June 9, 2023 Compact Tech Boosts Small Business Growth

New, compact CNC tech revolutionizes manufacturing, empowering small businesses with in-house prototyping.

By Nisan Lerea, Co-Founder & CEO of WAZER

With the high volume of manufacturing taking place in large factories overseas, it has become exceedingly difficult for U.S. small manufacturers to grow their businesses and establish the same levels of success as their corporate counterparts. What’s more, these small manufacturing operations face rises in material and labor costs, supply chain challenges and inflation – not to mention a lack of access to the tools and technology needed to keep production costs in check and operations in-house. Unfortunately, outsourcing has become the standard.   

With these mounting challenges, the industry must become more efficient for small manufacturing firms to compete locally and remain in business. How can this be accomplished? Using small-scale but high-tech manufacturing machines. These tools offer affordable ways for small manufacturers to access automated machinery and bring manufacturing back to local communities.

Technology to the Rescue

Affordable, compact subtractive manufacturing technology can help to significantly revitalize small businesses and level the playing field in the manufacturing industry. In the past, the resources to invest in expensive equipment and infrastructure were limited to large manufacturing corporations. However, more affordable, accessible and compact technologies can now empower small businesses to manufacture their products at a lower cost and with greater flexibility.

These affordable computer numerical control (CNC) machines are driving the democratization of manufacturing, using computer-controlled tools to cut or shape materials such as metal, wood, or plastic into specific shapes and designs. Once too expensive and large-scale for small businesses, these machines have now become increasingly affordable and compact, making them accessible to smaller manufacturers. Waterjet cutters, for example, provide small manufacturers and suppliers with an affordable way to cut any material from stainless steel to glass, carbon fiber and aluminum. They also eliminate the reliance on outsourced industrial equipment or facilities overseas, as new waterjet cutters are compact enough to fit on a workbench and in smaller working environments.

These compact, industrial-caliber CNC waterjet cutters also come with cloud-based software so manufacturers can easily turn their designs into ready-to-cut files using a vast library of material and thickness options. The best part? Custom parts and fabrications can all be done in-house, reducing turnaround time and expense.

Manufacturing Materials for All

The democratization of manufacturing has several benefits for small businesses. First and foremost, it allows them greater control over the production process, from design to final product. This results in higher quality products and faster time to market. It also eliminates the cost, delays and rework associated with outsourcing manufacturing to third-party facilities, a significant challenge for small businesses. Democratization also leads to greater innovation, as small businesses and individuals have the freedom to experiment with new designs and materials – often resulting in the creation of new products and the revitalization of older ones.

These advancements in subtractive manufacturing technology allow local manufacturers and startups to control their production process and make products when and where they need to – leveling the playing field with larger operations. While this technology helps small businesses, it can be used by manufacturers of any size, creating a true democratization of the manufacturing industry.

The democratization of manufacturing is changing the rules. With affordable, compact technology at their disposal, small businesses can now create their own products and bring them to market, opening new opportunities for innovation and growth. The modern tools now exist to innovate and remain self-sufficient.

About the Author:
Nisan Lerea is the Co-Founder and CEO of WAZER and an inventor of the world’s first desktop waterjet cutter. A consummate “maker,” Nisan spent many hours in the machine shop during his time at the University of Pennsylvania working on projects including a Formula 1-style race car. He needed to cut sheet metal but only had access to laser cutting, which could only cut soft materials. Nisan set out to solve the problem, inventing the first small-scale waterjet that would become WAZER. While working as a mechanical engineer, Nisan realized that other designers and engineers still faced barriers to waterjet cutting, so he teamed up with former colleague and fellow Penn Engineering student Matt Nowicki to launch WAZER in 2016.

Subscribe to Industry Today