At the 5th China International Equipment Manufacturing Expo, over 50 companies specializing in machine tool plastic fittings showcased their products, marking a significant increase compared to the previous session. This was the largest number of participants in the event's history. However, upon closer inspection, most of the exhibited items were traditional plastic components such as machine tool chains, cooling elbows, and handle parts. High-tech innovations were notably scarce.
The expo serves as a major platform for domestic equipment manufacturing, offering a comprehensive view of the current state of machine tool technology and product quality. Despite this, many of the displayed plastic parts still resembled outdated designs. For instance, PTFE bearings for machine tools and FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic) guards—products that are considered advanced in other regions—were rarely seen. In contrast, foreign markets have already adopted a wider range of applications, including fiberglass shields used for motor drive protection, screw head shielding, and chip protection systems. Only one Chinese company presented an FRP product at the exhibition.
Experts point out that there remains a noticeable gap between domestic and international standards. One key issue is the slow pace of product innovation and the rough appearance of many local components. Some materials, like red and blue plastic cooling pipes that have long been phased out abroad, are still widely used in China. Additionally, the majority of domestic companies operate on a small scale and often diversify into metal parts, which limits their focus on technological advancement. Many lack the resources and capabilities to invest in new technologies, making them vulnerable to market fluctuations.
A manufacturer of FRP shrouds shared that their products once enjoyed high profit margins, but rising raw material costs and limited product durability have now put them under pressure. As a result, they’ve had to shift toward producing lower-end accessories for small machine tool manufacturers.
Industry professionals expressed concerns about the impact of low-quality plastic parts on the competitiveness of Chinese CNC machines. With China’s machine tool output reaching $5.1 billion in 2005 and expected to grow rapidly by 2010, the demand for high-quality accessories is set to rise. Experts recommend that companies move beyond the "small and all" model, focusing instead on specialization and innovation to better meet market needs and strengthen their position globally.
SUPERY ABS PIPE FITTING CO.,LTD , https://www.dbrfittings.com