The technology behind automation in manufacturing is becoming one of the crucial elements in the industry. Since the revolution of the industrial age, the manufacturing of various products and food has been an essential part of society. Let’s see the popular manufacturing automation that businesses use today.
As the turn of the century arrives and technology advances, new inventions are coming out every month. Some have gained prominence for making the entire process more manageable, and others are now working to integrate manufacturing automation into many businesses. Here are the big waves that are making their way into the industry.
- Wireless Data and Cloud Storage
One of the recent advances in automation and one that’s believed to benefit the industry for a long time is the Cloud. Storage of the data in the Cloud can be done wirelessly, and there can be limitless options when it comes to this space. Most machines that transmit data can go directly to the Cloud, where everyone with proper access can see them. They ensure that everything is backed up and more secure from fires, floods, and other natural disasters.
When a computer accidentally crashes, the owners won’t have to worry as they can just use another device to access the information they need. All the information is completely safe and can definitely be recoverable in the Cloud.
- Invisible Seams through the Help of Diode Lasers
One of the beneficial tools in the industry today is the diode laser. It adds more efficiency and safety to the process of assembling cars, and it’s used by many companies today. German manufacturers like the Audi had recently launched a robot that can control about 13 kilowatts of diode lasers into their factories. This has allowed the company to do something like an invisible weld on the shell of the cars, and this provides an additional safety feature for the drivers.
Programming the diode lasers has been challenging, but Audi was able to do it. With the help of advanced processes like bonding and welding and coupling automation, they could get things right. The production time, car weight, and the costs of energy have been significantly reduced. This also included their expenses on lift systems, conveyor belts, and regenerative braking. Learn more about how this braking works in this link here.
- Finished Components’ 3D Printing Process
The process of 3D printing is one of the greatest advancements for many manufacturers today. Although 3D printing was already in place in the 1980s, the machines used then were too slow or too large for many companies. This is why so many of them hesitated to adapt to the process until much later.
Nowadays, 3D printers have developed and improved, and they can produce a lot of finished parts. The machines have the capabilities, speed, and accuracy for more production runs and additional sizes of the finished components. It’s not surprising that they are used in space and the military, where replacement parts can be supplied while the soldiers are on the battlefield.
Other advantages of 3d printing are highly customized designs and a more affordable approach to production. The resulting products are often more robust and lighter, and they don’t require a lot of assemblies. The machines are also responsible for various product lines, and a company can create as many units as they want whenever they need them.
The printers allow business owners to do point-of-consumption or point-of-assembly printing. This can be an opportunity for entrepreneurs looking for low entry barriers, retail opportunities, and newer supply chains. Read more about 3D printing at this web address: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3D_printing.
- Extremely Small Machines for the Nano-Manufacturing
Nano-manufacturing is responsible for the creation of materials that are at an atomic or molecular level. They have gained popularity in many years because they are expected to play an essential role in the future. They were expected to help with the solar industry, specifically the cells and batteries, to make them more durable and efficient.
Nanomanufacturing is also gaining traction for those who want a bio-system-based medical implementation. Sensors in the bodies are now possible because they are very minute, and physicians use them to monitor the cancer cells in their patients. Most future generations of computers and electronics may rely on nano parts for more efficiency and convenience.
- 24-Hour Operations
A continuous operation for 24 hours is now becoming popular as so many people need more products and services at all times of the day. Most industrial settings have robots that can work all the time, which is seven days a week for something so repetitive. One of the greatest advancements today is the 24/7 machines that have fine precision.
Some companies are happy to know that the expenses involved in getting the industrial robots have become more affordable compared to 1990. This has allowed various manufacturers to have higher efficiency and productivity without needing to spend more.