Media partner Manufacturing Engineering recently sat down with Bryon Deysher, President and CEO of Methods Machine Tools and John Tucker, Vice President and President Business Groups of Kennametal Inc. to get their take on the future of manufacturing. The article, titled, “imX Experience Partners Discuss Manufacturing Trends,” appears in the June 2011 issue and features an expanded view on manufacturing and each company’s ties to imX and the future of the industry.
Manufacturing Engineering: What is the market looking for in new machine tool technology?
Bryon Deysher: The market is trending more toward production on demand, the theme we are using for imX. We are seeing more requests for small-lot production, for part-off complete, for multitasking, and five-axis machining capabilities. Our customers are looking at minimizing cost, and reducing setup time.
John Tucker: Turnkey solutions are really one of the important ways that we can provide value to our customers. Turnkey solutions, applications engineering, and test cuts, for example, are being pushed down from the customer, giving us a greater role in helping them make their machine tool selections.
ME: What is being done to educate the customer about how to get the best performance out of their manufacturing technology?
Deysher: As much as this is an Internet-oriented society and people are going there to get information, the machine tool business is a people-oriented business. It requires us to provide our customers with knowledge-based solutions.
Tucker: Our application-engineering expertise can aid and assist our customers in how to properly apply the cutting tool in terms of feeds and speeds that optimize tool life and performance. We are also participating in technology seminars with our machine tool builders and distributor partners at their locations.
ME: How can we attract young people to manufacturing?
Deysher: We have to promote how innovative our industry is. This isn’t a dirty business any more. It’s an industry where people can be challenged, grow, and be successful.
Tucker: We see our relationships in terms of research and development and partnering with universities as a key component of our product innovation process. We see that as an important element to develop interest in cutting tools and the challenges we face in always improving our product.
ME: What are you planning for imX, what technologies and educational activities will be showcased?
Deysher: At imX, our theme is production on demand. There is a high degree of need for small-lot production, especially in the aerospace and medical industries.
Tucker: Our imX participation will focus on our ability to enhance productivity with selection of the right tool and machine process to drive productivity and profitability.
To view the full article, visit http//www.sme.org/manufacturingengineering
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