Advanced manufacturing has changed the way that companies produce goods. It requires fewer employees and materials, puts the customer first, and incorporates advanced technology throughout the production process. How did manufacturing companies get to where they are now? Through innovation. Innovation drives progress. So where has progress led the advanced manufacturing industry? What processes and technologies are used in the industry nowadays? We answer those questions and talk about an advanced manufacturing conference that ignites innovation in this blog. Let’s dive in.
What Are 3 Types of Manufacturing Processes Used in Advanced Manufacturing?
The three types of advanced manufacturing processes are:
- Additive Manufacturing: This process, also called 3D printing, refers to a computer building a piece or product from the ground up, one layer at a time. Plastic is the most commonly used material for this type of manufacturing. Many companies use additive manufacturing processes because they can conserve materials, reduce failure points, and more.
- Laser Machining/Welding: As the name suggests, this process uses a laser to cut or weld materials. It does so by projecting direct lines of heat to the material. Because laser machining and welding give off less heat than their traditional counterparts, they preserve the integrity of parts and ensure proper joining.
- Nanotechnology: This process manipulates materials at the atomic and molecular levels. Manufacturers need it nowadays because devices continue to get smaller. With nanotechnology, companies can minimize their carbon footprint while also improving the break strength and wear resistance of products.
What Are 3 Examples of Technology Used in Manufacturing Today?
Three of the many advanced manufacturing technology examples out there are:
- Robotics: This technology can move, lift, weld—essentially, it can do just about any task on the production line. And because robotics are automated, they can manufacture many more parts and products than humans can—with fewer errors. With this technology, you will need fewer staff members on the floor, and the team members you do have can focus on higher level tasks.
- Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning: As AI collects more data and picks up on patterns through machine learning, manufacturers can use it to spot any mistakes in products created. What’s more, engineers can use it to quickly generate several options for product designs.
Computer Networks: In advanced manufacturing, computer networks not only connect computers to one another, but they can allow your machines to communicate with one another and to your computers as well. This allows advanced manufacturing machines to “talk” to one another about when to start and stop production instead of employees having to manually start and stop them
What Is the Need of Advanced Manufacturing?
Advanced manufacturing technology isn’t just something “cool” for companies to use and try; it also improves the quality of products and leads to cost savings. With computers and robotics doing most of the work, fewer errors occur during production. Plus, with fewer employees directly involved in the manufacturing process, your team is less susceptible to workplace injuries. What’s more, those employees can focus their efforts elsewhere.
Advanced technology also improves productivity while reducing production time. The use of robotics allows companies to easily adjust to market demands for their products, especially if they need to scale up the number of products they manufacture. Because production is automated, too, it can save time in manufacturing. Machines don’t need breaks and can work even when staff aren’t. Plus, they move much faster than humans do.
Advanced manufacturing companies have more room for innovation than traditional manufacturers do. With the time and money they save during production, they can design new products to offer their customers. And they can do that while using fewer materials, which reduces the size of a company’s carbon footprint.
Innovation can only go so far when companies rely solely on their team for new ideas, though. In a world where technology, goods, and services constantly move forward, collaboration is a must. Attending conferences like Rally gives your team the opportunity for that collaboration.
Elevate Your Knowledge of Advanced Manufacturing at the Rally Innovation Conference
Rally is a cross-sector innovation conference where professionals from six different industries come together to share ideas, build connections, and learn about the latest technologies used in their field. The six innovation studios offered at this conference are:
- Hardtech (manufacturing, industry 4.0, and cleantech)
- Software
- Agriculture and Food
- Healthcare
- Sportstech
- Entrepreneurship
When you attend Rally, you will be exposed to over 200 speakers, over 50 panel and content sessions, 1-on-1 meetings between companies and investors, the chance to win $1 million in cash investment, and so much more. If you want to stay ahead of the competition, you need to innovate. With a conference like Rally, amass the ideas you need to innovate. Get registered now.
