“By focusing on innovations in modular design, continuous skill development, adoption of advanced technological equipment, and digital manufacturing, it can successfully transition from a price-driven to a value-driven approach, from local to global presence, and from conventional to high-precision manufacturing,” says Ravindra Katdare, Director, Idaka Precision Tools India Pvt Ltd. This interview was taken for DMI 2026.
What key trends, challenges, or growth opportunities do you see in the Indian Die and Mould Industry today, and how might they evolve by 2026?
The Indian die and mould industry still requires significant upgradation. In many cases, the quality levels are not yet comparable with Japanese standards. The key challenges appear to be the strong focus on low-cost manufacturing, certain mindset limitations, and the need for a greater drive toward achieving best-in-class performance. We are committed to supporting this transformation.
Which sectors (e.g., Automotive, EVs, Aerospace, Medical, Defence etc.) are driving demand for Dies and Moulds, and what opportunities do they present for the industry?
The Automotive, EVs, Aerospace, and Medical sectors are driving significant demand for dies and moulds. These sectors present substantial opportunities for the industry through high-precision requirements, innovative designs, and expanding market needs. Growth in EVs and Aerospace particularly demands advanced tooling capabilities, positioning the die and mould sector for strong expansion.
How is India’s manufacturing push (e.g., Make in India, China+1) impacting the Die and Mould sector overall?
China is successfully leveraging high-quality Japanese machines while remaining cost competitive with India. This highlights a strong opportunity for the Indian die and mould industry to strategically utilise advanced equipment to optimise manufacturing costs and enhance both quality and global competitiveness.
What innovations or technologies (e.g., additive manufacturing, automation, AI, simulations) are shaping the competitiveness of the die and mould industry?
Additive manufacturing and AI are powerful enablers for the future. When they are supported by strong fundamentals such as process discipline and a deep commitment to top quality, their true potential can be fully realised.
What role do initiatives like precision manufacturing and talent development play in expanding the Die and Mould industry into new markets?
The die & mould industry is a niche market with strong potential for growth. By focusing on innovations in modular design, continuous skill development, adoption of advanced technological equipment, and digital manufacturing, it can successfully transition from a price-driven to a value-driven approach, from local to global presence, and from conventional to high-precision manufacturing.
How has participating in past DMI exhibitions contributed to growth, networking, or collaborations within the tooling ecosystem?
Participating in exhibitions provides valuable insights into our current market position, evolving customer demands, emerging technologies, and potential collaboration opportunities, along with strong networking platforms. The real benefit comes from how effectively we convert these learnings into timely actions, as speed of implementation is a key success factor.
What makes DMI 2026 a valuable platform for the Die and Mould industry to showcase its strengths to domestic or global customers?
As DMI 2026 is the largest exhibition in India for the die & mould industry, with all major domestic and global players participating, it offers a powerful platform to showcase capabilities, present new ideas, and connect with key decision-makers and potential customers.
What products, technologies, or launches are you planning to showcase at DMI 2026, and why are they significant for the industry
We are showcasing the Amada Optical Profile Grinder for the die & mould industry. This machine features a high-speed reciprocation system, high-accuracy grinding wheel, and elevation table, along with a high-precision, high-speed spindle (TS-6) and a center-of-gravity bed design for superior stability. The LED specification significantly reduces operating costs while enhancing usability. The projector delivers exceptionally clear and detailed images, enabling precise profile grinding, and overall productivity is greatly improved through easy programming, faster and more accurate operations.
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