DMG MORI machines are valuable assets to users: S. Ravishankar

By Niraj M Wanikar, Chief Editor, CNCTimes.com, 2016-05-03 11:12:00

DMG MORI is one of the most important manufacturers of metal-cutting machine tools worldwide. The range of products includes innovative high-tech lathes and milling machines, advanced technologies (Ultrasonic / Lasertec), the ECOLINE product range as well as electronics and systems products. The company’s industrial services include diverse services covering the entire machine life cycle and the area of energy solutions. Over 7,400 employees contribute to the success of the company. A total of 164 domestic and international sales and service locations in 76 countries under the global brand DMG MORI maintain direct contact with the customers. Together with its Japanese cooperation partner, DMG MORI COMPANY LIMITED, the company is present in all important markets worldwide.

In conversation with Bhalchandra Chorghade, Editor, CNCTimes.com, the Managing Director of DMG MORI India, Mr. S. Ravishankar shares the company’s journey, its policies and vision. The Excerpts:

Please describe DMG MORI’s journey in India.
DMG MORI India started its operations in 1999. Since then, it’s been an exciting journey for the group. We have expanded our reach in Delhi, Pune and Ahmedabad with more than 130 employees to support our customers. The state-of-the-art Technology Centre in Bangalore is fully equipped with latest high technology, high precision CNC machines including turning centers, turn-mill centers, horizontal machining centers, vertical machining centers, 5-axis machines and tool pre-setters. Also, the recently opened Automotive Centre is equipped with dedicated machines which demonstrate our capabilities and offerings for this sector. The experienced engineering team backed by the experts from the parent organization offer complete turnkey solutions including automation. Regular trials that showcase the machine capabilities and test cuts of customer parts are a forte for the Technology Centre.

According to you, what should be the approach while selecting a machine? Price or Application?
The correct approach to select a machine tool is the capability of the machine to handle the component applications. It is not only the ability of the machine to produce the quality part, but the reliability and consistency of the machine over the entire machine lifecycle. Therefore, the rigidity of the machine, construction of the machine, quality of the components of the machine , repeatability of the manufacturing process of the machine play a major role in deciding the right machine for the customer. Thus, the cost per component and the total cost of ownership of the machine during the entire machine lifecycle also play a major role in decision making.

What is your company’s approach as regards selling the machines?
Being a customer-centric company, the focus is always on customer requirements. The application is studied in consideration to customer component accuracies and processes. Then the cycle time study is prepared, discussed and agreed with the customer. Based on the requirements, then suitable machine and options are chosen. The various technical features and options of the machine have to have a right fit for the desired application. We also offer a complete turnkey Solution to the customer, which include engineering, right tooling, right fixtures / work-holding , automation and prove-out at the customer’s shop floor.

What is DMG Mori’s USP?
DMG MORI machines are and have been at the pinnacle of technology. The machines from the stable of DMG MORI are of cutting edge technology and set standards for the machine tool industry globally. DMG MORI brings together the German and Japanese tradition, precision, and technological leadership in machine tool building. Combined with the Japanese culture for Service Utmost, DMG MORI machines are valuable asset to the users. DMG MORI supports its customers on their way to digital transformation with the app-based CELOS® system and other intelligent software solutions as a part of “Industry 4.0” solution which is currently dominating the discussion of the future like no other, even in the sector of machine tool construction.

Do you think that Indian market is price sensitive?
Indeed India is a price sensitive market. At the same time Indian market has varied need from low end machines to very high end machines. DMG MORI has a complete range of machines starting from simple machines like Standard CNC Turning machines and 3-axis machining centers to high end accurate CNC jig boring range and portal type machines. We also see that the level of requirement for higher end machines is growing as the quality levels of the products machined are getting more stringent. High end machines are required in Defence and Aerospace manufacturing.

What are your company’s plans for next three years?
DMG MORI caters to wide market segments. DMG MORI focus has been on offering more and more industry-related solutions. For the same, we have several centres of excellence in Germany and Japan. For example, a Centre of Excellence for Aerospace, Centre of Excellence for Medical and, Centre of Excellence for Die Mould in Japan. We see growth in Defence, Aerospace and precision manufacturing in the coming years. DMG MORI offers latest machines like Ultrasonic, laser etching and laser drilling and additive manufacturing. We expect these machines requirements to grow as well. DMG MORI India offers turnkey solutions. The technology center will be equipped with machines that are capable of handling test cuts and can demonstrate the solutions to the customers.

Any other point you would like to highlight?
In India, the machining technology is graduating from regular 3-axis to 5-axis. There are several advantages in 5-axis machining compared to conventional 3-axis or 4-axis machining. For example, there can be better tool strategy and hence better cutting parameters and performance in terms of cycle time, surface quality and tool life. With clever 5-axis solutions, several operations can be done in one setup thereby eliminating the need for costly fixtures which will turn obsolete in case of model changes. We foresee this concept will change automotive components manufacturing in future.

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