Some challenges that manufacturers face are simple, while others are multi-faceted. An example of the latter is continually providing customers with products that are stronger and more durable, yet lighter and smaller to minimize shipping costs.
In Europe, the electric bicycle market is booming. For every bike on the road, one in three is an e-bike. The United States is starting to see more e-bikes on the market and currently has more than 350,000 in circulation.
Manufacturers in many industries like to build with composites because they are lightweight and have high strength-to-weight ratios that often exceed steel and aluminum. At the same time, though, these materials can be hard to properly bond to thermoplastic, metal and other composites.
Product designers, like manufacturers, face the daily challenge of creating original, quality products that fit market needs. Based in Dublin, the Klickity Co. has been meeting this challenge as both a product design firm and a manufacturer since 2010. Founded by industrial designer Kate Cronin, the company specializes in sustainable and affordable contemporary home accessories and LED-based gifts.
In numerous industries and applications, high-performing structural adhesives are replacing standard joining methods such as welding and the use of mechanical fasteners like rivets and bolts.
Versatile manufacturing has always been important to RS Coatings Ltd., based in Lichfield, Staffordshire, UK. Since opening its doors in 1999 as a division of masking-jig specialist RS Composites Ltd., the company has manufactured and coated plastic components in low, medium and high volumes for a wide range of customers.
