HSD MECHATRONICS AND REGIONE MARCHE, TOGETHER FOR THE FACTORY 4.0

HSD MECHATRONICS AND REGIONE MARCHE, TOGETHER FOR THE FACTORY 4.0

Gradara, 21 July 2020 – A press conference was held today to present the Research and Development project “ELECTROSPINDLE 4.0 – Developing a family of innovative electrospindles on the basis of Zero Defect Manufacturing” – through which HSD is preparing to become the Lighthouse Plant for the Cluster Fabbrica Intelligente (Smart factory cluster - CFI) and create a factory based on Zero Defect Manufacturing.

An introduction by Fabrizio Pierini, HSD CEO, was followed by an overview showing the benefits of the "Agreement for Innovation" tool. The presentation was given by Regione Marche and outlined a series of benefits for the Italian industry and economy. The Electrospindle 4.0 project was then presented, through which HSD Mechatronics – a global leader in the design, production and sale of electrospindles and technologically advanced equipment for machine tools used to process wood, metal, glass, stone and composite materials – is paving the way to become the first Zero Defect Manufacturing company for the Lighthouse Plant programme in Italy. The programme by the National Smart Factory Cluster marks a major leap in the future of manufacturing 4.0.

“What we have here is grassroots innovation, which started internally at HSD, a leading business, and has a positive effect on the territory,” stated Manuela Bora, Regione Marche councillor for productive activities, “We have set a medium to long-term strategy for the region, optimising our resources to encourage and sustain local businesses as they invest in research and innovation. This is, we believe, a necessary step to ensure growth and create new jobs, especially in light of the effects of the pandemic. There's a lesson to be learned from this disaster: Let's not, over the coming years, keep research and innovation locked up in a drawer somewhere.” “A tangible outcome of this strategy is the synergy we see across different levels of government. Our institutions are working in unison to more effectively support the development and competitiveness of local businesses," the councillor added, “as opposed to other regions, the Marche has demonstrated conviction in this area, and, by co-financing projects, the Regional Council has shown that it believes in strategic research and development initiatives.” Bora also pointed out that “HSD is a technologically advanced company with very skilled workers that achieved the transition to 4.0 by effectively merging traditional mechanical activities with the new digital world, creating personalised products that have greater added value and are also a better fit for the circular economy. HSD is badge of honour for the Marche, a region that is seizing the opportunity to grow and innovate.”

“With Electrospindle 4.0 we're digitalising our segment of the manufacturing sector, a change that benefits both us and our customers, whose needs vary and require personalised solutions,” stated Fabrizio Pierini. “Mechatronic evolution is a necessity in our sector. Competitiveness and elevated product quality depend on it and are a must for the Zero Defects Factory”. “Furthermore, thanks to collaborative efforts with top research centres including Università Politecnica della Marche, La Sapienza di Roma and Institutions, we are able to provide specific training that benefits local businesses. The HSD Training Lab already allows us to disseminate the principles of mechatronics and encourage their adoption through dedicated courses for recent graduates, who benefit from experienced teachers and practical workshops inside the company. Implementing this project can produce social and economic benefits that are advantageous for the whole territory," Pierini stated in closing.

HSD has for years been a partner of CFI, which aims to implement strategies that make use of research and innovation to boost the competitive edge of the Italian manufacturing sector. CFI is a foundation that engages key industrial players, including the Marche Manufacturing Cluster, one of the founding partners. Members of CFI include businesses, business associations, Regional governments, Institutions, Universities and research centres.

The Electrospindle 4.0 Project (a partnership between HSD – Leader -, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Università La Sapienza di Roma and EN4 Srl - a start-up from Umbria) calls for the development of a new e-COREX electrospindle and a new end-to-end digitalised production process for HSD: from the Supply Chain, to the factory and finally the end user. The electrospindle will be fully connected and capable of communicating with the machine manufacturer and with the HSD “Control Tower” while it is in action. Through this project HSD will be able to receive financing from the Region and from the Ministry for Economic Development, on the basis of agreements that encourage innovation. The objective is to finance demonstrations of the technology and share the innovations, methods and skills in IoT, artificial intelligence, 4.0, automation, robotics and sensors with other businesses in the area and with the supply chain affected by these innovations.