“The demand for high-performance dies and moulds is being surged by a diverse array of high-tech sectors, each presenting unique engineering challenges. In the Automotive landscape, the shift toward Electric Vehicles (EVs) has necessitated a complete redesign of tooling for complex battery housings, intricate electrical connectors, and lightweight structural components aimed at range optimization. Simultaneously, the Aerospace and Defence industries are pushing the boundaries of “Right First Time” manufacturing, requiring robust tooling capable of maintaining extreme tolerances while machining exotic, high-strength materials like Titanium and Inconel,” says Vinay Kumar M K, Vice President – Business Development, FANUC India Private Limited., in an interview for the 14th Die & Mould India International Exhibition 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 is transitioning from manual-intensive processes to high-speed, automated precision machining. The key trend is the demand for sub-micron accuracy and superior surface finishes directly from the machine, reducing the need for manual polishing. While the primary challenge remains the high initial investment in high-end technology, the growth opportunity lies in the global shift toward diversified supply chains, where Indian toolrooms can capture high-value export orders.
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 demand for high-performance dies and moulds is being surged by a diverse array of high-tech sectors, each presenting unique engineering challenges. In the Automotive landscape, the shift toward Electric Vehicles (EVs) has necessitated a complete redesign of tooling for complex battery housings, intricate electrical connectors, and lightweight structural components aimed at range optimization. Simultaneously, the Aerospace and Defence industries are pushing the boundaries of “Right First Time” manufacturing, requiring robust tooling capable of maintaining extreme tolerances while machining exotic, high-strength materials like Titanium and Inconel. Furthermore, the rapid miniaturization in Medical devices and Consumer Electronics has created a critical need for micro-moulding capabilities, where ultra-precise injection moulds are essential to produce the microscopic, high-fidelity components that define modern technology.
How is India’s manufacturing push (e.g., Make in India, China+1) impacting the die and mould sector overall?
The China+1 strategy has fundamentally altered the landscape. Global OEMs are no longer looking at India just for cost-arbitrage, but for technical competence. This shift has forced the Indian die and mould sector to adopt global benchmarks in cycle times and tool life. We are seeing a massive influx of orders for complex tooling that was previously sourced from East Asia or Europe.
What innovations or technologies (e.g., additive manufacturing, AI, simulations) are shaping the competitiveness of the die and mould industry?
Competitiveness today is defined by the “Digital Thread” running through the workshop:
- AI-Driven CNC Control: FANUC’s AI Contour Control (AICC II+) and Nano Smoothing allow machines to follow complex mould paths with extreme fluid motion, significantly reducing machining time.
- Thermal Displacement Compensation: AI-based algorithms that predict and compensate for thermal expansion in real-time, ensuring consistent accuracy from the first part to the last.
- High-End Simulations: Using digital twins to validate tool paths, ensuring zero collisions and optimized chip removal before the spindle even starts.
What role do initiatives like precision manufacturing and talent development play in expanding the die and mould industry into new markets?
Precision is the baseline for entering high-margin markets like Aerospace. However, the machine is only as good as the operator. Talent development through specialized CNC programming and maintenance training is critical. By empowering the workforce to utilize the full potential of 5-axis machining and high-speed Wire EDMs, the industry can scale its operations into global markets effectively.
How has participating in past DMI exhibitions contributed to growth, networking, or collaborations within the tooling ecosystem?
DMI is the pulse of the tooling ecosystem. For FANUC, it has been an invaluable platform for technical networking. It allows us to align our controller and machine developments with the real-world challenges faced by toolmakers, leading to the creation of bespoke features like specialized “Fine Surface” machining cycles.
What makes DMI 2026 a valuable platform for the die and mould industry to showcase its strengths to domestic or global customers?
DMI 2026 serves as a global showroom. It is the best place for toolrooms to demonstrate their technical maturity to international buyers. It provides a concentrated environment where technology providers, raw material suppliers, and toolmakers can collaborate to solve the industry’s most pressing efficiency bottlenecks.
What products, technologies, or launches are you planning to showcase at DMI 2026, and why are they significant for the industry?
For DMI 2026, FANUC will present a high-performance lineup of CNC and ROBOMACHINE technologies, integrated with smart automation to address the evolving needs of the tooling industry.
FANUC Showcase Highlights
-FANUC CNC Systems: The heart of precision. We will highlight advanced CNC controllers featuring AI Contour Control and Fine Surface Technology, designed to achieve high-speed, high-quality finishes while reducing mechanical wear.
-FANUC ROBODRILL: A High-Speed Compact Machining Center that serves as the workhorse of the toolroom. Its significance lies in its incredible versatility—capable of everything from heavy-duty milling to high-speed graphite electrode machining with sub-micron precision.
– FANUC ROBOCUT: Our High-Precision Wire-Cut EDM is engineered for the most demanding die and mould applications. It features a high-rigidity structure and advanced Automatic Wire Rethreading (AWR), ensuring reliable, high-accuracy cutting of complex shapes in hardened materials.
-FANUC CRX Collaborative Robot: Demonstrating machine-tending compatibility, the CRX can be seamlessly paired with ROBODRILL or ROBOCUT machines. This setup allows for automated loading and unloading without safety fences, enabling shops to run “lights-out” operations safely and easily.
-Expert Service & Advice: Our team will be on-site to provide expert consultations regarding FANUC products. We focus on maximizing your equipment’s lifecycle through predictive maintenance (using AI tools) and providing technical strategies to optimize your specific machining workflows.
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