Technology plays a huge part in all of our lives, both personally and professionally, and the engineering sector is no different. Here is a look at some of the key trends that we can expect to see or have arrived in the sector, and it’s no surprise that technology features heavily.
Additive manufacturing
Also known as 3D manufacturing, this process is a comparative newcomer, but as its benefits are increasingly acknowledged, it will become even more widely adopted. The process relies heavily on the technology that supports it, from the CAD software that designs it to the computers that control the machinery that produce the finished products.
Augmented, mixed and virtual reality
Much has been written about these three technologies in the last few years or so, and this is likely to continue as the full scope for utilising them in industry is realised. Still in its early days in engineering, these alternate realities are initially expected to allow users to see their designs in full 3D glory. As suppliers see its potential, the market is likely to be flooded with a range of headsets and apps, making choosing the right one for your business challenging.
Construction and civil engineering
Technology is also set to play a huge part in these sub sectors. BIM technology allows companies to create virtual 3D modeling. It allows engineers to make informed decisions about their designs and can also help to reduce costs by minimising waste. Many public sector contracts will now demand that a supplier can meet their BIM mandates for commercial projects.
Existing Machinery
Some Engineering technology has been around for many years and regularly updated to make them more efficient and reliable. With the use of computers they can be easily programmed with correct staff training . This can be seen in how far electric tapping machines have come forward in recent years. You can go to sites like www.cotswold-machinery-sales.co.uk/roscamat-tapping-machines/ to see what tapping machines could be available.
Recruitment and training
There is currently a skills gap in engineering, and as new technologies and processes are rapidly embraced by the sector, graduates leaving university are often already behind the curve when they take up their first position. We will see a range of new initiatives aimed at increasing on-the-job training as well as encouraging more youngsters into the industry. One such initiative, run by the Institution of Engineering and Technology is their Festival of Engineering, which gives secondary school pupils some insight into the role of an engineer.
2022 is set to be a year of change in the engineering sector and will surely provide exciting challenges after the previous two years, for those who choose it as their career.