“Companies that embrace automation, AI, and data-driven decision-making will not only enhance efficiency but also position India as a leader in precision tooling on the world stage,” says Parminder Singh, Country Head — Design and Manufacturing & Media Entertainment, Autodesk India.
By Nishant Kashyap
The Indian tool and die industry is a crucial enabler of manufacturing. How do you view the current state of the industry? What would you say are the biggest challenges it faces today?
The Indian tool and die industry is a critical pillar of manufacturing, driving precision production across the automotive, aerospace, electronics and consumer goods sectors. The heavily import-dependent industry has evolved over the years into a globally competitive player. Driven by advancements in CNC machining, automation, and digital manufacturing, the industry is projected to reach US$ 36.9 billion by 2033 at a CAGR of 7.3%.
As India embraces self-reliance in manufacturing and attracts global OEMs, the demand for precision tooling solutions continues to surge across the automotive, aerospace, and electronics sectors. However, it faces three critical challenges that need to be addressed. The first challenge is the talent gap in specialised skills like precision machining and CAD/CAM design. This requires urgent attention and can be redressed through industry-academia partnerships and targeted upskilling initiatives. The second concern is raw materials, as reliance on imported high-grade tool steels and carbides makes manufacturers vulnerable to price fluctuations and supply disruptions. The third one is the “digital divide”. While industry leaders have adopted AI-driven design and Industry 4.0, many SMEs still rely on traditional methods, creating a “digital divide” that threatens overall competitiveness.
Despite these challenges, India stands at an inflection point with supportive policies like PLI schemes and the growing demand from emerging sectors. India is well-positioned to become a global tooling hub. The focus should now be building a robust talent pipeline, ensuring supply chain resilience, and driving digital transformation to strengthen India’s position in the global manufacturing landscape.
With increasing global competition, how is digitalisation reshaping tool and die manufacturing in India? What role do technologies like CAD/CAM and simulation play in enhancing efficiency?Digitalisation is fundamentally rewiring India’s tool and die industry, transforming its competitive positioning in global markets. The strategic integration of digital technologies is no longer optional but essential for manufacturers seeking to deliver precision components with speed and consistency that meet international standards.
CAD/CAM systems are crucial for modern tooling operations, enabling a step change in design complexity and manufacturing precision. These technologies compress development cycles dramatically while ensuring first-time-right production. CAD enables engineers to create highly intricate tool designs with unmatched accuracy, reducing errors and rework, while CAM ensures seamless conversion of these designs into machine-readable instructions, optimising machining processes and minimising material wastage. Together, these technologies enhance productivity, allowing manufacturers to meet complex design specifications while reducing lead times.
Simulation is another game-changer, enabling manufacturers to test and refine designs virtually before production begins. It reduces trial and error in manufacturing by identifying potential defects, predicting tool wear and optimising performance. This not only improves efficiency but also lowers costs associated with manual prototyping and adjustments. The integration of CAD/CAM and simulation into unified platforms is redefining manufacturing excellence, streamlining workflows, minimising errors, and accelerating time-to-market.
Looking ahead, digitalisation will be the defining factor in India’s ability to compete globally in tool and die manufacturing. Companies that embrace automation, AI, and data-driven decision-making will not only enhance efficiency but also position India as a leader in precision tooling on the world stage.
Autodesk has been a leader in digital design and manufacturing solutions. How are Autodesk tools, such as Autodesk Fusion and PowerMill, helping Indian toolmakers improve precision, efficiency and overall productivity?
Autodesk Fusion is a unified cloud platform powered by Autodesk AI that eliminates siloed workflows. Its seamless integration of CAD, CAM, and CAE capabilities within a single ecosystem has transformed how tool and die manufacturers approach complex projects. By eliminating data translation issues and enabling real-time iteration, toolmakers can now respond to design changes in hours rather than days, a critical advantage in today’s compressed product development cycles.
PowerMill complements this foundation with advanced machining strategies that elevate production precision. Its adaptive roughing algorithms and automated collision avoidance have proven particularly valuable for Indian manufacturers creating complex moulds with deep cavities and intricate geometries. These capabilities are delivering measurable improvements, reducing machining time by up to 30% while extending tool life and ensuring superior surface finishes.
The true competitive advantage, however, comes from Autodesk’s cloud-based approach accompanied by Autodesk’s AI-driven generative design tools that leverage cloud computing to rapidly explore innumerable design alternatives, optimising for various parameters such as weight, strength, and material usage. This capability provides manufacturing intelligence by enhancing precision, efficiency, and productivity in manufacturing processes. By centralising design data and enabling collaborative workflows, Autodesk Cloud solutions with our flagship product, Autodesk Fusion, are helping Indian toolmakers evolve from isolated job shops to integrated solution providers in global supply chains. This digital transformation is positioning India’s tool and die sector at the forefront of precision manufacturing innovation.
The tool and die sector relies heavily on skilled labour. What steps should the industry take to bridge the skill gap and ensure a steady talent pipeline?
One of the best approaches is to implement regular training programmes to ensure that the current workforce stays updated with the recent technologies and industry best practices. In addition, forging strong links with educational institutions can help ensure that the courses being taught reflect the needs of the industry. This will ensure that students entering the workforce are equipped with the relevant skills.
Additionally, apprenticeship programs provide hands-on experience, bridging the gap between education and industry needs. A culture of continuous learning and upskilling is crucial to staying ahead of technological advancements. Prioritising these initiatives and investing in talent development will equip the industry to address future manufacturing challenges effectively.
Autodesk is firmly committed to helping solve the skills gap problem and prepare the next generation for the jobs of today and tomorrow. We deliver on this commitment by providing free access to our full portfolio of professional-grade software to accredited institutions. In fact, in November 2024, we signed an MoU with IIT Bombay. We have similar partnerships with Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu governments to reskill and train their technical workforce. As we progress as a company, we stay committed to forging meaningful partnerships with industry and academia to train and provide skills to top talent, support India’s growth, and shape the country’s technical and scientific landscape.
How is the demand for tooling evolving with the shift towards electric vehicles? What new challenges and opportunities does this transition present for toolmakers?
The electric vehicle revolution represents a fundamental reset for the tooling industry. Traditional combustion engine components being replaced by new systems, such as battery enclosures, motor housings, and power electronics, are driving unprecedented demand for specialised tooling solutions. This transition is not just an evolution but a complete reimagining of automotive manufacturing, requiring toolmakers to become innovation partners.
The technical challenges are substantial. EV components require precision manufacturing of lightweight materials like high-strength aluminium and advanced composites, often with complex geometries that push the boundaries of conventional tooling capabilities. Simultaneously, compressed development cycles in the EV space demand tooling solutions that can adapt quickly to design iterations and scale efficiently from prototype to mass production.
Autodesk’s AI-driven tooling solutions are revolutionising the EV manufacturing space by optimising processes through advanced algorithms. These solutions create precise and efficient tool paths, adaptive machining parameters, and predictive maintenance schedules, collectively reducing downtime and enhancing overall productivity. This automation minimises human error and ensures continuous refinement and optimisation of EV manufacturing processes, leading to higher efficiency and reduced production costs.
To capitalise on this industry-wide trend, toolmakers must embrace advanced manufacturing technologies. Integrating digital tools such as CAD/CAM and simulation platforms enhances precision and efficiency in tooling design and production. Comprehensive data integration between OEMs and tooling suppliers fosters collaborative ecosystems that can rapidly respond to evolving specifications. The toolmakers, who become strategic partners in electrification rather than mere suppliers, requiring expertise in EV manufacturing challenges and investment in advanced, adaptable tooling technologies, will succeed in this evolving landscape.
How is Autodesk supporting tool and die manufacturers in adopting smart manufacturing solutions? What new developments are likely in this space?
Autodesk is fundamentally reimagining tool and die manufacturing through an integrated digital ecosystem that connects design intelligence with production execution. Our solutions transcend traditional CAD/CAM capabilities by embedding AI-driven design optimisation, cloud collaboration, and advanced simulation directly into the manufacturing workflow. This digital thread eliminates the disconnects that typically plague tooling development, enabling unprecedented efficiency gains and innovation potential.
The transformative impact comes through democratising data-driven decision-making. Our platforms allow toolmakers to digitally validate production processes before cutting metal, reducing costly iterations while preserving precision. Generative design is transforming manufacturing by optimising geometries for performance, material efficiency, and production constraints beyond conventional methods. In the long run, AI will enhance creativity, automate repetitive tasks, and provide predictive insights, enabling toolmakers to innovate without extensive technical expertise.
Autodesk will continue to advance cloud-based manufacturing, AI-assisted automation and deeper integration with Industry 4.0. As tool and die manufacturers navigate challenges like electrification, lightweight materials, and rapid prototyping, these technologies will be essential in driving efficiency, agility and long-term competitiveness.
What strategies should Indian toolmakers adopt to strengthen their position in the global market?
To compete globally, Indian toolmakers must adopt advanced manufacturing technologies like AI-driven design, automation, smart machining and digital workflows to enhance efficiency, precision and scalability. Digitalisation, including the integration of CAD/CAM and simulation tools, will streamline workflows and reduce production lead times, making Indian manufacturers more competitive on a global scale.
As the industry evolves, toolmakers must bridge the talent gap by fostering continuous learning, partnering with technical institutes, and promoting apprenticeship programs. A workforce proficient in the latest technologies will be a key differentiator in delivering high-quality tooling solutions that meet international standards. Reducing dependency on imported raw materials, fostering local material innovation, and establishing strategic partnerships with global suppliers can mitigate disruptions and enhance cost competitiveness.
Finally, Indian toolmakers must shift from being component suppliers to strategic partners by offering value-added services such as design consultation, rapid prototyping, and end-to-end solutions.
What key trends will shape the Indian tool and die industry in the next decade? Also, if you had to give one key message to Indian toolmakers today, what would it be?
In the coming decade, several primary trends will shape the Indian tool and die industry. For instance, with the increased adoption of digital tools and automation to streamline business operations and increase productivity levels, digital transformation is likely to play a crucial role. Also, the focus on sustainability and green manufacturing will gain additional significance; it will drive a shift towards eco-friendly processes such as material recycling and energy-efficient processes. Besides, the rise in electric vehicles combined with advanced manufacturing will foster demand for precision tooling that is tailored to lightweight materials used for EV components. Furthermore, Industry 4.0 integration will merge data analytics, IoT and AI to enable predictive maintenance and intelligent manufacturing.
Indian toolmakers will need to adopt international best practices and earn compliance certifications if they want to establish a world-class footprint in the global marketplace. The future will belong to those who can quickly adapt and are capable of optimising the processes and versatile technologies to be able to deliver world-class tooling solutions. So, Indian toolmakers will predominantly need to embrace innovation and invest in digital transformation. I must emphasise that digital transformation is not limited to large organisations; medium and small-sized businesses can also benefit immensely from technology.
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