Manufacturing Technology
Article | October 13, 2021
The electronics manufacturing business is adopting new technologies to create smart electronics manufacturing products for its consumer base. Next-generation technologies are shaping the future of the manufacturing industry by enabling it to create technologically advanced and user-friendly products. Matt Mong, one of the manufacturing industry's leading professionals, stated in an interview with Media7,
“Be Different. Don’t position your product in an existing category. Instead, create your category and make the competition irrelevant and obsolete.” – Matt Mong, VP Market Innovation and Project Business Evangelist at Adeaca.
The year 2022 will be a year of advancement and development for the electronics manufacturing industry.
So, manufacturers are eager to embrace new technologies and produce more innovative, more user-friendly goods that become part of consumers' daily lives and meet their needs. To make the manufacturing process manageable and deliver advanced products, we will look at the top five trends flourishing in the electronics manufacturing industry.
Top Five Electronics Manufacturing Industry Trends
Future manufacturing technologies are transforming the electronics manufacturing industry's processes and products. Let's look at the top electronics manufacturing industry trends for 2022, which will propel the sector to new heights of technological advancement.
Utilizing the Benefits of the Internet of Things
The Internet of Things is being used in both the manufacturing process and the products themselves. It enables electronic manufacturing products and processes to become more intelligent and performance-driven to fulfill business and customer needs.
In electronics manufacturing, the Internet of Things (IoT) enables businesses to solve common production challenges such as product quality issues, changing demands, and a complex global supply chain. As a result, it increases productivity and efficiency while reducing human effort.
Industrial units may gather and analyze real-time data and processes using IoT-based sensor systems. Additionally, it assists organizations in managing data and transforms traditional manufacturing into an intelligent manufacturing unit.
Using an ERP System to Maintain the Company's Competitive Edge
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) is a centralized management system for all operational and business activities. The software automates all manufacturing processes and enables the electronics manufacturing sector to achieve higher precision throughout the manufacturing process and product delivery.
ERP has the potential to boost productivity, improve efficiency, decrease expenses, and increase profitability. ERP enables electronics manufacturers to forecast, plan, modify, and respond to changing market demands. By using an ERP system in your manufacturing unit, you may expand your business and increase revenue.
Making Use of Big Data
The electronics manufacturing industry benefits from the use of big data to make critical business decisions. It aids in the integration of previously isolated systems to provide a comprehensive view of industrial processes. It also automates data gathering and processing, allowing for more excellent knowledge of each system individually and collectively.
Big data also assists manufacturers in discovering new information and identifying trends, allowing them to optimize operations, improve supply chain efficiency, and find variables that impact manufacturing quality, volume, or consistency. In addition, big data assists the electronics manufacturing industry in keeping up with the rapidly changing digital world.
Using AR and VR to Create Consumer-friendly Goods
AR and VR are future manufacturing technologies that are changing electronics manufacturing products and driving growth. Robotics is a crucial usage of virtual reality in electronics production. Manufacturers may use powerful virtual reality software to design goods. This implementation of virtual reality software reduces production errors and saves time and money.
AR in electronics manufacturing allows product developers to generate interactive 3D views of new products before production. AR and VR are part of Industry 4.0, the digital revolution of conventional electronics production units.
Adoption of 3D Printing on a Wide Scale
One of the essential advantages of today's electronics 3D printing is that companies can quickly prototype PCBs and other electrical devices in-house. In addition, 3D printing has simplified the electronics manufacturing process, and it is currently being utilized to manufacture multilayer printed circuit boards. It uses material jetting technology to spray conductive and insulating inks onto the printing surface.
Let's look at an example of an analogy that worked for Jinzhenyuan - The Electronic Technology Co. Ltd., managed by Mr. Huang Runyuan, Jinzhenyuan's General Manager, and based on the concept of Industry 4.0. (Reference: Forbes)
Jinzhenyuan - The Electronic Technology Co. Ltd. Takes a Significant Step Forward with Industry 4.0
Jinzhenyuan - The Electronic Technology Co. Ltd., formed in 2012, sells its products globally. In addition, it manufactures cellphones, computers, cars, and a variety of other consumer electronics. Due to changing market needs, the firm planned to upgrade its production facility to industry 4.0 by the end of 2017 to participate in smart manufacturing.
The company increased production efficiency, shortened production cycles, and cut costs due to the digital revolution. Today, Jinzhenyuan is regarded as a model of digital transformation in the community in which it works. Let’s observe the statistics for Jinzhenyuan following the deployment of Industry 4.0.
32% improvement in total production efficiency
33% cost reduction
41% decrease in R&D to production cycles
51% reduction in substandard parts rate – from 3,000 to 1,500 per million
Final Words
The electronics manufacturing sector is on the verge of a digital revolution that will improve the production process efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Many of the world's biggest firms, like Apple, Microsoft, Hitachi, and Saline lectronics, are developing future agile factories to keep up with the world's digital transformation. Future manufacturing technology will help your manufacturing company make the manufacturing process more efficient and boost the business revenue.
FAQs
What are the future electronics technologies?
Smart grid solutions, wearable technology devices, prefabricated goods, the Internet of Things, and robots are some of the future electronics innovations that will propel the business forward.
Is the supply chain benefiting from new technology trends?
Yes, supply chain management benefits from smart technology as well. Trucks equipped with cutting-edge technologies can get real-time data on the weather and road conditions ahead of time. It contributes to the supply chain process's reduction of possible risks.
Which manufacturers are implementing the industry 4.0 concept in their factories?
Whirlpool, Siemens, Hirotec, Tesla, Bosch, and Ocado, among others, have turned their traditional factories into digitally smart ones that incorporate all of the cutting-edge technology necessary to improve and optimize the production process.
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Article | May 25, 2021
Additive manufacturing offers the potential to accelerate the pace of electronics manufacturing by creating a number of unique opportunities, such as the ability to combine multiple materials in single print jobs. The technology is also much more accessible than it previously was. Plus, it enables faster prototyping, which could speed the time to market and prevent costly mishaps that disrupt the production process. Here’s a look at some of the many benefits additive manufacturing brings to the electronics sector.
One Giant Leap
Adoption rates for electronics made with additive manufacturing will continue to climb as people realize its versatility. Thanks to a new project associated with students at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, we could see materials made with additive manufacturing are as well-suited for use in space as on Earth.
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Manufacturing Technology
Article | March 14, 2022
Predictive maintenance analytics is a type of maintenance that frequently monitors an asset's health. This timely maintenance or monitoring of assets or machines reduces unexpected breakdowns and allows manufacturers to plan around their production schedule.
“Even the best-built machines need proper preventive maintenance to remain productive and reach their maximum working life.”
- PMI (PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE INSPECTION)
Predictive maintenance methods and software have evolved. Companies no longer need to import data into spreadsheets and extract insights manually. Businesses can now effectively estimate maintenance tasks using AI and machine learning algorithms in predictive maintenance systems. Robots and Internet of Things (IoT) devices are also generating more data than ever before, helping manufacturers be more insightful in their operations and processes.
Why Should Predictive Maintenance Manufacturing Be Considered?
The depreciation cost is significant in industries like manufacturing, where the cost of advanced equipment is very high. This makes it important to make sure that the assets of the manufacturing company are well-managed.
Using the predictive maintenance model in these situations saves money on multiple levels. Even though there are protocols like lean management and six-sigma, their usefulness is being questioned when it comes to existing business practices.
In a world where technology dictates practically every aspect of our lives, it is essential to have efficient procedures powered by cutting-edge technology. In essence, predictive maintenance aims to upgrade asset management using IoT.
According to a PwC analysis, manufacturing predictive maintenance
Cuts cost by 12%
Increases uptime by 9%
Extends the life of old assets by 20%
Reduces safety, environmental, quality, and health hazards by up to 14%
Types of Predictive Maintenance Technologies
Vibrational Analysis
Acoustical Analysis (sonic)
Acoustical Analysis (ultrasonic)
Infrared Analysis
This is the preferred method for predictive maintenance in high-rotational industrial plants.
It is cheaper than other condition monitoring methods because it has been around longer.
Vibrational analysis can detect imbalance, misalignment, and bearing wear in addition to looseness.
This form of analysis is employed for low-and high-rotating machines. It's popular among lubrication technicians.
However, it does not focus on identifying the reasons for rotating equipment failure by measuring and recording vibrations at discrete frequencies for trending purposes.
Instead, acoustic bearing analysis targets lubrication technicians and focuses on proactive lubrication.
Ultrasonic acoustical analysis is solely used for predictive maintenance.
Its ultrasonic detection capability can distinguish between ultrasonic noises of machine friction and stress.
This form of analysis is more accurate than vibration or oil analysis.
This form of analysis is not affected by an asset’s rotational speed or volume. As a result, it is ideal for a wide variety of asset types.
When the temperature is a good indicator of possible problems, infrared analysis is the most cost-effective way to keep things running smoothly before they break down.
It is frequently used to diagnose cooling, airflow, and even motor stress issues.
How to Apply Predictive Maintenance Analytics in Practice?
Management is supplied with ROI scenarios prior to implementing predictive maintenance on the factory floor. Additionally, maintenance personnel and machine operators require training on how to use PdM technology (predictive maintenance). Following this, the true implementation of predictive maintenance equipment begins.
Establish Benchmarks
The maintenance team establishes acceptable condition thresholds for sensor-equipped assets.
Connect Gadgets to the Internet of Things (IoT)
The sensor is attached to the asset. A vibration meter, for example, is attached to a mechanical asset through gears, while a temperature sensor is attached to a boiler.
Integrate Hardware and Software
In this case, the IoT device is connected to a central management system (CMMS) or a remote dashboard, which collects and analyzes data.
Establish a Maintenance Schedule
Inspections are initiated automatically by a CMMS when a condition limit is exceeded or manually by the person monitoring the dashboard.
Predictive Maintenance Example
Preventing Power Outages
Power outages can be extremely inconvenient for those affected. They can be discovered early and so avoided with predictive maintenance technologies. Sensors would once again be used in this situation to deliver artificial intelligence-based insight into assets. This intelligence-based insight alerts the plant supervisor when equipment is about to malfunction.
Manufacturing Supervision
Since industrial plants typically contain many expensive assets and valuable equipment, they may invest in infrared imagers to monitor various elements of assets, such as temperature, to avoid overheating. This predictive maintenance technology assists plants in avoiding excessive use of critical equipment, which might result in disruptive breakdowns.
Final Word
Predictive maintenance is an advantageous tool for larger organizations that have outgrown typical preventative maintenance approaches and have an additional budget. It can generate a positive return on investment, transforming the maintenance department into a source of cost savings and increased revenues.
Predictive maintenance has some drawbacks, such as high startup costs and the requirement for specialized expertise. However, it helps to conduct maintenance only when necessary, assisting facilities in cutting costs, saving time, and maximizing resources.
Consultation with equipment makers and experts in condition monitoring should be conducted prior to determining whether predictive maintenance is the best approach for specific assets.
FAQ
Is predictive maintenance cost-effective?
Yes. Predictive maintenance saves between 8% and 12% compared to preventive maintenance and up to 40% compared to reactive maintenance, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
What is the difference between predictive and preventive maintenance?
Predictive maintenance saves money on labor and materials, whereas preventive maintenance is less expensive to undertake. Moreover, preventive maintenance is scheduled on a regular basis, whereas predictive maintenance is scheduled on an as-needed basis, depending on asset conditions.
What is TPM?
TPM, i.e., Total Productive Maintenance is a team-based method that focuses on proactive and preventative techniques to increase plant and equipment reliability.
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Article | June 29, 2020
Machine tending is one of those tasks that's ideally suited to collaborative robot-powered automation. Dull, often dirty and sometimes dangerous, it's no surprise that over recent years machine tending has emerged as one of the most popular applications for cobots.And with manufacturers facing unique challenges --from sudden changes to production lines to the introduction of social distancing requirements-- due to COVID-19, cobot's mobility and ease-of-use makes them even more attractive today than during normal circumstances. There are many tasks in a production environment that fall into the category of “machine tending” – where a piece of equipment requires worker intervention in order to complete a task.
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