Vineet Seth, Managing Director – South Asia & Middle East, Delcam Ltd., UK
What are the products and technologies that Delcam will showcase at DMI 2016 in Bengaluru?
We will be showcasing some of our most sought after products and solutions during DMI 2016. Some of them are:-
PowerSHAPE: The 2016 release of PowerSHAPE Pro software will help users to complete complex tooling designs faster and more easily. A combination of new, more efficient, code and the extension of multi-threaded calculations to many commonly-used tasks will make the software significantly faster than any previous version. One key enhancement allows groups of features to be copied between two solids in a single operation. While the features do not need to be of the same type, the most common application is expected to be in copying patterns of holes from one solid to another, for example, from one mould plate to any other plate in the mould stack.
PowerMILL: The main enhancement in PowerMILL 2016 is the ability to mirror complete machining projects in one operation and to maintain the machining characteristics automatically, for example to specify automatically whether climb or conventional milling should be used in each section of the toolpath. Previously, only individual toolpaths could be mirrored. Automatic mirroring saves considerable time whenever tooling is needed to produce right- and left-hand versions of a part. It will also be faster to program the machining of moulds for symmetrical objects, since it will be possible to program one half of the core or cavity and then mirror the toolpaths to generate the complete program. A new PowerMILL module for creating ribs in tooling makes it much easier and safer to program the machining of cavities for narrow ribs, even when the cutter’s length is much greater than its diameter. Using the dedicated rib-machining strategy gives a better surface finish than using a standard finish-machining option and also improves efficiency by limiting the number of air moves.
PowerINSPECT: The latest release of PowerINSPECT makes it easier to complete fast and accurate inspection of complex assemblies, including mould tools. The main improvement for users of CNC CMMs is the addition of support for MCR20 and FCR25 probe change racks. PowerINSPECT can now incorporate probe changes into fully-automated measurement sequences. The new version also includes automatic feature extraction for point-cloud batch inspection, easier navigation of the history tree, better control over RPS alignments and new options for collision checking.
The role TAGMA and DMI plays for the industry…
TAGMA has been an exemplary body, leading the Die-Mould Industry in the country towards better enablement and technology in the past 25 years. I believe DMI is probably one of the largest events of its kind in this part of the world. The die mould fraternity is a closely knit one and this event projects that to end customers enabling them with a macro perspective that helps build more confidence as well as note the massive innovation that players in this domain undertake.
With the Make in India campaign rolling out across the country, the business value of participation is invaluable. With a focus on manufacturing, tools, dies and moulds will be fundamental to the success of this campaign; networking with contemporaries, peers and customers at a single venue will multiply opportunities and learning’s for all.
What are the latest developments in the CADCAM industry? Please take us through the current technology trends in the industry…
The CADCAM industry is working constantly to improve the customer experience and provide them with tools that will help them be more efficient and precise. Technologies like MachineDNA that help assess various parameters & kinematics of a machine tool and provide appropriate output to the NC program in order to ensure that the cutting is optimal is something that I believe will help machinists immensely. Our parent organisation Autodesk is also leading the disruption with the Future of Making Things (FOMT) in manufacturing. Through FOMT, a better, faster decision making process, ability to work effectively with newer materials and fabrication methods (Advanced manufacturing) and enabling these technology solutions on the cloud will help transform businesses quickly, safely and efficiently, whilst delivering maximum competitive advantage to our customers.
India is home to many CAM solution providers, what would be your strategy to stay ahead in the competition?
There are indeed several CAM solution providers and it is not just true for India alone. The CAM market is fragmented and I see some consolidation in the industry now. However, the key factor in our line of business is people and support. We have been in India as a direct office for the past 16 years and arguably are the leading CAM supplier in the country. Through a dedicated and pro-active team that we have across 14 offices in the country, we are constantly in touch with our customers to understand their key requirements and pain areas. This helps us being more responsive and adaptive to their needs. We also invest heavily in R&D.
Please share with us the growth trends of die and mould industry in India – and what are the key drivers of this industry in the manufacturing sector?
The die and mould industry in India has had a steady growth largely, but has also seen its share of slowdowns as well. To a large extent the die and mould industry has based its growth on the automotive sector and therefore the result relies more importantly on automotive growth in the country (or across the globe for that matter) than anything else. However, this is soon changing with organisations investing in new technology and continuously innovating – rather than being just mould or tool suppliers. The OEs too are doing their bit by involving tool making companies in their development plans so that the entire chain becomes efficient. According to me, competence, delivery schedules and impeccable quality are the three most important drivers of this industry in the manufacturing sector.
What will be the impact of programmes like Make in India, Digital India and Smart Cities project on the die and mould industry?
Programs like Make in India, Digital India and Smart Cities are envisioned to transform the country and each of these will result in a better quality of life for citizens. Naturally, the die and mould industry will play a key role in helping these programs to be efficient through innovative product/tool designs, material selection and durability, aesthetics and functional quality of the end products – and these factors are true for all of the above programs for building a brand – India.
The above programs are also expected to bring in investments, newer technologies, budding scientists and engineers, veteran industrialists and the Government towards a common goal of building brand India. This is an opportunity that comes with a privilege and the die & mould industry can take a leadership role in transforming change from the roots.
Do you think SMEs in India are ready to adopt high end technologies like CAM?
SMEs in India have been adopting high end technologies like CAM and CNC machines for a long time now. It is now time to think beyond these and look at the ever changing consumer needs, changing materials and the methods of producing these new age materials. I feel that we have reached a stage where companies start investing not only in high end technologies, but also in employees, knowledge and analytical capital. This will help SMEs transform into larger and more responsive organisations.
Tell us about the growth of your company and your growth expectations in the next financial year…
We have been growing double digit YoY for the past 16 years now. We now supply to a diverse portfolio of customer industries as well as products. I am very positive of our continued growth in the coming FY as well.
