CHICAGO (Sept. 26, 2016) – More than 110 machine tool and accessory builders from Taiwan – the world’s fifth largest exporter of machine tools – exhibited their latest products at last week’s International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in Chicago. Executives from select companies also discussed their latest innovations and Industry 4.0 solutions at “New Initiatives in the Taiwan Machine Tool Industry,” an in-show event organized by the Bureau of Foreign Trade of the Ministry of Economic Affairs of Taiwan and implemented by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council.
One highlight of the event was Taiwan 4.1 for Engine-Case Manufacturing & Wheel Machining Automation, a presentation about an Automatic Virtual Metrology (AVM) real-time total inspection system that advances the goal of achieving zero defects. Dr. Fan-Tien Cheng, Chair Professor & Director of National Cheng Kung University’s e-Manufacturing Research Center, explained that the sensor-based system collects data on each item produced in real time and builds a prediction model based on the quality of each batch that is immediately available online. Flaws can then be addressed before the next batch is manufactured, gradually reducing the number of faulty items in each successive batch.
The AVM technology eliminates the shortcomings of sample inspections and traditional Virtual Metrology schemes, including an inability to perform online real-time quality evaluation of collected process and metrology data in order to promptly identify and correct abnormalities. Current users of the AVM system include Far East Machinery Co. (FEMCO), which has integrated the AVM technology into its wheel machining automation line.
Other presentations at the Taiwan event addressed:
- Industry 4.0 Development for Automotive & Aerospace – Mr. Paul Chen and Mr. David Maa of Fair Friend Group, the third largest machine tools group in the world, described new 5-axis machining centers designed for automotive and aerospace applications; a system combining automation, robotics, big data and the Internet of Things (IoT) that can produce a customized mobile phone case in 10 minutes; and a 3D simulation tool utilizing virtual reality goggles to view machinery remotely.
- Taiwan 4.0 for Gear Grinding & Finishing Machines Development – Mr. Chuck Chen, President of Luren Precision, unveiled gear grinding and finishing machines with integrated 4.0 functionality that generates the NC code automatically after data input, enables technicians to change input data settings via Teamviewer or Skype, and can accommodate automatic loading and unloading via robot.
- Taiwan for Next-Generation Aerospace Development – Mr. Joseph Chen, representative of the Tongtai Group, showcased new smart 5-axis horizontal machining centers that are 20% more productive and 20% more cost-effective than competitive solutions for manufacturing aerospace engine casings. He also discussed the Tongtai Intelligent Manufacturing System (TIMS), which integrates data on production management, intelligent monitoring, tool management, workpiece management, and repair and maintenance to improve productivity, machine accurately and precisely, and facilitate part production while also providing protection and maintenance assistance for the machine tool.
Also speaking at the event were Mr. Joseph Sun, Director, Economic Division, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago, who noted that Taiwan is actively working to become a global hub for intelligent machinery; Mr. David Chuang, Machine Tool Committee Chairman for the Taiwan Association of Machinery Industry, who highlighted a collaboration among Taiwanese educational institutions, research institutes and companies from diverse machinery sectors designed to advance the country’s smart machine tool manufacturing capabilities; and Dr. Sean S.H. Wang, President, Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) International, who discussed an 11-company consortium of machine tool builders that is working with ITRI’s Machine Tool Technology Center to develop precision tools for aircraft part machining.
These advances are being driven in part by world-class industry clusters in Taiwan’s Golden Valley, which is home to more than 1,000 precision machinery manufacturers and upwards of 10,000 downstream suppliers that employ more than 300,000 people. The Golden Valley has the highest output value per unit area and the highest density of any machine tool industry cluster in the world.
About Taiwan Machine Tools
As the world’s fifth largest exporter of machine tools and components, Taiwan has averaged $4 billion in exports for each of the last three years from a network of more than 1,000 precision machinery manufacturers and 10,000-plus downstream suppliers. Nearly 80% of the total machine tools output last year was exported to over 138 countries, helping solar energy plants, major semiconductor manufacturers, panel industries, multinational car makers and many others innovate and increase their competiveness through advanced machine tool products
The U.S. is the second largest export market for Taiwan machine tools after China/Hong Kong. In 2015, Taiwan supplied 11% of the machining centers, 10% of the lathes and turning centers, and nearly tied Italy for third place in machine tool imports sold in the U.S.
About Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA)
Founded in 1970 to help promote foreign trade, TAITRA is the foremost non-profit trade promotion organization in Taiwan. Jointly sponsored by the government, industry associations, and several commercial organizations, TAITRA assists Taiwan businesses and manufacturers with reinforcing their international competitiveness and in coping with the challenges they face in foreign markets. The organization has a staff of over 700 trained specialists stationed in its Taipei headquarters and domestic offices in Hsinchu, Taichung, Tainan, Kaohsiung, as well as in 60 offices around the world. For more information, visit http://www.taiwantrade.com.
PR Contact for Taiwan Trade Center:
Stephanie Jimenez
Jill Schmidt PR
Tel: 847-730-3717
Mobile: 224-875-2311
Email: Stephanie@jillschmidtpr.com