industry of the future
Milan-based Tekmag (
www.tekmag.it), an automation system provider specializing in custom storage solutions, has partnered with Mazak Optonics (
www.mazakoptonics.com). Here, Tekmag automation is paired with a Mazak OPTIPLEX 3015 laser-cutting system.
“One of the main qualities for which Italian machine tool manufacturers are typically known is their ability to handle high volumes of production and to work across a wide range of com- ponents on a single machine, while at all times, maintaining a high level of accuracy and precision,” he said. “Other well-known char- acteristics are creativity, extremely high technological standards in production and resilient customization.”
UCIMU believes the North American market looks positive
for the foreseeable future because of low energy costs and the possibility of the US dollar strengthening relative to the value of the Euro, which could result in more machinery and tech- nology orders from the US, as well as a general shift in mind- set toward manufacturing closer to the point of sale. “We think that after years of building what the US companies hoped would boost profits by enhancing overseas operations (in particular in China and India), many of them have become disillusioned by the lack of the return on investment,” Galdabini said. Reinvesting in America “provides a more stable and predict- able business environment.” President
Giuseppe Lesce of the Italian Packaging
Machinery Manufacturers’ Association (UCIMA) (www.ucima. it), said he sees a lot of opportunity for Italian companies to help North American firms as they move into a more advanced future by updating their technologies, quality controls, floor layout and logistics. “Our machines are thought out from this perspective,” he said, noting that machine makers are working to make their offerings easier to use and learn, as well as more energy efficient.
When talking about advanced manufacturing, he noted, that “customization is a must” to achieve full efficiency. “You must pro- vide a customer what he actually needs and not just more or less what everybody may need,” he said. Comau (
www.comau.com), part of the Fiat Group (
www.fiats-
pa.com), is one company that is on the cutting edge of innovative advanced manufacturing technology. A worldwide leader in flexible automatic manufacturing systems and integrated products, pro- cesses and services, Comau provides capital equipment for major body assembly plant lines as well as powertrain machining equip- ment to major automakers. At Chrysler (Auburn Hills, MI; www.
chrysler.com), for example, Comau supported the launches of the Dodge Dart, the Jeep Cherokee, and the upcoming Chrysler 200. What’s more, Comau demonstrated its latest body assembly technology in automotive manufacturing production with Ford Motor Co. (
www.ford.com) at the North American International Auto Show in January. The two companies showed off a small sample assembly line with Comau robots on display right next to the latest cars and trucks. The two companies have worked together for more than 40 years. Ford said Comau has helped it reduce energy consumption, increase the safety of those on the factory floor and improve its plants’ flexibility. Ford uses the ComauFlex system to optimize its assembly process and resource use, and it also uses Comau’s plasma-transferred wire arc (PTWA) thermal spraying technology in the production of advanced steel-coated aluminum engine blocks, a weight-saving tech- nology. “As Ford’s NIAS display makes clear, the future of manufacturing is upon us, where innovative technology, industrial integration and resource efficiency are increasing productivity and flexibility while reducing time-to-market,” said Maurizio Cremonini, Comau’s VP of Global Marketing. Aside from Comau, Ford also uses a host of other Italian companies to support its manufacturing operations, including, among others, Franci SpA (Valmadrera, Italy;
www.cffranci.it) for stamping dies, Geico SpA (Milan, Italy;
www.geico-spa.com) for paint projects, Marposs (Bentivoglio, Italy;
www.marposs.com) for gauges, and Vercarmodel Saro (Torino, Italy;
www.vercarmodel. com) for clay models and prototypes.
Strength in Demand Aside from energy costs and advanced manufacturing tech-
nology, the US manufacturing market is also enjoying growth in demand in key sectors.
That is especially true for durable goods like automobiles and
commercial airplanes. US consumers purchased 15.6 million cars and light trucks
last year, an increase of 8% over the prior year. And while that growth is expected to begin leveling off, it is expected to do so at a healthy volume. About 80% of the vehicles sold in the US
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Volume IX |
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