Combine New Technology & Metals & The Possibilities Are Endless
We live in an era where new technology has changed many aspects of modern life. Things we could only dream of doing 20 years ago are now the norm. Every year technology gets smarter and finds new ways to revolutionize our lives.
Metals, from copper to aluminium, play a big part in both our home and business lives. We use them for everything, from making our cutlery to building staircases. Metals really are a big part of modern life. The question is, what happens when new technology and metals like aluminium are combined? Let’s find out.
New technology has the ability to make tasks that can be somewhat difficult, much quicker and easier. When it comes to metals, the same applies – new tech has the ability to make shaping it and joining it easier. Let’s take aluminium, for example; it’s a metal that’s commonly used for everything from creating staircases to using on cars.
Metal fabrication is the most common way aluminium is moulded and shaped. However, thanks to new technology, it’s no longer the only option. Today, 3D printing can be used to create small scale aluminium items. However, in the future, there’s hope that it can be used on a larger scale to create larger items. Aluminium’s boiling point is 660 degrees, which means it takes a lot to melt it completely and reshape it. Fancy learning more about this metal – here are 7 facts about aluminium you probably didn’t know.
Because of these types of advancements in how metal can be used to create things, production processes begin to change. This means that how certain things are produced, such as cars, changes. Over time, the processes used by manufacturers and construction companies will be altered. These changes will occur slowly, with each company upgrading their methods as and when they become an affordable option.
Once these changes to production processes are in place, this will mean changes in the time periods that it takes to produce certain items.
Often, technological advancements mean that manufacturing times speed up. This can then result in lower product prices. Of course, if 3D printing were widely used, they’d also be a big cut back in terms of metal waste post-production. As only what was needed would be used.
Or, if lasers were widely used to cut metal, they’d be a cut back in terms of repair costs needed. As lasers don’t get blunted and need repairing. They’re also a much quicker and safer option that traditional lathes. The great thing about laser cutting is that it’s computer aided design. This means that once the computer is programmed, it’s then completely automated. This means that not as many workers are needed, which once again, cuts manufacturing costs.
Technology has already revolutionized so much, from modern medicine to manufacturing processes. The idea that in 20 or even ten years time, technology will have made even more advancements, in terms of what it can do, is astounding. Especially as there have been so many advances made already, it’s hard to imagine what else could happen.