Digital manufacturers, usually abbreviated as DMI, are electronic component manufacturers that process customized electronics. A typical company is established to produce components such as printed circuit boards (PCBs), switches, integrated circuits (ICs), microprocessors, diodes, capacitors, inductors, IC modules, LEDs, audio chips, connectors, power control modules, microfilters, digital cameras, computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines, touch-screen displays, and more.
These are usually small firms that aim at high-volume production of electronic components. They use state-of-the-art production equipment to make sure that all aspects of the production process are conducted flawlessly. They can also offer services for the building and design of electronic components.
Digital Manufacturing Process
Best Digital manufacturing is a well-oiled process that involves digital electronics manufacturing as an integral part of the entire production process.
The shift to digital manufacturing has gained popularity over the years with the exponential increase in the number and quality of electronic components in manufacturing facilities. Many people still find it difficult to shift from the conventional mode of manufacturing to a digital one but the advantages of doing so are more than enough to compensate for the initial difficulty.
In digital manufacturing, the production of products is done in bulk using automated machines. This helps in reducing the operating costs and the downtime too. Since a large number of items can be manufactured using the same machine, the overall production can be increased without affecting the profitability too drastically.
This means that companies can easily maintain a low-volume yet profitable business, even if they have to employ more manpower. Another advantage that sets this kind of manufacturing apart from other forms is the flexibility it offers in producing varied varieties of products.
For Example:
when a client wants to order a printed circuit board of a particular material, the digital manufacturer can readily provide them with a list of options from which they can choose. In such a scenario, there is no need for them to visit several shops in their area. Instead, all they need to do is just select a supplier from the list and order the board of their choice directly from them.
This not only reduces the operating costs but also ensures that the client gets exactly what he or she ordered. Furthermore, since they do not need to make any physical visits to the supplier's place, the turnaround time for the product is considerably reduced and this directly impacts the bottom-line of the company.
Digital Manufacturing Advantages:
An additional advantage that comes with using agile manufacturing methods is the reduction in material usage. Since the bulk of the work is carried out at the factory and the entire assembly line follows a strictly standardized process, there is no room for deviation.
Hence, most digital manufacturers choose to use only the best materials available in the market since the final product is sure to be of good quality. The overall costs of production, as well as its logistics, also fall dramatically since there is no wastage of resources like excess feedstock or broken parts in an agile production set-up.
The digital manufacturing company should also have a mechanism to track and trace the products as and when they are manufactured. Such a system allows the manufacturer to easily keep a tab on all the manufacturing processes, and thereby, ensure that the company remains on top of its game even during the manufacturing cycle.
It is also important for the manufacturer to constantly upgrade its manufacturing facilities as well as tools and equipment. With the advent of new technologies in the market, it becomes imperative for manufacturers to adopt such systems to keep pace with the latest changes and developments.
When it comes to integrating the new technologies with the old ones, manufacturers have an array of options to explore. One of the best approaches is to create an online hub where all the required information regarding the new technologies and tools will be available.
For instance, experts in automation would post articles on a regular basis so that users can get a clear idea of the subject. Similarly, there are blogs and forums dedicated to the same topic where engineers and other experts comment on the subject.
Another option for the manufacturers is to make use of social networking sites like Facebook, Linked In, and Twitter to interact with existing customers, receive feedback on their products, and use such social networking sites as a platform to promote the product.
Manufacturers must be sure that their factories are equipped to handle new technologies without compromising on productivity. They must train their staff, conduct workshops, and conduct seminars to train management and other personnel involved in the various processes.
A digital manufacturing company should work closely with its team members to create a culture of safety within the factory. Employees need to be trained on the various tools and technologies used in the factory. It is important for the factory to adhere to strict safety standards in every process and procedure associated with manufacturing.
