Erika Melander and Brittani Austin explored five trends in metals manufacturing that were highlighted at FABTECH: 1) Hybrid additive manufacturing combines 3D printing and subtractive technologies for applications like repairs and rebuilds. 2) Cloud computing allows connected machines to share real-time data via the industrial internet of things, improving productivity but requiring cybersecurity management. 3) Virtual reality simulation reduces costs from material waste, energy use, and injuries by enabling virtual screening and training.

1. THE FABTECH FIVE: 5 Trends for 2015
Five Developments to Watch in 2018
5 Process Trends
in Metals Manufacturing

2. At FABTECH, Travelers manufacturing industry
managers Erika Melander and Brittani Austin
explored new supply chain developments in metals
manufacturing.
Here are five trends to watch in 2018.
THE FABTECH FIVE
5 Supply Chain Trends

3. Hybrid
Additive
Manufacturing

4. 01: Hybrid Additive Manufacturing
Combining additive and subtractive technologies expands the potential for
3D printing from rapid prototyping to repair and rebuild applications.

5. Cloud
Computing

6. 02: Cloud computing
The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) allows connected machines to share real-time data
via the cloud. Manufacturers can reduce incidents, resolve issues faster, and improve
productivity, but they must also manage cloud-related cyber risks.

7. Versatility

8. 03: Virtual Reality Simulation technology allows for virtual screening
and training, reducing material waste, energy costs and the risk of injuries.
03: Versatility
Self-contained robotic cells now automate tasks ranging from material loading to
tooling changes, for streamlined and more fully-automated operations.

9. Custom
Automation

10. 04: Custom Automation
Designed to meet the customer’s production needs, custom automation equipment
can automate a single process or create a fully-automated production line.

11. Flexible
Production

12. 05: Flexible Production
Instead of a production line arranged on a linear track, like a railroad, a modular
approach of adding “off-shoots” of equipment gives manufacturers greater
flexibility to ramp production up or down.