International Metalworking News for Asia

This month's special issue of International Metalworking News for Asia is loaded with insight on some of the most important announcements and initiatives to come out of this year's top industry trends. One of the most intriguing highlights at the recent EMO Hannover is Hoffmann Group's analogy with nature's powers of innovation in its technology – emphasising the company's ongoing commitment to bringing new, high-quality tools to the market as part of its GARANT premium brand. Using the slogan "Innovative by nature", its innovations include a new conical barrel milling cutter, which makes it possible to achieve an improved surface quality and make considerable time savings through the use of state-of-the-art milling strategies. Håkan Ericksson, Global Product Specialist at Sandvik Coromant, authored this month’s Tooling & Workholding section titled “Fast automotive turning gets stamp of approval.” He explains a different method of turning that challenges conventions to deliver productivity increases typically no less than double what can be achieved presently. In contrast to conventional longitudinal turning, the strategy allows the tool to enter the component at the chuck and removes material in the opposite direction, Turning ‘backwards’ in this manner allows a small entering angle to be applied, which in turn provides considerable productivity gains. Also don't miss Cornelia Gewiehs article on machine learning, which answers the fundamental question whether machine learning is only something for global players and their ideas for a comprehensive concept of a digital factory. Or whether, besides a top-down development thrust by financially potent large companies with their highly competent research and development departments, a bottom-up breakthrough spearheaded by flexible, innovative small and mid-tier enterprises would also be conceivable. We are happy to report Siemens Industry Analyst Conference in Boston. The program was designed for attendees to gain deeper understanding of digitalization and its impact on our industry. Siemens executive team presented strategic positioning and the direction of their technologies and industry solutions that are helping customers face the challenges of digitalization. Siemens customers shared best practices and lessons learned on their digital transformation journeys and how Siemens is helping them to succeed. Lastly, email us with your thoughts, noting any article to which they apply. I read comments and questions on Facebook, Twitter, and Blog. Please contact me directly with any issues that need a response.