'Can Green Transformation Increase Competitiveness in Machining?' was the topic discussed on the latest ISTMA webinar, held on February 8, with support from DMG MORI – ISTMA Global Partner.
Michael Kirbach (DMG MORI's head of the centre of excellence for aerospace, moulds and tools) and Michael Kieslich (DMG MORI's head of sales in Europe) were the invited speakers in this session promoted under "ISTMA Sustainable Initiative Programme" leaded by ISTMA Europe. This initiative aims to provide a broad reflection on the issue of sustainability in the mould, die and tooling industry.
ISTMA President, Markus Heseding, opened the webinar where the commitment to process integration, automation and digital transformation can reduce waste and ensure gains in time and productivity, making companies more environmentally, economically and socially sustainable.
In accordance with Michael Kirbach's opinion "green transformation must be part of each company's strategy" towards a more sustainable future. But, the adoption of best practices will only have an effect if "it is assumed and executed in the right way".
Technology plays an important role in this process. "There are many solutions available, but the key play is to choose those that help companies optimise its own resources". Taking DMG MORI as an example, Kirbach's mentioned they were designed and created to ensure "a holistic approach to the issue of sustainability, ensuring everything from production gains to benefits for the environment".
"We have to look at the processes and look for the best results". This allows companies to provide a more effective response to their customers, who "are facing increasingly complex and demanding challenges". On the other hand, the adoption of technology will have an effect on attracting young people to companies. This "is now a tremendous concern in the industry".
Michael Kieslich, centred his speech on the issue of energy and how to save it and reduce costs. Managing the reduction of energy costs by structuring productivity and integrating processes is, in his opinion, one of the major challenges. It works like a cycle: by reducing the manufacturing processes and timing, energy consumption and waste is reduced and the company gains in productivity and sustainability.
Automation or 'digital twin' were suggested as technologies and processes to ensure a better performance. By giving examples of practical solutions, DMG MORI can support tool, die and mould companies to improve its performance.
Missed the webinar?
