As a forward-thinking company, Ameritex is always asking the question: “What’s next?”Never settling with the status quo, we push ourselves to implement the latest and greatest technologies to stay at the forefront of what’s possible in metal fabrication services.
With this approach guiding us, it’s incredible how much can change in just a couple of decades. In 2004, welding a ring on a custom metal fabrication took three grueling hours. Today, thanks to our automated welding capabilities, we can perform the same task in just 30 minutes. That’s just one of many examples of where we are today compared to 20 years ago.
It’s impossible to know where the world will be in another 20 years, but we do have some ideas about what to expect from upcoming trends and technologies that will shape our industry in the near future. Join us as we explore the future of custom metal fabrication and share our insights into the innovations that will define where we go next.
Market Forecast
First, let’s take a look at the market forecast for a snapshot of the industry. Data Bridge Market Research revealed that the global metal fabrication market “was valued at USD 20.0 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach USD 29.46 billion by 2029, registering a CAGR of 4.7% during the forecast period of 2022-2029.”
Asia Pacific is anticipated to witness the highest growth due to increasing infrastructural investments and the rising demand from the automotive and aerospace & defense sectors. Automotive and construction sectors are leading end-use industries, owing largely to the rising need for automobiles.
The demand for metal products manufactured using laser cutting is expected to rise due to the technology’s precise cutting methods and ease of making complex designs.
Meanwhile, manufacturing continues to face a labor shortage, with one study projecting 2.1 million unfilled jobs by 2030. The industry must be prepared to overcome this challenge by embracing automation and robotics and increasing the focus on training the next generation.
Market Trends and Future Technology
Here’s a look at the market trends and future technology that will impact metal fabrication services in the years to come.
Automation
Ask anyone at Ameritex about the trend currently dominating metal fabrication services, and they’ll tell you it’s automation. Fabricators everywhere are investing in automated machines to increase production and efficiency, reduce waste, maintain quality control, and offset the shortage of qualified manual labor.
Contrary to what some believe, automation won’t replace the need for human intellect. A machine or robot can’t program itself. Someone will take on these programming tasks, creating space for more opportunities and a demand for those specific roles. It is an exciting future we face that will allow human expertise to be used on more fulfilling and creative challenges.
IoT (Internet of Things)
IoT, which TechTarget defines as “a network of interrelated devices that connect and exchange data with other IoT devices and the cloud,” is being increasingly integrated into manufacturing processes.
Ameritex along with other manufacturers are investing in smart factories where machinery and equipment can communicate with each other to prevent accidents, maintain quality control, reduce waste, optimize maintenance schedules, and streamline the production process.
This is something that we are currently working on in our shop and looking forward to making great improvements to our process, in the end benefiting our clients to produce quality custom metal fabrications in a fraction of the time.
Hybrid manufacturing
Hybrid manufacturing combines different manufacturing processes into one system—for example, 3D metal printing and subtractive manufacturing. This approach improves accuracy and minimizes the need for multiple machines.
Laser technology
The integration of laser technology in metal fabrication services enables pinpoint accuracy. Laser technology is often used in tandem with automated technology and robotics to create the most efficient workflows.
3D printing
Advancements in 3D metal printing technology could revolutionize metal fabrication services in the coming years. This technology will empower manufacturers to fabricate complex parts with high precision while reducing waste and shortening research and development timelines.
Environmental sustainability
To reduce its carbon footprint and overall waste, the metal processing industry is moving toward the adoption of green manufacturing and lean practices and exploring innovative ways to recycle metal waste. There is an increasing demand for electric-powered machinery to reduce the industry’s reliance on fossil fuel-powered machinery.
We are no exception to those manufacturers adopting these sustainability efforts. We partnered up with BeehiveFund in order to implement lean manufacturing processes and are currently working towards having less waste, more efficient practices, and faster product mobility throughout our shop floors.
Stay Ahead of the Curve with Ameritex
As these trends and technologies further develop, you can be confident that Ameritex will adapt in order to uphold our reputation as industry leaders committed to continuously improving and innovating. We’re already leveraging automation and robotics across our shop with incredible results, and we’re just getting started.
If there’s anything we can do for you in 2024 and beyond, please request a quote!
