8 Emerging Trends In The Metal Fabrication Industry

What are the emerging trends in the metal fabrication industry?

1. Further implementation of automation
2. Investments in research and development
3. Increase in cybersecurity
4. Rapid emerging markets
5. Additive manufacturing
6. Reduced costs
7. Overall industry growth
8. Steel recycling

The demand for an industrial fabricator in the Philippines continues to rise each day. Aside from metal being a highly versatile material, the metal fabrication industry is relied on by a wide array of applications. The trends in the metal fabrication industry are ever-evolving, some of which have lasted until this day.

As the future of economies continue to develop, more and more establishments are being built — such as commercial buildings, hotels, manufacturing facilities, real estate properties. This means the trends in metal fabrication come together at unprecedented levels to make building efficient as well.

Most industry experts speculate that these trends in metal fabrication have proven their ability to shape and drive economic development. Today, we take a look at eight emerging trends worth examining.

Further Implementation of Automation

There’s no doubt that we are living in a technologically advanced era. Everywhere you look, technology is present. Among the products of technology is automation, which is a quickly emerging trend in the metal fabrication industry.

Nowadays, most metal fabricators are searching for ways to streamline processes and cut downtime in their production lines. The process of cutting and welding customized metals is now achieved with minimum human effort through automation.

A good example of this would be in line with Computer Numerical Control (CNC) cutting, wherein a pre-programmed computer software dictates the movement of tools. From the assembly to finishing — it can be used to control machineries such as plasma cutters without any kind of manual operator or risk.

While there are concerns about eliminating metal fabrication jobs due to automation, this evolving trend will also create more positions for highly skilled technicians and data interpreters.

Investments in Research and Developments

The metal fabrication industry has been more competitive than it has ever been. For this reason, many businesses in the sector will invest in research and development to expand their capabilities and stay ahead in the manufacturing market.

Increase In Cybersecurity

More and more developments in technology are taking over the metal fabrication industry. And with this, comes a need for an increase in cybersecurity. While physical assets are crucial in fabrication efforts, the new technological additions can incur immense costs. These assets must be secured from cyberattacks such as hacking.

Rapid Emerging Markets

With the rapid rise of emerging markets, the metal fabrication industry has more opportunities to expand its reach to those that demand their services. There are also more chances for going global.

Additive Manufacturing

3D technology has changed the face of many industries, especially in the pre-engineering side of things. Additive manufacturing is also known as 3D-printing. Through this, three-dimensional models can easily be created from a computer-aided design.

For instance, the traditional manufacturing molds materials manually. On the other hand, additive manufacturing provides 3D models of the exact type of metal part to be fabricated. Once the model is ready, it will be used to create pre-engineered models for parts required by clients.

Recently, more metal fabricators are investing in additive manufacturing to simplify their manufacturing processes. Today, it provides a heightened level of customization and even the most complex designs in metal fabrication can be tackled.

Reduced Costs

Eliminating repetitive jobs through automation reduces labor costs. There is also a decreased chance of human error and at the same time, less chance of employees developing repetitive stress injuries.

All the emerging trends have been centered around the maximization of work productivity, entering new markets, adoption of advanced technology — all these efficiency points to a significant cost reduction in the long run.

Overall Industry Growth

In terms of the global market, the metal fabrication industry was valued at $16 million in 2015 alone. It is expected to keep growing in the years to come. More and more sectors are starting to rely on metal fabrication including agriculture, defense, and aerospace.

That being said, the metal fabrication industry has great potential for overall growth, as long as it is willing to adapt to the emerging trends.

Steel Recycling

Now more than ever is the time for industries to implement sustainability in their operations. Both customers and local authorities demand that manufacturing sectors adopt sustainability efforts to help the environment.

For this reason, steel recycling is seen to be a continuous emerging trend. This is a good opportunity for metal fabricators as steel is one of the most recyclable materials available out there.

Key Takeaway

For the longest time, the metal fabrication industry has been heavily relied on in the manufacturing field. Thanks to advancements in technology and shifts in market growth, the industry is expected to grow at an unprecedented pace.

We have rounded up some emerging trends for you to think about. Consider how these may help you as we look beyond the industry’s future.