New and Noteworthy Categories on Thomasnet.com for July 2023

Welcome to Thomas Insights — every day, we publish the latest news and analysis to keep our readers up to date on what’s happening in industry. Sign up here to get the day’s top stories delivered straight to your inbox.

Since industry is constantly growing and evolving, Thomasnet.com® is too. Our platform has more than 75,000 categories of products and services, from alloy to zinc, for professionals like you to source from. And thanks to our industry specialists, we are constantly researching and adding to our platform with new supplier categories to help you keep up with current market trends.

Cell Culture Scaffolds

Cell culture scaffolds allow scientists to grow cells in a lab to form new creations, such as lab-grown meat. Cell-based meat is produced in laboratory conditions using stem cells extracted from live animals. The resulting product is indistinguishable from farmed meat at a cellular level and can have the same taste and texture.

Nanomaterial Development Services

Nanomaterial development services are used to create nanotechnology, or the manipulation of matter at the atomic or molecular level. Recent smart packaging trends in nanotechnology include creating more efficient nanomaterials, nanosensors for detection and monitoring, nanocoatings for better durability and protection, and nanomedicine for targeted drug delivery.

Female scientist with graphene nano material molecular model in graphene processing factory

Dumpster Covers

In 2017, the EPA released new laws regarding outside waste containers for the Construction General Permit (CGP), requiring lids to be closed and dumpster covers when it rains, to reduce the risk of stormwater pollution spreading. Ensuring dumpsters are in compliance is just one step to creating a proper waste management plan, an essential for any business or construction site. 

Engine Compression Testers

An engine compression tester quickly checks if a motor is working properly. It ensures the piston rings, valves, and head gasket are all sealing properly. In related engine news, MIT and National Renewable Energy Laboratory engineers have recently created a heat engine with zero moving parts. The engineers say their tests demonstrate that the new technology can convert heat to electricity with more than 40% efficiency.

Car compression tester

Packaging Permeation Testing Services

Packaging permeation testing services can determine whether packaging and film are waterproof, which can be crucial when packaging products that water may damage. Demand for these services is high, as Thomasnet.com’s April monthly sourcing report ranked testing services as number three in the top 20 services buyers were sourcing.

Poly plastic mailer

ASTM B695 Coating Services

The ASTM B695 specification details the requirements for a zinc coating mechanically deposited on iron and steel basis metals. ASTM B695 coating services make sure to follow these specifications. Zinc coatings are commonly used to prevent corrosion in steel. Another way to avoid corroded steel is a new sensor developed by a team of researchers at Bournemouth University that could catch corrosion and “micro-defects” early on.

Powder coating of metal parts

Precision Diamond Turning

Precision diamond turning uses a cutting tool with a diamond tip. With every technical advancement and introduction of new products, be it aerospace, electrical, automotive, industrial, or medical, there is an increased need for improved parts that can only be made with precision turning

Chocolate Pumps

Chocolate pumps serve various purposes, pumping chocolate for coffee shops, bakeries, and other food and dessert manufacturing, such as cookie making. According to Market Data Forecast, the cookie market size is expected to reach $286.78 billion by 2028. The cookie market’s sustained growth is due to increased urbanization, income, and changing lifestyles are all responsible, as well as more supermarkets and convenience stores opening worldwide. Another reason is that snacking is now more popular, prevalent, and frequent than ever after the pandemic, as more people work from home.

Chocolate pump on a plate

Tube Coping Services

Tube coping services are used to cut and shape tubes or pipes to fit accurately with other tubes or structural components for various applications, such as welding or assembly. Thomasnet.com®’s sourcing data showed a 244% increase for robotic welding services in February, suggesting strong demand for scalable welding solutions.

Welder wearing a protective mask

Trailer Landing Gear Conversion Kits 

Trailer landing gear conversion kits are designed to upgrade or retrofit the landing gear systems on trailers, typically for commercial or heavy-duty applications. However, trailers may be getting more lightweight. In February, a Luxury RV company announced the world’s lightest full-size travel trailer. It has a base weight of 2,900 pounds and a gross vehicle weight rating of 3,500 pounds. 

Trailer landing gear

Phenolic Labels

Phenolic labels are durable identification labels made from thermosetting plastic called phenolic resin, a non-conductive material used for labels where electrical safety is a concern. Proper labeling should be a part of a manufacturer’s electrical system checklist. An electrical inspection checklist aids in the execution of an electrical system inspection for both residential and commercial properties.

DEI Consulting Services

DEI consulting services refer to consulting firms or professionals who provide guidance, strategies, and expertise in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within organizations. DEI is a must for manufacturing. Diverse teams are more likely to be faster at problem-solving, have improved decision-making, produce truly accessible goods and services, demonstrate agility, and increase revenue and profits. 

Engraved Outlet & Switch Plates

Engraved outlet and switch plates provide a practical and visually appealing solution for labeling and identification of electrical circuits, switches, and outlets. In April, sourcing for switches was up 22400% month-over-month. 

Urethane Mallets

Urethane mallets are used in various applications where a softer striking tool is required to prevent damage or leave marks on delicate surfaces, such as automotive repair, bodywork, and sheet metal fabrication. The automotive industry is seeing an increase in reshoring in the United States. In 2022, reshoring in the U.S. surged to a record high, with 364,000 jobs announced. 

New to Thomasnet.com®?

Thomas has been the go-to procurement resource for North American industry since 1898. Create a free account today to see why over 1.5 million industrial professionals use Thomasnet.com for their sourcing every month. 

Looking to increase your visibility? Create a free listing to get your products and services seen by the B2B professionals who use Thomasnet.com every day to find what they need.

More from Industry Trends