World Cutting Tool Conference 2024 held in Osaka after 2-year COVID-19 delay

From May 21 to 24, the Japan Cutting & Wear-resistant Tool Association (JTA), led by President Katsuhiro Matsumoto, General Manager of NACHI-FUJIKOSHI Cutting Tool Division, hosted the World Cutting Tool Conference (WCTC) 2024 at the Osaka International Convention Center (Grand Cube Osaka) in Osaka, Japan. Approximately 170 representatives from cutting tool industry associations in Europe, the United States, Korea, India, and Japan gathered to exchange information and strengthen cooperation.

Second WCTC in Japan 

JTA President Katsuhiro Matsumoto gave the opening speech.

The main purpose of WCTC is to gather and share the current status, research and achievements of the cutting tool industry from various regions, and to promote deeper connections among the participants. This was the second time WCTC has been held in Japan, following the 2013 event in Kyoto. Originally scheduled for 2022 in Osaka, the conference was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The theme of this year’s WCTC, “WA Hospitality,” was designed to promote global cooperation in the cutting tool industry while offering attendees the opportunity to experience Japanese hospitality. 

Representatives from cutting tool industry associations and manufacturers from 17 countries, including Europe, the United States, South Korea and India, attended WCTC 2024. On May 22, reports on demand and production trends for cutting tools from different regions were presented, starting with the host country, Japan. 

Indian market shows upward trend 

JTA President Matsumoto discussed trends in the domestic market, stating, “We are currently in a recovery phase following the production downturn caused by the pandemic. While the conflicts in Ukraine and Israel and the real estate slump in China have led to economic downturns, the expansion of electric vehicle production has the potential to generate new tools and machining methods.” 

Federico Costa, President of the European Cutting Tools Association (ECTA), Tom Haag, President of the United States Cutting Tool Institute (USCTI), and Ho-Keun Song, President of South Korea’s leading cutting tool manufacturer YG-1, shared mixed market outlooks. In contrast, Sunil Taneja of India’s Sphinx Precision highlighted a perspective, stating, “India is driving global economic growth and is becoming the world’s factory. Despite intense price competition, there are many opportunities in India.” He pointed to the country’s GDP growth rate of over 7% as an indicator of continued upward market trends. 

Cultural and industry insights 

During the WCTC, attendees also participated in programs to experience Japan’s manufacturing and culture. On May 22, participants visited the MST Corporation factory in Nara, Japan, led by President Haruki Mizoguchi. This tour provided insight into the production of tooling, which is closely related to cutting tools. 

Sunil Taneja of India’s Sphinx Precision

Daisuke Shimizu, President of Makino Seiki, who gave a speech on tool grinding machines as a sponsor of the WCTC.

Demonstration machining during the factory tour