Metal Forming 4.0: Embracing digitalisation for enhanced production.

This article delves into the challenges and opportunities presented by Metal Forming 4.0, showcasing how embracing Industry 4.0 systems can lead companies into a new era of digital manufacturing excellence.

- Yuvraj Shidhaye

The metal forming industry is undergoing a digital transformation. With the rise of Industry 4.0, manufacturers are leveraging new technologies to optimise production, reduce costs and create higher-quality products. One area that is seeing particular innovation is metal cutting—the process of shaping metal parts using various machining tools. By embracing digitalisation, metal fabricators can achieve enhanced performance in metal cutting and other forming processes.

Metal cutting optimisation through digital tools

Metal cutting involves techniques like milling, drilling and turning machine parts to the required specifications. It is an essential step in manufacturing final metal components. However, traditional metal cutting has limitations in efficiency and accuracy. With tight tolerances and demand for zero-defect parts, manual machining and older equipment often lead to suboptimal results.

This is where digital technology comes in. Modern Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software can help automate and optimise cutting. CAM programs allow fabricators to input part designs and have the software determine the fastest, most efficient tool paths for machining.

This prevents over-cutting and minimises cycle times. CAM software is often paired with Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines. CNC technology uses coded instructions from CAM to guide cutting tools. The integration of CAM and CNC machine tools enables precise, automated execution of even the most complex machining tasks. According to Markforged, a leading 3D printer OEM, using CAM software to program CNC machines can improve metal-cutting productivity by up to 50%.