The world of metal fabrication is changing. The demand for metal and metal fabrication is rising due to infrastructure developments and government initiatives. It is predicted that the demand for metal will increase by 3.2%.
It will directly impact us, the metal fabricators. It is a sign for all metal fabricators that traditional methods must change, and we need to embrace the change.
At AZ Metals, we welcome technological advancements and try to match their pace. Thus, we constantly monitor market predictions and trends.
The metal fabrication world will witness certain predictions and trends in 2024 which are discussed in this blog.
Automation and Robotics
There was a time when robots working in place of humans was an impossible notion. However, it has become a reality now. Walmart uses robot janitors. HSBC has employed the robot Pepper to greet customers. The world is changing, and metal fabrication is another industry where automation and robotics will work together. Advanced robotics systems powered by AI and machine learning are increasingly capable of performing complex tasks with greater precision and efficiency than ever before.
The robots can handle everything, from cutting metal to stacking and sending it to assembly and inspection. Especially where there is a health hazard for human employees, robots can replace them.
It will also minimize errors and increase productivity. Considering the increasing demands, it is a good idea.
Though it will not happen in 2024, we are moving towards it.
Additive Manufacturing
Industries like aerospace and automotive are always searching for a better, lighter alternative that will increase fuel efficiency. Thanks to advancements in additive manufacturing, aka 3D printing, it is now possible. It is the process of creating a physical model of a 3D design by stacking material layer by layer. Now, this technique is getting traction in metal fabrication as well, and 2024 is going to witness some major leap. Advances in specialized alloys and metals have made it possible. The shapes and designs that were difficult to manufacture with traditional methods are now possible with 3D printing. Its ability to reduce waste, lower costs, and create custom products has made it a favored tech in sheet metal notching and fabrication.
Advanced Materials
When trends and predictions are discussed, technologies and methods are always on top, but materials are seldom discussed even when they are the most important aspect of the metal manufacturing process.
The metal fabrication industry requires lighter, more durable, sustainable, and stronger materials, and we expect to see continual development in this sector in 2024. The challenge for metal fabricators is to develop new techniques and processes for working with these materials, as traditional methods may not be suitable for their unique properties. At AZ Metals, we are ready to do that and adapt to the new practices.
Prioritizing Sustainability
Sustainability is no longer a concept discussed in boardrooms and government conferences. It is a practice that every industry, including metalworking, must consider seriously. Similar to the past few years, the push for a greener tomorrow will continue to gain momentum. Customers are demanding eco-friendly and sustainable products, and metal fabricators are bound to deliver responsible products.
In 2024, metal fabricators will increasingly adopt sustainable practices, such as using recycled materials, reducing energy consumption, and implementing waste reduction strategies.
At AZ Metals, we are committed to offering our clients the best of everything. We source materials from trusted manufacturers and try to leave a smaller carbon footprint on the environment.
Workforce Evolution
Machines, materials, and manpower are building blocks of quality metal engineering. We discussed materials and machines; now, it’s time for manpower. As the machines and techniques change, the workforce will be required to hone their skills. Undoubtedly, the demand for a skilled workforce will only rise, instead of decreasing, as feared by many. There will be a shift toward hiring workers with expertise in robotics, AI, data analytics, and materials science as these skills become increasingly important in the modern metal fabrication environment. Robots and men will work side-by-side; robots will focus on monotonous work, while skilled labor will focus on higher-level tasks.
Final Words
The changes in the metal fabrication industry are subtle but gradual, and thus, metal fabricators have only two options: adapt or perish.
At AZ Metals, we have always embraced the seamless integration of people, machines, and methods, establishing us as the leading metal fabrication service providers in Mesa and Phoenix. Our state-of-the-art machinery and a workforce aligned with our goals ensure excellent collaboration and results. For quality metal fabrication jobs, contact us!
