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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ4NAVHL2i-79zrcQ_wNeeg

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

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.”

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.

TMTS 2018 Pre-conference highlights

TMTS officials and executives

International Media during TMTS 2018 pre-show conference

Taiwan is an extremely important region for machine tools and components manufacturing and continues to enjoy solid growth despite competition in neighboring countries around Asia.

The motto of this year's Taiwan International Machine Tool Show (TMTS) is "Manufacture Linking • Activate the Future". The smartification of machine tools links the industry to global smart manufacturing trends, enhances the competitiveness of end customers, and taps the capabilities of Taiwan's smart manufacturing in an effort to provide buyers with complete solutions.

In early May 2018, Taiwan Machine Tool and Accessory Builders’ Association (TMBA) held its TMTS 2018 pre-show press conference. International Metalworking Newsfor Asia along with other journalists from around the world explored key ideas and experiences on what to expect on the upcoming exhibition, which will run from November 7-11 at the Taichung International Exhibition Centre, and Greater Taichung International Expo Centre.

Mr. Jui-Hsing Yen, Chairman of TMBA said during the press conference, "Taiwan's machine tool manufacturers use their solid information and communication technology (ICT), coupled with mobile devices such as smart phones/tablets, to provide smart functions such as remote management and monitoring to end users. Also, various industrial sectors (such as: aviation, automobiles, textiles, printed circuit boards and plumbing hardware industries ) can store, process, and analyse sensor data collected from factory machines or equipment through the cloud system (National IIoT PaaS - NIP), and further provide service designs that will act for smart solutions in the market.

He added, "At the same time, Taiwan's machine tool suppliers have made use of smart technologies to enhance environmental protection and energy-saving functions so that their products can meet the standards and requirements of environmental protection in the international manufacturing industry. Therefore, Taiwan machine tool industry has not only spared no efforts to solidify the precision and reliability of the machines, but also dedicated to implementing smart functions to enhance their clients' competitiveness as global manufacturing system is moving toward intelligence."

Machine tool output value

Mr. Carl Huang, President of TMBA, explained, “The machine tool industry has the largest output value in Taiwan’s machinery sector, consisting of a complete value chain system, which includes: R&D, component processing and manufacturing, and even assembly, testing, sales, and after-sales service. Occupying a global market share of 5 to 6%, Taiwan is the seventh largest machine tool producer in the world.”

“Taiwan's machine tool sales are export-oriented with a share of 79%, making it the fifth largest exporter of machine tools in the world. In addition to meeting the production needs of the domestic market, Taiwan's machine tool makers also supply to the world's major machine tool manufacturing customers (such as those from China, United States, Japan and India), of which Taiwan has become the third largest exporter of ball screw in the world. Marketing globally and providing service to international clients are the characteristics of Taiwan machine tool and accessory industry,” he added.

Huang further explained that compared with other competitors, Taiwan's machine tool products have the competitive edge of price–performance ratio. Their application scopes include the manufacturing of automobiles, motorcycles, aerospace, rail transportation, 3C products, moulds and various mechanical accessories. Hence, they have significant influence in the international market.

Ms. Elisa Li, Vice President of TMBA, said, “An estimated 750 companies will participate in this year’s show, which will utilise 4,300 booths, occupying a total area of 91,000 square meters. Both the number of exhibitors and number of booths will break the record. The scale of the exhibition is larger than that of the previous show. It is estimated that 85,000 buyers from domestic and overseas markets will visit this year, making it the largest machine tool show in Taiwan this year.”