What does CNC machining look like moving into 2023? Will machine/software integration continue to evolve? Should we expect the labor shortage to turn around? Are the effects of the pandemic now mostly in our past?
Welcome to Stecker’s annual look toward the next 12 months of CNC machining trends. Based on experience and industry insights, here are topics that will likely affect how the industry performs next year.
Top CNC Machining Trends for 2023:
- Automation continues to evolve
- Technology opens more doors
- Cautious optimism among economic uncertainties
- Focusing more on up-and-coming markets
- Keep an eye on energy costs
- The pandemic is in the rearview mirror
- Expectations are higher than ever
1. Automation continues to evolve
The wise use of automation is one way to confront a challenging labor market, but how and when is it best implemented?
Traditionally, only high-volume CNC machining projects would justify the expense of adding an automated (often robotic) work cell. That’s not the case any longer. Modern robotics are more flexible than ever, having the ability to be programmed to meet various machining needs for various parts.
Plus, lower-volume work, or “job shop” projects,” may still demand repetitive actions and often heavy lifting. When labor constraints make those tasks undesirable, automated processes pick up the slack at an affordable price.
2. Technology opens more doors
If you can count on one thing in this world, it’s the advancement of technology. Even recently — during the past year or two — the strides made in cobots (collaborative robots) are showing up more and more often within modern CNC machine shops.
This side-by-side collaboration between a robot and a human worker may not initially feel natural, but quick adjustments are seamless. And, the results don’t lie: higher quality, more consistency, true reliability. The two main hurdles yet to overcome are the weight the cobot can lift and the length of the arm (to increase how far it can extend), yet cobot technology is only a year or two away from being commonplace in CNC shops of all sizes.
3. Cautious optimism among economic uncertainties
Industry wide, orders continue to be strong, yet the dreaded word has recently been uttered: “recession.” Many businesses are cautiously optimistic that there won’t be a full-blown recession, yet care is being taken now: capital investments are scrutinized before purchase, and hiring to fulfill immediate labor needs is done without overblowing staff numbers.
A comfort for forward-thinking shops comes in the fact that some current work being done for many customers is already sold. Having 2023 parts or equipment “sold out” before they’re manufactured can soften the impact of a recession or even a slowdown.
Of course, serving a diversified group of customers (with different business cycles) reduces how hard the inevitable ups and downs hit a particular CNC shop.
4. Focusing more on up-and-coming markets
Some industries resist market fluctuations better than others. Take electric vehicles (EV), for instance. A tsunami of activity is washing away a lot of downward economic movement. A CNC machine shop can pivot and ride the wave by producing electric axles, for instance.
Whether an industry functions outside of the typical, cyclical business or it’s just in growth mode, when commodity prices are high, shops need to focus on opportunities outside of their comfort zones.
5. Keep an eye on energy costs
World events are rarely predictable. Conflicts between major superpowers, even on the other side of the globe, ripple around the world and often show up first in the cost of energy. The price of oil, natural gas, and other resources has a direct impact on every business, including CNC machining.
Strategic planners must not only be aware of global events, but also be flexible. Being ready to adjust quickly, both on the shop floor and as an entire organization, gives shops an advantage when unexpected challenges arise.
6. The pandemic is in the rearview mirror
COVID-19 shook everything up for well over two years. Supply chain issues made getting materials difficult, and labor challenges slowed down production, often to a standstill. While some of the pandemic’s biggest effects are still being felt, businesses have had to move ahead.
Especially during the final few months of 2022, there has been a lot of stabilization in the CNC machining industry. Successful companies — within CNC machining and beyond — are no longer constrained by pandemic-driven issues. High-performers (the cream of the crop) have developed processes that put them in a strong position.
7. Expectations are higher than ever
During the pandemic’s rage, many customers felt relieved to receive partial shipments of parts; maybe on time, maybe late. Costs also weren’t scrutinized like they once were.
It was a classic case of lowered expectations, but that’s no longer true. “Business as usual”? No way! Customers now expect more, better, quicker, and less expensive.
CNC machine shops must set themselves apart in order to thrive. Fail to deliver, and you’re left behind. Reaching “Top Shop” levels should be every CNC machine shop’s goal.
Now that you have some CNC machining trends to keep in mind as 2023 approaches, you may be wondering if working with a high-end CNC machine shop is right for you. Here’s a resource to help you: When Do You Know It’s Time to Work With a High-End CNC Machine Shop? Download your copy by clicking on the link below.
