Trade is evolving fast on both global and regional scales. We see all kinds of goods, from household items to electric automobiles, pouring to the country as never before and significantly impacting the domestic supply chain. At the Manufacturing and Supply Chain 2024, MEGA Tech talked to three key persons who shared their insights on the manufacturing landscape, incoming technologies, and how Thai businesses can stay competitive in this situation.
Wittaya Ponpet: President, Thai Cutting Tools Manufacturers Association (TCTM)
Wittaya, whose long experience in metalworking manufacturing, had explained why this event took place.
“Manufacturing and Supply Chain Day is jointly organized by the TCTM, Thai Subcon, TARA , and TDIA, to increase the competitiveness of Thai manufacturers and supply chains to compete at the regional and global levels. The joined effort focuses on the operation cost, quality, and lead time. As we know, the industry is now virtually borderless, and we must be prepared for it. We can’t ignore the goods from foreign countries coming to our market. So, we need to upgrade our capability and get ready to compete at the world stage and succeed together.”
Michael Schmid; CEO of United Grinding Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.
MEGA Tech asked Schmid to talk about the latest technologies that can help customers in the metalworking industries in Thailand to adapt and compete on the global stage
Schmid shared with that United Grinding is made up of four technology groups and nine brands; Blohm, Jung , Magerle, Studer, Schaudt, Mikrosa, Walter, Ewag and IRPD, and covering applications from all types of grinding to measuring.
“We are creating synergies in all the areas of technology, software, digitalization, services, innovation and manufacturing, in order to develop the best solutions for our customers. With our wide application knowledge and experience , across the various technology groups, we are able to provide our customers with competence and a comprehensive know-how in all our application fields. Grinding is our main competence , but we can do much more.”
Asking about technologies that essential for metalworking manufacturers to stay competitive, Schmid said that automation is the focus of manufacturing today and a key component of Smart Factory. There are for example machine setup automations, in-process measuring and compensation systems available that allow 100% process control . Schmid also talked the importance of Smart Machines and IOT concepts that allow for collecting big data, creating interfaces to connect different machines & devices and facilitate communication between machines , measuring & quality devices, databases and ERP systems.
“Our Aim has always been producing cost efficient, manage workflow , supply chains & , automation , produce in time and at the highest quality levels. Today we have the possibility to do all that automatically, meaning lesser human errors and lesser resources and working capital”
Roberto Alfonsi; Senior Sales Manager of United Grinding Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.
We asked Alfonsi about the UGAP’s latest technologies and machines that would benefit metalworking industry in Thailand. Alfonsi started with a brief talk about his company and technologies.
“STUDER, as one of the market and technology leaders in the field of universal, external, internal, and non-circular grinding, offers customized complete solutions to meet the requirements of the Thai metalworking industry. Our machines cover both the entry-level and high-end segments and are characterized by high precision, efficiency and innovative technologies that help to optimize production processes”.
He highlighted the SmartJet® technology, which efficiently controls cooling and energy consumption, reducing water consumption by up to 40% and energy consumption by up to 50%. This resource-saving solution is ideal for companies that want to combine sustainability and cost efficiency.
Besides, Alfonsi also introduced WireDress® technology that enables metal-bonded CBN and diamond grinding wheels to be dressed directly in the machine, results in up to 30% higher grinding power and significantly extends the service life of the grinding wheels. C.O.R.E. technology help simplifies machine operation with functions such as Production Monitor tracks maintenance work and production processes in real time.
MEGA Tech witnessed the event’s success, with a lot of engagement between the technology companies and participants. We thanked TCTM and partners for their effort, which truly benefited Thai manufacturing and supply chains.
Article by: MEGATech & United Grinding Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.<< Click Here