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How the World Machine-Tool Survey Was Taken

Short History. These annual reports of world machine-tool production, trade, and consumption were started in 1965 by Anderson Ashburn for American Machinist magazine, and he remained closely affiliated with the survey until his death in 2003. In the early 1980s, Joe Jablonowski, now editor of the Metalworking Insiders’ Report   newsletter, joined the project. Nine years ago, again using these editors in New York, Gardner Publications, Inc. (Cincinnati, Ohio) began annual preparation of the surveys for its publications and Web site.

The methodology has remained constant. Much of the information comes from official sources directly to Gardner’s research department. Some field reports are drawn from the newsletter’s correspondents. Coordination of the data collection is through Nancy Eigel-Miller, Gardner research manager in Cincinnati.

Sources. The revised data for 2003 as well as the estimated data for 2004 is sourced at government agencies or trade associations. In the case of the fifteen national trade groups that are part of the western-European CECIMO consortium (Comité Européen de Coopération des Industries de la Machines-Outil), data-gathering is facilitated through CECIMO offices in Brussels, Belgium.

Notes on entries. The reliability of such sources varies somewhat from country to country. When it is necessary, the editors develop an estimate that is based on information from a number of sources, including import and export data from the country’s trading partners. When this is done, it is indicated by a “c” (for “circa”) next to the particular figure on the Producers table.

The Survey provides estimates for 2004 and updated figures for 2003. If no estimate for 2004 is available, the 2003 figure is carried forward unrevised and marked with a “u,” that is, the same figure is used for 2004, except that it is converted to dollars at the 2004 rate.

Definitions. A machine tool is usually defined as a power-driven machine, not portable by hand, and powered by an external source of energy. It is designed specifically for metalworking either by cutting, forming, physico-chemical processing, or a combination of these techniques.

Machine tools are traditionally broken down into two categories: Metalcutting and metalforming. Metalcutting machines typically cut away chips or swarf and include (but are not limited to)  broaching machines, drilling machines, electrical-discharge machines, gearcutting machines, grinders, machining centers, milling machines, transfer machines, and turning machines such as lathes. Metalforming machines typically squeeze metal into shape and include (but are not limited to (bending machines, cold-heading machines, presses, shears, coil slitters, and stamping machines.

Data here are solicited for metalcutting machines (codes 8456-8461 under the Harmonized Tariff System) and for metalforming machines (8462-8463) and are for complete machines only, not including parts or rebuilt machines.

Exchange rates. All local-currency figures are translated into dollars at the average commercial rate as reported at www.oanda.com.