According to a report by McKinsey Global Institute, manufacturers in the U.S. can boost their total value by up to $530 billion by 2025. This is especially if they take advantage of the available trends and innovations.
Manufactures can be innovative in many ways and use technology to develop new services and processes that can help enhance their products. Technology has allowed manufacturers to create quality goods faster than they did before.
Innovators are constantly improving the existing technologies in U.S. manufacturing to meet the needs of the market, look for ways to stay ahead of the competition and reach the untapped market.
Here are some of the trends that are making an impact in the manufacturing industry:
Laser Marking
Laser technology is not a new thing in the manufacturing industry. Laser marking is one of the fastest ways of marketing products. Unlike laser engraving, laser marking included color change because of charring, ablation, foaming, melting, chemical/molecular alteration, and more.
The technique used in laser marking does not use inks or tool bits that contact the surface of the products being engraved. This is what makes this trend better than engraving. Laser marking metal is cost-effective and highly productive.
The markings can be used for traceability, and the markers can also be designed to meet the client’s specific needs.
Virtual Manufacturing
Getting something right with the first is every manufacturer’s dream. Manufacturers use this trend to know precisely what the end product will be according to their creative decisions. This trend helps to reduce resources and time wastage.
With virtual manufacturing, manufacturers can perform their processes digitally and visually carry out each process in a somewhat animated procedure. They will be able to know how the procedures will take place before they can manufacture the product.
Industries, like the auto manufacturing industry, are already using this technology and are able to save, make operations simpler, and get their products to the market faster.
3D Printing
The 3D printing trends are used by manufacturers to manufacture physical objects from alloy plastics. The images are based on a 3D image that is imported into the printing machine. The process helps to know how long it will take to get the product to the market and in funding the manufacturing of the products.
One of the most exciting examples of this innovation is the MX3D’s six-axis robot arm, which can print and construct complex metalwork in mid-air from all angles. This helps to improve the speed of production and the structural integrity of the products.
Micro Manufacturing
This is a technology that is used when creating small components for various devices. It can be used to make innovative medical apparatus that will allow doctors to attend to their patients and avoid invasive surgeries.
While this technology is lightweight and mobile, the process of micro molding is very important. It is a great way to create internal parts of the machine that the designers use to create the product.
Robotics
Industrial robots today are more sophisticated. They have the ability that allows easy programming so that they can handle several jobs at a time. As robots are slowly increasing in the manufacturing industry, humans are likely to use robotic gears like robot gloves to work.
Auto manufacturers like General Motors have adopted the robotic glove that was first used by NASA. The glove is being used by their workers in the factory. The gloves’ design is derived from the design that NASA used.
Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology was first used in the biomedical and aerospace areas. This technology deals with a matter that is between 1 and 100 nanometers, where a nanometer is one-billionth of a meter.
Today, this technology is used to manufacture stronger and lightweight materials for sporting equipment, auto parts, boats, and personal care items like eyeglasses. The Nanostructured catalysts make manufacturing processes that involve chemicals more efficient because it saves energy and reduces waste.
Internet of Things
Manufacturers have adopted the Internet of Things (IoT) in their processes. IoT connects exclusive devices that are in Internet infrastructure to attain and increase several goals like safety, efficiency, product innovation, cost reduction, and meeting compliance requirements
IoT exists due to cloud computing, widely available Internet access, and smaller sensors. At least 63 percent of manufacturers believe that with this trend, they will increase profitability and are ready to invest in it.
These manufacturers are aware that IoT will empower them to make strategic decisions by providing important information to help grow their businesses. This trend and predictive analytics have a huge impact on this industry.
It offers new and exciting opportunities that connect operations and transform business processes. Technology, as a whole, enables manufacturers to evolve with a digital-first business landscape.
Sensors
Factories are filled with self-reliant machines. Therefore, it is vital that they have good and reliable systems in place that will help prevent accidents. This is where sensors in the workplace come in.
Companies like T.E. Connectivity produces sophisticated workplace sensors that relay information from the machine to smart devices. The data help to keep the manufacturing process running smoothly.
Exoskeletons
This wearable technology is also finding its way in the manufacturing industry. Exoskeletons protect factory workers and also add to their strength. Exoskeletons offer a great concession between staff that is made up only of robots and human staff with robot-like abilities.
The technology helps humans protect their jobs, have the strength, power, and stability that robots offer. One of such innovations is the Esko vest that some companies are already using.
Follow These Trends and Innovations in U.S. Manufacturing
We are in a time that has regular transformations. Being active and flexible is the key to success when it comes to using the latest trends and innovations in U.S. manufacturing. With these and more innovations, the future is set to witness more technology that will impact the manufacturing industry.
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