How are manufacturing processes optimized to reduce production costs and lead times?
Manufacturing processes are optimized to reduce production costs and lead times in the following ways ¹:
- *Designing for additive manufacturing*: The aerospace and defense industry is embracing advanced manufacturing processes such as additive manufacturing (AM), which offers several benefits, including reduced material waste, faster production times, and increased agility.
- *On-demand and low-volume production*: Digital manufacturing suppliers are increasingly attracting aerospace OEMs, government and defense organizations, and other private entities with specialized needs for production, thanks to their on-demand, low-volume production capabilities.
- *Hybrid approach*: The best solutions often involve a hybrid approach using multiple technologies in concert, such as combining additive and subtractive manufacturing systems and know-how.
- *Digital manufacturing*: Digital manufacturing suppliers are leveraging manufacturing technologies where they make sense, such as Lockheed Martin, which is using digital manufacturing to produce complex parts, including propellant tanks, in a more efficient and cost-effective manner.
- *Advanced materials*: The use of advanced materials, such as titanium and aluminum, is also helping to reduce production costs and lead times, thanks to their lightweight and high-strength properties.
- *Inspections, quality control, and certifications*: Manufacturing service providers are certifying processes that adhere to stringent standards, such as AS9100D and ITAR, to ensure compliance with quality metrics and reduce the risk of equipment failure.
- *Real-time feedback and adjustment*: Several means of process control are being integrated throughout production, including in-situ monitoring for real-time feedback and adjustment during part builds on advanced systems.
- *Full traceability*: Full traceability throughout the entire manufacturing process ensures that each batch of material, item in a build, and batch of parts can be traced back to its origins and through every part of each process.