Page 57 - Summer 2024 EDM Today

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EDM: The COVID pandemic has brought the supply
MS: Yes, Sodick is part of both additive and subtractive
worlds. We see great value-added benefits when we
chain into focus for many of us. With many global

conflicts still raging, the impact is still being felt world-
develop a solution for clients that involves multiple

wide, with some locations and industries harder hit than
technologies. Before additive, EDM was one process in
a chain of subtractive processes, but today, EDM can
others. Can you speak to how supply chain disruptions
be part of a finishing process for an additive part. I see
are impacting Sodick?

MS: Thankfully, the major impacts of COVID are behind
simply removing parts from build plates.
Sodick. Many good lessons about diversity and redundan-
cy were learned from this time period and are now more opportunities for EDM in a similar way rather than
EDM: Irrespective of COVID, many companies have

struggled to find qualified new employees as baby
incorporated into the daily operations at Sodick. As a

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boomers retire and are dealing with labor shortages.
global organization, Sodick must be aware of global
events. We proactively plan for contingencies to address
Many of our readers are looking to automation and
more intelligent controls to allow a smaller workforce
any possible disruptions.
to achieve more production. What is your view on the
EDM: Beginning in the late 70s, many U.S. companies
labor shortage, and what role will automation play as
looked to China as a manufacturing partner. For many
a solution to the problem?
reasons, COVID’s impact has accelerated the desire for
MS: Labor shortages are a real problem for many
many companies to bring work back to North America.
What is Sodick’s view of how reshoring will impact North
manufacturers. I see organizations dealing with this in
American manufacturing?
members and using technology to operate with a leaner
MS: There is no doubt that we are seeing a reshoring
workforce. To me, the best solution is a combination of
to North America as some of the early attractions of two ways: actively recruiting a new generation of team
both. Automation will play an increasing part in North
manufacturing in China begin to erode. North American
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American manufacturing, but we will always need a

manufacturing is now leaner and more efficient than ever.
motivated workforce with quality craftsman skills.
It is ready to compete for this influx. A growing trend is for

parts to be produced closer to where they are consumed.
This provides an excellent area for growth and focuses
on the Americas as growing contributors to the global
Sodick organization. This is one of the many reasons I
remain optimistic about the future of manufacturing in
North America.
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EDM: The CHIPS and Science Act passed in 2022 will
undoubtedly impact U.S. semiconductor production. What
are the opportunities that Sodick sees for the U.S. EDM
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MS: The CHIPS Act resulted in the injection of over
$200 billion dollars into the U.S. domestic semiconductor
industry. Not only is there a growing demand for these
types of products, but there is government funding.
This is an excellent opportunity for domestic producers.
The need for precision machining equipment will
increase in this sector.
EDM: Considering the various EDM market segments,
such as automotive, medical, die casting, forging, plastic
molding, aerospace, semiconductor, and others, in which
market section do you see the most significant growth
opportunities?
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MS: Sodick is seeing growth in all of these market
segments. The medical industry, in particular, is strong
and growing. Longer life spans and new medical process-
es that require small, precise parts and tools will continue
to expand with a reliance on precision manufacturing.
This directly impacts the quality of life for all of us.
EDM: We intentionally left the additive manufacturing
market off the list of EDM market segments. We know
that additive manufacturing is one of Sodick’s key tech-
nologies. The additive industry is undoubtedly experienc-
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ing explosive growth. Aside from removing parts from
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between additive and EDM?
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EDM Today, Summer 2024 Issue