Gear manufacturing in the United States is alive and well, and the statistics indicate it’s undergoing a growth period. Of course, like all industries, gear manufacturing undergoes a constant, subtle transformation in response to the conditions that surround it.
So what factors are driving the future of gear manufacturing, and what could that future look like?
Reshoring
For the past few decades, there’s been a gradual trend of offshoring, or outsourcing manufacturing work to companies in developing countries, to save costs. However, there’s been a slow realization that there are hidden costs to this move, including the loss of quality and the costs of shipping and processing across international borders. Accordingly, there’s now a “reshoring” trend, where manufacturers and the people buying from them are influencing more internal manufacturing.
Automation
Automation is affecting almost every industry, but especially those related to manufacturing. Software and tools that can do the work of engineers is becoming more feasible, and is driving down the costs of manufacturing overall. We’re nowhere near the point where automated machinery can fully replace the need for keen-eyed, perfectionistic engineers to drive the process, but we’re making progress in improving the overall efficiency of the operation.
Better Tools
We’re also seeing the rollout of better tools for the job, including better, more intuitive software programs to design new gears, and more advanced equipment that can churn out gears more quickly, or produce them with greater precision.
These are just three of the main trends driving the future of gear manufacturing, and as a leader in the industry, Federal Gear is ready to take them on. If you’re ready to begin your next project, or if you’re interested in a quote, contact us today!