With the rapid advancement of science and technology in China and the growing influence of the manufacturing sector, domestic processing demands have become more personalized, and the frequency of production has significantly increased. In this context, the diversity of machine tool products has become a key indicator for assessing the overall strength of a country's machine tool industry.
In China’s manufacturing sector, there is a high demand for various types of equipment, such as surface grinders. Over recent years, driven by market demand, the Chinese machine tool industry has made significant efforts to develop new products. The annual number of independently developed products has exceeded 400, and by the end of 2002, nearly 3,500 different machine tool models were available nationwide—placing China among the top countries globally. Equipment for forging, electrical machining, and special processing, as well as gear processing tools, are now comprehensive, high-performing, and feature distinctive advantages.
Notable examples include the mechanical presses from Jinan No. 2 Machine Tool Factory, which now reach up to 63,000 kN in pressure, meeting international standards and supporting major automotive companies like General Motors. Shanghai Forging Machine Tool Plant introduced a massive hydraulic press with 50,000 kN of pressure and a 12-meter frame, matching foreign competitors. Meanwhile, Tianshui Forging Machine Tool Factory provided large-scale CNC bending machines for the West-East Gas Pipeline Project, showcasing China’s advanced capabilities in specialized machinery.
China’s electric discharge machining (EDM) tools are now self-reliant, with an annual output of 20,000 units, 80% of which are CNC-based. Technological advancements have extended into micro-EDM, high-tech EDM milling for aerospace components, and the processing of super-hard materials and cooling rolls, demonstrating strong innovation in high-end fields.
Machine tools are vital across industries and reflect a nation’s industrial development level. The variety and quality of machine tool products not only affect the speed and innovation of manufacturing but also serve as a critical measure of a country’s industrial strength. Demand changes in the machine tool industry often align with broader national industrial growth. During the third industrial revolution, advanced manufacturing technologies flourished. As China emerged from two industrial revolutions, its traditional machine tool industry gained global attention. Recently, increased patent applications by foreign firms in China have pushed the domestic industry to strengthen its independent innovation, particularly in high-end CNC systems and digital AC servo drives.
At a seminar in Shenyang in 2013, Xu Zhengping of Shanghai Machine Tool Group predicted that the convergence of internet communication technology and new energy could trigger the next industrial revolution. Countries like Germany, Italy, and Japan are closely monitoring this shift, expecting a major transformation within the next 25–35 years. Rising resource consumption, environmental pollution, and labor costs are seen as catalysts for this change.
Historically, every 20 years marks a significant shift in the machine tool industry. From the UK in the 1940s to the U.S. in the 1960s and Japan in the 1980s, each era brought new innovations. Since 2002, China has become the world’s largest consumer of machine tools. Initially relying heavily on imports, the domestic industry gradually replaced foreign products, reaching a peak in 2009 when 70% of the market was served by local manufacturers. However, by 2012, this share dropped to 50%, signaling a need for adaptation.
To meet the challenges of the upcoming industrial revolution, companies must evolve beyond traditional production models. Shenyang Machine Tool Group, now the world’s largest manufacturer, has shifted focus toward customer-centric services, including 4S-style stores. Chairman Guan Xiyou emphasized that the future lies in providing intelligent, personalized, and high-volume manufacturing solutions. Economist Luo Baihui believes the third industrial revolution will reshape global economic structures, driving a reorganization of high-end manufacturing and industrial economies.
Pocket Scale,Digital Pocket Scale,Jewelry Pocket Scale,Electronic Pocket Scale
Jiangyin Suofei Electronic Technology Co.,Ltd. , https://www.suofeiscales.com