Happy holidays! In addition to spending time with loved ones and ringing in the new year, many of us use December and January to take stock on what we’ve accomplished, how we can improve and plan for the future. It’s also a great time to rest and recharge your batteries for what’s next.
Coincidentally, the latter dovetails perfectly with one of our feature articles in this issue. In “Blades, Batteries and Natural Gas,” Ed Sinkora writes about the latest manufacturing trends for energy systems. Spoiler alert: Alternative energy, including reshoring the production of windmill blades, is at the top of the list. Gearboxes for wind turbines are also in big demand—literally. The shafts themselves can measure several feet in diameter, but still must adhere to 10-micron, or less, tolerances. That’s a turbulent proposition for manufacturers, who count on equipment suppliers to help measure up. At the same time, manufacturers are looking for better ways to make use of one of the world’s most abundant traditional energy sources: natural gas.
Meanwhile, Kip Hanson’s “Joining Forces” article details the latest automation trends. This includes the labor shortage dichotomy. On one hand, the lack of skilled workers is forcing manufacturers to automate more processes; at the same time, there aren’t enough software developers to properly program all the new robots and cobots waiting in the wings.
Luckily, not every automated task requires a robot. Sometimes the answer can be as simple as a cylinder-driven welding gun. Automated assembly covers a range of applications, so it shouldn’t be surprising that there also are a variety of potential solutions. This makes finding strong supplier partners even more important.
Coordinate measurement machines (CMMs) also are becoming increasingly sophisticated as manufacturing requirements tighten and the inspection process moves further upstream. In his feature article, “Coordinates to the Future,” Thom Cannell highlights recent CMM advances—and the companies leading their development— such as digitalization and 3D scanning, as well as enhanced sensors, optical scanning and customized solutions.
Don’t forget about artificial intelligence (as if that’s possible). In the wake of all the hype and worry, AI is making real and meaningful progress. This includes the potential to automate CMM programming, which would go a long way to alleviate the shortage of software engineers.
In our fourth feature, “The Bottom Line on Sustainability,” Ilene Wolff shares how several manufacturers are finding greener financial pastures with green initiatives, such as recycling materials and reducing waste.
As we close out the year and head into 2024, I’d like to thank everyone at SME, our members, industry partners and all of our readers on making 2023 a productive, insightful and joyful year.
Enjoy the holidays—we hope to see and hear more from all of you soon!
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