RACING TO THE TOP

Testifying to the adage that ‘true innovation never stands still,’ Grind Master Machines Pvt Ltd has once again received an award from the Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers’ Association (IMTMA)—the IMTMA Design Award—for its Special Purpose Bearing Race Finishing Machine.

For Milind Kelkar, Managing Director, Grind Master Machines Pvt Ltd, this recognition is a powerful validation of the company’s continuous efforts. “IMTMA awards are given after an extremely discerning evaluation,” he explains. “I remember facing a sharp jury back in 2001 when we won for our Superfinishing Unit, and this year was no different. The competition was intense, and I am thrilled that our Bearing Superfinishing Machine has been selected.”

The company is no stranger to accolades. Over the years, it has secured the IMTMA Premier Outstanding Entrepreneur Award in 2017 and the IMTMA Excellent Export Award in 2023, proving the company’s capability in pushing the boundaries of manufacturing technology.

Transforming Bearing Race Superfinishing

Kelkar explains that Bearing Raceway Superfinishing requires a highly precise and specialized machine known to be manufactured by German and Japanese companies.  “Our machine doesn’t just match global standards—it goes beyond them with key technological advances,” he adds.

These breakthroughs include:

• A unique high-speed oscillation mechanism for robust working (Patent Pending);
• Machine Learning Software Platform NANOPRAGNA for intelligent finishing.

“Superfinishing requires rapid oscillation, and our unique mechanism enables it at faster speeds with greater reliability. Additionally, the use of servo motors within optimal limits eliminates potential failure points in such systems,” he adds.

Process Monitoring System

Kelkar explains the company’s breakthrough process monitoring system that has solved key superfinishing challenges while enhancing precision and performance.

“Raceway finishing is done with ‘superfinishing stones’ which are prone to wear, breakage and loading. This generates inconsistency in finishing during the production lifetime of the machine,” he shares. The process monitoring system ensures that a uniform process is applied for all the parts. It has intelligent features that can detect tool wear, tool break, and even tool loading.

IIT Madras Partnership & Government Support

The company’s ability to innovate at such a rapid pace is also a result of strong collaborations. The company partnered with AMTDC – IIT Madras and received funding from the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI), which significantly accelerated the machine’s development.

“Government support has been a game-changer,” he acknowledges. “It has allowed us to develop this machine at least three times faster than usual, giving us the ability to focus on refining the technology.”

The collaboration between the company and IIT Madras was built on complementary expertise. “Our strength lies in machine design, manufacturing, assembly, and software development,” he shares. “IIT Madras brought in their capabilities in analysis, validation, and machine learning. Together, we’ve created something truly exceptional.”

The Way Forward

Being a highly innovative company, Grind Master Machines has its focus on Process Research. “With the aid of. Machine Learning, we continue to develop our new products such as Ballscrew Superfinishing and Roll Superfinishing,” shares Kelkar.

“Largely driven by the rapidly changing finishing requirements in the Automotive industry, particularly in electric vehicles (EVs), Microfinishing and Superfinishing, as existing processes, continue to evolve with ongoing advancements, The application of microfinishing to EV motors and shafts is expanding rapidly, primarily for noise reduction,” he elaborates.

Advice for India’s Machine Tool Industry

Kelkar believes that to compete globally, Indian machine tool manufacturers must build high-quality, long-lasting machines through sustained research and collaboration, rather than relying solely on cost advantages. “India being a developing country has benefits of lower costs, but in capital goods, longevity is often more important than the initial investment.”

Additionally, he calls for a collaborative effort between the industry and academic institutions that can drive innovation, leading to the development of globally competitive machine tools.

He also stresses the need for domestic development of critical machine components. “Machine tools rely on key elements like rails, ballscrews, electronics, and pneumatics. If India truly wants to compete, we must develop and manufacture these base products ourselves.”

NITYASREE KUMARASWAMY Correspondent Magic Wand Media nityasree@magicwandmedia.in

---

---