GENERAL NEWS
Metalformers predict little change in economic activity
Fronius LaserHybrid welding cell .
Metalforming companies anticipate little change in business conditions during the next three months , according to the December 2020 Precision Metalforming Association ( PMA ) Business Conditions Report . Prepared monthly , the report provides an economic indicator for manufacturing , sampling 111 metalforming companies in the United States and Canada .
PMA ’ s December 2020 report shows that 34 % of metalforming companies expect an improvement in economic activity in the next three months ( compared to 30 % in November 2020 ), 49 % forecast no change ( compared to 51 % in November 2020 ) and 17 % anticipate a decline in activity ( compared to 19 % in November 2020 ).
The survey also revealed that metalformers expect incoming orders to remain virtually unchanged in the next three months , with 41 % forecasting an increase in orders ( compared to 39 % in November 2020 ), 39 % predicting no change ( a decrease from 44 % in November 2020 ) and 20 % anticipating a decrease in orders ( compared to 17 % in November 2020 ).
“ Metalforming manufacturers are showing resiliency during the COVID-19 pandemic , but finding workers continues to be a challenge despite the high unemployment rate ,” said PMA President , David Klotz . “ In addition , members are experiencing supply chain problems that are causing low steel inventories as supply tightens . PMA is pleased that Congress has passed a COVID-relief package that includes many of our members ’ priorities ,
A steelworker in the U . S .
PMA President , David Klotz .
including funding to allow small businesses to receive a second forgivable Paycheck Protection Program ( PPP ) loan , and allowing deductions of expenses paid with proceeds of a forgiven PPP loan . Congratulations to PMA ’ s One Voice for Manufacturing advocacy team for working diligently to ensure that provisions important to manufacturers were included in the bill .”
Current average daily shipping levels declined in December 2020 , with 41 % experiencing an increase ( down from 49 % in November 2020 ), 35 % reporting no change ( compared to 41 % in November 2020 ) and 24 % reporting a decrease ( an increase from 10 % in November 2020 ).
PMA is the full-service trade association representing the US $ 137-billion metalforming industry of North America — the industry that creates precision metal products using stamping , fabricating , spinning , slide forming and roll forming technologies , and other value-added processes . Its more than 800 member companies also include suppliers of equipment , materials and services to the industry . n
Laser welding machine markets
The “ Laser Welding Machine - Global Market Outlook ( 2019-2027 )” report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets . com ’ s offering . According to the analyst , the global laser welding machine market accounted for US $ 1,025.14 million in 2019 and is expected to reach US $ 2,686.93 million by 2027 , growing at a CAGR of 12.8 % during the forecast period .
“ Some of the key factors propelling the growth of the market are increasing demand from various end-user industries and continuous advancements in welding technology . However , the lack of skilled and knowledgeable labour is a restraining factor for the growth of the market ,” said the report .
Laser welding is a process used to join together metals or thermoplastics , using a laser beam to form a weld . The thermal stability provided by the laser welding machine helps to reduce the scrap from materials that are being welded . Laser welding also helps to reduce the use of glue and chemical additives from the welding operations .
“ By technology , the fibre laser welding machine segment is expected to grow a significant market share during the forecast period , as it facilitates the more efficient delivery of light on the target spot of the subject metal without the need for any expensive optical mirrors or other moving components . Based on geography , Europe is anticipated to hold a considerable market share during the forecast period , which is attributed to the continuous technological advancements and rapid growth in various infrastructure development projects in the region ,” added the report .
6 | sheetmetalplus . com | ISMR February 2021