MACHINE, MINDS, AND MOMENTUM

Ending on a successful note, Taiwan International Machine Tool Show (TMTS), organized by Taiwan Machine Tool & Accessory Builders’ Association (TMBA), provided a one-of-a-kind experience for the machine tool industry with the latest technological advancements in sustainability. The event was held at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center (TaiNEX), Taiwan, from March 27-31, 2024.

Taiwan International Machine Tool Show (TMTS) served as a well-rounded platform that facilitated connections between manufacturers and over 4,000 international buyers from 47 countries, with a clear goal of leveraging business opportunities and fostering strategic partnerships. Furthermore, this year’s event attracted more than 55,000 visitors, who explored the event’s vast offerings.

Diverse solutions, global gathering

The exhibition witnessed the participation of more than 631 exhibitors, occupying 3,350 booths. Exhibitors displayed a wide range of offerings, from hardware to software, thus offering integrated services and comprehensive solutions that catered to diverse procurement needs.

The event featured renowned domestic manufacturers and 17 cross-industry associations. Patrick Chen, Chairman, TMBA, acknowledged that despite challenges from geopolitical factors and below-expectation global economic recovery in recent years, Taiwanese exhibitors showcased exceptional performance in digitization and green energy conservation.

Moreover, leading companies from countries like Germany and Switzerland exhibited and shared the latest industry trends along with global perspectives on technological developments. Key exhibitors included Goodway Group, Hiwin Group, YCM Alliance, Takisawa Machine Tool Co Ltd, Victor Taichung, Tongtai Group, Quaser Machine Tools Inc, TPI, Fair Friend Group (FFG), Buffalo Machine Co Ltd, Siemens, Heidenhain, and FANUC Ltd, among others. 

Display categories included metal cutting machines, metal forming machines, machine tool accessories, components and parts, hydraulic and pneumatic components, electronic control, and drive systems. It also showcased auxiliary equipment, tool holding & work holding devices, cutting tools, measuring systems, smart manufacturing systems, quality assurance, industrial robots, controllers, related software such as computer-aided design (CAD), and other associated equipment and technologies. 

Riding the trends wave

Exhibitors at the event highlighted five major trends that outlined the industry’s direction. Firstly, there was a strong emphasis on tailoring extensive solutions to meet specific market demands. Secondly, exhibitors integrated green energy-saving technologies into their designs, leveraging smart technologies for sustainability. Thirdly, smart energy management practices were adopted for more efficient and sustainable processes.

The implementation of a dual-axis transformation in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), spanning from product design to eco-friendly packaging and transportation was evidently seen. Lastly, exhibitors were committed to international energy-saving standards like ISO 14955, ISO 14064-1/-2, and ISO 14067. Overall, the event reflected a shift towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious approach in the Machine Tool industry.

Green schemes, digital screens

The overarching theme of ‘DX and GX for a Sustainable Future’ permeated every aspect of the exhibition and stressed on the industry’s commitment to a dual-axis transformation; digital and green.

For several years, TMBA has led efforts in carbon reduction within the industry. In 2022, the association released Taiwan’s inaugural carbon reduction handbook for the Machine Tool sector. Following this, in 2023, it set up Taiwan’s first carbon reduction supply chain. Its latest initiative included the introduction of Product Category Rules (PCR) for six key product categories from 2024, which paved the way for a carbon footprint database in the industry. 

To urge machine tool manufacturers to engage with the green economy trend, the event introduced the Machine Tool Energy Saving Label Evaluation. This initiative aimed to promote the development and exhibition of energy-saving equipment or components to showcase its potential in fostering green transformation. A total of 28 companies presented 49 products for evaluation, out of which 18 products, including 3 components, received the Golden Energy Saving Label and 29 products earned the Silver Energy Saving Label.

Regarding digital transformation, the event launched the TMTS app as its core offering, which provided visitors with customized services. The app integrated forum activities, buyer registration systems for business-to-business matchmaking, offered reservations for Michelin-starred restaurants, and shuttle services within the exhibition venue. Real-time booth mapping and navigation also enhanced visitors’ ability to navigate the venue.

Eco-chains: Interconnecting industries

The thematic emphasis of the event was translated into an integrated exhibition space concept designed around an ‘ecosystem’ concept. The concept connected machine equipment, components, and end-user markets in various roles and scenarios throughout the supply chain.

These themes were integrated into 10 key elements and 9 thematic exhibition zones. Through collaboration with cross-industry associations, specialized exhibition zones like the Metal Cutting Tool Pavilion, Bearing Pavilion, 3D Printing Pavilion, German Pavilion, Swiss Pavilion, and others were created.

Additionally, the organizers collaborated with German Machine Tool Builders’ Association (VDW) and German Mechanical Engineering Industry Association (VDMA) to introduce the Universal Machine Technology Interface (umati) zone at the event. This initiative displayed more than 50 interconnected machines during the exhibition, creating an immersive experience for visitors.

Minds in motion: Expert dialogues

Several forums were organized that featured domestic and international experts, including Jack Cheng, CEO, Mobility In Harmony Consortium; Andy Tsai, Vice Chairman, Yeong Guan Energy Technology Group Co Ltd; and Prof Dr-Ing Christian Brecher, Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering WZL, RWTH Aachen University.

It also included Dr Alexander Broos, Head, Research and Technology, VDW; Kevin Wu, CEO, Nice Garden Industrial; Jenny Yao, Consultant, Development Dimensions International, Inc; and Yi-Te Zhu, Founder Skycrown Co Ltd.

Foot in the door

The event marked the beginning of a budding relationship between Taiwan and India, with a significant presence of Indian visitors at numerous booths looking to finalize deals. This indicated a valuable opportunity for Taiwanese companies to enter and establish a foothold in the Indian market. Additionally, many exhibitors shared a common interest in seeking dealers and distributors to aid their entry and enhance their services in the market.

Joseph Wu, Vice President, Benign Enterprise Co Ltd, observed that several visitors from India were specifically interested in higher-quality and customized machines, which reflected a growing demand for Taiwanese products. “The Indian market is one of our main focus markets, and we are looking for dealers and distributors for our products,” he added.

Zachary Tsai, General Manager, Campro Precision Machinery Co Ltd, shared, “This time there is an increased interest in Vertical Machining Centers, with some seeking partnerships.”

Brad Wang, General Manager, CHMER (CHING HUNG MACHINERY), mentioned that their booth attracted a considerable number of business visitors from over 10 countries, including India. “They were particularly interested in our latest Wire Cut EDM products, UA432L and NV643L, and automatic solutions of Sinker EDM for various industries,” he explained.

Chloe Wang, Sales Section Manager at Keyarrow (Taiwan) Co Ltd, disclosed that the company welcomed enthusiastic visitors eager to explore its chip conveyor featuring a filtering system and lamella bellows.

The other end of the spectrum

Exploring the opportunity for a strategic partnership between the countries from a different perspective, D Shanmugasundaram, Managing Director, S&T Group of Companies, noted that the Indian machine tool market is on a steady growth trajectory toward becoming a global manufacturing hub.

“Technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), industrial automation, Internet of Things (IoT), smart factories, and robotics are being increasingly adopted to meet competition from global giants,” he added. According to him, companies in the sector must leverage these progressive technologies for streamlined and efficient manufacturing processes. “Smart factories are an integration of all the above technologies and integrating them into operations will help the invested company deliver meaningful results,” he explained.

With that in mind, Siddhu Jolad, Managing Director, RadCAM Technologies Pvt Ltd, highlighted Taiwan’s strong technical expertise across various fields. He shared that they engaged in discussions with three Taiwanese companies specializing in workholding, advanced machining, grinding machines, and tool manufacturing at the event.

Murali Sundaram Senior Correspondent Magic Wand Media murali.sundaram@magicwandmedia.in

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