So what is Advanced Manufacturing There

So…. . what is Advanced Manufacturing?

There are many definitions, but NAMIG uses: Advanced Manufacturing is: • The utilisation of enabling technologies, incorporating design and business process innovation to deliver high value-added processes and products in ways that are novel and competitive.

So what does that mean? Let’s break it down

The utilisation of enabling technologies… • Industries using advanced technology which enable them to achieve the result they want more effectively and efficiently. For example: – using keyhole surgery doctors can now perform some procedures with only a 5 -15 mm incision; – manufacturers can use “robots” to perform high-precision jobs such as welding and riveting; – farmers can use GPS technology to monitor the application of fertilisers and pesticides, map fields and mark areas of disease or weed infestation.

…incorporating design and business process innovation… • Using new and improved methods to design their product and operate their business. For example: – Using lean manufacturing principles a factory uses the minimum amount of manpower, materials, money, machines, space etc to get the job done on time.

…high value-added processes and products… • Incorporating manufacturing processes and techniques that add value to the end product, for example: – A German company Manitowac launched a brand-new technology in the world's lifting industry with its new telescopic mobile crane. The crane can be used in locations where height and mobilisation is a key issue, such as erecting wind turbines or working on industrial or city centre sites

…ways that are novel and competitive. • Incorporating new methods or utilising new materials that will give their business the edge in terms of competitiveness or quality, for example: – Coopers Brewery’s state-of-the-art brewhouse design employs cutting edge technology which combines energy conservation and yield efficiency. – Power for the Brewhouse is produced on site by a 4. 4 MWatt, natural gas, cogeneration plant. Excess power is put back into the domestic power grid.

So in summary…. • Advanced Manufacturing is all about: – Using technologies and techniques to optimise the product design and the manufacturing process, creating a quality end product that is cost effective to produce and competitive in its market.