By:
Kathryn Gerardino-Elagio
In today’s dynamic business environment, manufacturers across Asia face the dual challenge of intense global competition and the need to cater to increasingly diverse applications. According to Steve Bell, General Manager for Renishaw ASEAN, in an interview by International Metalworking News for Asia, the key to staying competitive lies in producing parts quickly, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards.
“Regardless
of the industry, the goals never really change—manufacturers aim to make parts
that meet strict quality requirements, are delivered efficiently, and remain
attractive to customers,” Bell explains. “Automation is an enabler for all
these objectives. It delivers process consistency, reduces errors caused by
human variability, and helps eliminate scrap and rework, ultimately driving
efficiency and customer satisfaction.”
Bell
also notes that this shift toward automation is not simply about keeping pace
with competitors—it is about securing a sustainable operational model in an
industry where margins are tight and expectations are rising.
The
Power of Machine Tool Probing
For
Renishaw, automation in machining goes far beyond robotics and material
handling. Bell emphasizes that one of the most impactful areas is machine tool
probing, which streamlines essential yet traditionally time-consuming tasks
such as tool setup and part alignment.
“Before
cutting begins, setting up tools and parts manually can be labour-intensive and
prone to errors,” he says. “With tool setters and machine tool probing,
manufacturers can automate these steps, accurately orient the part, and ensure
the correct configuration before machining starts. Even without using probes
inspection purposes, simply using them to set up the part delivers immediate
benefits in accuracy and efficiency.”
These
advantages extend into using probes in-process to automatically update tool
offsets. By tracking dimensional changes due to factors such as temperature fluctuation
or tool wear, Renishaw’s systems can make real-time adjustments to maintain
part accuracy, reducing the risk of producing defective components. Over time,
this not only improves consistency but also reduces production costs and helps
manufacturers take on more complex, higher-value work.
Overcoming
Perceptions of Complexity and Cost
A
common perception among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is that
automation is prohibitively expensive or overly complex. Bell believes this
view is shifting.
“Automation
today is far more accessible than it was a few years ago,” he notes. “The
return on investment can be swift, especially when the technology eliminates
rework, boosts throughput, and enhances part quality. Importantly, automation
isn’t one-size-fits-all—it can start with relatively simple steps like part
setup and tool setting, which already deliver significant gains.”
One
recent case involved an EV parts manufacturer struggling with high scrap rates
and inconsistent quality. By integrating Renishaw’s probing systems for both
initial part setup and in-process verification before final cuts, the company
virtually eliminated scrap, proving the tangible value of even modest
automation solutions.
Enabling
Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4.0
Machine
tool probing also plays a critical role in enabling broader smart factory and
Industry 4.0 strategies. Renishaw’s Central factory monitoring software uses
part-centric data—rather than just machine utilisation metrics—to track quality
in real time.
“In
unattended processes, our on-machine systems, by which I mean the machine tool
probe and tool setter, can automatically detect the tool wear and adjust offsets
to maintain accuracy without human intervention. Renishaw Central does this by
collecting and processing metrology data and monitoring the machine status
remotely,” Bell explains. “This approach empowers both the automation and the
people managing it to make timely, informed decisions. It’s not just about
running machines faster—it’s about running them smarter.”
Bell
highlights that the ability to gather and act upon live quality data is
becoming a non-negotiable requirement for manufacturers aiming to integrate
fully into modern supply chains, particularly in industries with zero-defect
expectations such as aerospace, medical devices, and electronics.
A
Solution for All Sizes of Operations
Bell
stresses that automation is not just for large multinational corporations.
Smaller workshops, even those with only a handful of machine tools, can see
significant benefits—especially when producing high-quality parts for
industries like aerospace or oil and gas.
“In
reality, making parts without these technologies is what’s truly difficult,” he
says. “Automation simplifies processes, reduces trial and error, and makes
switching between different production jobs much faster and more efficient.
Whether you’re making aerospace components one day and oil-and-gas parts the
next, our systems make that changeover smoother and less prone to costly
mistakes.”
Local
Support and Education in ASEAN
Renishaw’s
commitment to the ASEAN market extends beyond selling equipment. Bell
underscores that support is the company’s foundation—in new markets, the first
hires are always support engineers, not salespeople.
“Because
Renishaw is also a manufacturer, we use the same technologies in our own
operations. That gives us unparalleled depth and breadth of experience across manufacturing
processes,” he says. “We place a strong emphasis on educating customers,
especially in regions that are still developing their industrial capabilities.
Some clients know exactly how they want to implement our technologies, while
others need guidance on best practices. We’re ready to help both.”
Education,
he adds, is not a one-time event but an ongoing partnership. From training
sessions and workshops to hands-on demonstrations on the customer’s shop floor,
Renishaw ensures that its solutions are not just installed but fully integrated
into the customer’s workflow.
Looking
Ahead
As
manufacturing demands continue to evolve toward faster, more accurate, and more
efficient production, Renishaw remains committed to refining its products and
introducing new solutions.
“Our
mission is to keep delivering technologies that simplify processes, enhance
quality, and provide measurable value,” Bell concludes. “Whether for a small
workshop or a global enterprise, the benefits of automation speak for
themselves. The companies that embrace it today will be the ones setting the
pace for the industry tomorrow.”
