With the rapid advancement of science and technology in China and the growing influence of the manufacturing industry, domestic processing demands have become more personalized, and the frequency of production has significantly increased. In this context, the diversity of machine tool products is now a key indicator for evaluating 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, including surface grinders. Over recent years, driven by market needs, China's machine tool industry has made significant efforts to innovate and develop new products. Annually, over 400 new domestically developed products have been introduced. By the end of 2002, nearly 3,500 different types of updated machine tools were available nationwide, placing China among the top globally. Equipment for forging, electrical machining, and special processing, as well as gear processing machines, are comprehensive, high-performing, and feature unique characteristics.
Notable examples include the mechanical presses from Jinan No. 2 Machine Tool Factory, which now reach up to 63,000 kN in pressure—placing them at the international frontier—and have supported General Motors with seven stamping operations. This led to a strong response in the U.S. market. Similarly, Shanghai Forging Machine Tool Plant developed a 860-ton hydraulic press capable of handling 12-meter car frames with a pressure of 50,000 kN, matching foreign counterparts. Tianshui Forging Machine Tool Factory also contributed by supplying large-diameter steel pipe production lines and advanced CNC hydraulic bending machines, making it one of the few in the world with such capabilities.
China’s electric discharge machining (EDM) tools are self-sufficient and complete, meeting most domestic needs with an annual output of 20,000 units, of which 80% are CNC-based. Technological advancements extend into micro-EDM, high-tech EDM milling for aero-engine impellers, and specialized processing of super-hard materials, showcasing China’s growing technical expertise.
Machine tools play a crucial role across industries and reflect a nation's manufacturing capabilities. The variety of machine tool products not only affects the speed and innovation of the manufacturing sector but also serves as a critical measure of a country’s industrial strength. Changes in machine tool demand often mirror broader industrial development. During the third industrial revolution, advanced manufacturing technologies flourished. After two industrial revolutions, traditional machine tool industries gained renewed attention. Recently, with increasing patent applications from foreign machine tool companies in China, the Chinese industry has strengthened its independent innovation, especially in core technologies like high-end CNC machines and all-digital AC servo drives.
At a seminar in Shenyang in 2013, Xu Zhengping from Shanghai Machine Tool Group suggested that the convergence of internet communication and new energy could trigger the third industrial revolution. Germany was among the first to recognize this shift, with Italy and Japan closely following. Experts estimate a 25–35 year period before a new wave of industrial change emerges. Xu noted that resource consumption, environmental pollution, and rising labor costs will be key drivers of this transformation.
Historically, changes in the machine tool industry have aligned with national industrial development. Since 2002, China has become the world's largest consumer of machine tools. Every 20 years, major shifts occur—such as the UK’s decline in the 1940s, the U.S. rise in the 1960s with CNC tools, and Japan's dominance from the 1980s to 2000. China then became the center of the industry.
After becoming the largest consumer for 10 consecutive years, China shifted its focus toward replacing imports. From 2002 to 2009, the domestic share rose from under 40% to 70%, peaking in 2009. However, by 2010, it dropped to 65%, and further to 50% by 2012—a clear downward trend.
Facing the challenges of the next industrial revolution, how can traditional manufacturers adapt? Shenyang Machine Tool Group offers a model. After achieving record sales in 2011, they chose not to expand production but instead focused on market-oriented strategies, including opening 4S-style service centers. Chairman Guan Xiyou emphasized that the era of technical dividends from the second industrial revolution is ending, and future competition will revolve around integrated customer services. The goal is to meet the demand for high-volume, intelligent, and personalized manufacturing.
Today, the ability to provide customer-centric services is essential. Future R&D must prioritize user needs, with intelligence at its core. Companies that offer faster, smarter, and more tailored solutions will lead the way. Economist Luo Baihui believes the upcoming third industrial revolution will reshape global economic structures, driven by technological breakthroughs and deepening manufacturing innovations. Born from crises, this revolution will redefine industrial economies and the distribution of high-end manufacturing worldwide.
Jiangyin Suofei Electronic Technology Co.,Ltd. , https://www.suofeiscales.com