The Mold Industry in Portugal

Standing out as one of the most competitive and dynamic sectors in the country, the mold industry plays a fundamental role in the development of the national economy.

Recognized for its high level of quality and differentiation, innovation capacity, and technical expertise, the mold industry is at the technological forefront, ranking as the 3rd largest producer in Europe and the 8th largest globally.

With a strong presence on the international scene, the Portuguese Mold Industry exported 83% of its production to over 83 countries in 2022, with Europe and the United States as the main destinations.

However, for the sector to continue to thrive, it is crucial that its maintenance is carried out in accordance with its needs, making it essential to evolve, innovate, implement quality systems, and modernize the technologies used.

Moreover, it is important to note that the national mold sector currently faces two major interrelated problems that companies are trying to address: the lack of labor and the loss of knowledge, both driven by low birth rates and the retirement of experienced workers.

Industry 4.0

With the integration of the Internet, digital devices, and technological machines into daily life, this new era marks an unprecedented chapter in industrial history, changing the way we work, live, and interact.

Alongside this social transformation, the technological advances of recent years have been disruptive for the industry. The mold sector is no exception, with the Fourth Industrial Revolution, also known as Industry 4.0, being a primary driver of change.

Industry 4.0 arises from the need to improve business models and production systems in companies, offering the opportunity to optimize processes, increase productivity and competitiveness, and explore new business perspectives.

Characteristics of Industry 4.0

  • Collaboration between people and technologies: Industry 4.0 aims for the harmonious integration between humans and machines, leveraging each other’s capabilities to achieve optimized results.
  • Faster and safer processes: Automation and artificial intelligence allow tasks to be performed with greater efficiency and lower risk of errors, increasing productivity and safety in the workplace.
  • Quality of work life: Automating repetitive and manual tasks frees workers to focus on more creative and strategic activities.
  • Efficiency and competitiveness: Adopting Industry 4.0 technologies enables companies to optimize their processes, reduce costs, and increase their competitiveness in the global market.

This change opens doors to a promising future, where the industry becomes more efficient, competitive, and focused on human well-being.

Key Technologies of Industry 4.0

Technology is the foundation of Industry 4.0, encompassing a range of disruptive methods that drive industrial transformation:

  • Internet of Things (IoT): Connecting machines, devices, and sensors to the Internet, allowing for real-time data collection and analysis.
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI): Enables machines to learn and make decisions autonomously, automating complex tasks and increasing production efficiency.
  • Big Data: Analyzing large data sets to identify patterns and trends that can be used to optimize processes, make smarter decisions, or create products and services.
  • Cloud Computing: Storing and processing large volumes of data securely on virtual servers.
  • Cybersecurity: Protecting systems and data against cyber-attacks.
  • Augmented Reality (AR): Providing workers with visual instructions and relevant information for task execution.
  • Robotic Automation: Implementing robots that work alongside humans to perform repetitive, dangerous, or highly precise tasks.
  • 3D Simulation: Simulating products, materials, or processes in 3D to perfect models.

Investing in Industry 4.0: Benefits for the Mold Sector

There are several advantages that drive companies to invest in Industry 4.0:

  • Increased productivity and efficiency: Reducing downtime, optimizing production, and speeding up product delivery.
  • Improved quality: Greater quality control and reduction of errors and failures through constant monitoring.
  • Greater flexibility and adaptability: The ability to respond quickly to market changes and customer needs.
  • New business opportunities: Developing innovative and personalized products and services.
  • Creation of new jobs: Demand for skilled professionals in areas such as information technology, engineering, and data analysis.

Challenges of Industry 4.0

While the benefits are clear, companies must also consider the challenges of Industry 4.0:

  • Investment in technology: Acquiring hardware, software, and training the team requires significant financial investment.
  • Systems integration: Difficulty integrating new technologies with existing company systems.
  • Lack of qualified labor: Need for professionals with skills in areas such as data analysis, programming, and artificial intelligence.
  • Cybersecurity: Vulnerability to cyber-attacks and the need to implement adequate security measures.

Opportunities for the Mold Sector

In the current situation of the Portuguese mold sector, Industry 4.0 represents an opportunity to boost the sector’s competitiveness, efficiency, and innovation. Companies that invest in digital technologies and the qualification of their workforce will be better positioned to thrive in the globalized market.

Investment Incentives:

  1. Research & Technological Development, if you aim to:
  • Develop new products and/or services, or improve existing ones;
  • Intensify research and innovation activities;
  • Establish synergies with other entities in the R&I System;
  • Strengthen the internal skills and capabilities of the team; and
  • Position yourself in a differentiated manner in the market.
  1. Productive Innovation, if you intend to:
  • Reinforce productive capacity through investment in innovative activities;
  • Build a new production unit;
  • Increase production capacity;
  • Diversify production; and
  • Change the production process.