“Initially, these companies can stock and sell their products through service centres in India. As a next step, they can be encouraged to establish manufacturing facilities here by taking advantage of the government’s PLI scheme,” says T. S. Gopalakrishnan, Director, Multiple Special Steel Pvt. Ltd.
-Neha Basudkar Ghate
Q: The Indian and global tool and die steel markets are evolving rapidly. What major trends do you see shaping the industry?
A: The Indian and global tool and die steel markets are poised for significant change. The trend is shifting towards limited edition from mass production, which is similarly witnessed in the automotive sector’s move from ICE to EV.
Q: What are the important criteria and considerations for selecting tool and die steel grades to address the increasingly complex demands of modern tool making, especially with respect to properties like hardness, toughness, wear resistance and heat resistance?
A: When considering tool and die steel grades, price and availability are two of the most important criteria to be considered. Apart from these, one needs to check the properties of tool steel grades. Several new and exotic plastic polymers are being developed, especially in the plastic injection moulding tools segment, because of the criteria mandated by the government and environmental norms. As a result, tool steel grades now require properties that were previously unheard of to make these intricate and complex moulds.
Functionality and ruggedness must also be considered. Earlier, longevity of the mould, i.e., the number of closures or components, was important. But now, the functionality or ruggedness of the mould is more relevant because of the highly abrasive polymers being used to make plastic components. In tool steel, balancing hardness versus toughness is always challenging, as they are inversely variable. The same applies to the properties of high wear resistance and high thermal tolerance.
Q: The industry faces challenges such as tool wear, heat treatment inconsistencies and precision demands. In your view, what are the most critical technical hurdles currently confronting the industry? What strategies or innovations are proving most effective in overcoming them?
A: The industry is facing several perennial challenges. However, these can be alleviated by carefully selecting the right tool steel without compromising on the initial cost of the raw material. It is also important to understand and accommodate the strengths and weaknesses of the special tool steel being used.
Q: With India expected to remain a major driver of steel demand growth, how do you see the demand for specialised tool and die steels evolving, particularly in sectors like automotive, aerospace, semiconductors and plastics?
A: We are practically on the runway, ready for take-off. This means that we are ready to grow quickly and make big progress very soon. There will be significant demand for quality tool steel from the target customers to meet their varied and peculiar demands. For instance, the automotive sector demands larger but complex tools/moulds with bigger tolerances, while aerospace demands zero tolerance and lightweight solutions. In the case of plastics, heavy wear resistance and high thermal fluctuation are crucial, and for semiconductors, purity and electrical conductivity are paramount.
Q: Given the volatility in global steel prices and supply chains, what strategies do you recommend for Indian toolmakers to ensure reliable access to high-quality materials?
A: I would recommend Indian toolmakers to first select a sector to focus on. It could be automotive, white goods, electrical and electronics, aerospace, or even consumer durables, among others. Next, it would be advisable to select the specific range of tool steel grades needed. The options could include press tools or die casting, plastic injection moulds, etc. Finally, they need to identify a reputable brand with proven history in quality and enter into a contract with the mill’s authorised service centre for MOQ and best pricing for a specific time period or the tenure of the project.
Q: What role do you see for Indian companies in the global tool and die steel market, both as consumers and potential exporters?
A: India’s status as an emerging market augurs well for the present players as well as new ones entering this market. If we focus more on the domestic demand, we can have 60-70% capacity utilisation. Reducing imports in this segment, we have 20-30% opportunity to scale up. We should consider exports only if the prices and delivery terms are favourable.
Q: With sustainability and environmental standards gaining prominence in metals manufacturing, what major steps is the tool steel industry taking to reduce energy consumption, lower emissions, and promote resource efficiency throughout the production process?
A: The major European tool steel mills are already aware of the environmental impact of tool steel production. As a major initiative, they are producing primary steel using scrap, which helps eliminate CO2 emissions and promotes recycling. Along with this, they are revamping and reconstructing the melting pots to reduce costly energy consumption and harmful gas emissions.
Another step they have embraced is to choose the right grade of tool steel to boost output, even if the initial raw material costs are higher. Apart from these, initiatives such as using alternative materials for mould manufacturing, like high-strength aluminium alloys in plastic moulds instead of traditional tool steels, are being explored.
Q: How do international collaborations and partnerships within the steel industry influence the quality, diversity, and technological advancement of tool and die steels available in the Indian market?
A: The Indian market can greatly benefit from collaborating with European tool steel manufacturers. Initially, these companies can stock and sell their products through service centres in India. As a next step, they can be encouraged to establish manufacturing facilities here by taking advantage of the government’s PLI scheme.
Q: Looking ahead, what skills or capabilities do you believe will be most critical for the next generation of professionals entering the tool and die steel industry?
A: The most important focus for the next generation is to harness the flamboyance of the Italians, resourcefulness of the French and the rugged quality of the Germans. This simply means that the next generation of professionals in the tool and die steel industry should learn from and combine the best qualities associated with different European countries. With India emerging as a leading consumer of industrial and household products, this approach will create a win-win situation, where India benefits as a major customer, and Europe supplies its advanced technologies.
This interview was published in TAGMA Times
COMMENTS