The market for computer numerical control (CNC) tools is showing strong growth worldwide. By 2029, the market is projected to reach $171.37 billion, Research and Markets said in a recent report, “Machine Tools Market - Focused Insights 2024-2029”. This growth comes amid the rising global demand for precision across the manufacturing industry and the adoption of automation, Industry 4.0 principles, and advanced robotics across industries. These sectors, which rely heavily on CNC tools, need experts to achieve the required high levels of efficiency and accuracy. It’s within this context that Jishnu Patil, the co-inventor of Hyperlock, a CNC machine tool holder, emerges.
Jishnu is a mechanical design engineer at Global CNC Industries Ltd., a leading American CNC tool holder manufacturer. He combines strong academic foundations from NMIMS University in India and a master’s degree from the University of Michigan-Dearborn, USA, with hands-on experience gained through research internships at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, India. His work, grounded in mechanical principles and material science, has led to groundbreaking advancements that boost precision, save costs, and improve efficiency. Recently, he was recognised as the Best Innovator in the CatalyX Champions Series Award 2025 for his groundbreaking CNC machine tool. Today, we sat down with him to discuss how focused engineering innovation can drive market leadership and move the sector forward.
Jishnu, as an expert in your field, what’s the major problem you have with tool changes in CNC machining?
Honestly, tool changes in CNC machining take a lot of time. Every time you have to swap out a tool, the machine sits idle, and that downtime adds up fast. It’s not just the time, either, if your cooling isn’t spot on, tools wear much quicker than necessary. That means more frequent stops, higher costs, and sometimes it feels like you’re running in circles just trying to stay on track.
That’s great! So, how does Hyperlock, your CNC machine tool holder, address these issues?
Hyperlock is something I’m genuinely proud of. I developed it with the founder of the company, Global CNC Industries Ltd., Lambros Stassinos and the director of operations, Olgert Papa-Naum, and it’s currently awaiting a patent in the U.S. The big idea was to make tool changes as quick and painless as possible. With Hyperlock, you can swap tools with just one wrench, no fuss, no wasted time. It’s almost like snapping a toy into place, you can do it one-handed, and it locks in solidly.
We also built an excellent coolant system. Imagine a showerhead that aims exactly where you need, that’s what we’ve got. It cools the tool right at the cutting edge, so you don’t get that heat buildup that ruins tools and parts. The result? Sharper tools, cleaner cuts, and a lot less downtime.
Achieving precise dimensions and smooth surfaces is a tough goal during high-speed machining. To address this issue, your tool holder includes advanced vibration damping. Can you explain using an analogy how this keeps precision intact even at high speeds?
My tool holder uses special vibration-damping technology. Picture it as a surgeon performing on a moving train where this technology keeps their hands steady and ensures perfect precision even at high speeds. This makes the machining process steadier and more controlled. This extra stability is key when working on complex designs or advanced materials, where even small flaws can lead to big issues or costly repairs.
Having said that, how do your quick-change adaptors (PSC and HSK) help achieve high-speed precise manufacturing while cutting down on part rejections and improving component output?
To make tool changes faster and more efficient, I developed quick-change adaptors called PSC and HSK. They are game changers. Instead of taking minutes, switching tools now takes just a few seconds, which makes a huge difference on the shop floor. They are balanced so well that they support manufacturing that is both high-speed and accurate. Think of it like balancing a car’s wheel so that it runs at speeds most cars never reach, even when spinning thousands of times every minute. This strong balance reduces tool run-out while also preventing problems like chatter, which can cause mistakes or lower performance, and ensures both the part and machine last longer.
Together, vibration damping and accurate balancing make a big difference in part quality. The results include a notable drop in rejected parts and a considerable increase in passing parts on the first try.
Modern manufacturing often needs special tools to help manage unique shapes and materials. Now, you have created over 50 custom tool holders for various clients. What effects do these tailored designs have on speeding up machining cycles and launching new products faster?
Custom tool holders are all about solving the client’s specific headaches. I start by digging into what’s slowing them down or causing issues, then design a solution using CAD and simulation. Sometimes it’s about picking the right material or adding a special coating.
One example was the design of a special CNC tool holder and clamping system for an Automotive company. This solution targeted a tough manufacturing problem, which involved either a precise part with strict tolerances or a new material that was hard to machine. By crafting a customised solution, I helped improve both accuracy and efficiency. My work has cut down machining times for tricky parts and sped up new product launches to record levels. This has helped manufacturers tackle tougher projects and generate new ideas more quickly.
Problems in manufacturing often arise from fragmented data and inefficient administrative processes. How did you help connect ERP and CAD systems at Global CNC Industries to solve these issues?
We were running into a lot of slowdowns because different systems weren't connected, so I set out to streamline how data flows between ERP and CAD. My integration covers every step, from early design ideas and buying materials to production scheduling, managing stock, and performing quality checks. This setup automates data sharing, reduces manual tasks, and gives live updates on production during the process. This change has improved how things run, notably reducing administrative errors. The drop in errors cut waste, improved data accuracy, and ensured decisions rely on current, reliable information. This optimisation effort has cut manufacturing costs considerably. It shows how digital upgrades can improve a company’s finances.
You were recently recognised as the Best Innovator in the CatalyX Champions Series Award 2025 for your groundbreaking CNC machine tool. What does this recognition say about your efforts to guide the industry’s future with targeted engineering innovations?
Winning the CatalyX Award was a huge moment for me. It felt like real validation that the work I've been doing, especially on the Hyperlock tool holder, is helping solve real problems in manufacturing. To me, it shows that engineering innovation doesn't have to be flashy to make a difference. If it makes production safer, faster, or more precise, that's the kind of progress the industry needs and I'm proud to be part of that.
I recently won the prestigious CatalyX Award for industrial innovation, where I was named the Best Innovator. This underlines my vital role in steering the industry’s future. It also shows how targeted engineering progress pushes both market leadership.
Samreen Kaur Reveals She Got Her First Film Offer In 12th GradeFinally, how do you see manufacturing as a whole in the coming years, and how do you plan to keep up?
Manufacturing is heading toward a blend of advanced mechanical engineering and intelligent digital systems. I’m not just looking to make better tools, I want to help build entire ecosystems that redefine efficiency and open up new possibilities for production. Staying ahead means always pushing the boundaries, whether that’s through smarter designs, tighter integration, or new tech that changes how we work. That’s the future I’m aiming for.
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