Today, the logic, methods, and boundaries of tool management are being redefined across global manufacturing.

In this issue of Knowhy · Industry Insights, we explore emerging best practices in major markets around the world and distill seven key trends that are quietly reshaping the way manufacturing happens on the shop floor.

Trend 1: Tool Materials Are Evolving to Meet Machining Extremes

From aerospace to new energy vehicles, manufacturers are constantly pushing the limits of machinability—tackling high-temperature alloys, titanium, and composite materials.

This has accelerated the development of superhard tool materials (such as PCD, CBN) and advanced coating technologies (like AlTiN and ALD multilayer coatings), enhancing wear resistance and cutting stability.

📌 Example: U.S.-based M.A. Ford launched its Blaze end mill series, specially designed for high-speed machining of carbon fiber and titanium alloys.

Trend 2: Smart Tool Cabinets Are Becoming the New Standard

Smart tool cabinets are no longer reserved for "high-end" factories—they’re becoming essential infrastructure for modern shop floors.

With capabilities like automated dispensing, access control, barcode recognition, and inventory alerts, smart cabinets are now deeply integrated with ERP/MES systems and serve as key touchpoints for manufacturing automation.

Trend 3: AI-Powered Tool Life Prediction Is Gaining Ground

“Is this tool still usable?” — what once depended on intuition now relies on algorithms and data.

New methods for tool condition monitoring combine visual recognition, power/current analysis, and spindle torque signals. Machine learning models such as CNNs and LSTMs are now enabling predictive maintenance (PdM) by forecasting tool wear and lifespan.

📌 Research: A 2024 paper titled "Tool wear monitoring using an online, automatic and low-cost system based on local texture" reported a 90.26% accuracy in identifying wear status in real-time.

Trend 4: Platform-Based Collaboration Is the New Management Model

Tool management is no longer just a warehouse task—it’s becoming a fully integrated part of the entire manufacturing process.

• Enterprises now enable inter-departmental allocation and traceability.

• Suppliers offer platforms for remote monitoring, restock alerts, and shared inventory.

• In some regions, we’re even seeing the rise of tool service-sharing hubs.

Tool management is evolving from isolated systems to ecosystem-level platforms.

Trend 5: Data Standardization Is Unlocking System Integration

ISO 13399 is emerging as the universal data language of the tooling world. By standardizing tool data structures, it enables seamless exchange across CAD, CAM, PDM, and ERP systems.

📌 Update: Global tooling leaders like Sandvik and Kennametal have adopted ISO 13399 to support end-to-end supply chain collaboration.

Trend 6: Customized Tools and Additive Manufacturing Are Converging

With high-mix, low-volume production becoming the norm, tool customization is surging—and 3D-printed tooling prototypes are entering practical use.

📌 Example: Some manufacturers are now leveraging additive manufacturing to produce micro-tools and non-standard geometries for moldmaking and medical device machining.

Trend 7: Circular Economy and Green Manufacturing Are Gaining Traction

Tool manufacturers are adopting full-lifecycle sustainability strategies—from raw material sourcing and energy-efficient machining to recycling and reuse.

Carbide tool recycling and eco-friendly packaging are fast becoming new international standards, supporting manufacturers in achieving their ESG goals.

✨ What These Trends Mean for Us at Knowhy

Each of these trends signals a profound shift: Tool management is no longer a back-office function—it’s now a strategic operation.

For manufacturers, this means:
✅ It’s not just about buying cheaper tools — it’s about using them smarter.
✅ It’s not just about managing inventory — it’s about managing the entire lifecycle.
✅ It’s not just about recording data — it’s about using data to drive decisions.

At Knowhy, we see this evolution not as a challenge, but as a direction we’ve long been committed to.
We’re ready to turn these trends into tools—and these insights into action.

Let’s move forward, together.