Q. Please brief us about recent initiatives undertaken in the CAD/CAM space? What are your focus areas?
The main focus is always to make the software easier and more intelligent, and the machining faster and more efficient with less wear and tear on machines and tools. Mastercam has introduced several pieces of technology in the last few years that assist with this need. The most game changing has been Dynamic Motion technology to create material-aware tool paths where the angle of the tool engagement is constantly changing to keep a more consistent chip load on the tool and use more flute length. The result is a faster machine time, for example, when roughing for 2D parts, the cutting time can be cut by 75%. It’s much easier on the tools, because the entire cutting surface is being used, and it’s much safer. Our shop at CNC Software headquarters uses Dynamic Motion technology exclusively, instead of conventional cutting.
Another exciting advancement in CAD/CAM is Accelerated Finishing. This technique delivers better finishes in a much shorter time on a variety of complex surfaces. With new classes of shaped tools being introduced, we work closely with tool manufacturers to develop toolpath motion that takes the most advantage of what can be done with these emerging tool shapes.
Q. What are the market opportunities for your products in India? How do you plan to position these products?
The indicators for Indian manufacturing under the Make in India initiative are encouraging for Mastercam. We expect an expanding manufacturing sector in 2019 followed by an even stronger 2020. Automotive, aviation, and electronics are just a few of the sectors that we are looking at to deliver steady, sustained growth.
As the world’s most widely-used CAM software, we’re fortunate to have an enormous pool of practical shop experience in a variety of industries on which to draw. This is is invaluable in determining the changing needs of specific industries. We use this collaboration with our user community, combined with our internal expertise, to provide the tools that those industries need to thrive.
Q. What is your strategy for India?
We have a three-part strategy for serving the needs of Indian manufacturing.
Forge a strong and wide-reaching sales and support partnership in India to ensure Mastercam users will have the technical backing they need to succeed.
Carefully watch the evolving Indian manufacturing sectors, evaluate what specific applications they need to reach their goals, and provide focus in those areas.
Work with our Indian users as partners to gain insight into both what they need to expand their current business, enter into new sectors of manufacturing, and improve their day-to-day operation.
Q. What factors affect your business?
Any shift in the manufacturing markets or technology has an impact on our business, so we are always looking to emerging trends to make sure we’re positioned to make the most of those opportunities. It’s not just important
for us and our business – it’s critical for the global community of Mastercam shops to make sure they’re prepared for change.
Q. What are key technological trends that are driving your industry?
The primary driver has been – and remains – increasing productivity through faster and more flexible manufacturing output. This remains a common trend among all shops regardless of industry.
But another rapidly growing trend that is being embraced by Make in India is connectivity, or Industry 4.0. We address this by focusing on how many places Mastercam can touch to ensure that information can be brought in, used and coordinated elsewhere in a shop’s process as needed. Mastercam powers the machine tools, but that is just one part of what a shop needs to do. Mastercam also provides a platform for the shop to do a variety of things like metrology, robotics or digital tool management—all of these pieces roll up into the growing connectivity of Industry 4.0.
Q. What is your vision for Mastercam in India?
In India, our goal is to empower manufacturing with superior products and support. No matter the industry, shop size, or manufacturing challenge, some things are consistent in every shop across the globe. Our vision for Mastercam in India is the same as it is anywhere people need to make parts – to create software and services that solve the world’s manufacturing challenges.
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