The latest automation report by Technavio reveals that the global market size for automation in the automobile sector will expand by $1.95 billion between 2021 to 2026, according to Yahoo Finance. Automation provides opportunities that help automobile manufacturers to respond faster to growing market demands and improve supply chain efficiency, productivity, and reduce downtime. As automakers focus on digitizing their production plants, they have no choice but to embrace innovative manufacturing processes.

In recent years, car makers have been investing in advanced algorithms for workflow management, and technologies that allow virtualization of automobile design and testing. Marketing in the automotive industry is also improving as top car manufacturers are using DAM software to create effective digital marketing content. If you’re keen about the latest developments in the automotive industry, keep reading to learn more about innovations transforming automobile manufacturing.

3D Printing

Using 3D printing to fabricate car parts has become an integral part of automotive manufacturing. Also referred to as additive manufacturing, 3D printing enables car designers to create complex interior and exterior designs and prototypes faster. Unlike machining or subtractive manufacturing, 3D printing doesn’t require tooling. This innovative technology also reduces waste as it entails building car parts layer by layer instead of removing parts from raw deposits.

By harnessing the power of 3D printing, automakers can turn innovative design ideas into a reality and promote proficiency in the supply chain. Other advantages of additive manufacturing include high efficiency and increased optimization in assembling vehicle components and testing. Manufacturers can also ensure the final product whether it’s a specific spare part or entire vehicle, is of high-quality and meets consumer expectations.

Lightweight Automobile Design

Today’s consumers are more keen on protecting the environment. As a result, the demand for fuel-efficient automobiles has surged dramatically over the past few years. To ensure vehicles remain functional and efficient, manufacturers are cutting curb weight by designing low, lightweight, and broad vehicles.

The growing need to design such vehicles has resulted in the adoption of innovative materials in automotive manufacturing. Many automakers now incorporate carbon fiber composites, magnesium, molded plastics, and natural materials like flax, linen, hemp, and cotton. Titanium is also among the most promising lightweight automotive materials. Automobile manufacturers use titanium metal in the form of tubing, bars, rods, and sheets or plates to design car body frames, exhaust pipes, doors, roof panels, and hood covers. Besides being lightweight, titanium is strong, corrosion resistant, and can withstand extreme temperatures.

Laser Technologies in Assembly Lines

Modern automotive manufacturing revolves around automation. This means increased use of robotics in every stage of vehicle production. To streamline the manufacturing process manufacturers are now using lasers alongside robotics to replace conventional equipment. The applications of laser in car production ranges from marking for traceability to scanning for quality assurance, cutting, drilling, cleaning, and texturing. Like other automotive manufacturing innovations, laser technologies offer many benefits like high precision when cutting or drilling car parts, promotes sustainability in automobile manufacturing, quick changeovers, and improves processing speed.

Automobile manufacturers are quick to embrace new technologies to improve efficiency, promote sustainability, reduce operational costs, and enhance product quality. Apart from automating assembly lines with AI-powered robots, modern manufacturers are embracing advanced manufacturing techniques like 3D printing. Automakers are also incorporating laser technologies and using lightweight materials to build safe, comfortable, and fuel-efficient vehicles.