Article | November 1, 2021
Manufacturing processes will undergo significant transformation in 2022 as a result of advanced manufacturing technology. The changing manufacturing industry is full of digitization to improve processes, products, productivity, and business revenue.
Manufacturers must realize the advantages of advanced manufacturing and learn to enhance their production processes to increase their manufacturing plant's productivity. Once you understand the heart of your business and where to integrate technology, you're halfway to success.
The manufacturing industry's top professionals have also recognized the technology shift and are supporting upskilling in the manufacturing business. Mr. Matt Mong has said in his interview with Media7,
“Once you start to look at yourself in the right way and realize that projects are at the core of your business, it is easy to see how you should use technology to support your business.” – Matt Mong, VP Market Innovation and Project Business Evangelist at Adeaca
Importance of Advanced Manufacturing
Adopting innovative manufacturing technologies has several advantages that grow its acceptance and relevance among manufacturers across industries. The following are the most significant advantages of advanced manufacturing.
Amplifying the product and process quality
Improvement in productivity
Encourages new ways to innovation
Decreases production time
Considering the factors above that contribute to the production process becoming more efficient, productive, and revenue-generating, advanced manufacturing will continue to dominate the manufacturing business in 2022.
Top Five Technologies That Are Advancing Manufacturing in 2022
To better understand the current trends in manufacturing technology, let us comprehend the technologies that are advancing the manufacturing industry. Additionally, discover how these technologies help manufacturers to advance their manufacturing processes.
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing in manufacturing is used for marketing, product development, inventory management, and productivity management. It stores software and commercial data via internet connections. Cloud computing is becoming a prevalent technology because it enables manufacturers to improve communication and manage the entire production cycle effectively.
According to MarketsandMarkets' study, the global cloud computing market will also increase to 832.1 billion dollars by 2025, growing at a 17.5 percent annual rate in the following years.
Benefits of Cloud Computing
Fewer technical issues when compared to traditional software use
Cost savings because no in-house servers are required
Cloud computing enables easy scalability for your developing firm
Cloud computing provides centralized control and access from any device
How did McDonald's use AWS cloud computing services to transform their customer service?
Additive Manufacturing
Additive manufacturing enables the fabrication of lighter, more sophisticated designs that would be impossible or prohibitively expensive to fabricate using conventional dies, molds, milling, and machining techniques. Rapid prototyping is another area where additive manufacturing thrives.
As a result, it is gaining a grip in the manufacturing business. According to Statista's market research, the additive manufacturing industry is worth approximately 12.6 billion US dollars in 2020 and is predicted to increase at a compound annual growth rate of 17% until 2023.
Benefits of Additive Manufacturing
Reduces material waste
Simplifies manufacturing processes
Additive manufacturing enables on-demand production
Increases supply chain flexibility
The finished product can be made close to the end customer
Robotics
Robots are used in manufacturing to automate repetitive tasks, resulting in a more efficient assembly line. Humans and robots work together on a variety of things as well during the production of various products. Many jobs are hazardous or necessitate many supplies, which could be harmful to the human workers themselves. So, in such instances, robots play a significant role in executing manufacturing operations.
Robotics' increasing application in production is transforming it into a necessary component of industrial processes in the future. According to Mordorintelligence's study, the robots industry was worth USD 27.73 billion in 2020 and is predicted to reach USD 74.1 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 17.45 percent between 2021 and 2026.
Benefits of Robotics
Increased productivity when compared to traditional manufacturing
Consistent speed and quality during goods production
Increased workplace safety for all employees at the manufacturing plant
Aids in more efficient use of floor space
Internet of Things
The Internet of Things allows devices to interconnect with one another and exchange data. The IoT connects assets to processes, systems, and people in manufacturing. This enables improved process integration, increased efficiency, and the advancement of manufacturing to the next transformation phase, Industry 4.0.
According to Mordorintelligence's market research, the global IoT market is estimated to reach USD 1,386.06 billion in 2026, up from USD 761.4 billion in 2020, a CAGR of 10.53 percent over the forecast period of 2021 to 2026.
Benefits of Internet of Things
It contributes to increased energy efficiency by identifying and optimizing underperforming devices
It monitors all processes and parameters to determine when to replace specific components
It improves product quality by analyzing and correcting issues at any stage of the manufacturing process
It reduces downtime by detecting and alerting production line personnel to problems
It enables more informed decision-making by unlocking
Virtual Reality
Virtual reality enables plant managers to mimic manufacturing processes and assembly line layouts to discover potentially harmful scenarios. Additionally, virtual reality can immerse an employee in a future workstation and then capture their movement to assess task feasibility and proficiency. As a result, the usage of virtual reality in manufacturing is increasing daily and is widely seen as the industry's future.
According to market research firm markets and markets, the worldwide virtual reality industry is estimated to rise by USD 20.9 billion by 2025, expanding at a 27.9 percent compound annual growth rate from 2020 to 2025.
Benefits of Virtual Reality
Enables a more thorough examination of the product's design
Enables the gathering of feedback on future items before they are launched in the real world
Final Words
In recent years, advanced manufacturing technology has helped the manufacturing industry become more efficient, precise, and goal-oriented. As a result, manufacturers are eager to upgrade their current manufacturing facilities to state-of-the-art facilities. As a result, manufacturing companies would become more competitive and an integral industry component if they implement cutting-edge technologies.
FAQs
How do you define advanced manufacturing?
Product and process improvement through inventive use of new technology is called advanced manufacturing.
Which sectors are utilizing cutting-edge technology?
Aerospace, Medical, Electronics, Transportation, Energy, and Consumer Product Production Companies are the top businesses or sectors that use cutting-edge technologies with sophisticated manufacturing.
What is the difference between conventional manufacturing and advanced manufacturing?
Traditional manufacturing adds value to attain the goal. Traditional manufacturing adds value to attain the goal. But, on the other hand, advanced manufacturing covers production methods in specific industries like aerospace, medical, pharmaceutical, etc.
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Article | November 20, 2021
Additive manufacturing in America plays a significant part in reviving the manufacturing industry and establishing the country as a leader in applying additive manufacturing technology. The United States was formerly the industrial leader, but it fell out of favor between 2000 and 2010 for many reasons, including recession and structural and financial instability.
In this challenging time, technology interventions such as additive manufacturing in the manufacturing business have allowed the industry to survive. As per the recent report by A.T. Kearney, the USA, the industry leader in manufacturing, has worked hard to reclaim its top position in manufacturing and has also been named the leader in additive manufacturing.
Let's look at which fields of America are utilizing the benefits of additive manufacturing technology to reclaim its position as the industry leader.
Additive Manufacturing in America
The manufacturing industry is gravitating toward additive manufacturing, sometimes known as 3D printing. The numerous advantages of additive manufacturing, such as the reduction of material waste, the reduction of prototyping time, the reduction of prototyping costs, the creation of lightweight objects, and the ease with which it can be implemented and recreated, are making it more popular around the world, including in the United States.
In the United States, the additive manufacturing and material industry is expected to be worth $4.1 billion by 2020. China is the world's second-largest economy and is expected to reach a projected market size of US$14.5 billion by 2027, with a CAGR of 27.2 percent from 2020 to 2027.
How does America Leverage the Additive Manufacturing?
US Airforce has launched research into 3D printing
The US Air Force has begun researching 3D printing replacement parts for old planes utilizing a 3D printing platform.
The project initiative credit goes to 3D Systems, Lockheed Martin, Orbital ATK, and Northrop Grumman. America Makes will observe the project in its third stage and be led by the University of Dayton Research. The Air Force Laboratory financed the Maturation of Advanced Manufacturing for Low-Cost Sustainment (MAMLS) program.
The US Air Force will investigate how the 3D printing technology may reproduce components for outdated aircraft. Using additive manufacturing, the replacement parts may be created faster and in smaller batches, with no minimum order quantity. In addition, applying additive manufacturing will reduce the aircraft ground time and eliminate the need for parts warehousing.
American Manufacturing Companies and Additive Manufacturing
3D Systems, Inc.
3D Systems is an additive manufacturing company. Their work goes beyond prototyping. The company's experts use their deep domain expertise in aerospace and healthcare industries to produce competitive additive manufacturing solutions. This global leader in additive manufacturing helps you define business needs, verify manufacturing flow, and scale manufacturing flow.
General Electric
GE has seen the benefits of additive manufacturing and its options for product design, such as the potential to build lighter, more vital components and systems. As a result, they created goods that are better performing, more sophisticated in design, and easier to produce.
Ford
Ford's advanced manufacturing center in Michigan is all about additive manufacturing. The company employs 3D printing extensively in product development and is looking to integrate it into manufacturing lines. As a result, additive manufacturing is now a critical aspect of the Ford product development cycle, enabling prototype parts and product engineering exercises.
Final Words
The American manufacturing industry has experienced a renaissance as a result of the advent of additive manufacturing. Additionally, it has built its national accelerator and leading collaborative partner in additive manufacturing, "America Makes," which is the largest manufacturing industryglobally in terms of revenue and operates in a variety of areas. However, it is mainly focused on 3D printing or additive manufacturing, which is undoubtedly reviving the country's manufacturing sector.
FAQ
What are the significant challenges in additive manufacturing?
Limitations in terms of size, consistency of quality, scalability, a limited variety of materials and high material costs, and limited multi-material capabilities are only a few of the prevalent issues associated with additive manufacturing technology.
Which company is leading in additive manufacturing technology in the USA?
3D Systems Corp. is the leading company in additive manufacturing technology with a revenue of $566.6 million.
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Article | December 16, 2021
Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) is a technology that revolutionized the manufacturing business. Pierre Bézier, a Renault engineer, produced the world's first real 3D CAD/CAM application, UNISURF CAD. His game-changing program redefined the product design process and profoundly altered the design and manufacturing industries.
So, what is CAM in its most basic definition?
Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) is the application of computer systems to the planning, control, and administration of manufacturing operations. This is accomplished by using either direct or indirect links between the computer and the manufacturing processes. In a nutshell, CAM provides greater manufacturing efficiency, accuracy, and consistency.
As technology takes over and enhances many of the processes we used to handle with manual labor, we are freed up to use our minds creatively, which leads to bigger and better leaps in innovation and productivity.”
– Matt Mong, VP Market Innovation and Project Business Evangelist at Adeaca
In light of the numerous advantages and uses of computer-aided manufacturing, manufacturers have opted to use it extensively. The future of computer-aided manufacturing is brightening due to the rapid and rising adoption of CAM.
According to Allied Market Research, the global computer-aided manufacturing market was worth $2,689 million in 2020 and is expected to reach $5,477 million by 2028, rising at an 8.4% compound annual growth rate between 2021 and 2028.
Despite all this, each new development has benefits and challenges of its own. In this article, we'll discuss the benefits of CAM, the challenges that come with it, and how to deal with them. Let's start with the advantages of computer-aided manufacturing.
Benefits of Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM)
There are significant benefits of using computer-aided manufacturing (CAM). CAM typically provides the following benefits:
Increased component production speed
Maximizes the utilization of a wide variety of manufacturing equipment
Allows for the rapid and waste-free creation of prototypes
Assists in optimizing NC programs for maximum productivity during machining
Creates performance reports automatically
As part of the manufacturing process, it integrates multiple systems and procedures.
The advancement of CAD and CAM software provides visual representation and integration of modeling and testing applications.
Greater precision and consistency, with similar components and products
Less downtime due to computer-controlled devices
High superiority in following intricate patterns like circuit board tracks
Three Challenges in CAM and Their Solutions
We have focused on the three primary challenges and their solutions that we have observed.
Receiving Incomplete CAD Updates
Receiving insufficient CAD updates is one of the challenges. If, for example, the part update from a CAD engineer does not include the pockets that are required in the assembly, to the CAM engineer.
SOLUTION: A modeler that enables developers of a CAM programs to create intuitive processes for features such as feature extraction and duplication across CAD version updates. A modeler is capable of recognizing and extracting the pocket's architecture and the parameters that define it. Additionally, the CAM application can enable the engineer to reproduce the pocket in a few simple steps by exploiting the modeler's editing features such as scaling, filling, extruding, symmetrical patterning, and removing.
Last Minute Design Updates
The second major challenge is last-minute design changes may impact manufacturers as a result of simulation.
SOLUTION: With 3D software components, you may create applications in which many simulation engineers can work together to make design modifications to the CAD at the same time, with the changes being automatically merged at the end.
Challenging Human-driven CAM Manufacturing
The third major challenge we have included is that CAM engineers must perform manual steps in human-driven CAM programming, which takes time and requires expert CAM software developers. Furthermore, when the structure of the target components grows more complicated, the associated costs and possibility of human failure rise.
SOLUTION: Self-driving CAM is the best solution for this challenge. Machine-driven CAM programming, also known as self-driving CAM, provides an opportunity to improve this approach with a more automated solution. Preparing for CAM is simple with the self-driving CAM approach, and it can be done by untrained operators regardless of part complexity. The technology handles all of the necessary decisions for CAM programming operations automatically. In conclusion, self-driving CAM allows for efficient fabrication of bespoke parts, which can provide substantial value and potential for job shops and machine tool builders.
Computer Aided Manufacturing Examples
CAM is widely utilized in various sectors and has emerged as a dominant technology in the manufacturing and design industries. Here are two examples of sectors where CAM is employed efficiently and drives solutions to many challenges in the specific business.
Textiles
Virtual 3D prototype systems, such as Modaris 3D fit and Marvellous Designer, are already used by designers and manufacturers to visualize 2D blueprints into 3D virtual prototyping. Many other programs, such as Accumark V-stitcher and Optitex 3D runway, show the user a 3D simulation to show how a garment fits and how the cloth drapes to educate the customer better.
Aerospace and Astronomy
The James Webb Space Telescope's 18 hexagonal beryllium segments require the utmost level of precision, and CAM is providing it. Its primary mirror is 1.3 meters wide and 250 kilograms heavy, but machining and etching will reduce the weight by 92% to just 21 kilograms.
FAQ
What is the best software for CAM?
Mastercam has been the most extensively utilized CAM software for 26 years in a row, according to CIMdata, an independent NC research business.
How CAD-CAM helps manufacturers?
Customers can send CAD files to manufacturers via CAD-CAM software. They can then build up the machining tool path and run simulations to calculate the machining cycle times.
What is the difference between CAD and CAM?
Computer-aided design (CAD) is the process of developing a design (drafting). CAM is the use of computers and software to guide machines to build something, usually a mass-produced part.
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Article | April 26, 2022
Cloud implementation alone will not provide value for a company. Executives at the highest levels must take the initiative towards digital transformation. C-suite executives play an important role in a business's digital transformation, which is critical to its success.
C-level executives must consider cloud computing plans over the long term and ensure appropriate money and resources for cloud adoption.
When it comes to cloud computing's objectives and benefits, C-level executives must take the lead and be involved in the strategies to ensure that the blueprint meets the business's requirements. CEOs, for example, must collaborate with CTOs and CIOs to maximize the benefits of cloud computing and ensure a smooth transition to digital transformation.
In this article, we will discuss the five essential activities that the organization's c-level executives must undertake to get the most out of cloud computing.
Five Cloud Adoption Actions C-suite Executives Must Take
Maintaining a Consistent Financial Flow
Cloud computing's objectives and benefits can be realized only with enough funding. As a CEO, it is critical to establish a financial funnel that supports each stage of the organization's cloud migration journey. It may take time for your firm to benefit from cloud computing fully. As a result, it is critical to ensure the financial backing is steady and consistent.
Develop a Cloud-based Business Strategy
A business transition is only as efficient as the planning that supports it. Therefore, to maximize the value of cloud computing, it is critical to developing a business strategy and an accompanying technology operating model. A model of this type harmonizes processes for collaborative engagement between IT and business, thereby unleashing potential.
CIOs Can Help CFOs Grasp the Cloud Business Case
Cloud is a business priority, not an IT one. Because it is based on technology, the CIO must convince other C-suite members, including the CFO. The CIO may directly address the CFO's business priorities by demonstrating how cloud technologies improve business processes and overall enterprise performance.
The CIO can also explain how using cloud-based solutions saves money by letting an external provider handle maintenance and hosting. With technical knowledge of data and infrastructure requirements, the CIO can help the CFO understand the dangers of cloud computing and how to solve CFO concerns like data governance and compliance. The CIO and CFO can collaborate along with CEO to derive better results from the benefits of cloud computing.
Collaborate on a Deployment Plan
Cloud technologies can be disruptive, whether they solve a problem or add new capabilities. Co-developing a deployment strategy that minimizes downtime, quickly trains employees on the latest technology, and establishes clear success indicators helps minimize interruption.
The discussion should begin with an evaluation of the company's requirements, followed by comparing the various cloud technologies. The CIO can assess the company's current technological environment and identify new technologies that can cover the gaps.
Understand the Financial Consequences of Cloud Computing
The adoption of cloud technology will significantly alter expenses and cost structures. It will take the CIO's expertise to predict these changes. Cloud computing offers more than just long-term cost benefits. Also, CFOs must be aware of the initial costs and their possible influence on corporate efficiency and revenue.
The CIO will understand a cloud vendor's service level agreements (SLAs), prices, and requirements to migrate legacy systems and train personnel on the new technology. Because the CIO will be actively monitoring the company's move to the cloud, they may advise the CFO on predicted cost and cash flow changes. This is crucial for the CFO, who must give Wall Street quarterly capital and operating expense predictions.
Final Word
In summary, the benefits of cloud computing can be reaped by applying high-level strategies. A flawless collaboration between the CEO, CIO, and CTO can transform a business's digital transformation journey into a successful venture. Right communication is critical during the cloud migration process. Employees should get this communication from C-suite executives to foster trust and assure compliance with governance requirements.
FAQ
How does cloud-computing help in the manufacturing industry?
Cloud computing enables manufacturers to run their operations more intelligently, which is enabled through increased use of data analytics. Indeed, for the majority of manufacturers, the cloud is rapidly becoming the primary location for data storage, analytics, and intelligence.
Why do manufacturers adopt the cloud?
Cloud adoption is a strategic decision made by businesses to save costs, mitigate risk, and increase the scalability of their database capabilities. Cloud adoption varies from organization to organization, depending on the degree of acceptance.
What are the 7 R’s of cloud migration planning?
Refactor/re-architect, re-platform, repurchase, re-host, relocate, retain, and retire are the seven R’s in cloud migration planning.
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