Technology in the form of robots, cobots, CNC cutting machines, autonomous vehicles and other forms of automation have increasingly found their way onto the manufacturing floor. These machines have a measurable impact on production, allowing manufacturers to meet rising production targets along with the growing expectations of customers and shareholders alike.

As the use of these machines increases, so does the reliance on servo motors. Providing power and precision, servo motors are the controlling force behind much of this equipment. Because of this reliance, the maintenance, preventive maintenance and repair of these motors is critical. When servos are taken offline for unscheduled repairs, the results are unnecessary factory downtime. And that translates into lost revenue, dissatisfied customers and frustrated stakeholders.

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Fueled by emerging markets and a growing demand for lightweight-yet-durable materials, the composites industry is a rising economic force. Global demand for composite-based products is growing at an annual clip of nearly 8%. And as this trend continues, the industry is expected to reach $160 billion by 2027.

While this creates a wealth of opportunities for manufacturers across the board, it also exposes product development gaps, compartmentalization and inefficiencies. Composites are a different animal, and traditional tools and processes often leave manufacturers wanting more. Consequently, companies both serving and entering the space are aggressively seeking robust composite-friendly product development technologies to become more streamlined, efficient and integrated across the extended enterprise.

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