Nanotechnology, robotics, 3D printing—these are just a few glimpses into the awe-inspiring world of advanced manufacturing technology. With their remarkable adaptability and scalability, advanced manufacturing technologies offer numerous benefits to businesses, including increased efficiency, enhanced precision, accelerated production processes, and the ability to customize products on demand.
If you’re ready to dive deeper and explore these technologies further, the best place to start is at an advanced manufacturing conference like Rally! Rally, a global cross-sector innovation conference, serves as a vibrant gathering of industry pioneers, forward-thinking entrepreneurs, visionary investors, and renowned academic leaders. It’s where boundaries are shattered and breakthroughs are born. From the potential of the Internet of Things (IoT) to the power of predictive analytics and big data, Rally propels you into the future of manufacturing.
If you’re hungry for knowledge and eager to witness the convergence of technology and manufacturing, the adventure begins here. Rally your curiosity and keep reading to explore some captivating examples of advanced manufacturing technology.
What Are the Characteristics of Advanced Manufacturing Technology?
Advanced manufacturing technology exhibits several key characteristics that distinguish it from traditional approaches, such as:
- Integrated with Information Technology (IT) – Advanced manufacturing technology seamlessly blends manufacturing with cutting-edge IT, enabling real-time monitoring, analysis, and control of operations. Picture a smart factory where real-time data from IoT sensors and advanced analytics optimizes every move, transforming manufacturing into a finely choreographed dance of productivity.
- Customizable and Flexible – With advanced manufacturing technology, businesses can rapidly reconfigure production lines, efficiently adapt to changing customer demands, and produce highly-tailored products or variants.
- Innovative with Materials and Processes – Advanced manufacturing engineering often involves the utilization of next-generation materials—like composites, nanomaterials, or bio-inspired materials—to achieve superior performance characteristics. It also employs advanced processes, like additive manufacturing or precision machining, to create complex shapes or intricate components.
- Sustainable and Eco-Friendly – Advanced manufacturing emphasizes sustainable practices by minimizing waste, energy consumption, and environmental impact. It also promotes the use of eco-friendly materials, optimized processes, and recycling or circular economy approaches.
- Collaborative – A major part of advanced manufacturing technology is that it encourages collaboration and co-innovation among stakeholders and across industries. An example of this is the joint effort of automotive giants Audi, BMW, and Daimler, who acquired Nokia’s mapping and location business HERE. Together, they are leveraging their expertise to support the development of location-based services, intelligent real-time maps, and highly-automated driving to enable a more personalized and connected driving experience.
These characteristics collectively define the nature of advanced manufacturing technology and its transformative impact on traditional manufacturing practices. Now, let’s take a closer look at these characteristics in action.
What Are Advanced Manufacturing Technologies Examples?
You’ll find endless examples of businesses embracing advanced technologies, but here are a couple of especially exciting ones in the advanced manufacturing industry:
GKN Aerospace’s Lightweight Aviation Materials
Been wondering, “What is an example of advanced manufacturing technology in aviation?” Look no further than GKN Aerospace. GKN Aerospace was one of the first to introduce lightweight materials like thermoplastic composites and fiber metal laminates, achieving a significant 25% weight savings for major passenger aircraft. Their unwavering commitment to innovation led to equipping advanced aircraft platforms worldwide with successive generations of this technology, including renowned models such as the Airbus A350XWB, A380, and Boeing 737.
By setting industry standards and pushing the boundaries of additive manufacturing, their efforts have resulted in shorter production lead times, enhanced affordability, and a sustainable future, propelling aircrafts further and faster every day.
Carbon’s Groundbreaking 3D Printing Process
Carbon, a 3D printing technology company, has developed a new 3D printing process: Carbon Digital Light Synthesis (DLS). This advanced manufacturing machine technology combines oxygen-permeable optics, digital light projection, and engineering-grade materials to create unparalleled high-performance polymeric parts.
With its isotropic properties reinforced by the dead zone and thermal curing stages, the Carbon DLS process produces fully dense parts suitable for a variety of applications. This revolutionary technology accelerates every step of product development, from rapid design iterations and functional prototyping to seamless transition into production. Designers can unleash their creativity with the freedom to incorporate straight walls, undercuts, and performance-oriented lattices. Plus, the Carbon DLS process allows for customization and the application of textures, opening up new possibilities for aesthetic design.
Need Some More Advanced Manufacturing Technology Examples?
Then come to Rally! With a curated lineup of thought-provoking sessions, interactive workshops, and mind-blowing demonstrations, Rally is where trailblazing ideas are born and shared. Connect with like-minded professionals, expand your knowledge, and gain invaluable insights into the future of manufacturing.
Don’t miss out on this unparalleled opportunity to stay ahead of the curve. Register now for Rally and be part of shaping the future of advanced manufacturing!
