Japanese Cutting-Edge
Solutions for Metalworking
Japanese Cutting-Edge
Solutions for Metalworking
PR
December 19, 2024
The 32nd Japan International Machine Tool Fair (JIMTOF 2024) attracted numerous exhibitors from overseas. Among them, Taiwanese companies stood out for their technological reliability and high-quality offerings, many of which already have a strong presence in the Japanese market. This article highlights four Taiwanese exhibitors, showcasing their unique strengths and featured products, and explores the current state and future prospects of Taiwan’s machine tool industry.
Habor Precision President Habor Hsu expresses his confidence by saying, “We can even control temperatures to within 0.01 degrees.”
Since its founding in 1981, Habor Precision has been manufacturing cooling equipment for machine tools. “As machining technology has evolved, so too has our temperature control equipment,” says President Habor Hsu. In recent years, there has been a growing demand for smart equipment that utilizes Internet of Things (IoT) technology and environmentally friendly solutions.
Habor Precision receives significant orders from Europe and Southeast Asia and began shipping products to Japan in 2005. In Europe, the demand for smart and environmentally conscious equipment is particularly high. To meet this demand, Habor Precision is adding sensors to its temperature controllers that not only collect temperature data, but also measure actual values for predictive maintenance. In addition, these devices are integrated with machine tools to display the collected data directly on the machine’s control panel for improved usability.
The company’s strength lies in over 40 years of experience in temperature control technology for machine tools. Traditionally, most users required temperature control within a ±1°C range. Recently, however, customer requirements have become more stringent. “Currently, the majority of users require control to within 0.1°C. Our company can go even further and achieve control at the 0.01°C level,” says President Hsu proudly.
Habor Precision has been developing temperature control equipment for over 40 years.
At JIMTOF2024, Habor Precision showcased products that comply with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles, essential for long-term corporate growth. One highlight was the “HIG High-Precision Smart Energy-Saving Cooler,” which is equipped with an inverter and a high-efficiency motor for faster temperature control. “This high-end product, developed with a focus on quality, was well received by visitors,” says President Hsu.
In addition, Habor Precision has developed an air-cooled cooling system that eliminates the need for refrigerants. By avoiding refrigerants that contain greenhouse gases, the system appeals to environmentally conscious users. “Our technology can address a wide range of needs, including carbon neutrality requirements,” says President Hsu with confidence.
Habor Precision’s development philosophy is rooted in maintaining a “second-best” mindset. “We are the largest temperature control equipment manufacturer in Taiwan, but we are never satisfied and always strive to surpass ourselves. That’s why we always see ourselves as a challenger,” he explains. The company continues to push boundaries by advancing both mechanical and electrical control technologies.
Keyarrow specializes in the manufacture of telescopic covers and other machine tool components.
Known for its expertise in sheet metal processing, Keyarrow (Taiwan) manufactures telescopic covers, bellows and chip conveyors for machine tools. The company operates three mass-production plants in Taiwan and is currently building a fourth. Keyarrow’s strength lies in its “just-in-time” production system, which minimizes inventory and enables rapid order fulfillment, even for diverse product lines.
This capability is the result of improvements in both design and manufacturing. To reduce lead times, Keyarrow has improved manufacturing efficiency by significantly reducing processes such as laser cutting and welding. Welding in chip conveyor production, for example, was reduced by 47%, further contributing to improved quality stability.
Recognizing that time spent on design could offset production efficiency gains, Keyarrow also optimized its design processes. The company digitized more than 30 years of accumulated design data, enabling automated drawing generation. With the necessary parameters provided by users, Keyarrow can quickly create drawings and simplify the quoting process.
Reduced welding has improved the quality stability of Keyarrow’s chip conveyors.
Previously, Keyarrow handled Japanese orders on a travel basis, but in 2019, the company opened its Japan office in Nagoya to enhance support for Japanese customers. “We prioritize local, on-site understanding and customer feedback to deliver optimal products,” says Astrid Tsay, Japan Office Representative.
Keyarrow’s main product portfolio includes telescopic covers (50% of sales) and bellows (25%). “As the need for lighter machining increases in Japan and Europe, the demand for bellows is expected to grow,” predicts Tsay.
Keyarrow has been exhibiting at JIMTOF since 2014. At JIMTOF2024, the company highlighted chip conveyors equipped with filters capable of removing chips as small as 20μm. “By effectively removing fine chips and keeping coolant clean, our products extend coolant life and contribute to sustainability,” explains Tsay.
Gizin International’s ATC also highly rated by Japanese companies
Gizin International, founded in 2001, specializes in Automatic Tool Changer (ATC) systems. Since 2009, the company has been supplying products to Japanese manufacturers. During this period, a strong yen encouraged Japanese machine tool builders to explore overseas sourcing, leading Gizin to receive test orders from two Japanese companies. Gizin’s ATCs received high praise, and the partnerships have continued to this day.
“Developing for the Japanese market is very different from Taiwan,” explains President Tony Yang. Durability is one example. Japanese customers demand ATCs that can withstand 24-hour machine tool operation. To meet this requirement, Gizin replaced copper components with iron to enhance durability. A year-long operational test confirmed that the ATC had minimal internal wear, ensuring reliable performance.
Approximately 30% of Gizin’s production is shipped to Japan, followed by 20% to Taiwan, 30% to China, and the remainder to markets such as Korea and Europe. The company identifies Japan as a primary export market. However, President Yang notes increased competition due to more local sourcing in China, and competition with Japanese manufacturers due to the depreciation of the yen. Going forward, Gizin plans to improve quality and expand its presence in the Japanese and European markets.
“We are focusing on quality and strengthening our offering to Japan,” says Tony Yang, President of Gizin International.
At JIMTOF2024, Gizin introduced two ATC models. One was designed for horizontal machining centers (MCs) with BT50 spindle taper. This ATC excels in tool change speed, capable of changing tools weighing up to 15 kg in 1.8 seconds and up to 25 kg in 2.8 seconds.
This impressive speed is achieved by a locking feature that uses a pin to secure the tool during exchange, preventing heavy tools from falling while still allowing for high-speed exchange. “The compact size of our ATC contributes to the downsizing of MCs,” explains President Yang.
The second exhibit was a servomotor-driven automatic pallet changer (APC) designed to meet the growing demand for environmentally friendly solutions. More and more companies have been shifting from hydraulic systems to servo motors. “With this product, we can offer solutions not only to machine manufacturers, but also to tool magazine manufacturers,” adds President Yang.
Chiao Fong excels in machining castings
Chiao Fong Machinery specializes in metal processing, particularly the manufacture of components for machine tools. The company operates more than 40 machining centers, including gantry-type machines, and processes castings and stainless steel. Known for its machining capabilities and high-quality products, Chiao Fong has established partnerships with Japanese machine tool builders and received OEM production. In recent years, the company has also focused on the optics, semiconductor and LCD industries.
“At its peak, orders from Japan accounted for about 10% of our business. Now it is about 5-6%, with most products going to Taiwan and the United States,” says CEO Shie He Jie. Japanese companies are quite strict in terms of quality requirements, but they also often provide valuable insights into machining techniques. This has helped Chiao Fong to build up its know-how and to make the Japanese market an important focus. Some Japanese customers have been working with the company for over a decade.
To ensure product quality, Chiao Fong introduced a Carl Zeiss 3D coordinate measuring machine. Previously, the company had outsourced measurement, but an incident prompted it to establish an in-house quality assurance system. “We chose a large measuring machine that can handle any workpiece. The introduction of a high-performance 3D measuring machine has improved our reliability,” says CEO Shie.
“We aim to flexibly respond to the diverse needs of our customers,” says CEO Shie He Jie.
The company also emphasizes human resource development. To address the labor shortage, Chiao Fong partnered with nearby universities more than 10 years ago to offer year-long internships. More than 70 students have participated in the program, and over 10 of them have joined the company. “Since the students tend to stay for longer terms, we can provide thorough training,” says CEO Shie.
At JIMTOF2024, Chiao Fong highlighted its casting machining capabilities. “We source castings in Taiwan and process them ourselves. When Japanese manufacturers import castings directly from Taiwan, they often face problems such as deformation. Ordering castings from us eliminates these concerns,” explains CEO Shie.
The number of companies in Japan that specialize in machining castings has been declining over the years. Chiao Fong produces not only large components such as gantry type MC beds, but also precision parts. “We aim to respond flexibly to the diverse needs of our customers,” adds CEO Shie enthusiastically.
Alen Hwang, President of Deta International
Alen Hwang, President of Deta International, Taiwan’s largest ATC (Automatic Tool Changer) manufacturer, shared his perspective on the current state of Taiwan’s manufacturing sector. In addition to leading Deta, Hwang also serves as chairman of an industrial association aimed at promoting the development of small and medium-sized manufacturers in Taichung City.
“Taiwan’s machine tool industry is facing significant challenges,” explains President Hwang. “These include the rise of China’s technological capabilities and intensified competition with Japanese companies due to the depreciation of the yen. Moving forward, the market is likely to become increasingly polarized between high-end and low-end products, creating additional headwinds for Taiwanese companies.”
According to President Hwang, the survival of many Taiwanese companies is at stake. “About half of Taiwan’s manufacturers seem uncertain about their future direction. While some are proactively investing in new ventures, others are being forced to cut prices to secure orders. This in turn drives them to source materials at lower costs, often from overseas, ultimately damaging Taiwan’s manufacturing industry. It could take a decade for many companies to improve their profit margins.”
President Hwang suggests that the adoption of flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) is one solution. “For example, one company successfully built a production line capable of processing 16 types of workpieces with a single machine, achieving significant cost reductions. By automating and reducing the need for labor through FMS, companies can quickly recoup their investment costs,” he says.
President Hwang also emphasizes the critical role of collaboration between Taiwan and Japan. “Taiwanese companies have a natural compatibility with Japanese companies, as they are capable of learning from Japan and adapting their production systems accordingly. A partnership where Japan handles quality control and Taiwan handles manufacturing could be beneficial to both sides,” he explains.
President Hwang also emphasizes Taiwan’s unique position as a gateway to China. “Taiwan’s proximity to China, both culturally and geographically, makes it an invaluable partner for Japanese companies looking to expand into the Chinese market. There have been many successful examples of collaboration in the past, and I believe that strengthening this relationship will yield even greater benefits in the future,” he adds.
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