Machine tools industry| Indian Machine Tools world

AM changing the dynamics of the machine tools industry

Mr. Sanjay Saboo, Managing Director, HepcoMotion India Ltd

HepcoMotion: Focusing on forging trusting relationships with technically grounded solutions

Q. Please brief us about recent initiatives undertaken in machine tools space? Which are your focus areas?

Additive manufacturing is certainly changing the dynamics of the machine tools industry. Always evolving and innovating, HepcoMotion is working with some additive manufacturers machine tools machine builders on some of their axes. For example, Walter Maschinenbau utilize HepcoMotion’s 1-Trak system in a flexible, high performance solution to a demanding tool changing problem. Walter Maschinenbau needed a product for a new CNC controlled Helitronic tool grinder that could link 12 or 24 x 254mm diameter grinding discs and traverse them around a circuit without them clashing. In principle this did not sound too demanding until the space available to fit the tool changer into was revealed.

The joint co-operation between HepcoMotion design team and Walter development engineers produced a unique solution to a challenging problem. The 1-Trak system provides a smooth, quiet robust solution that, following rigorous testing, has proved to be highly reliable. The ease of installation coupled with the ability to achieve the positional accuracy in such a confined space has opened up opportunities for similar solutions on a smaller or larger scale.

In terms of focus areas, within the machine tool industry there are many diverse applications for linear products. HepcoMotion’s V guide linear motion systems really come into their own in applications such as tool changers, parts feeding systems, gantries, swarf carriers and guard doors.

The ability to operate Hepco’s V based linear solutions within the body of the machine where metal swarf is present is a key benefit, especially where machine parts feeding is required. Many builders have also improved the motion of their guard doors by the introduction of V groove bearings and V rails taking advantage of the in-built ability of the technology to work under hostile conditions.

Q. What are the market opportunities for your products in India? How do you plan to position these products?

HepcoMotion is a world-leading manufacturer of linear and rotary systems. With a product to meet practically any requirement, there are many different market opportunities for HepcoMotion. In India, we are already working in the additive manufacturing and machine tool industry to name but a few. With a comprehensive support network, including technical engineers based in India and extensive application support from a dedicated technical team in the UK, HepcoMotion is well placed to provide solutions. Indeed, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, HepcoMotion has a wealth of experience across a broad range of industries that bring many benefits to the Indian market.

Q. What is your marketing strategy for India?

As a new company in India, a key part of our strategy is to establis our brand and let people know why they should be using HepcoMotion as an alternative to other solutions. We work with world leading manufacturers across a broad range of industries, and the reason these companies trust HepcoMotion is because our products reduce downtime, ultimately reducing life cost of the system. This is the message we need to share with the Indian market. We have launched an Indian website where customers can see video examples and read case studies demonstrating the superior qualities and long-term benefits of using Hepco products. At Hepco we don’t just look to sell to our customers, we aim to forge trusting relationships. Our teams of sales engineers will provide application assistance and recommend the best solution for the customer’s application.

Q. According to you what are the factors affecting to your business?

At times, the focus in the Indian manufacturing market can be on using low cost innovations and traditional practices. A greater focus on quality, technically grounded solutions and longevity would undoubtedly benefit the market in the long run.

Q. What are the key technological trends that are driving the machine tools industry?

Adopting Industry 4.0 is central to achieving strong growth in the machine tools industry. The need for improved productivity, reduced cycle time and reduced set up times is a key focus in order to meet increasing customer requirements.The machine tools industry is invariably a harsh environment due to the resulting metal debris. Products such as HepcoMotion’s V guide systems that can withstand the harshest environments will continue to be a core factor in moving the machine tools industry forward.

Q. What is your vision for your company?

HepcoMotion has grown into a global company with offices across Europe, Asia and of course India, as well as a network of highly trained, approved distributors covering most of the world. HepcoMotion is committed to developing innovative products that offer new solutions to design engineers. Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, HepcoMotion is continuing to grow and expand across all markets, including India, providing key technical assistance in the field of linear and rotary motion.