge: Leverage IoT insights to increase productivity, optimise products and discover new business models. (8) Electronics Manufacturing: Accelerate NPI by “left-shifting” engineering and planning to achieve right-first-time manufacturing. (9) Cloud: Bring continuous innovation to market faster with flexible cloud solutions and rapid application development.

With the growing expectations from manufacturing companies in South East Asia, it’s a key opportunity for new-generation PLM systems to break into the marketplace. Introducing a connected solution to a traditional industry with long-established pricing and regulatory practices will be a real challenge. But the region is ready to embark on a path to significant transformation that powers greater agility and competitiveness.

It doesn’t matter if your company is experienced with PLM digital strategy or new to the concept. PLM digital strategy is quickly becoming a core part of addressing the needs of a growing business.

Wednesday, October 3, 2018


Eco servo press from Lien Chieh


The eco servo series is the latest patented innovation from LCH that can be integrated with servo motors, which can save up to 20% energy consumption, and 20% noise reduction.


Reviews from end-users showed that their newly purchased LCH eco servo press is saving more than 30%, 40% and even 50% compared to other brand presses in their factory.
LCH’s Vice President, Michael Wang, explains that LCH is actively making progress on a new press series for the Industry 4.0. The company has been providing turnkey solutions to global companies.  A fully automatic tandem press line with plate washer, loader and unloader was installed in America last year. The production line demonstrated the sketch of unmanned factory with integrated visual inspection, pick and press automation. The production line eliminated labour power by 80%, indicating the capacity of LCH in designing precise, rapid and cost-efficient equipment that reflects unique characteristics according to clients’ request. 
In the future, LCH will focus on refining the sheet metal forming technologies of light-weight materials and components of CFRP, BMC, SMC that apply to electrical/ driverless cars.
Michael Wang, emphasised that the company’s vision is to lead the trend for smart and energy-efficient hydraulic presses making the world a better place for the generations to come.
LIEN CHIEH HYDRAULIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD. (LCH)
Tel: +886-2 8648 3000
Fax :+886-2 8648 2000
Website: www.lch.com.tw

Monday, October 1, 2018

Reinventing the art of transmission technology


Gearboxes are used in a very wide range of industrial fields. This important piece of equipment transmits mechanical power. The breakdown of a gearbox would have serious implications, therefore extremely high reliability is demanded.
Sales Manager Stanley Liu of Li Xiang Mach & Elec Co. Ltd talked to International Metalworking News for Asia about the company's latest innovations, ensuring that its designs closely match customer needs.

"Backed by over 40 years of gear and transmission experience, the company is known by its brand, PEI GONG. Li Xiang’s gear manufacturing capabilities gives you the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your gearbox or transmission system is in the hands of true professionals," Liu said.

The company designs and manufactures worm gear reducers, helical gear reducers, planetary gear reducers, gear motors, screw jacks, miter reducer, and so on. Recently, Li Xiang has reached out to initiate various applications in the automation technology.

“The Screw Jack System is the new product series we released this year. We have developed a long experience in transmission technology, and is currently tapping the automation components industry,” he disclosed. According to Liu, the spiral lift jack P series has the feature to reduce noise, while increasing speed and precision rate. It is widely applied in ball screws. He explained, “The spiral jacks offer different sizes to fulfil the request of various automation production lines.”
The goal of Li Xiang is to position itself as a total solution provider of the ever-advancing transmission technology. “We also target the transmission industry’s niche market; and plan to carry out projects, such as designing reducers for robots, which is a highly complex including high precision techniques. We wish to become an expert in offering the solution for reducers in robotic knuckles,” he added.

Machining strength recognised by Germans
“The emphasis on using top tier machines for manufacturing Li Xiang’s products is one of our most important commitment to quality. Fortunately, we have been recognised by clients across the globe with our excellent products. The result was specifically fruitful last year at the Hannover Messe,” Stanley remarked. He shared the experience of cooperating with a German client who produces gear boxes as well. The German company was searching for new suppliers for their own production. After several factory visits for both parties, Li Xiang has increased its knowledge from its German counterpart. On the other hand, the client has expressed its satisfaction by Li Xiang’s quality control and production capacity. The only concern was the access to raw materials, and having a stable source of supply in Taiwan. After a number of trials and tests to ensure the stability of raw materials, Li Xiang became a supplier of the German company.

Speaking of this latest experience, Liu summarised, “This is a firm recognition, which represents the progress of Li Xiang and our determination to improve. It is definitely an encouragement for the following inventions that we are planning on. Lastly, we will remain committed to delivering the best quality products to our niche markets.”

YSM CNC-39T strip and wire forming machine


Qualities include: the processing competence of 1.5-6.5mm wire diameter, 60mm maximal width of strip, 0.8-3.0mm thickness of strip, 150ppm of maximal forming speed, and many other advantageous features. Machine size is optimal at 3500x1800x2.3mm with a total weight 6.8 tons.

About 40% of YSM machines are for automotive and motorcycle sectors, and another 40% is for miniature circuit breaker sector; the rest is for other sectors.

The machine can produce all kinds of computer shrapnels and electronic/ lighting components, and fastener parts in the automotive sector. Moreover, the electric control is upgraded to PLC touch screen, so production information is shown on the screen, making all the information crystal clear to users. The forming slides are with double cams, so that when forming tool returns, it will be driven by backward cam. The integration of backward cams and slide sensors prevents forming tools from stucking, protecting the equipment and prolonging the lifetime of the equipment. The machine is installed with INTERCOM automatic NC tapping made in Italy, providing tapping solution for users.

Yih Shen Machinery Co., Ltd
Tel: +886-4 233 75168
Fax: +886-4 233 72962
E-mail: info@ysm.com.tw 
Website: www.ysm.com.tw 

Skype:
norbert.wilfred (India Company President)
ysm75168 (Mr. Bruno)
ysm2962 (Ms. Karen)

YouTube: YSM INTERNATIONAL - YSM INDIA
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCASUaNl4MLFyAOEtbufWK1w

See you at :

METALEX Vietnam (11-13 Oct. 2018)
Booth : Hall 104, BY14 www.metalexvietnam.com

Oscarmax introduces new EDM technologies

ROBOT-180 + S860 CMAX 2

Oscarmax focused on three major technologies that they introduced this year during the recent IMTS exhibition in Chicago.
The first product series is CNCW, a micro drill EDM featuring auto guide changer. The process is able to reach complete automation only with one single button and the machining would complete the process of running through tool changer to guide changer.The company started developing medium to large EDMs as opposed to its previous equipment that focuses on tables. Oscarmax enhanced its design of advanced moving columns to compensate larger machining purposes.
The second introduction is using CNCW microdrill EDM integrate CAM software, it could accurately locate the micro drilling hole from the 3D graphs. This particular software is programmed by SIEMENS CAM, which automatically transfers the EDM process parameters and machining details including the hole’s depth and width according to past machining data. This substantially eliminates the time spent for engineers in reading graphs and calculating parameters. It would open up the spaces for users to place their focus on designing higher end molds. This new version of microdrill EDM are mostly facilitated in the ICT industry, their customer include Hong Hai
The third innovation is the multi electrode ATC system that can accommodate 80 tools, with the robotic arms and guideways, the EDM is able to communicate with all three parties, with automated feeding systems. This setup achieves the goal of highly automation in the new concept of factories.
The greatest upgrade that Oscarmax completed in the previous seasons is their strength in engraving E.D.M. The manufacturing cell is designed with two EDMs with the new tool changer that can place 80 tools, and together with robotic arms and linear guideways, the entire cell can continuously work for five days. This manufacturing cell has also been customized for an aerospace manufacturer in Taiwan. The degree of automation is expected to save over 40% of labour resource.
Oscarmax keeps its innovation pace steady, and the technologies have gained them greater audiences across the globe. They experienced growth in the U.S. in the mid-higher tier equipment, while the supply of mid-tier products are popular among India and Vietnam. Next year, Egypt will become a focal location as well, they have obtained reliable partnerships with local agents and thus ready to ship both equipment and front-line engineers there for training.




OSCARMAX E.D.M. Company Ltd
Tel: +886-4 2338 5818
E-mail: oscaredm@oscaredm.com.tw
Website: www.oscaredm.com.tw
Skype: oscarMaxEDM
Taiwan International Machine Tool Show (7-11 Nov. 2018)
Booth : 4A316 www.tmts.tw 


iMT Taiwan spurs interest on Taiwan metal manufacturing abilities

Amidst strong raw materials market recovery and increase in manufacturing performance, Taiwan’s only metal materials and precision machinery exhibition - International Metal Technology Taiwan (iMT Taiwan) convenes again on December 5-7 at the Taichung International Exhibition Hall. Organised by Kaigo Co. Ltd, the show will spotlight ‘Made in Taiwan’ technology and products, iMT Taiwan emphasises the country’s capabilities as a metal manufacturing market that contributes significantly to global market advancements and export demands.

The exhibition features the stellar league of companies that operate at global production standards and with outstanding competences that elevated ‘Made in Taiwan.’ It provides a complete procurement and technology exchange platform for Taiwanese manufacturers to benefit from the industrial clustering advantage of ‘Taiwan Precision Machinery’ and to meet customers demand collectively as a one-stop metal processing market.

Specialising in ‘Metal Materials, Secondary Processing Technology and Materials Application’, the show brings together exhibiting companies made up of Taiwan’s leading metal technology and products manufacturers and other metal processing businesses. The companies will feature a wide range of products comprising newly researched technologies and top-rate machinery of Industry 4.0 quality to support metal businesses in improving their production capabilities. There will be 13 categories of products - material science and engineering, heat treatment, metallurgy, foundry, forging, moulding, coating, welding and cutting, metal forming technology, tube machinery and equipment, wire machinery and equipment, and turnkey equipment.

One of the leading companies at iMT Taiwan that is capable of serving the entire metal processing need is Daxie Automation Co. Ltd (DSA) that provides a number of industrial automation system integration services, including: precision casting, sand casting automation, CNC machining automation system integration, and robot deburring and energy monitoring systems and various peripheral systems development and other services. Their sustainable management, customisation and automation focus are the foundation of the company’s Industry 4.0 target to support the industry’s and their customers’ success. 
With DSA’s spirit of innovation, technology and science, the company has developed a number of MIT automation equipment and provides the most professional integration technology in both hardware and software. Their hardware capabilities include mechanical, pneumatic, electronic control loop planning and design, manufacturing and other professional capabilities, and has a Class A indoor wiring license, in the planning of electronic control loop configuration are in line with electrical regulations. In terms of software, it has the professional integration ability of ABB, Kuka, EPSON and other robots, and is equipped with PLC, Vision, Real Time and PC graphic control system to help customers achieve smart production, reduce costs and reduce waste.

Other exhibiting companies such as Taiwan Linji Metal will exhibit precision cold-added metal bars and profiled lines; Taiwan Yingda to feature mechanical equipment, processing furnaces, heating/cooling systems, molten iron furnaces, galvanising production, crystal induction welding, and more. Mexico Magnesium Technology will showcase their electroplating, surface treatment and metal surface treatment; Tianxing Material Pipe Industry will bring forward surface treatment machinery and equipment and surface treatment, cleaning and drying while Lianhua Gas Industry will present welding of processing materials.

Other exhibits include applied protection, refrigerant gas, natural gas auxiliary equipment, materials and hardware safety products; mechanical equipment, processing furnaces, forging peripheral equipment by High-Heat Furnace. Industrial gases and Special gas will be brought in by Sanfu Gas while New Welding Enterprise exhibits steel, iron, machinery and equipment, as well as laser, electric, flame cutting and cutting technology. Xin Lian Enterprise’s display will include precious metals, sand casting, lost foam casting, precision casting, sand blasting with cleaning.

iMT Taiwan closely links the global metal industry market and pave opportunities for manufacturers to expand overseas. Supported with Kaigo’s strength in representing German’s Düsseldorf trade shows in Taiwan -GMTN; casting GIFA, metallurgical METEC, heat treatment THERM PROCESS, casting NEWCAST, Wire & Tube International Cable & Tube Exhibition, IMT Taiwan brings the industry network closer. Buyers attending the exhibition can experience one-on-one service, with accommodation arrangement as well as pick-up and drop-off service. In addition, buyers can also visit various factories to establish a closer cooperation relationship with prospective local metal businesses.


Organiser:
Kaigo Co. Ltd
Tel: +886-2 2595 4212
Fax: +886-2 2595 5726
E-mail: imt@kaigo.com.tw
Website: www.imttaiwan.com

Thursday, September 27, 2018

What to see in IMNA's October issue


Is it possible to innovate without boundaries? October cover story welcomes the age of ubiquitous innovation. Siemens President and CEO Tony Hemmelgarn explained the transformative business value of the digital enterprise that can only be realised by dissolving the boundaries between people, processes and applications.  The company is integrating software applications into new solutions that reflect and support customers’ pursuit of more ubiquitous innovation.

The recently concluded International Metalworking Philippines 2018 received an overwhelming responses from the international exhibitors. More than 85% of exhibitors are foreign companies, and 24% of these exhibitors are exhibiting in the Philippines for the very first time.

Also in this issue, automation systems for tube processing have repeatedly been a subject in many discussions. At present it is fair to expect that the mechanical engineering sector will have to consolidate after a period of strong demand. The trend towards adopting automation techniques will continue and more strongly so.

Metal Cutting section explores machining concepts for today’s future mobility. In view of the expected dynamic development of e-mobility, the automotive-related machine tool industry is confronted by challenges in terms of machine concepts and production processes, which need to be solved using innovative approaches.

This month’s show preview section highlights two tradeshows: TMTS in Taichung, Taiwan and METALEX in Bangkok, Thailand. Exhibitors of these two shows are ready to present their latest technologies and products to optimise manufacturing processes, and to meet the changing demands and conditions of factories. 

Elsewhere in this issue talks of manufacturers no longer taking a rear-view mirror approach to machining. It’s time for user-friendly solutions that provide insight on hundreds of parameters for truly efficient machining.

Finally, let’s end on a quote from Mark Weiser, Chief Scientist at Xerox, Father of Ubiquitous Computing: “The most profound technologies are those that disappear. They weave themselves into the fabric of everyday life until they are indistinguishable from it.”

Monday, June 18, 2018

Geared towards improving localisation: Toyota Motor Vietnam



Toyota Motor Vietnam Co., Ltd (TMV), one of the first automobile joint ventures in Vietnam, is continuously making efforts in expanding localisation by seeking investments from domestic auto parts companies, including Global Toyota. Thus, TMV has achieved the highest localisation rate compared to other automobile makers in Vietnam.

INTERNATIONAL METALWORKING NEWS FOR ASIA interviewed Mr. Pham Anh Tuan, General Manager of Business Planning, Government Affairs, Technical Affairs and Legal Division Sales and Service Group, Toyota Motor Vietnam Co. Ltd.

Mr. Pham Anh Tuan

IMNA: Tell us something about Toyota Motor Vietnam
Tuan: Toyota Motor Vietnam is a leading automaker in Vietnam established in 1995 as a joint venture company between three parties: Toyota Motor Corporation (Japan) 70%, VEAM (Vietnam Engine Agriculture Machinery Corporation) and Kuo (Singapore). TMV assembly factory is located in Vinh Phuc province, 40km from Hanoi with a production capacity of 50,000 units/year. It employs nearly 2,000 workers and 49 dealers nationwide. In addition, TMV achieved No. 1 customer satisfaction for both sales and service (SSI and CSI) in 2017 according to JD Power survey.

IMNA: Recently, TMV sales volume increased by 3% according to reports. What is the reason behind the success you achieved?
Tuan: TMV sales in April was 4,234 units, an increase of 3% compared with the same period last year. Thanks to the increase of (completely knocked down) CKD vehicles, especially Vios with sales of 2,076 units in April, 89% higher than last year. Meanwhile, Innova reached sales of 1,300 units in April, up by 44% from 2017. This achievement lead towards TMV’s goal of promoting local production, in line with customers’ preference and Government policy.

IMNA: What do you think is the difference among the auto market of Thailand, China and India?
Tuan: Tremendous potential is seen in Vietnam for automobile industry with 96 million people and a US$2.385 million GDP/capita in 2017. The total automobile in operation is about 2.8 million, in which only about 3% people own a car. Motorisation is expected to materialise in Vietnam around 2025, expecting many people to shift from motorcycles to cars. However the current car market size is still very small, with total sales of 350,000 new cars a year. Moreover, the automobile market is forecast to increase quickly after 2025, reaching one million sales by 2030.


IMNA: In the process of key auto parts making in TMV plant, such as engine and driving system components manufacturing, do you apply any advanced metal cutting technology?
Tuan: In TMV factory, we have four main production processes: stamping, welding, painting and assembly. At the moment, TMV does not apply any advanced metal cutting technology yet.
IMNA: Do you think Toyota will apply new technologies, such as laser welding, laser brazing and soldering, hydroforming and hot stamping in the future?
Tuan: Certainly in the future, together with market expansion, production and localisation enhancement, TMV and our suppliers will need more advanced metal technology, such as laser welding, laser brazing and soldering, hot stamping, 4D printing.

IMNA: Lean manufacturing is the core of the development in industry competition. What is your successful experience on that area; are you also applying Industry 4.0 concept in your production plant?
Tuan: In TMV, lean manufacturing is based on just-in-time concept, where ordering is a pull system, not push system. We place an order to production based on customer’s need. For example, product, amount and timing. In this way, TMV can minimise stock, reduce investment and increase efficiency. With minimum stock or zero stock, we can quickly change our production and adopt to any sudden changes in the market, such as customer demand, buyer preference, Government policy, and competitor’s activities. Industry 4.0 or automation is also another key point in Toyota production system. However, application of automation at TMV factory is still limited to automatic delivery vehicles (AGV) of CKD parts from warehouse to production stations or from a production station to another.

IMNA: With regards to Human Resources, what has been Toyota’s strategy over the past twelve months with regards to recruitment, training and retention of skilled Vietnamese workforce?
Tuan: TMV conducts young talent recruitment in collaboration with various universities and Toyota Technician Education Program (TTEP) schools. For employees, we perform on-the-job training activities, like basic production skills training, Toyota Production System (TPS), and Toyota way done by our internal instructors.

IMNA: What changes have you seen in the market throughout the years? Any advice to companies considering market entry into Vietnam?
Tuan: Vietnam is a very promising market for the automobile industry. The Government is keen on automobile development and it’s supporting industries. However at present, the industry is facing difficulties due to market size, production volume, including 0% import tariffs from ASEAN, which poses a major challenge for domestic manufacturers. On the other hand, Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers' Association (VAMA) urges the Government for a stable policy to achieve steady market expansion in the coming years, and to attract investments, as well as reduce cost. Nonetheless, now is the perfect time for anyone to invest in the automobile industry as it approaches motorisation in 2025.