Customised automation solutions for sheet metal forming is our way forward

By OEM Update Editorial June 14, 2021 12:28 pm IST

Customers can significantly improve their bottom line by combining high-speed, energy-saving technology with our customised automated machines.

Discussing the present market trends in the Sheet Metal Forming industry, Niraj Seth, President, Amada India, explain us its impact on the skilled manpower, technology upgradation across the sheet metal and machining industry.

How are the present market trends impacting the sheet metal industry?
The industry was recovering post COVID till Jan 2021; then the sudden upsurge in the number of cases and subsequent lockdown has again put the entire industry on backfoot. The sheet metal industry has suffered in a big way. Blanket ban on supply of oxygen to industry has impacted Sheet Metal manufacturing to a great extent. Fiber-laser cutting machines are one of the key machines in fabricating the sheet metal components which require O2 as assist gas. This has really hampered the fabrication work. Being leaders in this field, we felt a big responsibility to support our users in this difficult time. Amada India’s technical support team has held a series of webinars on how to use laser machines in the absence of O2 as an assist gas. We have technology like EZ cut which can use air as assist gas. We anticipate that by the end of June, the situation will have improved and the industry will be back on track for growth.

How do you evaluate the demand for 3D printing and rapid prototyping and laser cutting in Indian industries?

Industries such as health care, construction, and infrastructure are on the rise, and we hope that this trend will spread to the manufacturing sector. The demand for high-powered lasers with increased efficiency and cutting-edge technology is increasing.

How are the automated and robotic technologies enhancing the cutting and machining processes? The demand for the hours during this challenging period is for “shorter lead time,” “coping with a shortage of trained people,” “wage increases,” and outsourcing. As a solution, Amada India has developed tailored automation for the blanking and bending processes that is fit for the emerging market. Customers can significantly enhance their bottom line by combining high-speed, energy-saving technology (Fiber Laser and Servo controlled machinery). How do you see the demand for engineered products in India amid pandemic? Demand has been slowed by the pandemic, but it will pick up once the restrictions are lifted. Even during a pandemic, the construction, infrastructure, railroad, medical, and healthcare sectors are in high demand.

What are the present challenges in terms of maintaining safety and security of your workmen?
Since we work in the service industry, most of our engineers must travel to multiple locations to assist customers with sales and service activities. This necessitates interaction with a large number of customers. We believe that by vaccinating our employees and adhering to COVID guidelines, we can ensure their safety. This appears to be a difficult situation at the moment, but we anticipate that the country will overcome it very soon with the assistance of Government initiatives and support.

What are your latest offerings in 3D printing for industrial purposes?
This year, Amada India intends to launch the next generation of Fiber Laser machines. The beam mode and pattern on this machine can be modified to cut a wide range of materials and thicknesses, including stainless steel and aluminium, almost dross-free. Amada’s revolutionary Locus Beam Control (LBC) achieves infinite locus patterns, ensuring optimal fibre laser beam shape control for each cutting application. LBC technology achieves unprecedented high speed and high-quality cutting at up to three times the speed of a conventional fibre laser. Amada has also developed a high-brightness fibre laser oscillator to maintain the high[1]energy density laser beam’s optimal quality. LBC Technology combined with a high[1]brightness oscillator set a new world standard for fibre laser cutting speed and quality.