Intensive Research Unlocks Manufacturing Potential

Q: How has CIDESI established its position as partner for the automotive industry in the Bajio region?

A: We actively promote the expertise of the Research Center of Industrial Developments (CIDESI) through company visits so clients can explore our facilities and see first-hand how successful we have been in the auto sector. Having created integral production lines for the most important automotive companies in the region, we have attracted new clients and incorporated new technology to our manufacturing operations. Approximately 30 percent of the projects we manage target the automotive or auto parts industry. We have 12 directors and each is responsible for promoting one of CIDESI’s areas. We must continue to work on projects that offer global competitiveness to companies in Mexico, ultimately convincing these same corporations to relocate their R&D operations. Unfortunately, CONACYT enforced budget cuts at the beginning of 2016 of more than MX$500 million (US$27.3 million). That affects CIDESI’s budget so we need to see how we can reshape our plan to keep supporting domestic industries.

Q: What projects is CIDESI developing specifically to cater to the shift to Industry 4.0?

A: To successfully lead digital change in manufacturing we must process an unbelievable amount of information.

In the US, manufacturing data is ranked even higher in complexity than government data, so we have to resort to Big Data analyses to truly understand our machines and give them the necessary information to autonomously make decisions. This part of our research has attracted the most important specialist in Mexico, Dr. Adolfo Guzmán Arenas. Working with the leader in this sector is crucial to the development of this department. CIDESI also has an association with Tecnalia. Over the last 20 years, several entities have merged to work on strategies oriented to the “Industry of the Future” through Tecnalia.

Q: What are CIDESI's technology development priorities?

A: We are focusing on adhesives that can be used on materials that have previously gone through a surface treatment process like carburizing or nitriding. Preparation for these components is essential to avoid any deformation after the coating application. On the other hand, additive technologies have become a strong trend in the industry as well. Combining these solutions leads to a hybrid manufacturing process capable of producing highly complex parts that would be impossible or extremely costly to fabricate otherwise. We just integrated our first hybrid equipment with the hope of offering more efficient solutions to our clients.