Production of smaller series and custom products makes manufacturing more complex and that, in turn, adds complexity to not only the production process but also to the way that operators need to work. Today, a range of digital tools are available to help operators deal with their rapidly changing and ever broader range of tasks, with each tool having its own characteristics and potential uses.

Industry 4.0, which stands for the far-reaching digitisation of production, is what many companies are striving for today. Including companies with a metalworking activity. Digitalisation, standardisation, automation ... require first and foremost, efficient and controlled machining processes. Via a webinar series, we refresh the basic knowledge and link it to the digital evolution. The first topic to be discussed will be tool wear.

At Thor Park in Genk, where business, science and technology are joined on one campus, a brand new building for smart manufacturing companies will be built. It is the first concrete step in the realisation of a smart manufacturing campus on the site. By the end of 2022, 8,000 m² of production halls, labs and office space will be available. Sirris is among the first applicants to settle on the new site and thus contribute to the manufacturing industry of tomorrow.

To meet changing customer demands (personalised products, smaller series, short lead times, low costs), manufacturing companies must become more flexible and produce smartly. Optimising the internal production logistics is just as important as optimising the production processes. We take a look at the situation as it is today and what the future may bring.