Editorial
Sustainability counts
Industry for Future – three words which embody the colossal task now facing industry . The upcoming upheavals in the manufacturing sector will be accompanied by political and social developments , paradigm shifts as well as disruptive technologies and a fundamental rethinking of our approach to production . In short , German SMEs are facing far-reaching changes .
Stefan Zecha Chairman VDMA Precision Tools and General Manager ZECHA Hartmetall-Werkzeugfabrikation GmbH
The tried and tested objectives of producing faster and more efficiently while maintaining high quality are no longer fit for purpose . Instead we need to think of production more in terms of a circular economy that starts with product design and extends through to the entire supply chain . Efficiency remains an important aspect – especially in view of the energy crisis . But it is no longer restricted simply to the tools , the clamping devices and the individual machines . It now applies to the entire machine network , the factory buildings and the production environment .
One thing is clear , however : digitalization is a crucial element in all of this . We still have some catching up to do here , but a lot is already being done . The role of process-integrated measurement techniques should not be underestimated .
The same applies to machine , tool and even product durability . The competent and timely cleaning of tools after use , or the use of predictive maintenance on machines can help prolong longevity and pay dividends , not only for each individual company but also for the overall carbon footprint . It also applies , of course , to closed-loop recycling initiatives in the manufacturing sector , which include retrofitting , remanufacturing and recycling – and thus , not least , to the resale of machines , which needs to be organized on a professional basis .
Carl Martin Welcker General Commissioner EMO Hannover and Managing Partner Alfred H . Schütte GmbH & CO . KG
In the current issue of Future Manufacturing , we highlight the range of initiatives and thus offer a preview of the spectrum that you will be able to experience live at EMO Hannover , the world ’ s leading trade fair for production technology , from September 18 to 23 . We hope that the articles provide you with plenty of stimulating new ideas .
Stefan Zecha Carl Martin Welcker
INFORMATION
VDMA Technology Forum
On the three middle days of EMO Hannover , the VDMA Technology Forum on the VDMA stand ( D47 , Hall 4 ) will feature 30 short presentations on business , sustainability and connectivity in the fields of cutting tools , clamping technology , measuring and testing technology , OPC UA and digitalization , and on length-measurement technology . Research partners will also be taking part and presenting their latest research projects .