Advances in Manufacturing Technology at the Turn of the Millennium

Advances in Manufacturing Technology at the Turn of the Millennium

A blog about how you can use conveyor technology in your business. By Jeremy Axel of Fluent Conveyors.

In the pre-Industrial Revolution era, manufacturing was a slow and laborious process that required the attention of skilled craftsmen. The Industrial Revolution changed all of this, bringing with it new machinery, new processes, and new technology that ushered in a modern age of factories and mass production.

Indeed, many improvements have been made in manufacturing technology over the years, so much so that some of the most modern advancements are barely recognizable from their predecessors. From developments in materials to changes in work processes and methods, manufacturing technology has come a long way since artisans were needed for every aspect of the operation.

Today’s manufacturing technology is centered on efficiency and cost-effectiveness — both for the companies who use it and for consumers who buy its products. Here are some of the ways that manufacturing technology has advanced over time:

Material Advances

The Industrial Revolution brought with it new materials like steel and iron that enabled manufacturers to produce cheaper goods and make them faster. New materials like nylon and Kevlar have made clothing lighter and more durable while allowing for new styles. Carbon fiber makes golf clubs stronger while keeping them lightweight, which is why they can still be used by professional athletes today.

Conveyor Replacement Technology

Many manufacturing companies are turning to advanced conveyor replacement systems (ACRS) to improve their production lines and drive efficiency. ACRS is a more efficient, cost-effective alternative to conveyors that require more manpower, space, and energy. Learn here how to do replacements conveyor belts and how you can take advantage of the latest conveyor technology system.

The recent advancements in conveyor technology have provided manufacturers with new ways to automate their processes. Conveyor Automation Technology is the replacement of mechanical moving conveyors with automated motorized or linear motion conveyors. The new technology is a versatile and cost-effective option for many industries, including automotive, food processing, pharmaceutical, and others.

Robotics

Advances in manufacturing technology have led to the introduction of robotics to the industrial workplace. Robots can complete tasks such as welding, packing, and shipping. Due to advances in robotic technology, they save on time. They are no longer overly expensive, completing many actions quicker than a human could and for less money. Many robotics are adaptable and scalable to different business sizes. Although they can replace humans in some jobs, there is a misconception that robots will take over the world.

Robots do not need breaks or downtime. They can work longer hours without stopping or eating since they do not require human intervention or food. This can be especially advantageous in dangerous environments where humans would be at risk. Robots can also work in unpleasant conditions that humans cannot withstand. For example, they can perform underwater welding or work with toxic chemicals or radioactive materials.

Advanced Computer Software

Computer software programs have improved the manufacturing process by creating applications. Many of those applications are used to perform a specific task, like designing or engineering a product.

Software is also used in manufacturing because of its ability to facilitate systems such as ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning). ERP systems can help manufacturers manage their employees, inventory, and many other business areas. Computer software’s complexity and improved ability have allowed the designing and engineering of better manufacturing products. For example, 3D CAD software will enable conveyors – essential for most production or processing plants – to be engineered with precision and to an incredibly high standard.

Computer-aided manufacturing is a type of computer-aided design in which mathematical models of physical objects are created with the help of computer programs. The models are then used as templates for producing copies in any desired quantity. To produce a product, the design is translated into commands for equipment that can be used for computer-controlled machining operations, such as milling machines. In traditional manufacturing methods, skilled workers would perform these processes manually using special tools and machinery.

Automation

Advances in manufacturing technology have been responsible for some of the most significant leaps in production over the last century. The automation of processes has led to safer, more efficient, and more streamlined production methods. The following are just a few examples of how automation has changed the way products are made.

Technology has made automation much more affordable and accessible than ever before. The Internet of Things (IoT) allows manufacturers to control machinery remotely and collect data from sensors and motors. New technologies like Augmented Reality are now supplementing existing automated processes and making them even more efficient.

Assembly Lines

Assembly lines are the foundation of modern manufacturing technology. They take the concept of division of labor to its ultimate conclusion: Workers do nothing but a tiny part of a single task throughout their shift. The assembly line allows a factory to produce massive amounts of goods quickly and consistently because all employees work on identical tasks at once. Assembly lines have undergone many changes over time. More and more workers are disconnected from their products in favor of automated machinery that works through countless cycles every day.

Better Quality Control

As technology continues to improve at a rapid pace, manufacturers are making strides in the quality control arena. Advances in robotics and machine learning are beginning to make it possible for manufacturers to employ machines that can actually do the work of humans. In addition, advances in data analysis and artificial intelligence allow for much higher inspection rates than were previously possible. This means that manufacturing has entered an era where quality is no longer a function of human inspection alone. Instead, it is possible to use machine learning tools to help detect defects and other problems before they occur. The result is superior quality control and ensuring that all products meet exacting standards.

Takeaway

Today’s manufacturing industry is very different from what it was fifty years ago. Computers and automation are heavily relied upon to improve efficiency and quality control. There have been drastic changes in policies to reflect the technological advances online over the last five decades. While some of these improvements have been gradual, the impact they’ve had on the industry cannot be denied. It’s interesting to look into how technology has impacted one of our nation’s largest industries and one that sheds some light on how different its future may look in the coming years.

The Author

Jeremy Axel is the founder of Fluent Conveyors, they design and manufacture conveyors for Waste and recycling industries, Manufacturing, and Distribution centers across the United States. He is also known for building trusted relationships with conveyor dealers and reseller networks and developing advanced technological processes and tools that help them do their jobs more efficiently.

Martha Hall
Writer Martha has been with the team since she graduated from college on the top of her class years ago, and has been training new young minds on writing articles that makes it to our web pages today.