Have you heard of advanced manufacturing? This broad yet significant methodology is revolutionizing the American manufacturing industry, paying the way for innovative new processes. So, what is advanced manufacturing, and how will it impact American manufacturing in the months and years to come?
Overview of Advanced Manufacturing
Advanced manufacturing is a general term for the use of advanced technology — keyword being “advanced” — to improve manufacturing processes and products. There’s no universal definition for the term. Rather, different manufacturing companies have their own view of advanced manufacturing. Generally speaking, however, it emphasis the use of advanced technologies like computer programs (CAD, CAE and CAM), information technologies, automation, control systems, high-precision technologies rapid prototyping, etc.
According to the Australian Advanced Manufacturing Council (AAMC), advanced manufacturing is “… a family of activities that (a) depend on the use and coordination of information, automation, computation, software, sensing, and networking, and/or (b) make use of cutting edge materials and emerging capabilities enabled by the physical and biological sciences, for example nanotechnology, chemistry, and biology.”
Advanced Manufacturing Goals and Objectives
Advanced manufacturing has a few key goals and objects. While different manufacturing companies may have their own unique goals and objectives for advanced manufacturing, some of the most common include improved efficiency, reduced waste, added value to product, increased product quality, shorter manufacturing cycle, increased flexibility and improved productivity. Other techniques can help manufacturing companies achieve these same goals. However, advanced manufacturing excels because of its emphasis on advanced technologies.
Advanced Manufacturing vs Standard Manufacturing
Both advanced manufacturing and standard manufacturing seek to turn materials into finished products that are ready to sell. However, standard manufacturing generally involves the use of manual or mechanized techniques. In some cases, human workers may work on an assembly line to build a product. In others, machines may assist with product assembly. Regardless, standard manufacturing has one primary goal: to turn raw materials into a finished product. In comparison, advanced manufacturing is a more methodical process that involves the use of advanced technologies to perform this task while also striving to accomplish the aforementioned goals and objectives.
What Advanced Manufacturing Means for American Manufacturing
Advanced manufacturing is expected to have a profound impact on the American manufacturing industry. It’s paving the way for new, more efficient and effective manufacturing processes, allowing companies to create better products in less time. And given the recent technological developments, we’ll likely see more American manufacturing companies adopt this methodology.