International Metalworking News for Asia

The October issue of IMNA magazine is themed around the recent EMO Hannover: “Smart technologies driving tomorrow’s production.” It reflects the rapid pace of development we’ve seen in and around the world of metalworking. Leading off is GEORG, a pilot customer of Siemens, presenting for the first time digital twins of two of its machine tools. This makes Georg a pioneer in implementing in practice the next stage of the digital transformation in machine tools, using the new CNC generation Sinumerik ONE. As early as during the manufacturing of a machine, the control software is not only written but also tested in the virtual world. In parallel, the future operators of the machines can be trained on control pulpits that are of exactly the same design as those coming with the ordered machine. Starting from the base that digitalisation is the perfect moment in time for a complete change in the production processes in the automotive sector, Lantek and Danobatgroup, through their sheet metal transformation division, have worked together on developing software for processing pre-blanking formats that is specially designed for cutting processes in the automotive sector. With EMO’s motto: "Smart technologies driving tomorrow's production," Klingelnberg is opening up new perspectives for the robotics industry with the VIPER 500 MFM. The new machine design for the 5-cut method with its further developed dual-spindle concept raises the production processes in this area to a new level. Of course, there’s plenty beyond EMO going on out in South East Asia, and the diverse topics covered in this issue’s columns reflect that. This month’s cover story takes readers into the world of Oscarmax, a well-known EDM maker in Taiwan, and inspect the abundant but subtle energy of this ingenious 35-year old EDM innovator. After decades of perseverance and energy built-up, the company is enjoying the result of constant technology innovation and customer service. Hurco is going through an expansionary and upgrading phase in South East Asia. In an interview, Wai Yip Lee, General Manager of Hurco (S.E. Asia) Pte Ltd revealed a series of upgrades being made to Hurco’s machining centres and lathes to enhance performance and introduction of new software features to make programming easier and more efficient. Finally, Wagner Turri, Hypetherm Sales Leader for South East Asia & Taiwan shared with IMNA that they have been in the Philippines for more than 15 years, serving a wide range of industries through a partnership. Over the years, they have observed significant year-on-year growth and expansion, through working closely with its customers from various sectors. They foresee customers in the Philippines looking to be more competitive in their local market, especially with the wave of infrastructure projects coming up across the country.