Opportunities, risks and the role of artificial intelligence in the electroplating industry.
The electrification of industry and society is a megatrend that has far-reaching effects on many sectors of the economy. In the electroplating sector, a key industry for metal finishing and processing, this development is viewed with mixed feelings. Although the industry sees opportunities in the transformation, it also faces considerable challenges. These include rising energy costs and ever stricter legal framework conditions, which challenge the profitability and sustainability of electroplating. At the same time, the targeted use of artificial intelligence (AI) offers exciting new opportunities.
Rising energy costs are a direct consequence of the global energy transition. They are a burden on the electroplating industry, as electroplating is an energy-intensive process. Rising energy costs pose a significant economic challenge, particularly for electricity-intensive processes such as electrolysis. In addition, the stricter legal framework conditions are also increasing the pressure on the industry. Environmental
legislation is becoming increasingly strict in order to reduceCO2 emissions and encourage the industry to adopt more sustainable practices. For the electroplating industry, this means that it must drastically reduce its energy consumption and ecological footprint. This requires investment in more efficient technologies and processes, which in turn increases costs. But that's not all: the transformation also requires a profound change in operational processes and mindsets. This means that the industry not only has to reinvent its technological basis, but also its business models and working methods.
Increased electrification and digitalization are generating increased demand for high-quality electroplated coatings
However, these developments also provide the electroplating sector with a unique opportunity to actively participate in shaping the electrical transformation and strengthen its role in the industry. Not only can the industry improve its efficiency and sustainability, but it can also open up new business areas and strengthen its competitive position. Although the road to this goal is paved with challenges, it also offers great opportunities for innovative and adaptable companies and businesses. Increased electrification and digitalization, from household electronics to renewable energy systems and electric vehicles, are generating increased demand for high-quality electroplated coatings, new coatings and optimized processes.
" Up to 30% growth through new or optimized systems "
This development makes it possible to open up new markets and promote growth. Depending on the industry, up to 30% growth potential for new or optimized systems is considered realistic. Here are some examples of important growth and innovation areas:
Increasing efficiency
Increased efficiency offers the opportunity to significantly increase the productivity of electroplating processes. As electroplating relies heavily on electrical energy, improvements in energy efficiency can lead directly to cost savings. Particularly in the areas of electrolysis and electrochemical treatment, advances can lead to a significant increase in productivity. Other approaches, such as heat and hydrogen recovery, also offer great potential.
" Greener electroplating technology becomes a supplier advantage "
Development of sustainable technologies
New, more sustainable processes can lead to greener electroplating (Photo: stock.adobe.com/antoine2k)The development of new, environmentally friendly technologies and processes opens up the possibility of replacing hazardous or critical chemicals in electroplating processes. This not only leads to a reduction in environmental impact, but can also help to facilitate compliance with environmental regulations and reduce the risk of environmental accidents. If there is a greater focus on the entire process and life cycle of products in the future, "greener electroplating technology" can be a decisive criterion in determining whether a supplier is the first choice. Those who invest here can open up new markets and strengthen their own competitive position in the industry.
Use of artificial intelligence (AI)
More and more data is being generated that can be used to optimize processes and promote innovation. AI can help to analyze this data and gain valuable insights. This can help to increase efficiency, reduce costs and open up new business opportunities. By using AI in process control and optimization, companies can reduce their energy consumption and emissions. For example, machine learning can be used to determine optimal operating conditions and thus save energy.
In addition, AI can also help to develop new materials and technologies that are better suited to the needs of the electrically transformed industry. For example, deep learning or pattern recognition algorithms can be used to gain new insights from large amounts of data and develop new or optimized coating systems.
Strengthening the competitive position
By improving efficiency and productivity, developing sustainable technologies and promoting innovation, the industry can improve its position in the value chain. This can lead to it playing a central role in the transformed industrial world, as is currently emerging in the field of hydrogen technology and battery technology, for example. However, many other sectors could also be won back or opened up thanks to the new efficiencies and innovations.
Hydrogen production from renewable energy sources through electrolysis and transportation by truck (Photo: stock.adobe.com/scharfsinn86)
" The transformation offers companies significantly more opportunities than risks "
In summary, the electrical transformation of industry and society offers great opportunities for innovative and adaptable electroplating companies. However, there are also major challenges due to stricter legal framework conditions, increased energy prices and high pressure to innovate. But here too, as with so many other technological changes in the past, it is clear that these transformation processes offer significantly more opportunities than risks for adaptable and innovative industries and companies. Whether it's increasing efficiency, developing sustainable technologies, promoting innovation, using AI or strengthening the competitive position, the opportunities are manifold. It is now up to the industry itself to seize these opportunities and play an active role in shaping the electrical transformation.
The fem is also aware of the major social and economic changes and is therefore actively transforming itself to meet the new requirements. In addition to a new department for digitalization and AI, the new Innovation Center with more than 4,000m2 of additional research space will enable research and development in the field of electroplating to be expanded and intensified. The aim is for fem to continue to be a reliable partner and driver of innovation, as it has been for the past 100 years.
