12, Sep 2026
Rosatom Presents Technology Solutions to Expand Strategic India-Russia Cooperation at INNOPROM. India
The State Corporation showcased solutions in nuclear energy, additive technologies, composite materials, metallurgy, digitalisation and logistics
New Delhi, Sept 12: Rosatom participated in the INNOPROM. India International Industrial Exhibition, held in Delhi from September 9 to 11, 2026. During an official tour of the exhibition, Russian Minister of Industry and Trade Anton Alikhanov and India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal were briefed on key achievements of long-standing Russia-India cooperation in nuclear and related technologies by Kirill Komarov, First Deputy Director General for Corporate Development and International Business at Rosatom.
The ministers were introduced to the VVER-1200, using the Novovoronezh Nuclear Power Plant as an example, a model of which was displayed at Rosatom’s stand. In the technological sovereignty section, Kirill Komarov outlined prospects for expanding cooperation in additive technologies, composite materials, digital solutions and logistics.
“India is consistently developing its nuclear energy sector and has set an ambitious target of increasing its nuclear capacity to 100 GW by 2047. Rosatom is already making a practical contribution towards achieving this goal: we are the only foreign company constructing a nuclear power plant in India. Two units of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant are operating reliably, while four more are at various stages of implementation.
“Considering the scale of India’s target, we are ready to offer our partners a wide range of modern nuclear solutions, from large-capacity power units to small modular reactors. At the same time, our partnership extends far beyond nuclear energy and covers nuclear medicine, additive technologies, composite materials and logistics. I am confident that Russian technologies will contribute to strengthening India’s technological sovereignty,” said Kirill Komarov.
Kirill Komarov also participated in the forum’s business programme, speaking at the main plenary session, “Strengthening the Russia-India Trade and Industrial Partnership: Towards Self-Sufficient Cooperation,” and at the joint session with the Confederation of Indian Industry, “India-Russia: Business Cooperation, Strategic Partnerships and New Opportunities.”
During the Russia-India Business Dialogue, India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal emphasised the need to move from agreements to practical industrial cooperation and encouraged Russian companies to develop manufacturing operations in India by leveraging the country’s industrial capabilities, skilled workforce and opportunities under the Make in India initiative.
Additional Information
Representatives of Rosatom’s industry integrator for additive technologies participated in the session “Additive Manufacturing: A New Vector for Russia-India Partnership,” where participants discussed opportunities to jointly develop an ecosystem for the additive manufacturing industry.
Rosatom representatives explained how additive technologies can reduce equipment costs for end users by 40% and presented real-world examples of equipment localisation as well as the initial results of similar projects at an Indian partner’s manufacturing facility. They also shared experience on how the entire value chain can be developed jointly, from the supply and establishment of turnkey additive technology centres to technology transfer and equipment localisation.
Rosatom MetalTech LLC, an enterprise of Rosatom’s Fuel Division, held the session “Critical Minerals and Materials: New Opportunities for Industrial Cooperation.” Participants discussed industrial cooperation in the production of rare-earth magnets, building consolidated demand for rare-earth products, government support measures and attracting investment for the development of new production capacities.
In addition, during the roundtable “Russia-India: Cooperation in the Steel Industry,” Rosatom’s metallurgy businesses presented four product areas for cooperation with Indian partners: titanium, zirconium, hafnium and calcium.
On the sidelines of the exhibition, JET Engineering and Technical Centre, part of Rosatom Service JSC within Rosatom’s Electric Power Division, signed a distribution agreement with Indian company Syngient Technologies for the Repeat Vision software platform, a next-generation platform for end-to-end engineering and modelling of complex industrial systems.
A memorandum of understanding was also signed with Indian company EM Services. The document provides for mutually beneficial cooperation in the energy sector, including the digitalisation of power plants as well as the maintenance, reconstruction and modernisation of energy facilities.
Giredmet Institute, part of the Chemical and Technology Cluster of Rosatom’s Science Division, and Indian company Alt Metals Private Limited signed a contract to develop a pilot titanium sponge production facility.
Rosatom’s stand also featured glass-fibre and carbon-fibre-based solutions for compressed natural gas storage and transportation systems, a portable laser metrology solution and an interactive energy simulator.
Particular attention was given to developments in industrial 3D printing and manufacturing localisation. The stand showcased the first localised Russian-developed 3D scanner manufactured at an Indian partner’s facility.
Local production of Russian 3D scanners in India began this year and has reduced equipment costs for customers in the Indian market by 40%, while also enabling the products to receive local product status under the Make in India initiative.
Background
INNOPROM. India is a platform for developing international cooperation in industrial technologies and creating new business opportunities in India, one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies. The construction of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant is the flagship project of Russia-India cooperation in the nuclear sector. The Kudankulam NPP project is being implemented under the Intergovernmental Agreement on Cooperation in the Construction of a Nuclear Power Plant in India, signed on November 20, 1988, and the supplementary agreement dated June 21, 1998.
Units 1 and 2 of the Kudankulam NPP were connected to India’s national power grid in 2013 and 2016, respectively. They are India’s highest-capacity nuclear power units. As of April 2026, they had generated more than 132 billion kWh of electricity since entering operation.
Units 3, 4, 5 and 6 represent the second and third phases of the Kudankulam NPP and are based on VVER-1000 reactors. Once all six units are commissioned, Kudankulam NPP will meet a significant share of the electricity requirements of Tamil Nadu, which has a population of nearly 85 million, as well as other states to which the electricity generated by the plant will be distributed.
Six VVER-1200-based power units are currently in operation worldwide: four in Russia and two in Belarus. VVER-1200 units are under construction in Bangladesh, Hungary, Egypt, China and Türkiye. Kazakhstan has also selected the same type of reactor. Russia has proposed continuing nuclear cooperation with India through the construction of a new nuclear power plant in the country based on VVER-1200 reactors. In April 2026, Rosatom’s Fuel Division, which includes its Additive Technologies business, supplied a RusBeam 2800 industrial 3D printing system to India. The contract was awarded following Rosatom’s successful bid in an international tender and marked the first delivery of a Rosatom-manufactured 3D printer to a non-CIS international market. Large-format components printed using the system will accelerate prototyping and the production of structures for India’s future Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme, Bharatiya Antariksh Station and Chandrayaan lunar exploration programme. The Indian customer’s decision to select Rosatom technology demonstrates the strong competitiveness of Russian solutions in the global market and their compliance with stringent international standards.
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- By Neel Achary
11, Sep 2026
Universal Music Group And Elevenlabs Announce Multi-year Strategic Agreement, Beginning With A New Licensed AI Music Creation Platform
Santa Monica, Calif. And New York, N.y., September 11: Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, and ElevenLabs, the leading AI audio research and product company, today announced a multi–year licensing agreement and wider strategic collaboration to launch a new AI-powered music platform for fans as well as to jointly develop AI audio products for artists and songwriters.
The groundbreaking agreement – ElevenLabs’ first with a major label – encompasses licensing and product development. It reflects the companies’ shared commitment to the principles that AI-enabled music innovation should be built responsibly, respect human artistry, and enable artists and songwriters to share in the value created.
The ElevenLabs-UMG relationship will begin with a new AI-powered music creation platform built on licensed music and artist participation. Now in development, the platform will give fans new ways to co-create with music from participating artists and songwriters, including through remixes and mashups, new track interpretations, and personalized vocal experiences. The agreement also includes the development of additional products and fan experiences in the months and years to come.
“The most exciting possibilities for AI and music are those that put artists, songwriters, and fans at the center,” said Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman & CEO, Universal Music Group. “UMG and ElevenLabs are aligned that responsible AI can inspire discovery, deepen engagement between artists and fans, and unlock new revenue opportunities for the creative community. ElevenLabs’ leadership in AI audio brings a new dimension to our growing ecosystem of partners committed to expanding what’s creatively and commercially possible for human artistry.”
“AI opens up incredible possibilities for interacting with our favorite music and artists,” said ElevenLabs cofounder and CEO Mati Staniszewski. “By combining UMG’s global community and rights management expertise, with our AI models and products, we’ll enable artists and songwriters to create powerful new experiences for their fans, and ensure they are fairly compensated.”
The new platform will be distinct and offered separately from ElevenLabs’ existing music products, which include:
● Music API – ElevenLabs’ studio-grade music models available via API, used by music technology, media & entertainment, social media, and other leading businesses and developers globally.
● ElevenMusic – ElevenLabs’ music creation app for generating and editing original songs, with granular control over vocals, instrumentation, style, arrangement and other elements of a track.
11, Sep 2026
Earthquake tremors felt across parts of India, Tibet and Afghanistan
New Delhi, Sep 11: Several parts of India experienced mild earthquake tremors on Friday morning, with seismic activity also reported in neighbouring Tibet and Afghanistan. The tremors were felt in areas including Ladakh, Assam and West Bengal, creating brief concern among residents.
According to the latest earthquake monitoring data, a 3.0-magnitude earthquake was recorded near Alipurduar in West Bengal at around 6:56 a.m. The quake occurred at a depth of about 9 km. Many residents felt the shaking, with some reporting that the tremor woke them up. However, there were no immediate reports of casualties or significant property damage.
A 3.7-magnitude earthquake was also recorded in Leh-Ladakh, while Dima Hasao in Assam experienced a tremor measuring 3.1 magnitude. Seismic activity was also reported in Tibet and Afghanistan, with earthquakes measuring around 3.7 and 3.5 magnitude, respectively.
The series of tremors has once again highlighted the seismic sensitivity of the Himalayan region and parts of northeastern India. Although the latest earthquakes were relatively mild, frequent seismic activity in these areas makes preparedness and public awareness important.
For residents, even low-intensity tremors can cause anxiety, particularly when they occur early in the morning. Authorities generally advise people to stay calm during an earthquake, move away from windows and unstable structures, and avoid using lifts if strong shaking occurs.
The latest tremors did not cause any major disruption according to the available reports. However, the incidents underline the importance of continuous monitoring, earthquake-resistant infrastructure and public awareness in vulnerable regions.
With several parts of the Indian subcontinent located in active seismic zones, regular preparedness can help reduce risks and protect lives and property when stronger earthquakes occur.
11, Sep 2026
US stocks face weekly losses as investors await key inflation data
New York, Sep 11: US stock markets remained under pressure on Friday as investors turned cautious ahead of key inflation data that could influence the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate decision next week.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500 and Nasdaq were all heading for weekly declines after the major indexes fell for a fourth consecutive session on Thursday. The latest weakness has been driven by rising oil prices, higher Treasury yields and renewed concerns over inflation.
US stock futures showed some recovery in early trading, with Dow, S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100 futures trading modestly higher. However, investors remained cautious as they awaited the August Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, which is expected to provide an important signal for the Federal Reserve’s next policy move.
The inflation report is particularly important because it is the final major inflation reading available to policymakers before the Fed’s upcoming meeting. A stronger-than-expected reading could increase expectations of another interest-rate hike, while softer inflation could ease concerns about tighter monetary policy.
Oil prices have added to the market’s concerns. Brent crude recently climbed above $100 a barrel amid continuing geopolitical tensions, increasing the risk that higher energy costs could keep inflation elevated. The rise in oil prices has also contributed to higher Treasury yields and greater uncertainty in financial markets.
The US 10-year Treasury yield recently approached 5 per cent, reflecting growing concerns about inflation and the possibility of higher interest rates. Higher bond yields can make equities less attractive and increase borrowing costs for companies and consumers.
Technology and growth stocks remain particularly sensitive to changes in interest-rate expectations because higher borrowing costs can affect company valuations and future investment plans. At the same time, strong demand for cloud computing and artificial intelligence infrastructure continues to support parts of the technology sector.
For investors, the combination of expensive oil, elevated bond yields and uncertainty over the Fed’s next move has created a more cautious trading environment. The S&P 500 had already fallen nearly 3 per cent from its August record close after four consecutive sessions of losses, although it remained in positive territory for the year.
The upcoming inflation data could therefore set the tone for Wall Street in the near term. A cooler inflation reading may provide some relief to equities by reducing expectations of further monetary tightening, while a stronger reading could increase pressure on stocks and keep investors focused on the outlook for interest rates.
With global markets also closely watching energy prices and geopolitical developments, investors are expected to remain cautious and closely track economic data for further direction.
11, Sep 2026
Wellness is the New Pre-Festive Ritual at Fairmont Spa & Longevity
Mumbai, Sep 11: As the festive season approaches, the traditional ritual of getting ready for celebrations is evolving. Beyond wardrobes, beauty appointments and social calendars, wellness is emerging as an essential part of the pre–festive preparation, with people increasingly looking to reset, recharge and restore before stepping into a season of back-to-back celebrations.
At Fairmont Spa & Longevity at Fairmont Mumbai, this shift towards pre–festive wellness comes to life through a dual experience that brings together the restorative rituals of the Fairmont Spa and the science-led approach of Blu Xone — India’s first luxury-integrated longevity hub. Designed for the modern wellness seeker, the destination offers a considered pause before the festive rush, bringing together ancient healing traditions, personalised care and advanced non-invasive therapies.
The Fairmont Spa is rooted in Indian, Eastern and global healing traditions, offering sensorial experiences designed to nurture different stages of life. From the Tranquility Suite, created for immersive rituals, botanical elixirs and grounding therapies, to the Express Recovery Suite, designed for focused and time-efficient treatments, the spa offers experiences that allow guests to pause, recalibrate and return to themselves.
At the other end of the wellness spectrum, Blu Xone brings precision wellness into the pre–festive ritual. Inspired by the principles of the world’s Blue Zones, the space combines contemporary longevity science with non-invasive therapies focused on health-span, recovery and cellular wellbeing. Guided by medical wellness practitioners, each journey is tailored to an individual’s physiological blueprint, creating a personalised approach to wellness rather than a standardised treatment experience.
For those looking to prepare their bodies for the physical demands of the season, Blu Xone offers a suite of advanced therapies including Cryotherapy, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Red-Light Therapy, Intermittent Vacuum Therapy, and Intermittent Hypoxic Therapy. Together, these experiences are designed to support circulation, recovery, rejuvenation and overall vitality, creating an opportunity to address fatigue and restore the body before the festive calendar begins.
The pre–festive reset is not simply about recovery; it is about approaching celebration with greater intention. Whether it is a restorative spa ritual before a packed social calendar, a focused recovery treatment after travel, or a more personalised longevity experience, Fairmont Spa & Longevity offers a spectrum of wellness experiences that can be integrated into the modern festive routine.
With its combination of ritual, recovery and precision wellness, Fairmont Spa & Longevity reframes the idea of festive preparation. In a season traditionally centred around looking the part, the new pre–festive ritual is about feeling the part too — rested, restored and ready to embrace the celebrations ahead.
As Mumbai prepares for another season of festivities, Fairmont Spa & Longevity at Fairmont Mumbai offers a refined destination for that essential pause before the rush — where wellness becomes not an afterthought, but the first step towards celebrating at one’s best.
11, Sep 2026
OGP Brings “Optics at the Core. Certainty to Measure More.” to IMTS 2026
Sept 11: Optical Gaging Products (OGP®), the pioneer and leader in optical dimensional metrology, will showcase its latest innovations in precision dimensional measurement at IMTS 2026, September 14–19 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Under the theme “Optics at the Core. Certainty to Measure More.”, OGP will highlight the optical expertise, technology and innovation that have defined the company for more than eight decades.
At the heart of every OGP system is advanced optical technology. From compact video measurement systems to sophisticated multisensor platforms, optics are the centerpiece of the OGP measurement experience – providing manufacturers with the speed, repeatability, resolution, and measurement capability needed to inspect more parts and more features with confidence.
“Optics at the Core” reflects OGP’s heritage as a pioneer in optical dimensional metrology and its continued leadership in developing advanced optical measurement technology. Since introducing SmartScope® in 1992, OGP has built its reputation on putting innovative optics at the center of precision measurement.
“Certainty to Measure More” captures what manufacturers expect from their measurement systems: confidence that parts meet requirements, inspections stay on schedule, and production keeps moving. Whether supporting a Quality Manager responsible for on-time inspection or an executive team pursuing the next major manufacturing opportunity, OGP provides the measurement certainty needed for confident quality and production decisions.
Introducing SmartScope E18
Making its worldwide debut at IMTS, SmartScope E18 is a high-capacity, fully automatic 3-axis video measurement system designed to maximize XY measuring range in locations where space is at a premium.
Its fixed-lens IntelliCentric-E optical system and VIRTUAL ZOOM™ technology provide high-resolution imaging for automated inspection, while delivering the measurement capacity manufacturers need in a compact benchtop platform. With its 300 x 300 mm stage in a benchtop format, SmartScope E18 brings the capabilities manufacturers demand for automated video measurement into a compact and cost-effective platform. As with all E-Series systems, SmartScope E18 comes standard with easy-to-use Measure-X software. For applications requiring full 3D capability and other advanced software functionality, OGP’s flagship ZONE3 software is now also available on all SmartScope E-Series systems.
E18 expands the SmartScope portfolio with a system designed around a simple objective: measure more – quickly and easily – without requiring more space.
More Optical Innovation. More Measurement Capability.
OGP will also showcase the recently announced StarLite™ S1, a semi-automatic 3-axis video measurement system, featuring the new IntelliCentric-S optical system, VIRTUAL ZOOM technology and advanced LED illumination.
SmartScope® M130, the newest addition to the evolutionary SmartScope M-Series family, demonstrates OGP’s multisensor approach to dimensional measurement, combining advanced optical technology with additional sensor capabilities to give manufacturers the flexibility to inspect more features in a single system.
Visitors can also experience the best performance and the highest accuracy offered in any SmartScope system: SmartScope Quest. OGP’s SmartScope Quest™ 300 will demonstrate the most advanced multisensor measurement, ideal for complex 3D inspection applications.
For manufacturers requiring robust shop-floor inspection, OGP will showcase its c-vision™ lineup, that combine advanced video measurement and the rugged form factor of an optical comparator. For those that demand extreme throughput for feature-rich parts, OGP will display its Fusion large field-of-view multisensor systems that deliver high-speed multisensor measurements. Across the portfolio, the message remains consistent: the best optics available are at the core of every OGP system.
Metrology and Productivity Software That Helps Manufacturers Measure More
OGP will also demonstrate its software portfolio, including ZONE3® Metrology Software and EVOLVE™ Productivity Software, showing how advanced measurement software can help manufacturers increase inspection throughput and turn measurement data into actionable information.
ZONE3 provides the programming and measurement environment behind OGP’s SmartScope systems, supporting automated multisensor inspection and efficient, repeatable measurement processes.
OGP’s EVOLVE productivity software portfolio extends the value of measurement beyond the inspection system. EVOLVE Design helps users work with CAD models and PMI while supporting GD&T proofing to ASME Y14.5 and ISO 1101 requirements. EVOLVE SPC provides statistical process control capabilities that help manufacturers monitor processes, identify trends and make informed decisions.
Together, OGP hardware and software help manufacturers measure more, improve throughput, and have greater certainty in their quality processes.
Inspiring the Next Generation
OGP will also participate in the Smartforce Student Summit at IMTS, connecting with students and educators and demonstrating the important role precision measurement and metrology play in advanced manufacturing.
By engaging with the next generation of manufacturing professionals, OGP is helping demonstrate how optics, automation, multisensor measurement, and software are shaping the future of quality.
Experience OGP at IMTS 2026
IMTS attendees are invited to visit OGP at Booth 134700 in the East Hall to experience the latest innovations, see measurement systems in action, and speak with OGP experts about how to increase inspection capability and throughput.
From the class-defining SmartScope systems and shop-floor ready c-vision lineup, to ZONE3 and EVOLVE productivity software, OGP will demonstrate why it remains a leader in optical dimensional metrology.
Optics at the Core. Certainty to Measure More. OGP at IMTS 2026.
11, Sep 2026
Indian Bank Launches Digital Solutions to Transform Personal Banking and Cash Management at Global Fintech Fest 2026
Chennai, Sep 11: Indian Bank launched a bouquet of digital banking solutions at the Global Fintech Fest 2026, reinforcing its commitment to technology-led, customer-centric banking.
The Bank further introduced “AI-TARA”, a conversational banking solution that enables customers to access banking services through voice commands in 10 languages, including fund transfers, IMPS and FD creation. The solution aims to make digital banking simpler and more accessible, particularly for senior citizens and customers with limited digital expertise.
Indian Bank also showcased Smart Wealth, a Personal Finance Management module on IndSMART that provides customers with a consolidated view of their financial portfolio across bank accounts, mutual funds, deposits, equities, ETFs and NPS, along with spending analytics and personalised financial insights.
The Bank unveiled IND Cash Optima, a comprehensive digital cash management platform for corporate and institutional customers. The platform brings together digital collections, paperless corporate onboarding, mobile-based cash management and invoice-to-payment solutions, enabling greater convenience, visibility and efficient reconciliation.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Binod Kumar, MD & CEO, Indian Bank, said:
“At Indian Bank, we are leveraging technology to make banking simpler, more accessible and responsive to evolving customer needs. The solutions showcased at GFF reflect our focus on combining innovation with convenience, inclusion and an enhanced customer experience.”
He further said,
“Our voice banking solution, “AI-TARA” is aimed at bringing senior citizens and customers with limited digital expertise who may face challenges in navigating conventional banking applications into the digital banking ecosystem. By enabling customers to access key banking services through voice commands, we are taking digital banking closer to every customer, irrespective of their level of digital proficiency.”
The initiatives reaffirm Indian Bank’s commitment to digital innovation and building seamless banking experiences for both retail and institutional customers.
11, Sep 2026
Jaishankar Urges BRICS to Build Stronger Trade Links Amid Global Uncertainty
New Delhi, Sep 11: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has called for stronger trade ties, resilient supply chains and a more predictable business environment among BRICS countries as global economies face growing geopolitical and economic uncertainties.
Addressing the BRICS Business Forum, Jaishankar stressed that the grouping’s economic strength will depend on its ability to remain connected, competitive and better prepared to absorb global disruptions.
He underlined the need to deepen trade and investment cooperation within BRICS while building supply chains that can withstand sudden disruptions. Greater diversification of trade relationships and stronger business links can help companies manage risks arising from conflicts, changing trade flows and other global shocks.
A more predictable business environment across BRICS economies can also encourage companies to expand investment and develop stronger cross-border partnerships. For businesses, this could create new opportunities in manufacturing, logistics, technology, energy and other strategic sectors.
Jaishankar also highlighted the importance of greater cooperation in startups and innovation. Stronger links between businesses, entrepreneurs and innovation ecosystems across BRICS countries can help create new avenues for investment, technology development and job creation.
The focus on resilient supply chains is particularly important at a time when disruptions to major global trade routes and geopolitical tensions are putting pressure on businesses and increasing uncertainty in international commerce.
For India, deeper BRICS economic cooperation can provide opportunities to expand markets for domestic producers, strengthen supply-chain networks and encourage investment in sectors that are important for long-term economic growth.
The BRICS Business Forum therefore provides an important platform for governments and the private sector to work together on practical measures that can make trade more reliable, businesses more competitive and supply chains more resilient.
With global economic conditions becoming increasingly unpredictable, stronger cooperation among BRICS economies could help businesses navigate disruptions while supporting trade, investment and sustainable growth.
11, Sep 2026
Why many ceramic machining trials fail before they even begin
For most machinists, there is one rule that has been reinforced throughout their entire career:
When in doubt, slow down.
A cutting edge wears too quickly? Reduce the speed.
The process becomes unstable? Reduce the speed.
The insert starts showing signs of failure? Reduce the speed.
For carbide machining, this instinct is often correct.
Then comes the first ceramic insert trial.
An application engineer visits a customer to introduce ceramic tooling for a roughing operation.
The recommendation is straightforward:
“Increase the cutting speed from 250 m/min to 900 m/min.”
The operator looks at the machine.
Then at the insert.
Then back at the application engineer.
“You want me to run almost four times faster?”
The recommendation feels wrong.
Everything learned from years of machining with carbide suggests that higher speed means more heat, more wear, and greater risk.
So the operator does what seems sensible.
Instead of 900 m/min, the machine starts at 400 m/min.
The result?
Poor tool life.
Unexpected wear.
Disappointing productivity.
And the conclusion is often:
“Ceramics don’t work for us.”
The reality is that the ceramic insert was never given the opportunity to perform as intended.
Because successful ceramic machining requires a different mindset.
Why Ceramics Play by Different Rules
The explanation lies in how heat affects both the workpiece and the cutting tool.
In conventional carbide machining, heat is usually considered the enemy. Higher temperatures accelerate wear, shorten tool life, and reduce process stability.
Ceramic machining works differently.
In high-speed machining of heat-resistant superalloys and cast irons, the relationship between heat and cutting performance can be very different from what most machinists are accustomed to.
In nickel-based alloys, the material maintains extremely high strength at room temperature. As temperature rises, however, the material begins to soften. Around 800°C, its resistance to deformation decreases significantly, making it easier to cut.
At the same time, ceramic cutting materials retain their hardness and wear resistance at temperatures that would rapidly degrade conventional carbide grades.
This creates an unusual advantage: as the cutting zone becomes hotter, the material becomes easier to machine while the ceramic cutting edge retains its strength.
The result is lower cutting forces, higher material removal rates, and greater productivity.
This is why recommended cutting speeds for ceramic tools often appear surprisingly high. The objective is not simply to remove material faster. The objective is to generate the thermal conditions that allow the process to work efficiently.
The Cost of Playing It Safe
Understanding the theory is one thing.
Applying it on the shop floor is another.
When ceramic tools are introduced into production, many users instinctively reduce the recommended cutting speed during the first trial.
It feels like a reasonable precaution.
Unfortunately, it often produces the opposite effect.
At lower cutting speeds, the temperature in the cutting zone may never reach the level required to take advantage of thermal softening. The material remains difficult to machine, cutting forces increase, and productivity suffers.
In one rough milling application on Inconel 718, increasing cutting speed from approximately 400 m/min to over 1,000 m/min reduced machining time significantly while also producing lower wear than the slower cutting conditions.
For users transitioning from carbide to ceramics, this is often the moment where expectations and reality finally align.
It’s Not Just About Speed
None of this means that ceramic machining is simply a matter of turning up the spindle and hoping for the best.
Like any advanced cutting tool technology, ceramics require the right application conditions.
Rigidity remains critical. Stable workholding, secure toolholding, minimal overhang, and a vibration-free setup all contribute to successful performance. In milling applications, smooth tool paths and reduced interruptions help minimize impact loads on the cutting edge. In turning operations, stable engagement and consistent cutting conditions allow ceramic grades to perform at their full potential.
Another common question concerns coolant. In milling applications, ceramic machining is typically performed dry. The high temperatures generated during cutting are part of the process, and intermittent coolant application can create thermal shock that may damage the cutting edge. In turning operations, however, coolant can often be applied successfully because the cutting edge remains continuously engaged, avoiding the repeated heating and cooling cycles commonly found in milling.
The key difference is that, unlike carbide, cutting speed is rarely the first parameter that should be reduced when challenges arise.
More often than not, the solution lies in improving process stability rather than slowing the process down.
Rethinking What We Know About Speed
The greatest challenge in ceramic machining is often not the machine, the insert, or even the material being machined.
It is changing habits built over years of successful carbide machining.
One of the most common misconceptions is to view ceramic inserts as simply another grade of carbide.
They are not.
Ceramics are a different cutting technology, designed to operate according to different principles and within a completely different performance window.
With decades of experience in ceramic development, NTK Cutting Tools offers a comprehensive portfolio of solutions for both heat-resistant superalloys and cast iron machining. From SiAlON grades for high-speed HRSA roughing to ceramic solutions optimized for gray and ductile cast irons, these technologies help manufacturers achieve productivity levels that conventional carbide tooling often cannot reach.
The next time a ceramic cutting speed seems surprisingly aggressive, resist the temptation to treat it like carbide.
The recommendation is not high simply because the insert can survive it.
It’s high because that’s where the technology begins to work.
11, Sep 2026
Affordable Internet and Wider 5G Access Transform India’s Digital Economy
Mumbai, Sep 11: India’s digital journey has undergone a major transformation over the past decade, with affordable internet and wider connectivity bringing millions of people into the digital economy.
Communications Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia highlighted the scale of this change at the Global Fintech Fest, saying broadband access has grown from just around 6 crore people 10 years ago to more than 102 crore today.
At the same time, the cost of data has dropped sharply from about Rs 287 per GB to just Rs 9 per GB. The steep fall in data prices has made internet access more affordable for households and businesses and has helped India emerge as one of the most cost-effective digital markets globally.
The impact of this transformation goes beyond simply accessing the internet. Affordable connectivity is making it easier for people to use digital payments, online banking, e-commerce, education platforms and government services. For small businesses, entrepreneurs and startups, wider internet access is also creating new ways to reach customers and participate in the growing digital marketplace.
India’s rapid expansion of 5G connectivity has further strengthened this digital ecosystem. The country began rolling out 5G services in 2022, and within 26 months, 5G network capability had reached 99.9 per cent of India’s districts, covering around 85 per cent of the population. The rollout involved a capital expenditure of about Rs 4,500 crore.
The growing network is also taking digital opportunities beyond major cities. As villages and smaller communities become connected, more people are gaining the ability to participate in digital financial services, online commerce and other technology-driven activities.
For India’s fintech sector, wider and cheaper connectivity provides a stronger foundation for innovation and inclusion. It can help bring more consumers, merchants and rural communities into formal digital systems while giving businesses access to a much larger potential customer base.
The transformation also reflects a broader shift in India’s digital economy—from connectivity being available to a limited section of society to becoming an increasingly accessible tool for everyday life, financial services and economic opportunity.
As more villages and communities come online, the benefits of India’s digital growth are reaching a wider population, strengthening the foundation for a more connected and inclusive economy.
