The Interview

KC Yee discusses the Asian manufacturing industry and the need for simulation-driven design in today’s manufacturing world to increase efficiency, productivity and profitability. How do you see the future of manufacturing industries globally? And what is Siemens PLM’s role for the future growth for the manufacturing industry? We’re beginning to see the convergence of manufacturing and information technology, also known as the ‘Internet of Things.’ With more ‘smart’ machinery now connected to the internet and capable of capturing real-time data, product complexity is becoming a big issue, and many traditional manufacturing companies just aren’t equipped with the kind of in-depth IT infrastructure on the product design side. The important thing to realise here is that the manufacturers need to effectively become IT companies in order to capture, control and profit from the data generated by this new generation of smart industrial technology. By controlling and owning that data, it opens up a whole new platform of business. So we believe manufacturers will begin to dramatically build out that infrastructure – most likely through strategic partnerships – and the product lifecycle management (PLM) process itself must now expand to enable and incorporate these new capabilities. Manufacturers must find a way to quickly and efficiently build these vastly more technologically complex products and then leverage that data to drive intelligent business decisions in real-time. Having the ability to capture and analyze real-time data will allow manufacturers to minimise the mistakes that can cost valuable time and resources, but first they must find new ways to incorporate and enable new project stakeholders by providing easier access to product information on an intuitive, user-friendly platform.  We see PLM solutions evolving in three major ways, all having to do with enablement. Firstly, through intelligently integrated information – how information is organized to extract value from […]

What were some of the significant milestones of Hypertherm in the past year? At the start of the year, Hypertherm acquired AccuStream, a Minnesota-based manufacturer of water jet cutting products. With this acquisition, we have expanded the range and type of cutting systems available, further solidifying Hypertherm’s position as a multi-cutting technological company. The waterjet application will enable Hypertherm’s cutting solutions to extend to other materials beyond metals, which is a first for us. At the 200-amp range of conventional plasma cutting, we introduced the MaxPro200 in replacement of the Max200 workhorse that has served the industry and us well over the last 20+ years. The MaxPro200 outperforms the Max 200 in terms of cut quality, speed and consumable life with enhanced reliability. Since the launch, this system has received positive reception from our end-users once again. Recently, we launched the Powermax125, a 125-amp air plasma system with 100% duty cycle. Having an air plasma system with a new and enhanced amperage level is an achievement for Hypertherm, enabling the cutting performance of Hypertherm PMX air plasma system to reach new heights in terms of metal thickness for both hand-held and mechanised cutting. With Fiber Laser cutting, we have added a 3kW HyIntensity¨ HFL030 laser unit to the product range. The addition of this system will broaden the range of HyperthermÕs fiber laser system offerings and offer more diverse cutting solutions to the end-users. How do you see 2014 for Hypertherm? 2014 will continue to be a challenging year for Hypertherm, however, there is some optimism of a potential recovery in the US economy and this will be a plus for all. In the Asian environment, the developments and the continued progress in the China recovery, while not at the same pace as before, will be an added boost to […]

Jimmy Koh, Global Marketing Manager, Component Class Drives. Rockwell Automation talks to Asia Manufacturing News about the PowerFlex 523 drive.   AMN:Describe the PowerFlex 523 drive. Tell us about the design elements. What are the key features? What is the unique selling proposition for this drive? What is Rockwell AutomationÕs positioning strategy? Where does it fit into the PowerFlex family of drives? JK: The PowerFlex 523 is part of our new PowerFlex 520 series of Compact AC drives. In March 2013, we launched the PowerFlex 525 AC drive which was very well accepted by the market. In October this year, we launched the new economical PowerFlex 523 AC drive, with flexible features that help users be more competitive. PowerFlex 523 AC drives are ideal for builders of simple, stand-alone machines and balance user needs for ‘just enough’ control with a design that lowers the total cost to design, develop and deliver machines. On the other hand, the PowerFlex 525 AC drives are ideal for networked machines requiring more motor control options, standard safety and EtherNet/IP communications. The PowerFlex 520 series of AC drives is truly dedicated to global drive users. Whilst performing our voice of customer activities, customers clearly indicated two distinct needs. Stand-alone machine builders wanted ‘just enough’ motor control and emphatically shared the need for features that ease configuration and speed installation. This is where their profitability is most affected, and we designed the PowerFlex 523 drive to meet those needs.  Secondly, we have another segment of drive users around the world telling us that they want drives that deliver more flexible control, offer better communication, and help them simplify startup. This is where our PowerFlex 525 AC drives play an important role catering to this group of users.  As such, our new drive portfolio is designed to […]