Processing
Emme-Ti Blog
Metal small parts are now used in a wide range of industries, with an ever-growing array of applications. This expansion is due to advanced companies continually improving techniques and technologies, providing innovative responses to market demands.
In this article, we examine the evolution of metal small parts and their uses.
The evolution of metal small parts
Technological advancements in the production of metal small parts have transformed this traditionally manual sector into one driven by high automation and precision.
This transformation is especially notable for hydraulic components, which are used in systems employing pressurized fluids to generate, control, and transmit power, such as pumps, valves, cylinders, filters, and tubing – all crucial for the operation of industrial machinery, cranes, excavators, and automation systems.
In the past, producing these components relied primarily on artisanal methods. Today, with the introduction of CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machinery and Industry 4.0 applications, it is possible to manufacture small parts with millimetric tolerances and exceptional repeatability.
These advancements have not only increased productivity but also improved the quality of small parts, reducing waste and ensuring greater uniformity in production batches. This progress reflects a path marked by the adoption of increasingly sophisticated technologies, aimed at meeting the growing demands for customization, precision, and sustainability across various industrial sectors.
Automatic turning and industry 4.0: new opportunities
Automatic turning, a key process in the production of mechanical components, is one of the most impacted areas by this transformation due to the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies.
Integrating CNC machines with advanced digital solutions such as the Internet of Things (IoT) is unlocking new opportunities to enhance productivity, precision, and efficiency in manufacturing processes.
With Industry 4.0, automatic turning facilities can monitor machines and process status in real time, identifying potential issues before they become critical, thereby reducing downtime and optimizing predictive maintenance. At the same time, the use of smart sensors allows the collection of valuable data on machine performance, facilitating production cycle optimization and waste reduction.
These advancements also open exciting possibilities for product customization: thanks to advanced automation, turning shops can quickly respond to specific requests, producing custom components with greater flexibility and shorter lead times.
A look ahead to the future of mechanical small parts
As with many other industries, the future of metal small parts is closely tied to the adoption of new technologies that promise to revolutionize the sector by surpassing the limitations of traditional methods. Advanced automation and Industry 4.0 integration are already transforming production and are expected to continue evolving, unlocking new possibilities.
The future of metal small parts will therefore increasingly involve digital technology integration, automation, and innovative materials, enabling companies to be more competitive, flexible, and sustainable, overcoming the constraints of manual or traditional processes.
