2023 has been a remarkable year for the manufacturing industry, with a spectrum of innovative products and technologies released to address the challenges and opportunities of the post-pandemic era. From additive manufacturing and intelligent automation to an ingenious metals calculator, submersible control pumps, innovative conveying systems and more, these products are enabling manufacturers to optimize their operations this year and beyond. In this article, we will review some of the most innovative products for manufacturers released in 2023.
Benefit: Accelerated Production, High Precision
Application: Aerospace, Defense, Energy, Medical
Velo3D's Sapphire Supersonic Metal 3D Printer marks a breakthrough with its ability to print complex geometries at supersonic speeds. Using proprietary laser fusion technology, it eliminates support structures, enabling high-performance materials like titanium and nickel alloys. Ideal for aerospace, defense, energy, and medical applications, it ensures parts with unmatched accuracy, strength, and durability.
Benefit: Simplified Production, High Resolution
Application: Prototyping, Low-Volume Production, Custom Parts
Desktop Metal's Studio System provides a seamless metal 3D printing solution from design to fabrication. Comprising a printer, debinder, and furnace, it creates near-net-shape metal parts with high resolution. The bound metal deposition process, akin to FDM, supports various metals, including stainless steel and copper. Ideal for prototyping and custom part creation.
Benefit: Realistic Tactile Sensations in Virtual Environments
Application: Virtual Prototyping, Testing, Validation, Immersive Experiencesm Robotics
Haptic Gloves simulate the touch and feel of virtual objects in a 3D environment. Made by companies like haptx, these are gloves that can provide tactile feedback to the user's hands when interacting with virtual objects using a VR headset and controllers. The gloves use various technologies such as air pressure, vibration, electrical stimulation, or mechanical actuators to simulate the shape, texture, weight, and temperature of virtual objects. The gloves can enable engineers and designers to create and test their prototypes in a realistic way, without the need for physical models or materials.
Benefit: Faster Product Development, Improved Collaboration
Application: Design, Engineering, Simulation, Manufacturing, Service
Siemens' Xcelerator Platform integrates design, engineering, simulation, manufacturing, and service solutions in a unified digital platform. Leveraging AI, cloud computing, and data analytics, it facilitates faster and smarter product development. Connecting data sources, creating digital twins, and automating workflows enhance collaboration and innovation throughout the product lifecycle.
Benefit: Sustainable Aviation Fuel, Lower Carbon Intensity
Application: Conversion of Industrial Waste Gases into Jet Fuel
LanzaTech's ATJ Technology converts industrial waste gases into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Using a proprietary microbe, it transforms carbon monoxide and hydrogen from steel mill emissions into ethanol. Upgraded into jet fuel, this process reduces carbon intensity by up to 70%, addressing air pollution and landfill waste.
Benefit: High-Performance Magnets from Recycled Rare Earth Elements (REEs)
Application: Electric Motors, Generators, Sensors, Speakers
Noveon Magnetics' Recycled Permanent Magnets utilize a patented process to recover REEs from electronic waste. Transformed into neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnets, these high-performance magnets find applications in various industries, contributing to sustainability.
Benefit: Real-time Visibility, Control, and Optimization
Application: Planning, Scheduling, Execution, Analysis
AspenTech's MES is a software solution that optimizes the entire manufacturing operation. Integrating data from multiple sources, it provides real-time visibility and control over the production process. Leveraging advanced analytics, machine learning, and AI, it identifies and resolves issues, improving quality, efficiency, and enabling predictive maintenance.
Benefit: Enhanced Productivity and Collaboration
Application: Remote Assistance, Training, Design, Visualization, Entertainment
Lenovo's ThinkReality A3 Smart Glasses are augmented reality glasses projecting virtual displays onto the user's field of view. Connecting to a PC or smartphone, these glasses enhance productivity and collaboration across various use cases, contributing to a more immersive experience.
In addition to these groundbreaking innovations, several companies have introduced new products this year that cater to the diverse needs of manufacturers. From metal powder conveyors and reciprocating ink coders to a ingenious metals calculator and submersible control panels, each of these products brought manufacturers unique benefits in 2023.
Benefit: Versatile Printing System, Clean and Efficient Operation
Application: Variety of Packaging Surfaces, Speeds up to 70 Imprints per Minute
Dalemark Industries, Inc. introduced its Model 5060 Reciprocating Ink Coder in 2023, a versatile printing system designed for a variety of packaging surfaces. Featuring quick-change heads and sealed ink cartridges, it ensures clean and efficient operation with speeds up to 70 imprints per minute. The system's hard anodized aluminum construction is ideal for washdown applications, ensuring durability and longevity. With a range of FDA and USDA acceptable inks, it provides flexibility and high-quality standards for low to medium-speed applications.
Benefit: Enhanced Accuracy, Ease of Use in Measurement
Application: Compatibility with Decimal Inch Drawings, Simplifying Precision Work
Aldrich Engineer's new Decimal Inch Tape Measure addresses the need for more accurate measurement in daily tasks. Tailored for compatibility with decimal inch drawings, these tape measures eliminate the need for conversion, reducing errors and scrap in manufacturing processes. Featuring clear, easy-to-read markings for every tenth of an inch, they simplify precision work and support STEM education by removing the complexities of fraction-based systems.
Benefit: Streamlined Workflow, Over 17 Converters and Calculators
Application: Engineers and Purchasers, Material Specification Processes
Ulbrich Stainless Steels & Special Metals, Inc. introduced its innovative Metals Calculator and Conversion app this year on IndustryNet. Designed to streamline the workflow of engineers and purchasers, this app offers a suite of over 17 converters and calculators for more than 200 alloys. Eliminating the need for manual calculations and outdated slide rules, the app ensures precision and efficiency in material specification processes. Its user-friendly interface and comprehensive tools make it an indispensable resource for manufacturing professionals, propelling Ulbrich to the forefront of digital solutions in the metals industry.
Benefit: Automated Transfer of Metal Powders, Worker Safety
Application: Directly into 3D Printer's Supply Hopper, 24/7 Unattended Production
In 2023, Volkmann USA unveiled its vLoader, a cutting-edge metal powder conveyor designed to automate the transfer of metal powders directly into a 3D printer's supply hopper. This innovative system eliminates manual handling, reducing worker exposure to toxic materials and preventing contamination of sensitive materials. Operating sealed and integrated with most 3D printers, it enhances efficiency with 24/7 unattended production, representing a significant advancement in the safety and efficiency of 3D printing operations for manufacturers.
Volkmann also made waves this year with its VS pneumatic vacuum conveying system which captures unused or excess ingredients from a process and recycles them, either for immediate reuse or storage for future use.
Benefit: Unparalleled Protection in Flood-Prone Areas
Application: Pump Stations, Fully Energized and Functional Even When Submerged
Custom Controls Technology, Inc. (CCT) makes a significant contribution to the manufacturing sector with its innovative submersible control panel for pump stations. Designed to withstand the challenges posed by flood-prone areas, CCT's control panel offers unparalleled protection by remaining fully energized and functional even when submerged in 8.4 feet of water for extended periods. This patented and UL validated product ensures reliability and resilience, allowing manufacturers to maintain operations during floods, reduce maintenance costs, and comply with stringent safety standards.
Benefit: Exceptional Reach and Versatility
Application: Woodyards and Sawmills, Tasks from Unloading to Log Handling
Fulghum Industries, Inc., renowned for its robust and versatile log handling cranes, released two major additions to its range in 2023. The 45-ton log crane, announced in March, is a game-changer in the forest products industry. Designed for a variety of tasks, it offers exceptional reach and versatility with a radius of up to 180 feet. In November, Fulghum announced the rollout of the 180' 45 Ton EVR Log Crane, extending an additional 10 feet of trolley travel, offering unmatched storage capacity and operational versatility. The state-of-the-art crane cab enhances operator visibility and comfort, crucial for precision and productivity during extended shifts.
As the manufacturing industry continues to embrace these innovations, the outlook for 2024 promises even more transformative solutions that will shape the future of manufacturing. Sign up for the IndustryNet Insider to follow the latest developments and advancements in this dynamic industry.
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