Technology makes daily tasks simpler and more impactful. From connecting with people across the world to being able to clean your house faster, technology has become a part of our everyday lives. Similarly in manufacturing, advances in technology are helping to build better products in less time and for less money. Here are 3 trends in tech that you should know:
3D Printing
This might sound familiar as 3D is experienced daily in main stream through the movie industry. However, in manufacturing, 3D printing takes place behind the scenes, before the product gets to the customer.
3D Printing is the process of making 3D solid objects from a digital file through additive manufacturing. Additive manufacturing is the process of adding layer-upon-layer of material to create a 3D object.
So, how does it work? First finalized your designs virtually on CAD or if you are copying an existing product you will need a 3D scanner. Next, translate your 2D designs to 3D designs using a 3D modeling software. This software is important because it will “slice” your product – cuts your product into ‘slices’ so that the 3D printer can read it and create it layer by layer. Lastly, your product is ready to be printed. The 3D printer reads the STL file and replicates every slice to create your 3D object.
3D printing is most commonly used in healthcare for prosthetics and in entertainment for movie props. However, the technology can also be seen in the apparel industry. Here are some Maker’s Row factories that offer 3D printing: The DNA Group and NY Knitting.
Nanomanufacturing
Nanotechnology is an advanced science that aims to increase the performance of products. Using nano-scale materials to produce next generation products provide advanced functionality at lower costs and with improved sustainability.
Nanomanufacturing is often used when making tech products. For example, memristors are memory devices that use nanowires coated with titanium dioxide and that are projected to have a better memory density than that of flash memory.
Robotics
Famous inventor James Dyson once said, “If robots are to clean our homes, they’ll have to do it better than a person.” That is exactly what is happening, but not without the assistance of human workers. Robots are being created to help with a variety of tasks and objects from small to large. Many are created to work along side humans safely, but some work alone. In addition, with advanced technology robots are becoming more affordable and accessible. Some predict that accessible robotics will help smaller manufacturers be competitive with manufacturing giants.
According to the International Federation of Robotics, 64% of all robotic manufacturing takes place in the automotive industry. In a manufacturing plant you will find robots driving screws into engines and handling heavy parts.
Robotics can also be found in the apparel industry. Maker’s Row factory Mohop combines artisanal techniques and robotic technology to design sustainable products. Dynotex features an electric cutting which allows them to offer faster services to customers.
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