Advanced manufacturing has modernized the way manufacturers produce goods. It combines innovative technologies with manufacturing processes to create better products while boosting efficiencies. The evolution from traditional to advanced manufacturing began with the creation of 3D printing in 1980.
Despite the several benefits of this type of production, many companies don’t fully embrace an advanced manufacturing system of their own. Some worry about the costs associated with it, others fear change, and still others just don’t know what it entails. If you are one of the companies in the last category, we’ve created this blog for you. In this article, we’ll give you the basics on what technologies are used in advanced manufacturing, the benefits associated with advanced manufacturing, and the advanced manufacturing conference that will expand your knowledge in this innovative sector. Let’s get started.
What Are Advanced Manufacturing Technologies?
Advanced manufacturing technologies, the newest tools on the market, elevate the way a company produces goods. These tools either allow for or rely heavily on automation. Some examples of advanced manufacturing technology include:
- Additive Manufacturing: As the name suggests, products are made by layering materials. 3D printing is an example of additive manufacturing. This technology reduces waste and saves companies money on materials. Boeing uses additive manufacturing to make parts for spacecraft, satellites, airplanes, and factory tools.
- Robotics: This technology allows human employees to pass repetitive tasks to machines so that they can focus on higher level responsibilities. Robotics improve efficiency on the manufacturing floor and reduce human error. For example, Ford uses robots to assemble converters and has seen a 15% increase in assembly speed because of it.
- Automation: Used in conjunction with robotics, automation programs the robots to perform a particular task over and over without human oversight. Some automation goes a step further than product development and can even automate product design as well.
- Laser Machining and Welding: This technology uses advanced lasers to either remove materials or join them together. With their precision and reduced heat, they reduce material waste, improve efficiency and accuracy in manufacturing processes, and boost the quality of products.
- Nanotechnology: This technology builds and manipulates materials at the nano level, meaning 50% or more of the materials are smaller than 100 nanometers. Manufacturing materials from a smaller scale like this can make your products stronger and lighter.
Advances in manufacturing technology are constantly being developed to render manufacturing more sustainable, efficient, and inexpensive. Does implementing these advanced manufacturing systems really matter, though? You bet it does. Let’s discuss why these systems are so important.
What Is the Importance of Manufacturing Technology That Is Advanced?
Advanced manufacturing machine technology, and the processes that come with it, matter for several reasons:
- They make your company more efficient. These technologies create products with more precision and fewer errors while not requiring any breaks to do so. That means your company can produce more goods in less time, saving you money along the way.
- They allow your company to create higher-quality products. With fewer errors and more precision, advanced manufacturing technology can produce better, stronger goods than a human assembly line can.
- They better sustain resources. Many advanced technologies center on building products from the ground up, rather than cutting pieces from bigger materials like many traditional manufacturing technologies do. This results in less waste, a smaller carbon footprint, and cost savings.
- They give your team the chance to focus on other tasks. Because advanced technologies automate manufacturing processes, your team can dedicate more of their time to less redundant tasks, such as designing new products.
- They make your company more competitive. All of the above benefits make your company more competitive within your industry. Sustainability plays a big part in competitiveness, too. One McKinsey study found that products making environmental, social, and governance-related claims experience receive more sales growth than those that don’t. When you offer better products with less impact on the environment, you’re sure to attract more customers than your competitors.
So how do you stay up with the latest technologies and practices in advanced manufacturing to create that competitive edge? By attending conferences chock-full of innovative ideas and industry leaders!
What Is Considered an Advanced Manufacturing Conference That You Should Attend? Rally
If you had to choose only one advanced manufacturing conference to attend, make it the Rally Innovation Conference! It is the world’s largest cross-sector innovation conference. It stands out from other advanced manufacturing conferences because it is cross-sector. This conference attracts audiences from six distinct fields:
- Healthcare
- Software
- Ag and Food
- HardTech (like advanced manufacturing!)
- SportsTech
- Entrepreneurship
When you interact with thought leaders from several different industries, as well as other advanced manufacturing companies, you open the door to even more innovative ideas, networking, and collaboration. Plus, you’ll have the chance to win $1 million in investment to create a new product or service. You can even set up one-on-one meetings with investors and other companies. To learn more or to get registered for this event, visit the conference website!
