9+ Best Wire Cutting & Stripping Machines 2023


9+ Best Wire Cutting & Stripping Machines 2023

Automated gadgets designed to effectively take away insulation from electrical wires, getting ready them for termination or connection, are important instruments in varied industries. These gadgets usually make the most of precision blades or rotating dies to chop and strip the insulation with out damaging the underlying conductor. For example, a benchtop unit may course of quite a few wires of various gauges for management panel meeting, whereas a conveyable model could possibly be used on-site for constructing wiring.

The event of those automated instruments has considerably improved productiveness and consistency in wire preparation. They scale back guide labor, decrease errors attributable to hand stripping, and guarantee uniform stripping lengths, that are important for dependable connections and secure operation {of electrical} techniques. Traditionally, wire stripping was a time-consuming and infrequently imprecise guide course of. The introduction of automated options has reworked this facet {of electrical} work, making it sooner, safer, and cheaper.

This dialogue will discover the assorted varieties of these automated wire processing options, delve into their functionalities and purposes, and look at their affect on various industries, from electronics manufacturing to telecommunications.

1. Automated Wire Processing

Automated wire processing depends closely on specialised gear, with the wire slicing and stripping machine enjoying a central function. This interdependence stems from the necessity for precision and effectivity in getting ready wires for varied purposes. Automating these duties minimizes guide intervention, lowering errors and rising throughput. For example, in high-volume electronics manufacturing, automated wire processing, facilitated by these machines, ensures constant wire lengths and exact stripping, essential for dependable solder joints and circuit integrity. Contemplate the automotive trade, the place harnesses containing a whole bunch of wires require exact slicing and stripping for correct meeting and performance. Automated wire processing, utilizing specialised equipment, turns into important for assembly manufacturing calls for and high quality requirements.

The significance of automated wire processing as a element of recent manufacturing can’t be overstated. It permits constant high quality, reduces manufacturing time, and lowers labor prices. Precision stripping facilitated by these machines immediately impacts the reliability and longevity {of electrical} connections. Moreover, automated techniques supply higher flexibility in dealing with completely different wire gauges and insulation sorts, adapting to evolving trade necessities. For instance, the telecommunications sector makes use of automated wire processing to effectively put together fiber optic cables, contributing to sooner information transmission speeds and community reliability.

In abstract, automated wire processing, pushed by the capabilities of specialised slicing and stripping machines, represents a big development in varied industries. It addresses challenges associated to precision, effectivity, and consistency in wire preparation, finally contributing to enhanced product high quality and reliability. From client electronics to advanced industrial equipment, the affect of automated wire processing is clear within the intricate community of interconnected parts that energy fashionable know-how.

2. Precision Stripping

Precision stripping is paramount in making certain the reliability and longevity {of electrical} connections, and the wire slicing and stripping machine stands as an important device in reaching this. Improper stripping can result in broken conductors, weak connections, and potential electrical hazards. Exact elimination of insulation with out nicking the underlying wire is due to this fact important for optimum efficiency and security.

  • Managed Insulation Elimination

    Automated machines supply exact management over the stripping course of, making certain the insulation is eliminated to the proper size and depth with out damaging the conductor. This management minimizes the danger of shorts, sign interference, and connection failures. For instance, in assembling delicate digital parts, exact stripping is significant for sustaining sign integrity and stopping expensive rework.

  • Constant Strip Size

    Sustaining constant strip lengths throughout quite a few wires is important for correct crimping, soldering, or different termination strategies. Automated machines excel in offering uniform strip lengths, contributing to the general high quality and reliability of wire harnesses and cable assemblies. Contemplate the manufacturing of medical gadgets, the place constant strip lengths are essential for the protection and reliability of important connections.

  • Adaptability to Totally different Wire Sorts

    Trendy wire slicing and stripping machines accommodate a wide range of wire gauges and insulation sorts, together with strong, stranded, and coaxial cables. This adaptability is crucial for industries working with various wiring necessities. For example, the aerospace trade makes use of specialised machines to course of high-temperature wires utilized in engine management techniques.

  • Lowered Danger of Injury

    Handbook stripping can typically result in nicked or broken wires, compromising their conductivity and integrity. Automated machines mitigate this danger by means of exact blade management and constant strain utility, leading to increased high quality connections and diminished rework. That is notably essential in purposes the place wire integrity is essential for security, akin to in automotive wiring harnesses.

The precision stripping capabilities of automated machines considerably contribute to the effectivity, reliability, and security {of electrical} techniques. By making certain clear, constant, and damage-free wire preparation, these machines play a significant function in varied industries, from manufacturing and telecommunications to aerospace and automotive. Their capability to deal with various wire sorts and keep exact management over the stripping course of contributes to increased high quality connections, diminished manufacturing prices, and enhanced product reliability.

3. Elevated Effectivity

Elevated effectivity in wire processing is a important consider fashionable manufacturing and meeting operations. Handbook wire stripping is a time-consuming and labor-intensive course of, typically vulnerable to errors and inconsistencies. Automated wire slicing and stripping machines deal with these challenges immediately, considerably enhancing productiveness and throughput.

  • Lowered Processing Time

    Automated machines drastically scale back the time required for wire preparation. They carry out slicing and stripping operations at considerably increased speeds in comparison with guide strategies. This velocity benefit interprets to elevated manufacturing output and sooner venture completion occasions. For example, a machine can course of a whole bunch of wires per minute, a feat not possible to attain manually. This velocity is very helpful in high-volume manufacturing environments.

  • Minimized Labor Necessities

    Automation minimizes the necessity for guide labor in wire processing. One automated machine can exchange a number of guide operators, releasing up personnel for different duties. This discount in labor prices contributes to total value financial savings and improved useful resource allocation. For instance, a single operator can oversee a number of automated machines, considerably lowering labor prices in comparison with a crew of guide strippers.

  • Constant Output and High quality

    Automated machines ship constant and repeatable outcomes, making certain uniform strip lengths and exact insulation elimination throughout all processed wires. This consistency is important for making certain dependable connections and minimizing product defects. Not like guide stripping, which is vulnerable to human error and variability, automated processes improve high quality management and scale back rework. This degree of precision is very essential in industries with stringent high quality requirements, akin to aerospace and medical gadget manufacturing.

  • Improved Materials Utilization

    Automated machines decrease materials waste by offering exact and constant stripping. This precision reduces the probability of damaging the wire conductor, minimizing scrap and maximizing materials utilization. This contributes to value financial savings and reduces the environmental affect of wire processing operations. For instance, exact stripping minimizes the necessity for rework because of broken wires, optimizing materials utilization and lowering waste.

The elevated effectivity supplied by automated wire slicing and stripping machines interprets to tangible advantages throughout varied industries. By lowering processing time, minimizing labor necessities, making certain constant output high quality, and bettering materials utilization, these machines contribute to enhanced productiveness, value financial savings, and total operational enhancements. These developments finally result in increased high quality merchandise, sooner time-to-market, and a extra aggressive edge within the market.

4. Lowered Labor Prices

Labor prices characterize a good portion of operational bills in industries involving wire processing. Automating this course of with specialised slicing and stripping machines immediately impacts labor necessities, providing substantial value reductions and improved useful resource allocation.

  • Minimized Handbook Dealing with

    Automated machines decrease the necessity for guide wire stripping, a repetitive and time-consuming job. This discount in guide dealing with interprets to fewer operators required for a similar output, immediately decreasing labor prices. For instance, a single operator can handle a number of automated machines, performing the work beforehand requiring a number of guide operators. This shift reduces payroll bills and related overhead prices.

  • Elevated Throughput with Fewer Operators

    Automated machines course of wires considerably sooner than guide strategies. This elevated throughput, achieved with fewer operators, contributes to increased productiveness and decrease per-unit labor prices. Contemplate a cable meeting operation the place an automatic machine processes a whole bunch of wires per minute, in comparison with a handful stripped manually. This effectivity drastically reduces labor enter per unit, contributing to vital value financial savings.

  • Reallocation of Labor Sources

    By automating wire processing, personnel beforehand engaged in guide stripping may be reassigned to extra advanced and value-added duties. This reallocation optimizes workforce utilization and enhances total operational effectivity. For instance, operators can deal with high quality management, machine upkeep, or extra intricate meeting operations, contributing to improved product high quality and course of optimization.

  • Lowered Coaching Necessities

    Working automated wire processing machines usually requires much less specialised coaching in comparison with guide stripping strategies. This diminished coaching funding additional contributes to decrease labor prices and sooner onboarding of latest personnel. Whereas guide stripping requires ability and follow to keep away from damaging wires, automated machines simplify the method, lowering the time and assets required for coaching.

The discount in labor prices achieved by means of automated wire slicing and stripping machines represents a considerable benefit in aggressive industries. By minimizing guide dealing with, rising throughput with fewer operators, enabling labor reallocation, and lowering coaching necessities, these machines contribute to vital value financial savings and enhanced operational effectivity, finally impacting profitability and market competitiveness.

5. Improved Security

Handbook wire stripping presents a number of security dangers, together with cuts from sharp blades, repetitive pressure accidents, and potential publicity to electrical hazards. Automated wire slicing and stripping machines considerably mitigate these dangers, fostering a safer work surroundings.

Automated machines remove the necessity for direct hand contact with blades, lowering the danger of lacerations. The repetitive motions related to guide stripping, typically resulting in carpal tunnel syndrome and different musculoskeletal problems, are additionally minimized. Moreover, automated machines usually incorporate security options like emergency stops and interlocks, stopping unintended operation and minimizing the danger of damage. For example, a machine may robotically cease if a wire jams or if the protection guard is opened, defending operators from potential hurt. In high-volume manufacturing environments, the place repetitive duties are prevalent, these security options are essential for stopping long-term well being points and sustaining a secure work surroundings.

Improved security interprets to diminished office accidents, decrease insurance coverage premiums, and enhanced worker well-being. By minimizing hazards related to guide wire stripping, automated machines contribute to a extra productive and safe work surroundings. This, in flip, enhances operational effectivity, reduces downtime, and contributes to a constructive firm tradition. The transition to automated wire processing demonstrates a dedication to worker security, fostering a extra productive and engaged workforce. By mitigating dangers and offering a safer work surroundings, corporations can enhance worker morale, scale back turnover, and improve their fame as accountable employers.

6. Constant Outcomes

Consistency in wire preparation is paramount for making certain the reliability and efficiency {of electrical} techniques and digital gadgets. Automated wire slicing and stripping machines play an important function in reaching this consistency, eliminating the variability inherent in guide processes. This constant output immediately impacts product high quality, reduces rework, and optimizes manufacturing effectivity.

  • Uniform Strip Lengths

    Automated machines present exact management over the stripping course of, making certain uniform strip lengths throughout all processed wires. This uniformity is crucial for constant crimping, soldering, and different termination strategies. Variations in strip size, frequent in guide stripping, can result in weak connections, intermittent failures, and potential security hazards. For example, in automated cable harness meeting, constant strip lengths guarantee correct connector mating and forestall manufacturing line disruptions.

  • Exact Insulation Elimination

    Constant and exact insulation elimination, with out damaging the underlying conductor, is essential for dependable electrical connections. Automated machines obtain this precision by means of managed blade depth and slicing drive. In distinction, guide stripping can lead to nicked wires, diminished conductivity, and elevated danger of shorts. This precision is especially essential in purposes like medical gadgets and aerospace techniques, the place connection reliability is paramount.

  • Repeatable Efficiency

    Automated machines ship repeatable efficiency, producing constant outcomes no matter operator ability or fatigue. This repeatability eliminates the variability inherent in guide processes, making certain predictable outcomes and lowering the probability of errors. For instance, in high-volume electronics manufacturing, repeatable stripping efficiency is essential for sustaining product high quality and minimizing defects.

  • Lowered Rework and Scrap

    Constant outcomes immediately contribute to diminished rework and materials scrap. By making certain exact and uniform wire preparation, automated machines decrease the necessity for corrective actions and optimize materials utilization. This discount in waste interprets to value financial savings and improved manufacturing effectivity. For example, in manufacturing wire harnesses for vehicles, constant stripping reduces the necessity for rework because of defective connections, saving time and assets.

The constant outcomes delivered by automated wire slicing and stripping machines are integral to reaching top quality, dependable electrical connections. By making certain uniform strip lengths, exact insulation elimination, repeatable efficiency, and diminished rework, these machines contribute to enhanced product high quality, elevated productiveness, and optimized useful resource utilization throughout varied industries. This consistency interprets to tangible advantages, starting from improved product reliability and diminished manufacturing prices to enhanced security and a extra environment friendly manufacturing course of.

7. Versatile Purposes

The flexibility of wire slicing and stripping machines contributes considerably to their widespread adoption throughout various industries. These machines accommodate a broad vary of wire sorts, sizes, and insulation supplies, enabling their use in purposes from delicate electronics meeting to heavy-duty cable harness manufacturing. This adaptability stems from adjustable options like blade depth, slicing drive, and information mechanisms. For instance, the identical machine can course of positive gauge wires for medical gadgets and thicker cables utilized in automotive wiring harnesses, highlighting its adaptability. This versatility reduces the necessity for specialised gear for every utility, optimizing capital funding and streamlining operations.

A number of elements contribute to the versatile nature of those machines. Interchangeable blades and dies accommodate completely different wire gauges and insulation sorts. Programmable controllers permit for exact changes to stripping parameters, making certain optimum outcomes for varied supplies and purposes. Moreover, the supply of each benchtop and moveable fashions expands their usability, catering to completely different manufacturing environments. For example, a conveyable machine can be utilized on-site for development tasks, whereas a benchtop mannequin fits a managed manufacturing setting. This adaptability extends to specialised purposes like stripping coaxial cables or processing high-temperature wires utilized in aerospace, demonstrating their broad utility.

Understanding the versatile purposes of wire slicing and stripping machines is essential for optimizing their utilization and maximizing return on funding. Choosing the suitable machine configuration and options based mostly on particular utility necessities ensures optimum efficiency and effectivity. This understanding additionally permits companies to adapt to evolving trade calls for and broaden their capabilities with out vital capital outlay. By recognizing the flexibility of those machines, organizations can leverage their capabilities to streamline operations, enhance product high quality, and improve total competitiveness. This adaptability ensures that these machines stay a beneficial asset throughout a variety of industries, contributing to developments in know-how and manufacturing processes.

8. Varied Machine Sorts

Choosing the suitable wire slicing and stripping machine relies upon closely on particular utility necessities. Totally different machine sorts cater to various manufacturing volumes, wire specs, and ranges of automation. Understanding the distinctions between these sorts is essential for optimizing effectivity and reaching desired outcomes in wire processing.

  • Handbook Machines

    Handbook machines supply fundamental performance and are appropriate for low-volume purposes or conditions requiring portability. They usually contain hand-cranked or lever-operated mechanisms for slicing and stripping. Whereas providing affordability and ease, guide machines lack the velocity and precision of automated counterparts. Examples embrace hand-held strippers and fundamental benchtop slicing instruments. These are sometimes utilized in prototyping, restore work, or small-scale manufacturing the place automation isn’t cost-effective.

  • Semi-Automated Machines

    Semi-automatic machines mix guide and automatic options. They could automate the stripping course of whereas requiring guide feeding of wires. This sort affords a steadiness between value and throughput, appropriate for medium-volume manufacturing. A standard instance is a benchtop machine with automated stripping however guide wire insertion. These machines enhance effectivity in comparison with totally guide choices whereas remaining comparatively reasonably priced.

  • Totally Automated Machines

    Totally automated machines automate your entire wire processing cycle, from feeding and slicing to stripping and amassing. These machines supply excessive throughput and precision, ideally suited for high-volume manufacturing environments. They typically incorporate options like programmable controllers and built-in high quality management techniques. Examples embrace high-speed cable processing machines utilized in automotive or telecommunications industries. These machines maximize manufacturing effectivity and decrease labor necessities, justifying their increased preliminary funding.

  • Specialised Machines

    Specialised machines cater to particular wire sorts or purposes. These may embrace machines designed for coaxial cables, very positive gauge wires, or high-temperature insulation. Examples embrace laser wire strippers for exact insulation elimination or ultrasonic stripping machines for delicate wires. Choosing a specialised machine will depend on the distinctive necessities of the appliance, making certain optimum efficiency and minimizing the danger of wire injury.

The choice of a wire slicing and stripping machine necessitates cautious consideration of manufacturing quantity, wire specs, funds constraints, and desired ranges of automation. Understanding the capabilities and limitations of every machine kind ensures optimum efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and a streamlined wire processing operation. Whereas guide machines suffice for fundamental duties, the rising calls for of recent industries typically necessitate the precision and effectivity supplied by semi-automatic or totally automated options. Specialised machines additional deal with the distinctive challenges offered by particular wire sorts and purposes, contributing to developments in varied technological fields.

9. Important Industrial Device

The designation of the wire slicing and stripping machine as an “important industrial device” stems from its essential function in quite a few manufacturing and meeting processes. Industries starting from electronics and telecommunications to automotive and aerospace depend on these machines for environment friendly and exact wire preparation. This reliance underscores their significance in making certain product high quality, optimizing manufacturing effectivity, and sustaining operational security.

  • Automation and Productiveness

    Automated wire processing considerably enhances productiveness in comparison with guide strategies. The velocity and precision of those machines allow increased throughput, lowering manufacturing time and labor prices. For instance, in high-volume electronics manufacturing, automated wire stripping is crucial for assembly manufacturing calls for and sustaining constant high quality. This automation contributes on to elevated output and sooner time-to-market.

  • Connection Reliability and Security

    Exact and constant wire stripping is important for dependable electrical connections. Broken or improperly stripped wires can result in connection failures, shorts, and potential security hazards. Automated machines mitigate these dangers by making certain clear, uniform strips, enhancing the protection and longevity {of electrical} techniques. In automotive wiring harnesses, as an illustration, dependable connections are essential for automobile security and performance. Automated wire processing contributes on to minimizing these dangers.

  • Price-Effectiveness and Useful resource Optimization

    Whereas the preliminary funding in automated wire processing gear may appear substantial, the long-term value advantages are vital. Lowered labor prices, minimized materials waste, and improved manufacturing effectivity contribute to a constructive return on funding. Moreover, automated machines optimize useful resource allocation by releasing up personnel for extra advanced duties. For instance, in telecommunications cable meeting, automated wire stripping reduces labor prices and minimizes materials waste, resulting in vital value financial savings over time.

  • Adaptability and Business-Particular Purposes

    The adaptability of wire slicing and stripping machines to varied wire sorts, sizes, and insulation supplies contributes to their widespread use throughout various industries. From delicate wires utilized in medical gadgets to heavy-duty cables in industrial equipment, these machines cater to a broad vary of purposes. This versatility makes them an indispensable device in sectors requiring exact and environment friendly wire preparation. For example, specialised machines exist for processing high-temperature wires utilized in aerospace purposes or for stripping fiber optic cables utilized in telecommunications, highlighting their adaptability to particular trade wants.

The classification of wire slicing and stripping machines as an “important industrial device” displays their multifaceted contribution to fashionable manufacturing and meeting processes. By automating a important course of, these machines improve productiveness, guarantee connection reliability, optimize useful resource utilization, and contribute to a safer work surroundings. Their adaptability to varied purposes additional solidifies their function as an indispensable device throughout various industries, driving developments in know-how and manufacturing practices.

Ceaselessly Requested Questions

This part addresses frequent inquiries relating to wire slicing and stripping machines, offering concise and informative responses to facilitate knowledgeable decision-making and optimum utilization of those important instruments.

Query 1: What are the important thing elements to think about when choosing a wire slicing and stripping machine?

Key choice standards embrace required manufacturing quantity, wire specs (gauge, insulation kind, and so on.), accessible funds, desired degree of automation (guide, semi-automatic, or totally automated), and any specialised utility necessities (e.g., coaxial cables, high-temperature wires).

Query 2: How does automated wire processing enhance security in comparison with guide stripping?

Automated machines remove direct contact with blades, lowering the danger of cuts. Additionally they decrease repetitive hand motions, stopping pressure accidents. Built-in security options like emergency stops and interlocks additional improve operator security.

Query 3: What are the first value advantages of utilizing automated wire stripping machines?

Price advantages embrace diminished labor prices because of minimized guide dealing with, elevated throughput with fewer operators, minimized materials waste from exact stripping, and optimized useful resource allocation by releasing personnel for different duties.

Query 4: What upkeep is usually required for these machines?

Common upkeep consists of blade sharpening or alternative, lubrication of shifting components, and periodic inspection {of electrical} parts and security options. Adhering to producer suggestions ensures optimum efficiency and longevity.

Query 5: Can these machines deal with several types of wire insulation?

Trendy machines accommodate varied insulation sorts, together with PVC, Teflon, silicone rubber, and specialised high-temperature supplies. Choosing the proper blades and adjusting machine parameters ensures correct stripping for various insulation supplies.

Query 6: What’s the typical lifespan of a wire slicing and stripping machine?

Lifespan varies relying on utilization, upkeep, and machine high quality. With correct care and common upkeep, these machines can function reliably for a few years, offering a considerable return on funding.

Understanding these key points of wire slicing and stripping machines contributes to knowledgeable choice, optimum utilization, and maximization of their advantages in various industrial purposes.

This concludes the continuously requested questions part. The next part will present a comparative evaluation of various wire slicing and stripping machine fashions accessible out there.

Ideas for Efficient Use and Upkeep

Optimizing the efficiency and longevity of automated wire processing gear requires adherence to greatest practices and proactive upkeep. The next suggestions supply steering for reaching constant, dependable outcomes whereas minimizing downtime and maximizing the return on funding.

Tip 1: Common Blade Upkeep

Sustaining sharp blades is essential for clear, exact stripping and minimizing wire injury. Common blade sharpening or alternative, as advisable by the producer, ensures optimum slicing efficiency and prevents insulation tearing or conductor nicking. Boring blades require elevated slicing drive, probably damaging the wire and shortening the machine’s lifespan.

Tip 2: Correct Wire Choice and Preparation

Utilizing the proper wire kind and measurement for the machine’s specs is crucial. Making an attempt to course of wires exceeding the machine’s capability can result in jams, injury, and inaccurate stripping. Correctly straightening and getting ready wires earlier than feeding them into the machine ensures easy operation and constant outcomes. Bent or tangled wires can disrupt the feeding mechanism and compromise stripping accuracy.

Tip 3: Correct Machine Adjustment

Exact adjustment of blade depth, slicing drive, and information mechanisms ensures optimum stripping outcomes for various wire gauges and insulation sorts. Seek the advice of the machine’s guide for particular directions on adjusting these parameters. Incorrect settings can result in incomplete stripping, broken conductors, or inconsistent strip lengths.

Tip 4: Routine Lubrication

Common lubrication of shifting components, as specified by the producer, minimizes put on and tear, making certain easy operation and increasing the machine’s lifespan. Correct lubrication reduces friction, stopping untimely element failure and optimizing efficiency.

Tip 5: Cleanliness and Particles Elimination

Sustaining a clear work space and frequently eradicating insulation particles from the machine prevents jams and ensures constant stripping high quality. Accrued particles can intervene with the slicing and stripping mechanisms, resulting in inaccurate outcomes and potential machine injury.

Tip 6: Operator Coaching and Security Procedures

Correct operator coaching on machine operation and security procedures is essential for stopping accidents and making certain optimum efficiency. Operators ought to be conversant in emergency cease procedures, security interlocks, and correct dealing with of wires and blades. Thorough coaching minimizes the danger of damage and ensures constant, high-quality outcomes.

Adhering to those suggestions maximizes the effectivity, longevity, and security of automated wire processing gear. Constant, high-quality stripping outcomes contribute on to improved product reliability, diminished manufacturing prices, and a safer work surroundings.

This part concludes the sensible suggestions for utilizing and sustaining wire slicing and stripping machines. The following conclusion will summarize the important thing advantages and underscore the importance of those machines in fashionable industrial processes.

Conclusion

Automated wire slicing and stripping machines characterize a big development in wire processing know-how. Exploration of those gadgets reveals their essential function in enhancing effectivity, precision, and security throughout various industrial purposes. From lowering labor prices and bettering throughput to making sure constant stripping high quality and minimizing security dangers, these machines supply substantial advantages in comparison with guide strategies. Their versatility in dealing with varied wire sorts and sizes additional solidifies their place as a vital device in fashionable manufacturing and meeting processes. Key takeaways embrace the significance of correct machine choice based mostly on utility necessities, the affect of automation on productiveness and cost-effectiveness, and the importance of normal upkeep for optimum efficiency and longevity.

Continued improvement and refinement of wire slicing and stripping applied sciences promise additional developments in automation, precision, and effectivity. As industries try for optimized manufacturing processes, diminished prices, and enhanced product high quality, the function of those machines will undoubtedly stay important. Funding in superior wire processing gear represents a dedication to streamlined operations, improved product reliability, and a safer, extra productive work surroundings. The continued evolution of those applied sciences underscores their enduring significance in shaping the way forward for manufacturing and interconnected techniques.