Taiwan's Machine Tool Makers Scramble to Develop Automobile Aluminum Wheel Processing Machines

Taipei, July 11, 2006 (CENS)--To cope with the increased demand for metal-cutting machine tools for processing aluminum automobile wheels, domestic manufacturers are hastening their development work on special-purpose lathes.

Worldwide, tens of million aluminum automobile wheels are rolled out each year, and manufacturing the wheels requires special-purpose metal-cutting machines.

Factory Automation Technology Co. (FATEK), a subsidiary of the Far East Machinery Co. (FEMCO), recently announced it would introduce a series of vertical lathes equipped with automated palletizing systems sometime in September this year. The new product is especially suitable for processing large-sized aluminum wheels.

FATEK said its special-purpose vertical lathe would have higher processing efficiency than those produced by rival manufacturers. At present, domestic machine-tool manufacturers such as Victor Taichung Machinery Works Co. and You Ji Machine Industrial Co. are capable of rolling out the special-purpose lathes for processing aluminum wheels.

Founded in 1990, FATEK currently is capable of churning out CNC (computer numerically controlled) lathes, CNC vertical lathes, CNC horizontal boring and milling machines, CNC wheel turning machines, and CNC housing-type plano mills.

FEMCO president noted his company has high amount of expertise in producing CNC horizontal aluminum wheel processing machines. FEMCO had a 47% share of the domestic market in its heyday. However, Victor Taichung Works Co. introduced a competing, large-sized vertical lathe about two and a half years ago. After losing ground to Victor Taiwan for a few years, FATEK recently completed the development of a prototype CNC vertical aluminum wheel-processing machine, which is now in the process of final testing.

FEMCO president Chuang Kuo-hui estimated the global demand for automobile wheels to amount to more than 300 million units per year, half of which are made from aluminum.

Chuang said FATEK's newly developed vertical aluminum wheel processing machine weighs only half as much as those made by rival competitors while offering higher operating efficiency. “I believe our machines will get a warm response after they are introduced in September,” noted Chuang. “I believe we will be able to catch up with rival manufacturers in the field in our sales of the special-purpose machines in the foreseeable future.”

On other front, Falcon, one of Taiwan's leading manufacturers of CNC grinding machines, has encountered stagnating sales of vertical lathes for processing automobile aluminum wheels over the past half year. To increase sales of the machines, Falcon has resolved to invite a consultant from Japan to offer professional services on site. In addition, the company will allow potential buyers to test its new machines to strengthen their confidence.