The term “advanced manufacturing” gets thrown around a lot, but it isn’t an easily defined term. Manufacturing, for instance, is the production of products in large quantities. Raw materials are converted into finished products that can then be sold. Manufactured products could be anything from canned soda and frozen pizza to car parts and electronics.
What Puts the “Advanced” in Advanced Manufacturing?Advanced manufacturing takes mass producing items one step further by using technology to improve both the products and the process. The Australian Advanced Manufacturing Council adds more to that definition: the products must be globally competitive; in other words, world-class.
Advanced manufacturing pushes the limits of what is possible in order to deliver a quality product efficiently. Take, for example, a suspension component on a car. Ideally for the manufacturer, this structural metal piece needs to be produced in high quantities and at a cost that is lower than what other competitor manufacturers would offer for the same quality.
The car company gives the advanced manufacturer the specifications required for the suspension link - strength, size, typical loading cycles, and its projected lifespan. An advanced manufacturing company would then put to use all the technology at its disposal to design a suspension link using the least amount of material but at the required strength and safety factors.
Today, the advanced manufacturing of a suspension link makes use of:
All of the people, software, test facilities and tools are used carefully to produce the lightest possible suspension link. This is how a world-class automotive parts supplier operates to obtain contracts with a large car company.
There are a number of advanced manufacturers in eastern Ontario that make use of the resources, skilled labour and technology right in the province. The industry has some interesting characteristics:
Examples of advanced manufacturers in eastern Ontario:
October is Manufacturing Month, so Ontario East is promoting advanced manufacturers that are pushing the limits of current technology, right here in eastern Ontario. The industry lends itself to a workforce that loves to work with their hands, tinker, and solve problems using software, tools and testing. There are incredible first-choice careers in Ontario that provide challenging, fast-paced, well-paying work.
External links are provided as informational resources only and are not necessarily endorsed by Ontario East.
Resources:
https://marketbusinessnews.com/financial-glossary/manufacturing/
http://www.aamc.org.au/what-is-advanced-manufacturing/
https://inquinte.ca/story/trentons-l3-technologies-improving-the-future-through-community-right-here