At FABTECH 2018, Travelers IndustryEdge Managers Erika Melander and Brittani Austin saw advances in manufacturing equipment technology from the previous year. Advances in additive manufacturing included 3D metal printing, additive tooling and manufacturing used for mass production. Learn five ways manufacturers are incorporating this advanced technology into their processes.

1. Five Developments to Watch in 2019
FABTECH TRENDS
Metals Manufacturing:
Incorporating Advanced Technology

2. At FABTECH 2018, Travelers IndustryEdge
Managers Erika Melander and Brittani Austin
saw advances in manufacturing equipment
technology from the previous year.
Advances in additive manufacturing included 3D
metal printing, additive tooling and
manufacturing used for mass production.
Learn five ways manufacturers are incorporating
this advanced technology into their processes.
Advanced Technology
FABTECH 2018

3. Robotic 3D
Metal Printing

4. 01: Robotic 3D metal printing
Using robotic motion, 3D metal printers have the potential to create parts made from steel, titanium,
aluminum, nickels and alloys. 3D metal printers can reduce material requirements and lighten the
weight of parts, increasing mission capability for automotive, space and defense, among other
industries.

5. Additive Tooling

6. 02: Additive Tooling
Additive tooling involves using 3D printers to manufacture tooling to create parts in-
house. This can allow manufacturers to be a one-stop supply chain, rather than
waiting for potentially long shipping timelines for externally printed tooling. Smaller
machines have reduced costs, making for a lower barrier to entry for small-to-
medium size manufacturers.

7. Smart Laser
Systems

8. 03: Smart laser systems
Advances in smart laser systems improve user interfaces and display both flat
and three-dimensional views. Automatic loading increases efficiency and
accuracy.

9. Flexible
Automation

10. 04: Flexible automation
Articulated robots allow for multiple configurations, agile operations, and production-on-
demand efficiency. Manufacturers who traditionally had not adopted automation are
incorporating these robots due to their versatility and lower cost. In addition, delegating
dangerous jobs to robots can help reduce the risk of injuries.

11. Advanced
Material
Handling

12. 05: Advanced material handling
Smart forklifts with sensors to detect workers allow for safer and more efficient and
accurate material handling. Robotic lift trucks can self-locate and navigate, with the
option to switch to manual mode for flexible operations.

13. While advances in technology provide
opportunities for manufacturers, they also
introduce new risks.
If a consumer is injured, or if a product doesn’t work as intended, you
could be held liable for injuries or damages.
With deep knowledge of metals manufacturing, Travelers can help
make sure your business is covered for your unique risks.
To learn more, contact your Travelers representative.
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