ENGINEERING
Future of Machine Tool and Forming Machine Sector
will long continue to be used as basic technologies in engineering.
OUTPUT OF MACHINE TOOLS
AND FORMING MACHINES IN 2017
The basic requirements placed on machine tools are precision, productivity, safety and reliability. In the area of electronics, drives, mechatronics, and technology management software, Czech machine tools are at the absolutely highest level. Practically all Czech manufacturers use the same components for their products as their rivals and can connect the machines they manufacture to the Industry 4.0 communication structures. Although new technologies are being introduced gradually, such as additive production, machining and forming | 10
In 2017, production in the sector declined by 4.7 % and exports by approximately 3.5 %. The main causes of the decline were problems in the eastern markets, especially the continuing unfavourable situation in Russia, and the stagnant demand in European markets, especially in Germany, which is the Czech Republic´s main export territory. As a result, the CR dropped to 15th position on the world scale of machine tool and forming machine manufacturers. The Czech Republic´s main export territories are Germany (31 %), China (approx. 9 %) and Slovakia (7.7 %), followed by Russia, Poland, the USA, and Italy. At the moment, exports to Germany are showing a slightly upward trend, but sales to the Russian Federation are falling further in consequence of the continuing sanctions and the general economic situation in Russia. In comparison with 2014, this is a decline of approximately 60 %. After a massive fall of exports to China in 2016, the year 2017
showed a moderate growth. The efforts to strengthen the position in other markets are most gratifying. In 2017, exports to Slovakia and Poland increased. The domestic market is naturally very important for most Czech manufacturers, who are taking full advantage of its competitive advantages. Czech manufacturers have a share of approx. 30 % of the domestic market. In export, the CR is at a comparable level with, for example, Austria or France. In the framework of the CECIMO member states, the Czech Republic holds 8th position. With regard to export commodities, leading items are grinders, followed by lathes, machining centres, and milling machines. The main sectors purchasing engineering technologies are the automotive industry and its subcontractors, manufacturers of tools and moulds, and the defence, aviation, and energy industries.
ACHIEVEMENTS OF CZECH FIRMS
WITHIN THE SECTOR IN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN MARKETS Czech firms take part in practically all important international exhibitions and fairs.
Photo: ŠMERAL Brno archives, BBV archives
The machine tool and forming machine sector is the cornerstone of the entire Czech engineering industry. Its development is essential for the promotion of other engineering branches and consequently the entire industry. Its characteristic features are high technical standards and a high level of technological advancement.
