Sandvik, the global tool manufacturing and knowledge company recently decided to take a closer look at the macro trends influencing the future of the manufacturing industry.
“Traditionally the manufacturing industry has been conservative in exploring new opportunities. Now, the situation is different. Simply put, the world is moving at a much faster pace than before. In order to develop future solutions and meeting customer demands, industry leaders have to be perceptive and forward thinking”, says Kevin Lorch, Marketing Manager Innovation at Sandvik Coromant.
4 areas of special interest It was decided early on that the result of the study should be shared with the rest of the industry. The reason for sharing came out of a need in the industry of a more general discussion relating to the common challenges of the future.
- Rapid urbanization
- Sustainability
- New advanced materials
- New technologies
Materials and technologies A major influence on the manufacturing industry is material development. With new high performance materials like carbon fibre and super alloys the demand on productivity increases. This also influences new methods of manufacturing, machine- and tool design as well as software. Digital solutions are a more integrated part of manufacturing than ever before. There is a lot of data to interpret and analyze in order to optimize manufacturing processes. Several CAM companies are deeply involved in projects relating to the use of digital data in the development of CAD/CAM services to the end customer. This opens up the use of digital products, which is turning into a competitive advantage. “With the release of the trend report we hope to spread a dialogue about the future across the manufacturing industry. No matter if it relates to products and productivity solutions or competence and labor needs; insights and knowledge about our constantly changing world are an important keys to the future success of the manufacturing industry”, Kevin Lorch concludes.
The trend report and accompanying video is available for download at: www.sandvik.coromant.com/lookingahead
