Trends in Metalworking

There are 517,000 metalworkers working in the Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing industry. These workers, along with anyone who has ever studied metalworking history, know that technology is always changing.

With everyone living in a fast-paced world, staying on top of the latest metalworking industry trends becomes a challenge. Seeing the latest trends in person or getting your hands on the hottest new metalworking tool is ideal. However, daily life and work kicks in, and within a flash an entire industry changes before your eyes.

MCR Safety has simplified your life some by taking the time to break down the latest metalworking trends. For each trend listed below, click on the link for additional information on that specific trend. 

In regards to seeing and simplifying your PPE knowledge for Metalworking, MCR Safety has got you covered. Their dedicated Metal Fabrication industry page breaks down the hazards faced where gloves, glasses, and garments are required.

Big Data in Manufacturing

With a wide variety of sensors now available that are small, accurate, and cheap, the amount of data available within manufacturing is nearly limitless. Speed, temperature, pressure, efficiency, accuracy … all of these can be measured continuously. Additionally, big data can go on to encompass things like supply chain issues, consumer demand, and the cost of fuel, utilities, labor, and raw materials. An entire industry has sprung up around the analysis of large amounts of data, with both new technologies and human experts becoming critical parts of the workplace.

Power Bed Fusion

In powder bed fusion technology, each layer is laid out in metal powder, which is then melted by a laser, electron beam or heat source. As the metal cools, it fuses to the layer underneath. This is also a common additive method, and useful for a wide variety of manufacturing applications.

Sheet Lamination

Sheet lamination is unusual in that it starts with solid layers of material which are sandwiched between layers of adhesive. Because melting isn’t necessary, a wide variety of materials can be used, including metal, wood, or paper. Multiple material types can also be used within the same structure. It is best for non-functional models.

Smart Manufacturing Technology

Smart manufacturing involves the intersection of big data analytics, robotics and technology integration. When these two come together and are fully integrated using the internet, you get smart manufacturing. This is when you get a machine that turns itself off and announces what part needs to be replaced and how before it causes any damage. You get facilities that adjust their pace depending on demand projections based on the last decade worth of data. You have schedules that adjust themselves based on optimal energy use. This is what smart manufacturing looks like, and it will continue to evolve as long as the technology does.

Vat Photopolymerization

Vat photopolymerization starts with a liquid photopolymer resin rather than a powder. Variations of vat photopolymerization include stereolithography, direct light processing, and continuous direct light processing. This process is ideal for medical devices, jewelry, and other industries in which fine levels of detail are needed.