With the continuous advancement of economic globalization and the shift of manufacturing to international markets, China has become a major player in CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining and a leading exporter of hardware products. Leveraging a vast consumer market and abundant resources, China's hardware industry is thriving. The domestic hardware products market includes a wide range of categories, such as mechanical hardware, decorative hardware, daily-use hardware, construction hardware, tool hardware, and small appliances, with more than 10,000 different products. The industry has initially formed specialized sectors focused on electric tools, stainless steel products, copper and aluminum processing, security doors, scales, and scooters, among others.Currently, the development of China's hardware industry is progressing well, but there are also some challenges:Industrial Transformation and Upgrading: This is the primary issue facing the hardware industry. The traditional hardware industry, along with the entire manufacturing sector, is under pressure to undergo technological transformation and upgrading. For the hardware industry, intelligent manufacturing presents both opportunities and challenges. Only by achieving transformation and upgrading can the industry sustain its growth.Lack of Brand Strength in International Markets: Compared to high-end international markets, China's CNC machining products lack strong brand recognition. The entry of foreign brands puts domestic companies at a disadvantage in competition. Additionally, the influx of a large number of small and medium-sized enterprises has intensified market competition within the hardware industry, leading to internal disorder and inconsistent product quality.Outdated Sales Channels: Traditional sales channels can no longer meet market demands. Expanding into new markets is another crucial issue the hardware industry faces.In recent years, the global development of the internet has been rapid and transformative. The concept of "Internet+" has been widely adopted across various industries. Compared to traditional media, the internet offers significant advantages, including wider reach, faster dissemination, and lower promotional costs. The rise of B2B e-commerce has allowed industries to break free from traditional sales channels, gradually increasing the market share of online channels. Therefore, the hardware industry should actively respond to the "Internet+" initiative, leveraging the internet’s advantages to create a new "Internet+Hardware" industry model."Internet+Hardware" represents the integration of the internet with the hardware industry. It is not simply the sum of the two but rather a close connection between them. The trend of direct sales from manufacturers via online platforms has become irreversible. Online platforms serve as the first choice for hardware manufacturers to expand sales channels and offer a convenient and efficient way for buyers to make purchases and manage their operations.Today, the development trend of "Internet+" indicates that the e-commerce pathway for hardware tools will eventually align more closely with manufacturing enterprises. The vast potential of personalized value-added services has become the new frontier for e-commerce growth. The second phase of the "Internet+" evolution will ultimately be led by industrialists, with industry integration and empowerment emerging as new core trends. Consumers will focus on platform product empowerment, service empowerment, cross-sector empowerment, and management empowerment, which will become the keys to success for e-commerce platforms.Moreover, internet platforms aggregate a vast amount of specific and concentrated information related to the hardware industry. Users can find the information they need through vertical searches on these platforms. In addition, these platforms help users seize business opportunities from across the country, making their choices more diverse.The direct sales platforms for internet-based manufacturers can address user needs by offering a range of value-added services, including exclusive services, personalized recommendations, one-stop procurement, cost control, VIP exclusive pricing, official invoices, quick ordering, and worry-free after-sales support. These services effectively solve the procurement challenges for hardware tools faced by businesses and institutions.

Hardware and Building Materials Industry: Leveraging the Internet to Expand New ChannelsThe hardware and building materials industry is closely related to construction, decoration, and home improvement, with origins tracing back to the early stages of human civilization. The hardware industry refers to the manufacturing and sale of various metal products, such as door and window hardware, furniture hardware, tools, and more.The building materials industry involves various materials used in construction and decoration, such as cement, steel, wood, glass, ceramics, and others. The use of building materials can be traced back to the earliest times when humans began constructing dwellings. As building technologies and demands have evolved, the types and performance of building materials have continuously improved and diversified.Currently, both the hardware and building materials industries are experiencing rapid development, closely linked with the economy, construction, and home sectors. With advancements in technology, these industries are continually introducing new materials, processes, and products. For example, smart home systems, green building materials, and smart locks represent some of the innovations providing new opportunities and growth space for the industry.As living standards rise and the demand for personalization increases, the hardware and building materials industries are facing more diverse market demands. Consumers are increasingly demanding higher quality, functionality, safety, and aesthetics, requiring the industry to constantly adapt and meet these expectations.The rise of the internet has brought many opportunities to the hardware and building materials industries. By leveraging online platforms, companies can establish their own e-commerce stores or partner with other platforms, allowing them to directly connect with consumers by showcasing products, providing detailed product information and specifications, and offering online purchasing services. This approach can reduce intermediaries, improve sales efficiency, and better meet consumers' personalized needs.By utilizing internet technology, companies can build their own supply chain management systems, enabling comprehensive monitoring and management of raw materials, production processes, and inventory. Real-time monitoring and data analysis can optimize the supply chain and control costs, enhancing operational efficiency and competitiveness.The internet also offers convenience for the design and construction processes in the construction industry. Architects and designers can use online platforms to showcase and exchange design concepts, communicate, and collaborate with clients. Additionally, during construction, internet technology can be used for project management and monitoring, improving efficiency and quality.In summary, internet platforms provide numerous opportunities and improvement methods for the hardware and building materials industries, such as increasing sales efficiency, optimizing the supply chain, improving design and construction processes, and enabling smart and data-driven decision-making. Industry companies can actively leverage internet platforms to continuously innovate and develop, adapting to the rapidly changing market environment.

CCTV News Report:The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) recently stated in its annual report that, thanks to smart manufacturing and automation, the number of industrial robots operating in factories worldwide has surpassed 2.7 million units, setting a new record.From 2014 to 2019, global robot installations increased by nearly 85%.In 2019, the top five markets for annual industrial robot installations worldwide were China, Japan, the United States, South Korea, and Germany.The IFR also noted that due to the downturn in the automotive and electrical/electronics industries, combined with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the robotics industry may not see growth driven by large-scale orders this year. However, China could be an exception.

With the rapid development of processing technology, the laser processing industry has become quite familiar to many, as it is involved in both industrial applications and everyday products. To better protect laser processing equipment and ensure safety, it is important to understand the necessary protective measures for these devices.Grounding and Stability: Laser processing equipment must be grounded and stable. The electrical system's outer cover should be equipped with interlocking devices, and appropriate measures should be designed for the electrical cover.Safety Measures: Laser processing equipment should be equipped with various safety features that can display warning signs or signals when issues arise during operation, such as "Laser Hazard" or "High Voltage Hazard."Closed Optical System: When using laser equipment, the optical path system should be completely closed to prevent exposure that could cause harm to the human body.Protective Workbench: The workbench of the laser equipment should be equipped with protective devices, such as glass shields, to prevent laser radiation.Elevated Optical Path: If the optical path system of the laser processing equipment cannot be fully enclosed, the optical path should be set at a higher position to avoid human head-level exposure during operation.。