In the rapidly evolving landscape of manufacturing, transformation is not just expected — it's happening faster than ever. State-of-the-art machinery, digital advancements and additive manufacturing methods are revolutionizing the production processes. Those who embrace the newest technologies will gain more competitive advantage and bring unparalleled value to manufacturing’s future. But how can manufacturers succeed in today’s technology-driven world? In this article, Michael Eneberg, VP Global Sales and Marketing from metal cutting and tooling expert Sandvik Coromant, discusses the value of embracing new technology.
A step towards Manufacturing Wellness
In September 2023, Sandvik Coromant unveiled a new brand image and with it, a new mission. Central to its new identity is a concept known as Manufacturing Wellness, which highlights the importance of cultivating resilient, thriving and sustainable manufacturers that generate positive impacts on their environments.
Adapted to the dynamic nature of its field, Sandvik Coromant has strategically revamped its operations in recent years, prioritizing practical knowledge and state-of-the-art capabilities. Specifically, the brand identity focuses on nurturing eight manufacturing habits. From choosing a sustainable path and eliminating waste, to collaborating with partners and taking a holistic approach, the habits are designed to meet the digital demands of today and tomorrow.
Embracing new technology
Given the constant evolution of manufacturing, those at the front are those who search for opportunities. And adopting new technology creates mass opportunities that help generate success. The second of Sandvik Coromant’s eight habits, embrace new technology, encourages the openness to the quick adoption of new developments in machining, digitalisation and tooling technology.
Embracing new technology enables manufacturers to increase productivity, improve quality, reduce costs and stay competitive in the market. By adopting new technologies, manufacturers can streamline their processes, automate tasks and stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving industry.
For instance, implementing condition monitoring helps manufacturers to get ahead and detect any potential issues or failures before they arise. This involves using various sensors to gather data on temperature, vibration and pressure, which optimizes equipment performance, reduces maintenance costs and improves overall operational efficiency.
Other technology such as AI vision systems provide machines with the ability to perceive and understand their environment. Through digital cameras and machine learning technology, AI vision analyzes images and videos to identify defects, errors and anomalies in real-time, which enhances production flexibility and agility, while reducing downtime.
Embracing new technology creates new opportunities for innovation and growth, enabling manufacturers to create cutting-edge products and services that meet the changing demands of consumers. Ultimately, embracing new technology is crucial for manufacturers to stay relevant and successful in today's fast-paced and technology-driven world.
Generating sustainable value
Being the world’s fastest growing region, Asia Pacific (APAC) is one of the most important players in the global effort to combatting climate change. According to PwC, the region accounts for more than 50% of the world's energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
In this instance, manufacturers across the APAC region can benefit from technology that can monitor and measure their sustainability impact, such as Sandvik Coromant’s latest solution, its Sustainability Analyzer.
An update to its Productivity Analyzer, Sandvik Coromant has introduced a new section dedicated to sustainability data. The analyzer can collate details including the energy consumption in kilowatt hours (kWh) per component, yearly energy consumption, and annual CO2 emissions.
To enhance the accuracy of these metrics, Sandvik Coromant has incorporated additional test parameters in their analysis process. These parameters encompass factors such as efficiency, gauged by the energy utilized on the spindle during cutting operations, the cost of energy in the manufacturer's vicinity, and the carbon intensity of the energy source. Other parameters consist of the power needed to operate a machine beyond its standard cutting functions, the geometric tool data, and the material hardness of the machined part.
Following this, the Sustainability Analyzer transmits the data to the CoroPlus® Tool Guide for computation and subsequent delivery of the sustainability findings back to the analyzer. With this data, Sandvik Coromant provides manufacturers with precise information on energy consumption (kWh), cost savings on energy and CO2 emissions. In one case, Sandvik Coromant was able to facilitate a 15% increase in productivity and recommends a reduction in energy consumption per component from 0.92 kWh to 0.71 kWh.
It’s technology like this, and the insights that can be generated, which enable manufacturers to make informed decisions about ways to reduce their carbon footprint.
Technology has the power to transform. The digital demands of today not only suggest, but require, manufacturers to adopt and embrace technology. If manufacturers are to succeed in today’s industrial landscape, they must understand the potential that embracing new technology can bring — from increased productivity and cost savings, to streamlining operations and creating opportunities for growth and expansion. Working with an expert such as Sandvik Coromant equips manufacturers with the necessary knowledge and advanced technology required for healthy manufacturing habits and the creation of sustainable businesses.
To explore Sandvik Coromant’s latest cutting tools and solutions, visit sandvik.coromant.com
Sandvik Coromant
Together with our customers and partners, Sandvik Coromant leads the way toward a sustainable future, supplying tooling solutions to the world’s engineering industries. Over eight decades of hands-on experience have given us a wealth of knowledge in metal-cutting and machining. This expertise transforms every challenge into an opportunity for innovation, collaboration, and progressive solutions. We aim to create positive change by promoting sustainability, efficiency, and growth to shape a future where innovation thrives. Part of global industrial engineering group Sandvik, Sandvik Coromant is shaping the future together.
For more information visit www.sandvik.coromant.com or join the conversation on social media.