Introduction

To put it simply, today’s manufacturing world is vastly different from 10 years ago. Now, with companies like JawsTec, we can produce parts for any industry with only a few machines. For example, mechanical parts for cars used to be produced by hand in assembly lines, which took days or weeks to acquire one custom part. However, with 3D printing and CNC machining, anyone can order and receive the exact pieces they need, from mechanical parts to medical applications.

Staying ahead in the changing world is vital to the success of every company. Every industry should work to stay on top of the evolving frontier of acquiring and supplying parts. If you avoid keeping up on modern technology, your business will be left behind and you will loose your competitive edge. Changing technology, like 3D printing, should be monitored, and your business systems or processes should be updated as necessary to include the benefits of each improvement. Read further for some major areas that are expected to affect the manufacturing industry in 2024.

 

Smart Manufacturing Integration

The Internet of Things (IoT) is on the rise and should always be considered when looking at the future of the manufacturing world.  IoT includes items like smart home speakers, doorbell security cameras, smart cars, and other products that connect to each other via networks. The IoT should be included in 3D printing and additive manufacturing technologies. 3D printed items can be easily turned into smart products, which are becoming increasingly popular and widely used.

Specific examples of some IoT products that can be easily created with 3D printing technology are sensors or security cameras for your home. Easy to design and print as a small box or non-intrusive accent to your house, anyone can take advantage of the possibilities with these new technologies. In addition, smart manufacturing technology can improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of your own products or business when implemented in beneficial areas. Putting 3D manufacturing processes to use in your company can help you design, create, and deliver faster than ever before. As additive manufacturing capabilities increase in applications to different industries, the more effective they will be in optimizing your business.

Industry 4.0, the idea that robotic processes and data analytics will improve to create a new industrial revolution, will also play a beneficial role in the 2024 manufacturing industry. With the development of ideas like cyber-physical systems, cloud computing, and overall increased connectivity between individuals or groups, the industrial landscape of this coming year promises to bring improvements on the current situation.

Cyber-physical systems are connections within a process in which computers, people, electronic devices, or any other object can be associated with one another. This type of system helps to provide a more cohesive and structured format for businesses and companies because it improves communication and the overall effectiveness of the group. Cloud computing and connectivity is a relatively simple concept. The idea of cloud computing involves taking a manufacturing business, typically dealing with technologies like 3D printing, and offering the services online by using an instant quote engine or other ordering process. This type of advanced ordering is available here at our site. Cloud computing simplifies the entire process for companies and individuals who need reliable parts supply and delivery. Finally, with the coming of Industry 4.0, there are guaranteed to be improvements in the overall connectivity of networks. As long as you follow the trends and update your company to keep pace with technology, your business should expect to see benefits like increased website traffic, growth in customer numbers, and improved customer satisfaction.

 

Advanced Robotics and Automation

One of the hottest topics in today’s manufacturing world is the use of robots and collaborative robots, known as cobots, to help with tasks. Robotic machines can be programmed to undertake almost any tasks that a human can do, however with some limitations. In spite of these limitations for some cobots, many developments are being made towards the improvement of these artificial manufacturing agents.

In manufacturing industries, robots can perform tasks that need to be completed with exact standards which may be difficult for humans to achieve. They can be beneficial in saving time and effort in completing difficult processes or production steps. In addition, cobots can benefit many industries by working longer hours to provide more efficient shipping times and order rates. The 3D manufacturing industries should expect to see an increased use of robotic systems and processes in 2024 due to the improvements they bring. Enhanced safety measures and efficiency gains are another benefit of using robotic or automated systems in your business processes. With 3D printing technology improving in the coming year, any business can design and develop its own custom cobot systems to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the company. Automatic robotic systems can also be improved with Artificial Intelligence (AI), which is sure to become common place in future manufacturing systems.

Integration of Artificial Intelligence into advanced robotic systems for businesses are beneficial in two main areas. AI can help make data-driven decisions for companies. It can also drive dynamic adaptation for manufacturing environments. AI-driven decision-making in production and manufacturing companies is a great way to optimize your company’s production capabilities to increase profits and productivity. While the technology is constantly being updated and improved, implementing AI into your daily business practices can save you time, money, and trouble in many different ways.

Adaptive automation for manufacturing companies with AI provides a way to dynamically change the environment as changes are needed to improve a service, process, or function of the business. In the coming years, AI is sure to play a role in growing businesses in an adaptive way that can account for the changing needs of both supplier and customer. It can take complex issues and analyze them to determine the optimal course of action for different business practices. AI can be an influential part of any industry, from part manufacturing to athletic analysis.

 

Sustainable Manufacturing Practices

The growing emphasis on eco-friendly manufacturing technologies is another reason that 3D printing and additive processes are sure to become vital to the manufacturing industries in 2024. Sustainable resources should be implemented by every business to help preserve a competitive edge on other companies. The adoption of green manufacturing processes, including 3D printing, CNC machining, and other modern technologies, is predicted to be a growing necessity for companies in coming years.

Reducing the carbon footprint through sustainable practices is becoming increasingly important for businesses looking to make a change in their impact on the environment. Without recognizing the growing concern over sustainable resources and minimal impact to the planet, manufacturing companies who stick with older technology will find themselves being overtaken by other companies who are proactive in updating their systems and keeping their processes compliant with regulations. These are reasons for staying in the loop about sustainable practices.

The circular economy principles in manufacturing, which state the importance of eliminating waste and being as pollution-free as possible, also effects how producers should work to keep sustainable manufacturing processes at the forefront of their company. In the future, implementing ways to reduce waste and recycle materials will increase in importance. This is where 3D printing can play a valuable role, since many 3D printing materials can be reused rather than thrown away. In general, 2024 promises to be a year that emphasizes the need for cleaner manufacturing processes. Reducing the impact of your company on the environment in any way possible will help you to maintain your customers and stay successful in your market.

 

3D Printing Evolution

In general, the 3D printing technology that is available today is constantly being improved and developed to fit into systems, processes, and businesses more effectively. For example, some processes are unable to produce large quantities of parts in a cost effective way. Another issue that comes up is the color or dyeing capabilities of some materials, which can be naturally too dark to change color. Because of these and other limitations, new 3D printing processes are always being discussed and evolved as the years progress. In 2024, these improvements are sure to continue.

Making 3D printing larger-scale and higher-speed is also a priority for developers in the current manufacturing world. Larger scale 3D printing is often needed for companies who offer products that are used by large population, including small medical devices, automotive accessories, or an other common consumer products. When producing these objects with 3D printing that has large scale capabilities, companies will save time and money, as well as taking advantage of a green manufacturing technology. In the coming year, companies can expect to see an increase in the applications for 3D printing in large scale.

Another improvement that should be developed in the near future is the diversification of materials used in additive manufacturing. One issue that comes up in some projects is the need for a stronger or more heat resistant material that is not available for the desired technology. Limitations like these can cause issues for product design and development. With more versatile materials that are usable in a variety of machines and processes. Here at JawsTec, we offer a wide array of materials and processes that are available at a cost-effective price.

 

Supply Chain Resilience

Throughout the post-pandemic recovery years, the world learned about the difficulty of maintaining a constant supply chain. Because of the difficulties in acquiring parts from other countries, domestic manufacturing technology, like 3D printing, has become a great alternative for supplying parts in a number of industries, from recreational activities to aviation and aerospace. The importance of alternative routes for supply of products will continue to be important for

All types of companies should place emphasis on building resilient and agile supply chains, especially in the event of another world-wide pandemic. The outlook for online 3D manufacturing demand in 2024 is high, partly due to this need for more stability in various supply chains. A second benefit of the digitalization of supply chains is the aspect of real-time visibility on orders and parts in production. Many companies rely on accurate estimates and timelines for orders. With long traditional supply chains, these estimates are difficult to pinpoint and can cause issues or inconveniences for producers. JawsTec offers customers the ability to place 3D printing orders online and receive them in the fastest turnaround times possible. Additionally, customers are sent alerts on their orders when thy start printing, processing, and shipping. We keep our customers up to date throughout the whole process so they never have to wonder about their parts. With increased visibility on supply, business owners can easily plan ahead and adjust their operations where necessary.

 

Skilled Workforce and Training

Upskilling or retraining current employees will be a possible result of improvements in manufacturing technology during 2024. For many employers today, finding permanent employees can be a struggle which makes them reluctant to loose skilled help when new technology is updated or old technology becomes irrelevant. This is where the concept of retraining employees will come into play. When new technologies are introduced, or new software is developed, it is often necessary to provide education for individuals who work with the machinery and technology.

It is important for the employees at any business to understand equipment they are working with. This will help ensure the skill and proficiency of each individual as they increase their technical literacy. Retraining employees should be a factor in the schedules and programs of companies who have any connection to the field of technology. It may be possible for some companies to work with local educational institutions to provide these retraining sessions. Colleges and universities are often willing to collaborate with outside businesses to improve technical education for individuals.

 

Global Market Dynamics

Without a doubt, today’s geopolitical factors will have an effect on on the manufacturing landscape of 2024. Not only will the supply chains and international trade situations be a factor on the prosperity of all businesses, but the global market conditions will influence the success of different industries as well. It is important for all business executives and decision makers to recognize how their respective industries will be impacted and what they can do to help ensure the well-being of their company. In the event of another catastrophic disruption to the supply chains, businesses should have a contingency plan ready to initiate to help smooth over the unexpected changes. An example of a plan for a company producing small medical devices could include limiting reliance on foreign partners and instead using a domestically located 3D printing company like JawsTec to supply their parts. Any industry can find ways to utilize the benefits of 3D manufacturing technology in their daily processes, which can help limit losses during another global crisis.

Another aspect of modern sales that should be considered by company decision makers is the idea of emerging markets and new opportunities for expansion. Every year, certain industries see the rise of trends and popular products or activities. A great example of this is the sport of pickleball, which grew widely in popularity throughout 2023. Company leaders who want their businesses to succeed will look for trends like this that could take off and result in huge revenues. The 3D printing and manufacturing market is an expanding area of interest for many businesses and individuals alike, and has even found a place in the world of pickleball. As a particular industry that plays a role in so many other industries, 3D manufacturing technology will be beneficial to include in your business expansion plans for 2024.

Different areas of the world may also experience different types of trends or specific manufacturing needs throughout 2024. Manufacturing companies should pay attention to trends in their local regions to best serve their respective customer base. Businesses should also make consideration for trade policy and changing geopolitical situations. Different regions of the world may experience limitations in manufacturing, like the types of materials or machines that they can use. In contrast, it can be easier for different companies to produce in countries with less restraints.

 

Conclusion

To recap, some frontiers of the manufacturing industry are constantly evolving, especially in 2024. Each of these evolving factors should be considered when business plans and market campaigns are being made for the next year. First, companies of 2024 should pay attention to the integration of smart manufacturing, the Internet of Things, and cyber-physical systems into their industries. Second, advanced systems like AI and cobots are dramatically evolving the production industry this year and should be integrated into companies. Thirdly, green and clean manufacturing technology is becoming increasing important to include in businesses of 2024. Fourth, the evolution of the 3D printing business itself is changing the structure of manufacturing. Fifth, the post-pandemic world that we live in requires that we account for catastrophic events, like a worldwide pandemic, that can wipe out known supply chains. With foresight, businesses can create stronger plans that account for unexpected crises which may arise. Sixth, the changes to 3D manufacturing technology that have occurred, and continue to occur, cause the need for retraining and reskilling employees. It may be necessary to plan for these retraining sessions throughout the next year. The final major factor that manufacturing companies should consider in 2024 is changes to the dynamics of the global market. These dynamics could include new and upcoming trends, popular areas of interest and expanding markets, or local changing trade policies.

Industry stakeholders and business owners need to to embrace innovation and stay competitive in the evolving landscape of 3D printing and additive manufacturing. From the Internet of Things to retraining your employees in using new technology, you can consider each of these factors to help you and your business succeed in the coming year.