“With government push for AI and automation, this is the right time for the tooling industry to upgrade technical capabilities for better use of virtual tools,” says Anubhab Hazra, Managing Director, Cadbroindia. This interview was taken for DMI 2026.
Trends and Challenges
Adoption of software tools like automated mould design and simulation is a challenge. With government push for AI and automation, this is the right time for the tooling industry to upgrade technical capabilities for better use of virtual tools. By 2026, digital integration will drive significant evolution in efficiency and precision.
Sectors Driving Demand
Packaging, EVs, and medical are opening non-conventional sectors for the tooling industry. Packaging and medical present high-volume opportunities. EVs bring quality work like connectors and electromechanical component tooling, creating diverse growth prospects and expanding market potential across these dynamic sectors.
Manufacturing Push Impact
India’s manufacturing push like Make in India and China+1 opens opportunities for local tool makers as reliance on China decreases. Apart from critical lighting and complicated molds, Indian tool makers can now cater to a variety of challenging tooling requirements effectively.
Shaping Innovations
AI is now part of most virtual tools like design and simulation software; its adoption leads to quick multiple iterations and optimised results. Easy availability and affordable scanning and additive manufacturing help create quick functional prototypes, thus reducing rework on mold designs significantly.
Precision and Talent Role
Talent acquisition remains the biggest challenge; government and institutions should launch more skill development initiatives to provide ready-to-employ manpower for the tooling industry. These efforts will enable expansion into new markets through enhanced precision manufacturing capabilities and workforce readiness.
DMI Exhibitions Contribution
Past DMI exhibitions helped us reach out to the tooling fraternity and present our AM, design, and simulation offerings effectively. They enabled us to connect and engage with tool makers across PAN India, fostering valuable growth, networking, and collaboration opportunities within the ecosystem.
DMI 2026 Value
The sheer scale of DMI 2026 is amazing; it brings the entire tooling fraternity under one roof seamlessly. It serves as an excellent platform to showcase new technologies and strengths to both domestic and global customers with maximum visibility and impact.
DMI 2026 Showcase
Planning to showcase end-to-end design development tools like 3D scanners, AM, 2D-3D design software for tool design, machining software, and simulation solutions. These technologies enable rapid prototyping, precise design iterations, and optimized tooling processes for enhanced industry competitiveness.
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