Since we first began melting metal in earthen furnaces hundreds of years ago, the metal manufacturing business has advanced significantly. We’re still refining our abilities and figuring out how to utilize the most out of the materials at our disposal. The following are primary developments and technologies that will help the metal fabrication sector grow in 2021.
Emerging Cobots
It is no secret that the metal manufacturing business has a long history with robots. The employment of robots for tasks that were potentially too hazardous for humans has been made logical, but they were enormous and needed their working areas. Today, robotics technology has progressed to where these devices may securely operate alongside team members to perform tasks safely and efficiently.
These collaborative robots, also known as cobots, are excellent for jobs that are either hazardous or time-consuming. They may also contribute to alleviating the industry’s 290,000-person labor shortfall. Added to this is the COVID-19 epidemic, forcing even more individuals out of the workforce as a result. Even though robots are still relatively new to the metal fabrication sector, they rapidly fill a critical need.
Investment in Computer Numerical Control Machines
The metal fabrication industry relies on computer numerical control (CNC) equipment to perform its functions; yet, until recently, these machines needed human involvement and programming to operate correctly. By integrating robotics into the CNC part of metal production, it is possible to reduce some of the repetitiveness associated with this process, resulting in increased efficiency and productivity over the long term.
Employees who are not subjected to repeated motion are less likely to suffer from repetitive strain injuries, allowing them to pursue more rewarding career paths. This year, CNC automation is expected to gain in popularity, and it will continue to flourish as the industry goes further into the future.
Strengthening Cybersecurity
The current metallurgy technology is being replaced by new technology, and this shift brings to increasing demand for network security. More than eight-eighths of manufacturing executives said they experienced at least one cyberattack over the previous year.
In addition to an attack, data theft, or another cyberthreat, it may involve any of these possibilities. Throughout 2018, IBM estimated that the manufacturing industry was one of the most frequently hacked sectors worldwide. Cybersecurity will need to be one of the top priorities for everyone in the future since these incidents put company and customer information at risk.
Adopting Advanced Methodologies
Yet, the contemporary aluminum business may rely on an 1886-era method; however, the industry itself should embrace agility in the 21st century. As the COVID-19 epidemic put a massive wrench into operations, it had become more evident in 2020. In the following years, when there is access to COVID-19 vaccinations, when it is safe to return to work, everything will return to normal. Despite this, it is critical to remain agile in our business while we wait to restore normalcy.
Reliance on Technology-based Platforms
Like many other sectors, metal manufacturing has been reluctant to embrace the digital transformation that is rapidly becoming the norm across the rest of the globe. It is critical to understand that developing a technology-based platform does not imply that the human element has been eliminated. On the contrary, it represents a positive step forward in terms of efficiency and production.
Business owners in the metal fabrication industry must take advantage of the current market conditions to embrace digitalization and make the most of the instruments at hand. As previously said, digital technology will raise the demand for cybersecurity; nevertheless, this is a trade-off that is well worth the effort. Advanced pneumatic air valve manufacturers are also chiming in and beginning to transition to technology-based platforms.
Additive Manufacturing
Although 3D printing began as a tool for amateurs, it is rapidly establishing itself as one of the most flexible technologies available in almost every sector. In metal production, additive manufacturing adds a new degree of customizability to an already diverse field. Manufacturing practically anything using metal powder bed fusion produces almost little waste since any leftover powder can be recovered and utilized.
Manufacturing operations, including cutting, welding, machining, and assembling, are a long-standing part of the metal fabrication business. In recent years, the market has been very dynamic and cyclical. The size of the sector’s overall industry is contingent on the use sectors such as aviation, transportation, electricity, and infrastructure.
We have just begun the first decade of the twenty-first century, and the patterns that we have seen during 2021 will continue to develop and adapt as we go farther into the future. Things like digitization, collaborative robotics, and additive manufacturing will continue to improve the efficiency and productivity of the metal fabrication sector as we look forward to 2021 and beyond.