China’s manufacturing sector is moving beyond isolated automation projects toward connected, data-driven production. A notable example is Bosch Rexroth’s cooperation with Han’s Laser and Qinchuan Machine Tool, two established Chinese equipment manufacturers pursuing different but complementary paths to smart manufacturing.
For Han’s Laser, the focus was a phased smart factory transformation built around production data. For Qinchuan Machine Tool, the cooperation expanded from a completed digital workshop into a broader strategic relationship covering CNC systems, motion control, servo technology and future intelligent manufacturing projects.
These projects show that Industry 4.0 is not achieved by installing one software platform or replacing every machine. The more practical route is to connect production data, strengthen the execution layer and then use reliable information to improve operations.
A Localized Industry 4.0 Strategy for Chinese Manufacturing
Manufacturers differ in their equipment, production processes, workforce structure and level of digital maturity. For this reason, a smart factory model developed for one market cannot simply be copied into another.
The cooperation with Han’s Laser and Qinchuan Machine Tool followed a more localized approach. Existing equipment and production processes were assessed first, after which digital tools and automation technologies were introduced around specific operational requirements.
This approach reflects an important principle: successful manufacturing transformation should begin with actual production constraints, not with a predetermined list of technologies.
Han's Laser: Building a Smart Factory in Three Stages
Han's Laser sought to improve production efficiency and technical capability while maintaining the flexibility required to manufacture a diverse range of high-quality products.
Following an assessment of its existing digital production lines, Bosch Rexroth developed a solution centered on the effective use of industrial data. The project was divided into three main stages.
Stage 1: Collect, Open and Visualize Production Data
The first step was to make information from the production line available and understandable.
Machine status, production progress and operating data need to be collected from different devices and presented in a consistent format. Without this foundation, production information remains separated across individual machines, controllers and departments.
A structured data layer can also prepare the factory for MES integration. An MES can use shop-floor information to track orders, document production, monitor work in progress and connect plant operations with higher-level management systems. Modern smart manufacturing roadmaps commonly place data access, traceability, dashboards and ERP integration before advanced analytics.
Stage 2: Develop the IoT Execution Layer
Once production data is accessible, the next stage is to connect machines, software and workflows through an industrial IoT execution layer.
This layer enables equipment information to move beyond a local controller or an isolated operator panel. Production systems can use the data for status monitoring, alerts, maintenance coordination and cross-process communication. The objective is not simply to put machines online. The information must support actual production decisions and clearly defined workflows.
Stage 3: Turn Production Data into Operational Insight
The final stage focuses on data analysis. Historical and real-time information can be used to identify production bottlenecks, compare cycle times, monitor equipment utilization and detect abnormal operating patterns. Over time, a well-structured data foundation can also support predictive maintenance and more accurate production planning.
This progression from connectivity to execution and then analysis—is more manageable than attempting to deploy every smart factory function at once.
Qinchuan Machine Tool Expands Its Strategic Cooperation
Qinchuan Machine Tool had already worked with Bosch Rexroth on a digital workshop for robot joint reducers. The production line was delivered in early 2017 and was expected to reduce labor costs by approximately 50% while reaching an annual production capacity of 60,000 units.
The second-phase memorandum of understanding extended the relationship into several additional areas:
- CNC systems;
- motion control and servo technology;
- joint smart manufacturing projects for third-party customers;
- development of an Industry 4.0 innovation center in Shaanxi;
- training and development of local technical talent.
Rather than treating the first production line as a standalone demonstration, the companies used it as the foundation for a longer-term partnership involving technology, projects and workforce development. That distinction is important. A smart factory project creates greater value when the knowledge gained from one line can be reused across other machines, workshops and customer applications.
Reliable Machine Components Remain the Foundation of a Smart Factory
Software, connectivity and analytics receive much of the attention in Industry 4.0 discussions, but a smart factory still depends on the reliability of its physical equipment.
Hydraulic systems remain important in machine tools, forming equipment, presses, automated handling systems and other industrial machinery. Sensors can monitor pressure, temperature, flow and operating conditions, but the quality of the resulting data also depends on stable mechanical and hydraulic performance.
Unexpected leakage, pressure fluctuation, excessive temperature or pump wear can reduce process consistency and create unplanned downtime. In connected hydraulic systems, operating data can help maintenance teams identify abnormal conditions before they lead to more serious failures.
For manufacturers upgrading existing equipment, selecting a suitable hydraulic pump is therefore not only a maintenance decision. It can influence energy consumption, motion stability, cycle consistency and the long-term reliability of the production line.
Hydraulic Pump Options for Industrial Equipment
Bohang Hydraulic supplies axial piston pumps, hydraulic motors, valves and replacement components for industrial and mobile machinery. Its hydraulic pump range includes open-circuit variable pumps, fixed-displacement pumps and heavy-duty pump series for demanding operating conditions.
A10VO Variable Displacement Pumps
The A10VO series is designed for open-circuit hydrostatic systems. Flow varies with drive speed and displacement and can be adjusted through the swashplate angle.
Available displacements range from 18 to 140 cm³/rev, with a nominal pressure rating of 280 bar and a peak pressure rating of 350 bar. Features include low-noise operation, short control response times and through-drive options for connecting an additional pump.
These characteristics make variable displacement pumps relevant to industrial systems where flow demand changes during different parts of the machine cycle.
A4VSO Heavy-Duty Variable Pumps
For continuous-duty industrial applications, the A4VSO series provides variable flow in an open circuit and supports several pressure and flow control configurations.
The series covers displacements from 40 to 1,000 cm³/rev, with nominal pressures up to 350 bar and peak pressures up to 400 bar. Its modular design, variable-speed suitability and heavy-duty construction make it applicable to industrial presses and other high-load equipment.
When a production line is being modernized, control type, displacement, operating pressure, mounting dimensions, fluid condition and expected duty cycle should all be checked before a replacement pump is selected.
A2FO Fixed Displacement Pumps
The A2FO bent-axis pump provides fixed displacement for open-circuit systems. Its compact dimensions, high power density and relatively simple construction make it suitable for both mobile and stationary applications where stable, proportional flow is required.
Bohang lists sizes from 5 to 1,000 cm³/rev, with pressure ratings depending on the selected configuration.
Combining Digital Transformation with Equipment Reliability
A practical smart manufacturing program should connect digital development with equipment engineering.
Production data cannot compensate for an incorrectly sized pump, unstable pressure control or unsuitable system configuration. At the same time, a reliable hydraulic system delivers more value when its operating condition can be monitored and included in the factory’s maintenance and production workflows.
Manufacturers planning an upgrade should consider both sides of the project:
- What production information needs to be collected?
- Which systems need to exchange that information?
- Which decisions will operators and managers make from the data?
- Are the pumps, motors, valves and actuators suitable for the required duty cycle?
- Can replacement components be installed without introducing new compatibility risks?
- Which operating parameters should be monitored after commissioning?
Bohang Hydraulic provides pump and motor selection, replacement matching and customized hydraulic support for industrial equipment. For replacement projects, technical teams should verify the original model code, displacement, rotation direction, shaft, mounting flange, port arrangement, pressure range and control type before ordering.
What Manufacturers Can Learn from These Projects
The cooperation with Han's Laser and Qinchuan Machine Tool offers several practical lessons for other manufacturers.
Begin with a Production Problem
A digital transformation project should address a clearly defined issue, such as limited production visibility, excessive manual data entry, inconsistent cycle times, quality traceability or unplanned equipment downtime.
Build the Data Foundation First
Advanced analytics cannot deliver reliable results when equipment data is incomplete, inconsistent or isolated. Data collection, access and visualization should come before complex applications.
Implement the Project in Manageable Phases
A phased roadmap allows the company to test the system, train employees and measure results before expanding to additional lines or factories.
Connect Software with Physical Equipment
MES, IoT and analytics platforms must reflect the real behavior of machines and production processes. Pumps, drives, controls, sensors and communication systems need to operate as one coordinated system.
Measure Operational Results
Useful performance indicators may include equipment availability, cycle time, energy consumption, maintenance frequency, scrap rate, production output and order delivery performance.
Continued Cooperation in Smart Manufacturing
The relationship between Han's Laser and Bosch Rexroth has continued beyond the original project. In June 2025, Han's Laser Smart Equipment Group and Bosch Rexroth signed another strategic cooperation agreement, with discussions covering current projects, future planning, production efficiency, product quality and high-end equipment manufacturing.
This continued cooperation reinforces a central lesson of smart manufacturing: transformation is not a one-time installation. It is a long-term process of improving production, equipment, data and technical capability.
Conclusion
The projects involving Han's Laser and Qinchuan Machine Tool demonstrate that smart manufacturing is most effective when it is built around real production requirements.
Han's Laser followed a structured path from production data to IoT execution and analytics. Qinchuan Machine Tool expanded a successful digital workshop into a broader cooperation covering control technology, future projects and local technical development.
For other manufacturers, the lesson is clear: establish a reliable data foundation, implement changes in phases and ensure that the physical equipment from hydraulic pumps and drives to machine controls can support the factory's long-term performance objectives.
FAQ
Q1. Why are hydraulic pumps relevant to smart manufacturing?
A: Hydraulic pumps provide flow to many presses, machine tools and industrial systems. Their efficiency, control response and condition can affect machine stability, energy use, production consistency and downtime.
Q2. Can an existing hydraulic system be included in a smart factory upgrade?
A: In many cases, yes. Sensors, controllers and data gateways may be added to existing equipment, but pump condition, valve performance, system cleanliness and control compatibility should be evaluated first.
Q3. What information is needed when selecting a replacement hydraulic pump?
A: The most important information includes the original pump model, displacement, pressure rating, rotation direction, shaft type, mounting flange, port configuration and control code. Operating environment and duty cycle should also be considered.