FIXING WHAT ISN'T BROKEN

Rolf Olofsson, Product Manager at Sandvik Coromant, a global leader in metal cutting tools, explains why NOW is the time for machine shops to embrace a new generation tooling solution to tackle steel ISO P turning challenges and make their production more efficient and productive.

- Rolf Olofsson

The father of modern political philosophy, Machiavelli, said that “Whosoever desires constant success must change his conduct with the times.” We are surely living in unprecedented times with the ongoing effects of COVID-19 on the industry. For manufacturers, stepping away from the established way of doing things — whether it’s a production process, method of communication, or a trusted machine or tool — invites risk. No wonder it so tempting to fall back on the adage of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Could a new tool or digitalised process create more disruptions than it’s worth?

Yet, there is more onus than ever on manufacturers to change with the times — whether they are dealing with mass or batch production scenarios. Research by Pinsent Masons, the German law firm, has identified three main drivers for change.

First, a survey of hundred German manufacturers and German students found that disruptive Industry 4.0 technologies, like artificial intelligence (AI) and intelligent automation, are sparking a fresh industrial revolution. Second, the green agenda is driving manufacturers more quickly towards low carbon business models. Third, Pinsent Masons found that macroeconomic pressures such as Brexit, and now COVID-19, will cause global supply chains to fragment.

How can manufacturers overcome this trio of obstacles without losing sight of the two main challenges: increasing output and reducing costs? And, how can they do so while machining one of the most common and complex ISO P (steel) workpiece materials? The answer lies in next-generation tools — even if the last generation of tools ain’t broke.

THE RIGHT STUFF