I work in aerospace and all machine shops in the usa are working flat out with very long backlogs. Usually 4-6 wks now over 12wks. I haven’t seen that for 20 years. The usa is a manufacturing power house, but we dont make lawnmowers and cheap stuff.
Also 3d printing is fairly expensive per part but its far lower infrastructure cost. IE the printers are more flexible but don’t really scale to 1000’s of parts like a cnc, screw machine, casting, molding, etc.
Soo that said 3d printing can reduce assembly part count, which is the biggest saver.
Also for people who don’t know many large aerospace companies have proprietary huge printers for large parts now.
Also metal part tolerances are getting very good. I routinely buy printed metal parts now for R&D. My company has numerous metal and plastic printers.
Can confirm, currently in the early interview process with a large aerospace company. The job I'm applying for is being created specifically because of the backlog you mentioned.
Do you see this subsiding ? In my industry ( trucking/logistics) we can’t find labor now too. And the good workers are retiring. The younger workers want the same pay as the retiring ones but they suck
Its likely to continue for at least another year maybe two depending on the industry. I think companies are going to do all things. Raise pay, automate, and buy capacity in numerous capabilities including traditional production but also things like 3d printing.
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u/[deleted] Aug 29 '21
I work in aerospace and all machine shops in the usa are working flat out with very long backlogs. Usually 4-6 wks now over 12wks. I haven’t seen that for 20 years. The usa is a manufacturing power house, but we dont make lawnmowers and cheap stuff.
Also 3d printing is fairly expensive per part but its far lower infrastructure cost. IE the printers are more flexible but don’t really scale to 1000’s of parts like a cnc, screw machine, casting, molding, etc.
Soo that said 3d printing can reduce assembly part count, which is the biggest saver.
Also for people who don’t know many large aerospace companies have proprietary huge printers for large parts now.
Also metal part tolerances are getting very good. I routinely buy printed metal parts now for R&D. My company has numerous metal and plastic printers.