Advanced manufacturing processes like additive manufacturing, software automation, and composite material use are changing the industry for the better. With these processes, manufacturers can save time and money while creating higher quality and more sustainable products.
But keeping up with new technology isn’t always easy, especially with how quickly new inventions can disrupt an industry. That’s why attending an advanced manufacturing conference, like Rally, can be immeasurably valuable for your business. By networking with industry leaders and disruptors, you can discover first-hand what the future of manufacturing and related industries will look like.
In this blog, we’ll explore how an advanced manufacturing system can transform productivity. We’ll also include specific process examples to inspire innovation at your plant. Let’s get started!
What Is Meant by an Advanced Manufacturing Process?
Advanced manufacturing refers to any process or technique that uses technological developments to achieve improved results. The benefits of these processes are shorter production times, increased quality, and more adaptable production lines. Advanced manufacturing processes include:
- Additive Manufacturing: creates products by layering material
- Advanced or Composite Materials: combines raw materials to add strength and flexibility
- Robotics and Automation: automates tedious and hazardous tasks
- Laser Machining and Welding: uses lasers to create precise cuts or join materials together
- Nanotechnology: creates extremely strong and lightweight products with materials that are less than 100 nanometers in size
- Networking and IT Integration: provides real-time production feedback to decision makers
Discover the exciting applications for these processes at Rally, the first cross-sector innovation conference!
What Is Advanced Manufacturing vs Manufacturing?
Advanced manufacturing uses modern manufacturing techniques enhanced by cutting-edge technology, while a basic manufacturing process relies on traditional methods. These basics are the fundamental processes for plants around the world. Traditional manufacturing examples include:
- Casting: uses molds to form liquid metal into products
- Molding: uses molds to form liquid plastic into products
- Forming: creates products by reshaping raw materials
- Machining: cuts forms from larger pieces of material
- Joining: combines material through welding, soldering, brazing, adhesive binding, or mechanical assembly
- Coating: uses films and powders to make products more durable
Advanced and traditional manufacturing processes aren’t exclusive. Many plants benefit from using traditional methods enhanced with advanced technology.
What Are 3 Examples of Advanced Manufacturing Techniques?
Three examples of advanced manufacturing techniques and processes are: additive manufacturing, software automation, and composite material use. Here’s why each of these examples are changing the landscape of manufacturing:
- Additive Manufacturing: In this process, manufacturers create products by layering material in form. Additive manufacturing is the opposite of subtractive manufacturing, which is the process of removing excess material to create a form. Additive manufacturing is propelling the industry forward because it reduces the amount of wasted material, saves production costs, and can create smaller pieces in haste. 3Dnatives reports on how NASA relies on 3D printing for intricate rocket parts. NASA is also testing the capabilities of 3D printed food and using additive manufacturing to create research structures on the moon.
Plus, sustainability drives profitability. According to McKinsey & Company, 60% of surveyed consumers say they are willing to pay more for a product that has sustainable packaging. By wasting less material thanks to additive manufacturing processes, companies can make the sustainability claims that their customers value.
- Software Automation: According to the Association for Advancing Automation, robotics made their splash in car manufacturing during the 1960s. Since then, robotics have advanced significantly from their roles as spot welders to handling pressure-sensitive assembly tasks. Nowadays, software automation makes robotics more precise, efficient, and adaptive. For example, manufacturers can use software to program their robotics with task-switching. ABI Research reports on an innovative use for software: running simulations. Manufacturers can run simulations to predict how different conditions could impact production lines. These simulations can reveal insights that influence production line design with specific layouts regarding equipment, heating and cooling systems, entries and exits, and more.
- Composite Material Use: Composite materials combine raw materials to make a more effective product. As a result of their synthesis, composite materials can be stronger, lighter, more flexible, and resistant to more corrosive elements than their individual components. Metal alloys, plastics, fibers, resins, and woods are just some examples of composite materials that manufacturers are using to create better products. Mar-Bal is a manufacturer that specializes in thermoset composite materials, which go through heat treatment to ensure durability and corrosion resistance. Thermoset composites are applicable in the following industries (and more):
- Aerospace Appliances Automotive
- Agriculture
- Construction
- Electrical
- Marine
Manufacturing doesn’t exist in a bubble. With just a few specific examples, it’s clear that advances in manufacturing create a powerful ripple effect across many industries. At Elevate Ventures, we understand these connections. That’s why we’ve created Rally—to gather the leaders of tomorrow at a single, cross-sector event. Reserve your space today to meet other manufacturing innovators and representatives from industries like healthcare and agriculture that rely heavily on cutting-edge production processes.
What Advanced Manufacturing Companies Are Located in Your Region and Your State?
The best way to connect with like-minded individuals in advanced manufacturing and related industries is to attend the first and only cross-sector innovation conference—Rally! Not only do you get first-hand access to the knowledge of industry leaders, you also get the opportunity to build lasting relationships with potential suppliers, customers, and innovators from across the globe. In addition, attendees also gain access to:
- Keynote Speakers
- Content Sessions
- One-on-One Investor Meetups
- Up to $5 million in investment through the IN-Prize Pitch Competition
Don’t miss out on what the future holds. Sign up today.
