TMTS 2018 Pre-conference highlights

International Media during TMTS2018 pre-show conference

TMTS officials and executives

Taiwan is an extremely important region for machine tools and components manufacturing and continues to enjoy solid growth despite competition in neighbouring countries around Asia. What’s more is that the industry in the region is changing.

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 News for 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.”