Let’s talk about robots. Not the evil “take over the world” types like those found in the “Terminator” movie series, for example. Rather, “robots” (or “robotics”) simply refers to machines that are built to execute a complex task or group of tasks that are usually programmed to be exacting and repetitive. Robotics has revolutionized the industrial world and employer trends clearly reflect the changes in production, manufacturing, and distribution.
Robotics: Its Present State and Future
Robotic processes are used today for jobs that were formerly boring, dirty, and dangerous. They now provide the means to achieve more speed, precision, and endurance than offered by human performance alone. This move to increased robotic automation has been in process for years and it will continue because robotics is at the core of technological changes that continue to sweep the world. Today, automated and robotic processes are a basic element of production in many industries. For example, robots perform almost all welding, painting, and assembly functions in the automotive industry. The answer to the question, “Can a Robot replace me?” is “yes,” as indicated by employer trends. The good news is that better and more skilled jobs result from this and other advances in technology.
Robotics in the workplace offers these advantages:
- Improved safety for workers and reduced liability for employers.
- Increased production speed and efficiency.
- Improved accuracy and precision.
- Improved employee happiness because employees are freed from tedious, menial, or dangerous tasks.
Employer Trends in Automation and Robotics
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a six percent job growth rate in 2020 (before COVID-19) for metal machine workers and a 19 percent growth rate among computer-controlled machine tool operators, the “sweet spot” of automation in precision metal stamping.
Employer trends include projected increasing uses of robotics for the following applications:
- Assembly lines
- Arc welding
- Picking and packing
- Cutting and drilling materials
- Milling and forming parts and components of many types
What Industries Use Precision Metal Stamping?
Many industries have implemented automated processes into their businesses in order to become more cost-effective, production efficient, and lean. One of the prime users of automation is the precision metal stamping industry. Employer trends are positive for this industry because it serves many industries including medical, military, aerospace, lighting, electronics, agriculture, healthcare, and more.
What is the Role of Automation in Precision Metal Stamping?
Precision metal stamping uses the expertise of experienced engineers and tool and die makers to execute complex operations with precision, accuracy, and correctness. They use mechanical or hydraulic presses with these resulting benefits:
- Dies that are less expensive to produce and maintain.
- Reduction of secondary costs such as cleaning and plating.
- Reduction of waste materials.
- A high level of automation, providing greater precision, faster production, and quicker turnaround times for projects.
How to Secure a Job in Precision Metal Stamping
Employer trends indicate that becoming a machinist and tool and die maker is a particularly good career opportunity. That requires a high school diploma or equivalent, typically two-year trade school coursework and an apprenticeship with on-the-job training. Math, drafting, metalworking, and blueprint reading are critical along with computer numerically controlled machine experience.
Seek Proven Manufacturing Expertise for Precision Metal Stamping Needs
Contact Velocity Metalworks, serving the Greater St. Louis area and the Midwest. We have been recognized as a valued partner in the metal stamping industry for our strong tool design and build competency. With our metal stamping capacity, precision machining services, and EDM capability, we provide the superior experience, precision, and quality you can depend on.
