“While customers may have the capacity to invest in high-technology machines, it is equally important to have skilled people who can operate them effectively”, says, Nitin Mehra, President, Precision Engineering Technologies.
-By Neha Basudkar Ghate
How do advanced servo controls contribute to efficiency, sustainability, and accuracy in machining?
The advanced servo controls are essentially very high-end servo motors paired with sophisticated control systems that are fine-tuned to achieve maximum efficiency. One of their key advantages is that they support sustainability and contribute to a greener environment because they do not constantly draw excess power. The system is intelligent enough to draw only the amount of power required for the specific machining task—depending on the machining area, the material being worked on, and the tool in use, it consumes only the energy necessary for cutting.
In contrast, earlier setups typically used induction motors and other conventional types of motors. With those, once the motor was switched on, it immediately began drawing power continuously from the main transformer, regardless of the machining demand. That made them less efficient overall. Advanced servo controls, on the other hand, are both energy efficient and capable of delivering high accuracy, marking a significant advancement in modern machining technology.
Why is localized service support important for customers using advanced machines?
Localized service support plays a vital role in ensuring higher machine uptime, which directly benefits the customer’s productivity. Beyond just maintenance, it also helps customers by supporting the upskilling of their workforce, enabling operators and teams to use the machines more efficiently.
While customers may have the capacity to invest in high-technology machines, it is equally important to have skilled people who can operate them effectively. That is where localized support becomes crucial. In India, as well as in other countries where we operate, we provide on-ground training and upskilling programs. This ensures that operators are not only well-trained but also confident in handling advanced machines, leading to efficient operations and optimal machine performance.
When it comes to intricate profiles and complex machining requirements, what factors go beyond the machine itself to deliver the right solution?
In the case of intricate profiles and complex machining solutions, it is important to understand that it’s not only the machine that plays a role—although the machine itself has a significant impact. Delivering complex parts requires a combination of several factors working together. It involves the software, the tooling, the programming, the probing system, and all the other integrated components that ensure precision and efficiency.
Our approach is to build a complete solution for the customer. To achieve this, we have partnered with top industries across the world, enabling us to integrate the best of each technology and provide a comprehensive offering. What makes this unique is that we take single-point responsibility for the entire solution. This way, the customer gets a reliable, streamlined setup and ends up with the confidence that they are receiving a robust and effective solution for their complex machining needs.
What role does additive and 3D printing technology play in addressing raw material challenges in industries like aerospace and semiconductors?
In today’s industrial landscape, raw material availability plays a critical role. Many essential raw materials are not readily available in India and need to be imported. However, importing comes with its own challenge—customers are often required to order a minimum bulk quantity of material. This becomes difficult in emerging sectors such as aerospace and semiconductors, where customers may not require such large volumes of raw material for their production needs.
This is where additive manufacturing and 3D printing technology make a significant difference. With these technologies, a customer can directly print a component to its near-net shape, which reduces the need for large material stock and minimizes dependency on bulk imports. It not only saves time but also reduces the machinability of the component, since only a small amount of fine machining is required to reach the finished part. With just minimal allowances for final processing, customers gain a big advantage in terms of cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and flexibility.
