Recently, at INTEC 2019 exhibition, I had a chance to meet Mr Sudhir Agarwal, Head – Indian Operation, Montronix Inc and discussed multiple topics such as usage of tool and process monitoring system, Montronix’s product range, demand in Indian manufacturing industry and future outlook. Read on…
Please tell us about your solutions and how its helps manufacturers in achieving higher efficiency and productivity?
Montronix is a leading supplier of solutions for process and tool monitoring, machine protection, and machine status analysis. Montronix solutions are a must for all machine tools, manufacturing plants and plant parts. Montronix solution enable a continuous process monitoring and real-time detection of machine and tool collisions, tool breakage, blank cuts, overloading, excessive tool wear, unusually strong vibrations of the spindle and the machine structure, as well as many other deviations from the normal process behaviour. These damage the manufacturing system and drive the costs up, however with our solution one can protect the machine and tools from tool collisions.
Major end-user industries for your products & services?
All over the world, you will find Montronix tool and process monitoring solutions in the metal works industry with potential uses in nearly all shape cutting and chipping processes: whether manufacturing airplane engine parts out of Nickelalloys, bearing and drive parts from steel, cylinder casings and brake components from cast iron, or engine blocks out of aluminium. Montronix detects and diagnoses manufacturing problems and contributes to the reduction of production costs.
How is the demand for your products in India?
The demand in India is improving, but there are challenges related to the awareness of the technology. All CNC users need such kinds of solutions which can help them in saving collisions related issues. Customer is happy with existing system and not able to see the benefit of process monitoring systems. Our aim in India is to not just sell solutions but also educate companies in regards to tool and process monitoring systems.
Your opinion about Indian machine tools industry?
India is the 18th largest producer of machine tools in the world. The machine tools industry consists of about 450 manufacturing units, of which about 150 are in the organised sector and international companies like Doosan, DMG & Makino amongst others which import machines for selling. The top ten manufacturers account for almost 70% of the output. Domestic manufacturers account for about 45% of the total Indian machine tool market. The Indian Machine Tool Sector has had a stagnant growth since the beginning of 2000 as investment in the manufacturing sector slowed down considerably. In early 2002, Indian Engineering Sector, especially the automotive sector, witnessed increased investments as global majors started to outsource manufacturing to India. This led to a spurt in demand for machine tools. The machine tool industry, since then, has been growing at a healthy rate. The machine tool Industry in India is now in a position to export general purpose and standard machine tools to even industrially advanced countries. With Index of Industrial Production touching new highs and emphasis on capital investment by the government, the machine tool Industry is all set to witness unprecedented growth
What are the top trends you observe in the industry?
The machine tool Industry in India is now in a position to export general purpose and standard machine tools to even industrially advanced countries. With Index of Industrial Production touching new highs and emphasis on capital investment by the government, the machine tool Industry is all set to witness unprecedented growth
What are the new machine tool technologies that are gaining acceptance in the manufacturing industry?
- Artificial Intelligence for accurate metal cutting
- CAD/CAM is the future for SMEs
- Industry 4.0: The fourth industrial revolution
- Selective Laser Melting: The next big thing in machine tools
- The advance sensor technologies for machine functions/reliability.
How do you see the future of the Indian Machine Tool Industry?
As the country moves towards the adoption of Bharat Stage 6 (BS6) emission norms, the engine technology needs to be changed. So there will be a lot of re-tooling with concomitant demand for machinery. And at the same time, ‘light-weighting’ needs are there. Wherever possible, the re-design must lead to lower weight. These are the major opportunities. As for the actual technology of BS6 in India — most of the time what is happening is that the tolerances that are required in the engine components are getting tightened. It’s one of the ways to get better fuel efficiency; essentially, the machines must be better and steadier, and the tools that you need for cutting, grinding, etc. have to be different and better.
What did you showcased at INTEC 2019?
Montronix displayed following technology-
- Tool & Process monitoring system in real time thru high quality sensors will detect tool missing/worn out/collision/breakage etc . Also useful in process optimization.
- Potable Machine condition monitoring with Wi-Fi ( Machine Diagnostic)
- Collision detection ( machine airbag) for Machine & Spindle Protection
How was your experience at INTEC 2019
INTEC 2019 was great success for us. We participated under the ToolClinic booth and showcased integrated manufacturing solutions along with Speroni and Geo Informatics. ToolClinic is an initiative to help the Indian manufacturing industry in attaining better efficiency and productivity while spreading awareness about the latest technologies and skill development. Under ToolClinic booth at the INTEC, all three companies showcased their latest technologies in India and generated huge interest among the visitors. Our tool & process monitoring system was received well during the exhibition and we were able to gather some good leads during the show.
