Bengaluru, February 16, 2017: Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers’ Association’s (IMTMA) flagship exhibition “IMTEX 2017 & Tooltech 2017” held at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) in Bengaluru concluded on 1 February 2017. The exhibition attracted a footfall of 75,440 visitors.

Orders worth Rs. 1,670 Cr and enquiries to the value of Rs. 18,989 Cr were generated during the exhibition. Compared to IMTEX 2015 & Tooltech 2015 the booked orders have shown an increase of 16%, whereas the generated enquiries increased by 21%.

The exhibition held at BIEC from 26 January to 1 February 2017 was inaugurated by Shri Siddaramaiah, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka. Mr. Girish Shankar, Secretary (HI), Department of Heavy Industry, Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, Government of India; Mr. D.V. Prasad, I.A.S., Additional Chief Secretary, Commerce & Industries Department, Government of Karnataka; and Dr. Naushad Forbes, President, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

The IMTMA-Premier Outstanding Entrepreneur Award in memory of Vinod Doshi was presented to Mr. Milind Kelkar and Mrs. Mohini Kelkar, from Grind Master.

Speaking about the advancements in technology demonstrated at IMTEX 2017, IMTMA President, P. G. Jadeja reflected, “IMTEX 2017 once again provided a platform for launch of new machines with latest technologies related to the machine tool industry. Technologies such as Internet of Things, Industry 4.0, 3D printing, etc. attracted large number of visitors mostly technology professionals including 158 trade delegations from public and private sectors such as automobiles, auto components, defence, aerospace, railways, power and energy, pharmaceuticals, etc.”

IMTMA Director General, V. Anbu stated: “With the addition of a newly constructed state-of-the-art hall measuring 17,500 square metres IMTMA was able to provide more space for exhibitors to showcase machines which in turn translated into more orders and enquiries than ever before.”

The exhibition area spread across 6 halls in a gross area of 66,000 square metres featured exhibitors from 23 countries including India. China, Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Spain, Taiwan and United States of America not in sync had group participation. Over a thousand machines in operational mode were showcased.

For the first time an International Buyer Seller Meet was organized by IMTMA and EEPC (Engineering Export Promotion Council) which saw participation of 57 international buyers from 19 countries.

The show also hosted student centric programmes such as i2 Academia Pavilion (a special pavilion representing academic and research institutions) Jagruti (a programme to orient engineering students with emerging technologies), and Connect (an awareness programme for young engineers visiting IMTEX) which evoked good response from both students and colleges from across India.

Forty academic institutions from across India participated in the i2 Academia Pavilion which included 6 IITs. The best presentations were awarded. Connect included sessions addressed by CEOs of machine tool manufacturing companies. Over 600 students participated in Connect. Thirty-one engineering students participated in the Jagruti programme.

The next edition of IMTEX will be held in January 2019 which will also mark 50 years of the IMTEX event.

German measuring and inspection technology manufacturer, Zoller is showcasing futuristic technologies at ongoing IMTEX 2017. The company is demonstrating »zidCode«, quick and easy ZOLLER tool identification system; »smartCheck«, universal measuring machine; »toolOrganizer«, stock management solution for tools and accessories. The company is showcasing at hall 3B stall B104.

»zidCode«
»zidCode« tool identification, developed
by ZOLLER, offers a quick and error-free transfer of tool data measured on the ZOLLER tool presetter and measuring machine to the CNC-controlled machine. This data transfer is performed by scanning a QR code without the need for network connection or RFID technology.

Benefits:

• Quick and simple data transfer without typos and prevention of machine cras- hes
• Perfect solution, particularly for upgra- des of turning and milling machines as well as maching centers
• Perfect application for turning lathes (no RFID chip required)

»smartCheck«
The ZOLLER »smartCheck« checks and measu- res tool geometries of all kinds in incident and transmitted light in a quick and ultra-precise manner before and after sharpening. Thanks to its manual swivelling unit (incident light camera) tools can be checked with 50 fold magnification in axial and radial direction and afterwards all measurement results are logged.

Advantages:

• Contact-free checking, measuring and presetting of all types of cutting tools
• Measuring of all important parameters in incident and transmitted light
• Automatied procedures: fast and with micro-precision
• Software »inScreen« and incident light measurement »metis« included
• Less scrap, customer complaints, and machine down-times
• 50-fold magnification, dimmable LED incident light control

»toolOrganizer«
The Zoller »toolOrganizer«, used in combination with the ZOLLER TMS Tool Management Solutions software, is the ideal stock management solution for tools and accessori- es. Relying on the well coordinated combination of ZOLLER »toolOrganizer« with matching software modules the right quantity is always available at a defined storage location. No more picking errors or mistakes.

Advantages:

• A structured storage system for keeping track of complete tools, tool compo- nents or accessories
• User-friendly display of storage location by LED lights
• Control system for a safe withdrawal of the desired components
• Large variety of drawer sizes to suit dif- ferent components
• Direct interface to the ZOLLER tool management
• Circulation check and stock transparency
• Inventory management

• Integrated software and hardware solutions form building blocks for digitalization – a convergence of virtual and real worlds
• Industry benefits include shorter time to market, increased flexibility and enhanced productivity
• Siemens to showcase integrated digitalization solutions for the Machine Tool industry for the first time in India at IMTEX 2017

Digitalization entails the ever closer meshing of processes and applications in the virtual and the real world. With a wide spectrum of integrated software, hardware solutions and services, including state-of-the-art SINUMERIK controllers, Siemens India is supporting both machine manufacturers and operators on their way to become a digital enterprise. Showcasing its Integrated Engineering approach at IMTEX 2017, Siemens is demonstrating how machine tool industry can respond faster to the needs of the market, increase their flexibility to meet the customer’s individual requests and also develop products efficiently.

Ashish Bhat, Country Division Lead, Digital Factory, Siemens India, said, “Siemens follows a holistic approach towards digitalization. In the machine tool space, we focus on three main areas through the lifecycle of the machine tool, which is build (during production), operate (during operation) and optimize (of the process / machine tool). The machine tool industry plays a critical role in the entire industrial landscape and also the success of Make in India, and it is imperative that it transitions into a digital enterprise at the earliest.”

Siemens is the only solution provider offering both a seamless CAD/CAM-CNC process chain and solutions for integrating machine tools and higher-level IT systems. Using these integrated products, software solutions and services, machine tool and other manufacturers can benefit considerably from the opportunities offered by digitalization and enhance their competitiveness.

For the first time ever in India, Siemens is showcasing cutting-edge digitalization solutions that help in virtual part production using digital twin concept and cloud-based data services – Mindsphere, which can support machine and plant data evaluation using special tools in order to assess and optimize the condition of machines and plants. Other highlights include a comprehensive range of CNC and metal-cutting machine tool technologies, products, solutions and services – for the smallest job shop to the complex production environment in every segment of the industry, from tool-and-die and mold- making to primary automotive, aerospace and medical part manufacturing.

Visitors to the stall will also get a glimpse of the Technology & Application Centre (TAC), a state of the art knowledge sharing and training facility created by Siemens in India at Peenya, Bangalore. Also on offer are smart financing solutions for equipment and technology from Siemens Financial Solutions. These financial solutions are designed to help businesses of all sizes grow and to fuel the pace of technology adoption.

Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers’ (IMTMA) flagship event and South East Asia’s largest exhibition on metal cutting technologies ‘IMTEX 2017 & Tooltech 2017’ was inaugurated by Shri Siddaramaiah, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka, at the Bangalore Exhibition Centre (BIEC) on Thursday.

Mr. Girish Shankar, Secretary (HI), Department of Heavy Industry, Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, Government of India; Mr. D.V. Prasad, I.A.S., Additional Chief Secretary, Commerce & Industries Department, Government of Karnataka; and Dr. Naushad Forbes, President, Confederation of Indian Industries (CII). Mr. Jamshyd N. Godrej, Chairman – Exhibitions, IMTMA; Mr. P.G. Jadeja, President, IMTMA; Mr. P. Ramadas, Vice President, IMTMA; and Mr. V. Anbu, Director General, IMTMA also presided over the inauguration.

The exhibition is being held from 26 January to 1 February 2017 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) in Bangalore. A new 17,500 square metres Exhibition Hall (Hall 4) was inaugurated by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

The exhibition has over 1000 exhibitors in 6 halls covering an exhibition area of around 66,000 square metres. Twenty-two countries including India are participating in the show with 7 group participations from China, Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Spain, Taiwan and United States. Numerous technologies such as Hybrid machines, 3D printing, Industry 4.0, and many more are being launched and displayed at this edition of IMTEX.

IMTMA is expecting a footfall of around 100,000 visitors during the 7 days event at BIEC. Many decision makers and business heads from across the spectrum of Indian metalworking industry are expected to attend the show.

Inaugurating the exhibition, Karnataka Chief Minister, Shri Siddaramaiah said, “It is well known that machine tools are the backbone of manufacturing and a strong machine tool industry propels strong manufacturing which in turn spurs the economy. Karnataka was the cradle for the machine tool industry which has now grown to produce over 50 percent of Indian machine tool output. Keeping this in view the government along with the industry charted out a plan for developing a machine tool park in the state”. Further commenting on developing proposed machine tool park Hon’ble Chief Minister said, “The proposed machine tool park at Vasantha Narsapur in Tumkur district is a joint venture between the Government of India and the Government of Karnataka and will come up in a land of 500 acres. Once functional, the park is expected to boost the domestic turnover of machine tools while saving foreign exchange and reducing imports. Furthermore, the park will also create over 4000 jobs in manufacturing and administrative fields.”

Speaking on Indian Capital Goods Policy and its impact on Make in India initiative, DHI Secretary, Mr. Girish Shankar said, “India’s Capital Goods Policy envisages the capital goods to grow from Rs.2.3 lakh crores to Rs. 7.5 lakh crores in 2025. The policy has been formulated with a vision to increase the share of capital goods contribution to the GDP from 12% to 20% of total manufacturing activity by 2025. Our endeavour is to drive growth for capital goods sector and build India as a world class hub for capital goods. This covers critical areas such as increasing the total production, employment, domestic market share, exports, skill availability, technology depth, and SMEs. I am sure these initiatives will lead to strengthening Machine Tool industry and Capital Goods industry. Further commenting on IMTEX 2017, Mr. Shankar said, “I am glad that IMTMA’s flagship event IMTEX supports demonstration of India’s capability in machine tools segment on a massive scale and is a strong enabler of ‘Make in India’.”

“IMTEX is not just for the machine tool manufacturers, but for the entire manufacturing industry of India. The exhibition has a potential to attract investment and provide growth opportunity for the industry in Karnataka. This can happen only when we promote our industries,” said Mr. D. V. Prasad, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Karnataka.

Mr. Prasad also further stated “Karnataka Government is working on enhancing industrial connectivity in the Chennai-Bengaluru and Bengaluru-Mumbai corridors. The State is supporting the National Investment Manufacturing Zones at key locations which is expected to give added impetus to manufacturing sector and encouraged by the State’s efforts many auto and auto ancillary units have made their base in Karnataka.”

Speaking on IMTEX’s formidable stature in Indian Machine Tools sector Mr. Jamshyd N. Godrej, Chairman, Exhibitions – IMTMA said, “two years from now we will be celebrating the 50th year of IMTEX. The main objective of IMTEX is to demonstrate and showcase different manufacturing technologies and innovations to enable the manufacturing companies and industries to take decisions on what they need to meet their current and future requirements.”

“As technology becomes a formidable enabler in manufacturing it is imminent to incorporate it in all aspects of manufacturing,” said Dr. Naushad Forbes, President, CII. “The machine tool sector has huge responsibility and scope to make Indian manufacturing successful and therefore Industry needs to leverage not only its design capabilities but also ICT, Automation, Industry 4.0, as well as innovation,” further added Dr. Forbes.

To further provide impetus to machine tools industry IMTMA is working closely with NITI Aayog and DHI in giving shape to the future technological initiatives and R&D efforts for the machine tool industry.

Speaking on opportunities for machine tools sector Mr. P.G. Jadeja, President IMTMA said, “The Aero-Defence sector presents an attractive growth opportunity. To tap this IMTMA has launched an initiative and formed the Aero-Def Group to bring our members closer to this important customer segment and work out development and marketing strategies.”

The IMTMA-Premier Outstanding Entrepreneur Award in memory of Vinod Doshi was given in the inaugural function. Mr Milind Kelkar and Mrs. Mohini Kelkar, from GrindMaster won the award. On the occasion, IMTMA also released some new publications:

1. IMTMA Directory of Members 2017
2. Guide to Indian Machine Tools 2017
3. Comprehensive Report on Indian Metal Cutting Machine Tools
4. IMTEX 2017 Exhibition Catalogue

Several programmes are being held in conjunction with IMTEX 2017. IMTMA and EEPC India with support from the Government of India is organizing a Reverse Buyer Seller Meet. This is an opportunity to connect with importers from 23 countries. The i2 Academia Pavilion, a special pavilion representing Academic and Research institutions from around 40 institutions including 6 IITs from all over India is being held concurrently. Connect, a special forum for imparting knowledge on machine tool industry for young engineers visiting IMTEX is being organised from 27 to 31 January 2017. Students and young engineers interested in building a career in manufacturing will get a chance to know more about the machine tool industry.

Image Courtesy: IMTMA

CAMWorks – Tolerance Based Machining (TBM) uses tolerances, hole callouts, surface finishes and other annotations to automatically generate CNC programs for 3D parts.

Geometric Ltd, a global leader in 3D CNC machining software, will highlight critical new functionalities in CAMWorks to simplify and speed up the CNC programming process by using manufacturing data; including tolerances, surface finish, GD&T, thread callouts, etc. in 3D models, at Booth A124, Hall 3B from 26^th January to 1^st February, at IMTEX 2017 Bengaluru, India.

CAMWorks is an intuitive, feature-based CAM software that helps to increase productivity using best-in-class technologies and adaptable automation tools to maximize CNC machining efficiency.

Sambit Pradhan, Director – Business Development – APAC, Geometric Limited says, “We recently launched CAMWorks 2017 which is going to be the highlight at IMTEX. It has lots of exciting features and one of them is Tolerance Based Machining. This new feature is in-line with the current industry demand, that’s automate and make design and manufacturing process seamless.”

 The new ‘Machine to the Mean’ capabilities in CAMWorks eliminates long-standing issues surrounding differences between design practices required to tolerance parts based on fit, form and function vs. manufacturing’s need to machine geometry based on mean dimensions and tolerances. Smart Manufacturing Technology Brings CAD and CAM together to Create CNC Programs Faster than Ever Imagined

Aligning with industry initiatives such as Smart Manufacturing and Industrie 4.0 for advanced manufacturing, CAMWorks has been uniquely structured to realize the benefits of automated CNC program generation based on tolerance, surface finish, and other annotations in 3D parts. This functionality is possible due to CAMWorks’ ability to extract manufacturing features like pockets, bosses, holes, etc…, and automatically create toolpaths based on an internal knowledge base of user definable tools, feeds, speeds, and strategies.

“The new enhancements in CAMWorks will help our customers and prospective buyers to achieve goal of time to market, reducing dependency and maintaining quality. We welcome all to our booth to experience the live demonstration of CAMWorks TBM by our experts” added Pradhan.

Doosan’s next generation Multi-tasking turning center, features high productivity,
high precision and easy operation.

S Korean CNC manufacturer Doosan is all set for IMTEX 2017, Bangalore. The CNC major will demonstrate its latest technologies and is gearing up to showcase live demonstrations of its machines like turning centers at Hall 3A, A 110

The company is showcasing:

• PUMA SMX2600S – Multi tasking Turning Center
• Lynx 2100 compact turning center
• L220LSYC – Compact turning center with sub spindle & Y-axis
• PUMA TW2600-GL, 2 spindle Turning Center with High-speed Gantry Loader,
• DNM 5700 Vertical Machining Center,
• NHP6300 Horizontal Machining Center,
• PUMA V8300 Vertical Turning Center during the expo.

PUMA SMX2600S
SMX2600S is Doosan’s new generation Multi-tasking Turning Center, features high productivity, high precision and easy operation. By integrating the capabilities of multiple machines into one system, the PUMA SMX series provides best in class machining capability by using multi-tasking functions which minimize the machining time and the number of machining operations. The PUMA SMX series also provides excellent performance for high precision machining by minimizing thermal deformation and applying an accuracy control feature based on multiple thermal compensation functions. Ergonomic design considering operator convenience and efficient maintenance provides an optimal solution that meets the customer’s needs.

Higher Productivity through Powerful Multi-tasking Functions
Decreases the total processing time and number of machining operations by using a single setup. This provides excellent high speed performance for component manufacturing processes which require accurate and complex machining.

Enhanced Precision through high accuracy control functions
Maintains excellent precision during long-term machining processes by minimizing the thermal deformation of the spindle and the feed axis, and maximises precision through the 0.001° axis resolution control function.

Easy and convenient operation through an ergonomic design
Features excellent maintenance as well as usability and convenience through customized functions.

Robust Design
FEM (Finite Element Method) analysis results in superior machine stability. All guideways are sealed with a protective covers, preventing high temperature chips and coolant from contacting the guideways, thus maintaining unsurpassed long-term accuracy.

Feed Axis
Extended axis travel distance and improved rapid traverse rate improve workpiece machining and provide excellent productivity. The X, Y and Z-axis move orthogonally to reflect high precision machine accuracy into machining accuracy.

High Precision Rollertype LM Guideways
SP class roller type LM guideways for extra load capacity and rigidity are used on all axes to enable high rapid traverse rates.

Cutting Accuracy
By performing extended test procedures of individual machine elements and detailed analysis of results, the SMX series achieves a high level of precision and reliability that fulfills customer satisfaction.

The SMX2600S is also a prestigious Red Dot award winner in 2014 for the best design in machine tools.

Aurangabad-based Grind Masters Machines Pvt Ltd is all set for IMTEX 2017. The Nanofinish, Deburring and Robotic Automation solution provider will demonstrate its latest technologies and is gearing up to showcase live demonstrations of its machines like Centerless Throughfeed Superfinisher CST600,World’s First Universal NANOFINISH Model SMP500X and Robotic Fettling & Machining Centre at Hall 2A, Stall A110. The exhibition is scheduled from January 26 to February First, 2017 at Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), Bengaluru.

Centerless Throughfeed Superfinisher CST600
Grind Master NANOFINISH range of machines for microfinishing and superfinishing of Automotive Powertrain parts is trusted by leading OEMs globally.

Centerless Throughfeed Superfinisher CST600 is a new product launched by Grind Master at Imtex Bangalore 2017. Engineered for high quality finishing of Pin Type parts (cylindrical), the CST600 concept can be extended to including various rollers for bearing industry including cylindrical and taper rollers. The CST600 uses reliable tape finishing technology which is much more reliable and maintenance free compared to conventional stone technology. Consequently there are several savings in terms of energy and reductions in rejection.

NANOFINISH Superfinishing machines are recognized as reliable solutions for finishing of Automotive Transmission Shafts, Steering Parts and Pump Parts, Turbo Charger Shafts. Equipped with proprietory Nano Finish Control System that provides the simple and user friendly screen for easy and quick set up change and therefore the machines are very flexible and suitable to handle a range of parts. The various Superfinishing parameters can be easily set on the screen of this system thereby achieving the finishing results at optimum cost.

NANOFINISH Model SMP500X
Grind Master NANOFINISH range of machines for microfinishing and superfinishing of Automotive Powertrain parts is trusted by leading OEMs globally.

Universal NANOFINISH Model SMP500X is a revolutionary Flexible Smart Machine using Multiple NANOFINISH Technologies for processing a wide range of Automotive Powertrain Components including Crankshafts, Camshafts and Gearbox Shafts, all without Setup Change. Hitherto these operations would have required 3 different machines. Thus the SMX500 sets a new benchmark in Flexible Manufacturing.

The SMX500 is being launched by Grind Master in Imtex Bangalore in 2017.

NANOFINISH Superfinishing machines are recognized as reliable solutions for finishing of Automotive Transmission Shafts, Steering Parts and Pump Parts, Turbo Charger Shafts. Equipped with proprietary NANOSmart Control System that is ultra user friendly with Industri 4.0 Compliance including advanced Diagnostic and Predictive Maintenance Capabilities, integrated Remote Asset Management system, Data Logging including Camera Systems and integrated Inspection Tools.

With a view to highlight the evolving trends in Machining Technologies, Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers’ Association (IMTMA) is organising the ‘International Seminar on Machining Technologies’ on 25^th January 2017 at BIEC, Bangalore, coinciding with IMTEX 2017 exhibition.

Organized every alternate year, this event is recognized as an international platform for global interactions on the latest trends in metal cutting. The seminar will focus on Machine Tools & Machining, Emerging Technologies, Tooling & Cutting Fluids, Control Systems & Metrology and Surface Finishing and will bring together the fraternity of machining technologies on a common platform to discuss related issues. Experts from renowned National and International companies and research institutes from Germany, Japan, Switzerland, UK, USA as well as from India will share their expertise and latest developments in the field of Machining Technology.

The event will be attended by delegates from a wide cross section of the metal working industry Viz, Automobile & auto components, , Consumer durables, Machine tool, Tool rooms, Aerospace, Defence & Railways units, PSUs, Pumps & Valves, General Engineering and other manufacturing industries. Decision makers including CEOs, senior executives, practicing engineers, industry experts, R&D specialists and academia will immensely benefit from this International seminar.

Tell us about the current Indian metal cutting machine tool industry? How is the demand pattern in India for metal cutting machine tools?

Globally India is placed 10th in terms of consumption. The demand for machine tools is undergoing a rapid change in tune with the requirements of user industries. There is a good demand for horizontal machining centers, cylindrical grinding machines, milling and boring machines and gear cutting machines.

Production in metal cutting machine tools is around Rs 4,200 crore. Domestic production accounts for over 40% of total consumption. The consumption is primarily driven by automobile and auto component sectors besides die and mould, railways, ordnance, defence and industrial machinery. Japan, Germany, Italy and South Korea primarily operating in the high technology segment.

Turning centres and machining centres contribute to more than 70% of the total market for metal cutting machines. Domestic manufacturers have a significant share in turning centers, vertical machining centers and grinding machines.

Important sectors which have an impact on the growth in the demand for metal cutting machinery include automobiles, aerospace, defence and railways among others.

What are the challenges faced by the Indian machine tool industry?

Machine tool industry in India is comparatively small compared to any other manufacturing industry. It plays an enabling role for development of manufacturing industry, but there are areas where there is scope for development. Some of them are:-

• Although the industry has good design and manufacturing competence for a wide range of products, the product range and the technologies manufactured in India have a substantial gap with the ones manufactured overseas. The user industries expect the latest technologies to produce high quality end products at competitive prices. This has made it imperative for the machine tool industry to take an inventory of present technologies and those it should develop.
• The industry investment in product development through R&D is currently around 2.5%, whereas in other developed/ developing countries it is higher at around 4%. We need to improve on this.
• Technological advancements would always benefit the entire manufacturing value chain. Since this is at the bottom of the pyramid, attracting investments is critical. However, there is ample opportunity for industries that are at the level of small and medium enterprises to grow and become large companies with better investments both at R&D and productivity levels to meet the current demand of manufacturing industry.
• The prevailing interest rates for machine tool industry in India are quite high (around 14 to 18%). Our tax should be structured in such a way that Indian products are subjected to taxes as they are in overseas nations. Introduction of Goods and Services Tax is expected to usher in the much needed change.
• The industry has to compete for talent with other industries such as IT and retail. The industry is taking steps to develop skills through larger academic and industry partnership in manufacturing for all round development of skills.
• With the gradual development of the machine tool industry and the industry becoming more organized the level of imports can be reduced for both medium and high technology in future.

What are the initiatives taken by IMTMA to uplift the Indian machine tool builders?

IMTMA works closely with various government departments such as the Department of Heavy Industry, the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion and Tariff Commission among others for making the Indian machine tool industry strong and vibrant. Due to this IMTMA has been instrumental in setting up an Advanced Machine Tool Testing Facility in CMTI premise at Bengaluru, Advanced Centre of Excellence for R&D and Technology Development at IIT, Madras, and the first Integrated Machine Tool Park in Tumkur which is being built by the Government of Karnataka.

Working with the Tariff Commission, IMTMA was able to get a reduction in customs duty for critical components used in the machine tool industry.

Further, IMTMA through its Tech Centres in Bengaluru, Pune and Gurgaon imparts training for engineers and industry fresh hires to inculcate in them skills required for enhancing productivity.

In developed countries, the industry-academia partnership is a very common practice whereas in India it’s in a very nascent stage. Is IMTMA taking any steps to promote such partnerships in India?

Through the Industry-Institution (i2 Academia Pavilion) IMTMA has been able to build an industry-academia linkage. IMTMA has created a Industry-Institution Collaboration (III-C) to bring the industry and various institutions known for their R&D on a common platform to find solutions and work together for the betterment of the machine tool industry. The i2 pavilion featured in every IMTEX has served as a forum for developing products and promoting innovation. There are numerous technological challenges when addressing the needs of user industries. IMTMA has also created an Advanced Centre of Excellence for R&D and technology development with IIT, Madras. This is a unique opportunity for machine tool units to develop new technologies under the Department of Heavy Industries (DHI) scheme and enhance competitiveness of the industry.   

IMTEX is around the corner; please tell us about the new initiatives that have been taken for the exhibitors and visitors?

The 18^th edition of IMTEX 2017 and concurrent exhibition Tooltech will be held at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) from January 26 to February 1, 2017. For this edition, IMTMA has come up with certain initiatives to help exhibitors and visitors:

• IMTEX 2017 will be held in 6 halls. IMTMA has built an additional hall of 17,500 sq.mts. The hall will be inaugurated during the event. The exhibition will be displayed in a gross area of 66,000 sq.mts.
• IMTMA has come up with an Expo Platform for IMTEX 2017. This is a networking platform and management system for events. It allows visitors and exhibitors to register, gain access to floor plans and product catalogues, manage their schedules, market successfully, create analytics, secure full control of data, establish contact through mobile apps, etc. It also allows visitors to generate their own batch.
• IMTMA and EEPC India will jointly organize a Reverse Buyer Seller Meet during IMTEX 2017. Dealers, distributors, potential buyers and few key media persons from 15 countries will be invited. IMTMA may organize a few plant visits to machine tool manufacturing companies in Bengaluru.
• IMTEX 2017 will feature manufacturers, suppliers, researchers and trade associations from 22 countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Serbia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, The Netherlands, United Kingdom and United States.
• There will be over 1000 exhibitors from 22 countries. The group participation will be from 7 countries: from 7 countries: China, Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Spain, Taiwan and United States.
• 30 institutions expected to take part in the i2 Academia Pavilion.
• Connect an awareness programme to impart knowledge on machine tool industry for young and budding engineers will be organized during the event.

IMTEX is an opportunity for the machine tool companies in India… Your views on the same.

IMTEX exhibitions are always great forums for technology exchange. The event showcases the latest technologies and manufacturing solutions from across the globe. At IMTEX 2017 customers will be pleased to see and learn from the emerging technologies.

IMTEX FORMING 2016, South East Asia’s largest metal forming machine exhibition got underway today.

Organized by the India Machine Tools Manufacture Association (IMTMA), the event is spread across seven days from 21^st – 26^th January 2016. Tooltech 2016, is another concurrent event which would be hosted at the same venue. This would focus on dies and moulds, forming tools, machine tool accessories, metrology and CAD/CAM.

IMTEX FORMING 2016 will showcase latest machine equipments, processes, tools, accessories, software and raw materials as well as feed stocks required to manufacture formed parts in every engineering application.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Mr. Jamshyd N. Godrej, MD & Chairman – Godrej & Boyce, who welcomed the gathering along with Mr. Parakramsinh G. Jadeja, President, IMTMA. Mr. Godrej, welcoming the dignitaries, said, “Machine tool is an important contributor to India’s economy and therefore investment in machine tool industry has direct bearing on the overall economy. We expect 50,000 visitors during this event which has attracted more than 70 trade delegations from various manufacturing industries and exhibitors from 23 countries with 4 country partners China, Germany, Taiwan and Japan” He also announced that IMTMA is going to double the size of BIEC to accommodate more companies to participate in future IMTEX shows with world class facilities.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. P. G. Jadeja, President, IMTMA, said, “Several policy initiatives of the government have created positive sentiment and has helped the machine tool industry to move ahead on its growth path and India is set to become a global player.” He also informed that IMTMA in partnership with government of India managed to get approval for creation of R&D facility at IIT Chennai dedicated to machine tools and also for the creation of a technology fund.

Shri R.V.Deshpande, Minister for Large and Medium Industries & Tourism Government of Karnataka, the Chief Guest, while addressing the gathering said, “Karnataka has been at the forefront of Make in India campaign for several years and had taken cluster driven approach then which has been highly successful. The availability of skilled workforce in Karnataka would play an important role in the growth of the machine tool industry in the state and assured IMTMA of all support at the policy and execution level.”

Mr. Vishvajit Sahay, Joint Secretary Department of Heavy Industry and Dr. V. K. Saraswat, member NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog, Government of India also shared their thoughts about machine tool industry during their address.

The event also has a dedicated i2 Pavilion which provides an opportunity for Indian Academic / R&D Institutions to show case their R&D capabilities in Metal working field. Professors and R&D experts working on machine tools/manufacturing projects would also presenting during the event.

As a part of its initiative of imparting knowledge on the machine tool industry for young engineers during the event, MTMA will organize ‘Connect’, an awareness wherein students from both mechanical and electrical engineering streams can avail this opportunity to gather more knowledge of the opportunities in store for them in the manufacturing industry. By interacting with industry experts they will get to understand how machine tool industry helps in industry growth and the role of an engineer in the manufacturing industry.