The machinery industry, also known as a machine factory, is the sector dedicated to developing fixed or mobile technologies (industrial machines) that allow the transformation or obtaining of raw materials. All industrial sectors form a close bond with the machinery industry because, thanks to its artifacts, its production processes are possible.
Even though the machinery industry began to develop along with the industrial revolution and the steam engine, it was not until the beginning of the 20th century that it gained great relevance. Thanks to the high demand from car manufacturers, innovation became necessary, forcing entrepreneurs to start their own companies dedicated exclusively to the development of machines.
The machines developed by the Machinery Industry act independently on resources or materials, mechanically, thermally, electrically, hydraulically, or robotically.
Within the machinery industry, technologies divided into two main categories are developed: light industrial machinery, designed to work in small spaces, and heavy industrial machinery, focused on large-scale industrial processes.
The machinery industry adapts to different sectors
Since all industries require industrial machines, developing specific technologies for each sector has become necessary. The devices in the textile industry are too far from those used in the agricultural, food or automotive sectors. However, the principle is the same: make them efficient and automated.
In general, industrial machines, whether heavy or light, can be integrated into four main divisions according to the type of energy they use:
Electrical machinery: this technology has electrical circuits and a system capable of transforming the energy received into other types of energy. . Here, we can find motors, generators, or transistors.
Hydraulic machinery: Through fluids under pressure, this machinery obtains mechanical energy. Only machines that exert pressure more significant than 100 bar can enter this category. The most famous example is the hydraulic press.
Thermal machinery: By manipulating temperatures, it transforms the behavior of fluids into kinetic energy. One of the earliest industrial machines in the world fell into this category: the steam engine.