The Continental Drift in the Machine Tool Industry

The machine tool consumption is moving into the emerging markets. 60% of the world machine tool consumption will be in Asia by 2014. The article provides the statistical facts and highlights the underlying growth dynamics in these markets. This move requires, besides a new economical and marketing approach, a new look at performance machine tool design. Different aspects concerning thermal, ergonomical and electrical design are highlighted. The trend results in a need for new market adapted product design specifications.