Manufacturing is widely considered to be the most powerful engine in an economy. Its ability to add value to raw materials while providing high-paying skilled jobs does more than perhaps any other sector to build wealth and raise the standard of living.
Because it’s such a potentially lucrative sector, competition is intense. There is still a quest to build a better mousetrap, but there is also a push to build a comparable mousetrap with lower input costs. Technology has led the way in these innovations, with computerization of the design, fabrication, assembly, and quality control processes reducing errors and increasing speed.
In time, though, many manufacturers have realized that robust electronic systems are most effective when paired with better materials. The high overhead associated with repairing the most frequently-used components of mechanical equipment has driven many companies to investigate other construction materials and techniques for the machinery they use. [Read more…] about Using Specialized Metals To Control Costs In Modern Manufacturing