“Let technology overtake manual process” S Ravishankar, Dy.Managing Director, Yamazaki Mazak India Pvt Ltd
My take on “Let technology overtake manual process”
All developments both from the past and in the future are focussed on development of technology to remove the mundane and repeated tedious tasks done manually. Starting from household cooking process to transportation to modern manufacturing there is vast development. Advancements in electronics and computers have further enhanced the technology and taken it to newer heights. Developed world has fewer manpower and therefore automation is seen as an alternate to substitute manpower. Use of technology has resulted in higher precision, more stable and predictable processes and hence been adapted globally.
Technology adoption in India
Over the last two decades India has established itself as a major player in IT. However, when comes to development and deployment of technology we still have a long way to go. The private sector businesses which include the multi-national companies are leading the path of technology adoption. A lot more has to be done. Educational institutions and research organisations should take the lead in a larger scale not only in adoption but development of technology as well.
The right way to go…
Adoption of technology requires large investments, either for buying the technology or for developing it. Even if companies are willing to pay, sometimes they may not get the right seller or the right technology. Also one should be aware if the technology is latest or not. Under such circumstances, the companies have to go through the lengthy expansive process of local development. Even in developed countries, such developments are funded by a group of industries and benefit is shared by all. This requires market maturity, development of universities and technical organisations to be capable to undertake technology development
Training and awareness
There should be awareness or knowledge as to what is the right technology and the purpose the technology will serve. Awareness can only be developed by witnessing the technology exhibitions, attending seminars etc. Today, with the advent of internet, the distance is no more a concern and information can be brought to individual desks. Hence, it is much easier to spread awareness where there is if interest.
The purpose is defined by the business goals and market opportunities. Once the technology requirement is identified, it is followed by identifying the source. As said earlier, it could be either a purchased technology or developed one.
Training depends on the source of technology and the means of its adoptions. However, it is very much essential to note there has to be adequate training to effectively deploy the technology to derive the business goals.
Mazak & automation
Mazak Japan has various manufacturing facilities, fully automated with minimal human intervention. Use of advanced CNC machining centers, coupled with automated pallet systems and robots for job handling all controlled sophisticated computers have been in operation for the past several years. They are called Mazak cyber factories. Mazak cyber factories produce a wide variety of parts for manufacture of advanced and high precision CNC machines.
Showcasing @ E-manufacturing Technology…
Mazak will showcase its 5 Axis Vertical Maching Center Variaxis- J 500. With Multitasking machines for Die Mould Application process, time can be drastically reduced as compared to regular 3 axis Vertical Machining Centers because:-
● All 5 faces can be machined in one single setup hence reduction in setup time.
● Because of the 2 rotary Axes the tool can approach the tilted surface more easily thereby tool overhang becomes short. This results in improved tool rigidity, resulting in use of higher cutting parameters. With this the time taken for the part manufacturing will be short and also the surface finish achieved will be much better.
Message for Indian machine tool professionals
One should consider and utilise the latest available technologies to make the components more consistent and reliable. Though investments in latest technology are expansive but will pay off in the long run. Therefore it is not just cost of machine or tool but need to look at the total cost of ownership for the entire life of the machine.
