It comes as no surprise to some that the metal fabrication industry has witnessed job growth and technological advancements in recent years. Overall, metal manufacturing has seen a lot of positive growth across the board as of late. So, what does the future look like for the metal industry? Let’s ask an expert metal fabricator in Phoenix, AZ for some insight regarding rising metal fabrication trends.
The metal industry is good
Metal manufacturing is a service regularly used by a variety of industries and people—think custom metal work, and the automotive, medical and construction industries. However, intervention and tariffs from the government and current presidential administration is cause for concern for steel and aluminum costs. The prices of these metals have soared to record highs, which has metal manufacturers questioning the future of aluminum and steel prices. As long as these types of metals remain in strong demand, metal fabricators will see the market adjust to new prices. Right now demand is high and metal shops are busy filling orders.
Jobs returning to the U.S.
People need to be trained and taught the skills needed to do important jobs. Job growth in the United States hinges on the availably of a skilled workforce. When more and more Americans have the skills to perform certain types of work, jobs begin coming back to the country—this is called re-shoring. Re-shoring can happen due to advancements in technology, fast and productive work habits and the rising costs of labor overseas. This reverse trend—and hiring qualified metal fabricators—is crucial to reviving the U.S. economy.
Automation, laser and 3D printing technology
Although metal fabricators have plenty of skills, incorporating automation into the mix simplifies the metal fabrication process. In fact, the metal industry is always coming up with new ways to combine metalworker productivity and automation advancements.
With the demand for metal fabrication on the rise, more metal fabrication companies are choosing to invest in 3D printing technology. Metal 3D printing involves the stamping of metals to create a design. 3D printing has become an extremely valuable manufacturing tool for the metal industry.
Tube lasers, meanwhile, are able to produce intricate cuts, greater fabrication speed and reduce overall costs, all while improving the quality of final products. The metal manufacturing and fabrication processes regularly take advantage of tube laser technology.
The future of the metal industry
Of the current 12 million manufacturing jobs in the United States, the metal fabrication industry ranks third in providing the most jobs. Globally, it’s projected that the metal fabrication market will surpass the $21 billion dollar mark over the next five years. This market includes all forms of metal fabrication—metal cutting, tube laser, welding, metal forming, punching and more. Adjusting to rising metal fabrication trends ensures opportunity for growth.
For more information about metal fabrication or to schedule a service, don’t hesitate to contact Metal Pro Inc. anytime. Let us know how our metal fabricators in Phoenix, AZ can help you—we look forward to working with you soon!