The U.S. economy benefited from $2.52 trillion in manufacturing contributions during the second quarter of 2021. Increasing efficiencies and improving processes are the goals of manufacturing, and 2022’s manufacturing trends are expected to try to reach those goals. Here are some revolutionary innovations currently occurring in the manufacturing industry.
Thermoforming
Plastics can be thermoformed to create a variety of incredibly useful products. This process involves heating and applying pressure to a thermoset material (usually plastic) to form an object with two or more parts. The heated material is usually softened by air and then forced into the mold under pressure, causing it to adhere to the form.
To make plastics easier to manipulate, manufacturers heat them with a high-temperature process. The process is different for every type of plastic, and manufacturers must consider the chemical composition of the material being made. When these plastics are heated in the air, they create gases that can lead to fires and explosions. To reduce the danger posed by these fires and explosions, manufacturers have several safety protocols in place.
Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Sheets
Manufacturers, like Seiler Plastics, are developing innovative LDPE sheets, which are some of the raw materials that manufacturers need to make their tools or equipment. They are flexible, durable and can be found in a variety of colors and patterns. These raw materials are made from polyethylene and come in various thicknesses.
Since low-density polyethylene is a versatile type of plastic, it can be used in many ways. For instance, because they are both strong and lightweight, they can be easily formed into useful everyday products, such as boxes, tool cases, and paintbrushes. However, when flexibility is more important, these sheets can also be made pliable enough to create consumer products that can be cut with scissors or knives.
Injection Molding
Injection molding has been around for decades and has evolved to become more efficient and less labor intensive. This technique can be used to create intricate shapes and parts with complex geometries.
This manufacturing process involves heating metal powders and plastics to temperatures above the melting point, then injecting them into a mold. The material is forced through the die under pressure, creating a cavity in the part.
Manufacturing Predictions for 2022
Overall, technology has played a major role in the productivity and success of many industries. Manufacturing reaches far and wide since so many of these industries require custom products and equipment, so developments in this field are massively impactful. Many of these new processes increase both speed and quality.
In 2022, manufacturing will have significantly improved processes and efficiencies. There will be a shift in consumer spending habits, as well as a shift in production methods. The increasing demand for consumer products and the changing business model will both contribute to this shift. Robotics will continue to be on the rise, making manufacturing easier than ever before. This will also require less manual labor and safer working conditions for those who service this industry on a daily basis.