Manufacturing Engineering Technologists

Since early civilization engineers have contributed to major milestones and advancements in human history. Engineering feats include Stonehenge, the Egyptian pyramids, the early Romans' extensive system of roadways and aqueducts, Europe's castles and cathedrals, and modern accomplishments such as dams, electricity, automobiles, airplanes, nuclear energy, and much more.

Manufacturing engineering has roots in the 19th century, when the industrial revolution brought about machinery and equipment that could produce goods quickly and efficiently, reducing the numbers of workers needed. During this time when new processes were created for producing iron and steel, unprecedented building projects, such as bridges, dams, railroads, and other vehicles and structures also came to fruition. The advent of electrical engineering in the 19th century brought inventions such as the telegraph (1837), the telephone (1876), the light bulb (1878), and the first practical, alternating current electric motor (1888).

By the early 20th century, the introduction of the automobile and Henry Ford's innovations with assembly lines at his automobile production factories further innovated manufacturing engineering processes and operations. The Wright Brothers had the first controlled flight of a powered airplane in 1903, and the military soon adapted and developed airplanes for military operations. Wars in the 20th century also fueled engineering advancements that included bombs, guns, navigational systems, and submarines. Nuclear power was harnessed for the atom bomb and later for power generation. The space race between the U.S. and U.S.S.R. culminated with the 1969 U.S. manned mission to the moon. Other major milestones included the rise of radio and television and the broadcasting industry, the widespread use of automobiles, and the rise of modern cities.

From the 1950s to the 21st century, engineers and technologists have helped to develop personal computers and the Internet, and engineering marvels continue to abound. Manufacturing engineering technology today focuses on integrating automation and robotics for streamlined production processes that save companies on labor costs, reduce and prevent injuries to workers, and improve the quality of products and goods. Manufacturing engineering technologists are well versed in the use of advanced manufacturing tools such as artificial intelligence, digital design and prototyping, advanced robotics, Big Data, data analytics, vertical and horizontal integration, cloud computing, virtual and augmented reality, and the Industrial Internet of Things, as well as nontraditional manufacturing techniques such as additive manufacturing, nanotechnology, computer numerical control machining, sustainability manufacturing, and roll-to-roll manufacturing. Advanced manufacturing tools and nontraditional manufacturing techniques are used to increase flexibility and responsiveness to market demands, improve efficiency and production quality, generate added value, and achieve other goals.