Let’s MAKE SOMETHING out of this

In current business jargon, the term “disruption” refers to an event, a product, an innovation, or a concept that forever changes an entire industry. The origination of such a disruption is thought to propel a relevant business to a leading market position. In a wider sense, though, the term can have a far more inclusive meaning. And, such is the case with the current Coronavirus Pandemic.

The global nature of the event and the steps being taken to control it will forever alter both personal lifestyles and the infrastructures in business, industry, and government that impact them.

 For those of us in manufacturing, the immediate effect can be traumatic, but the ultimate reality is that, whatever the outcome, products will have to be made and services delivered.

 Within this context, tremendous change will be taking place. The sudden realization of the vulnerability caused by our dependence on offshore manufacturing and materials, especially in critical areas such as pharmaceuticals, will require relocation of such facilities to our own shores. The economic relationships that came about thanks to our reliance on lower cost imports will need to be reevaluated and revised.

 While all of this will take time, the end is clear: there will be a profound increase in manufacturing in the United States, but the complexion of our manufacturing base and the infrastructure supporting it will be markedly different. Just as every major “disruption” or change provides significant opportunities, it also requires that those who wish to participate in it, and profit from it, engage in a serious review of their tools, methods, and processes. This is especially true in three key areas: flexibility, adaptability, and capability.

 ? Flexibility. The rapid emergence of new materials (including ever harder alloys, ceramics, composites, and glass), the emergence of new and refined technologies (such as additive manufacturing, multi-spindle machining, and robotics), as well as the radical redesign of components coming about due to the incorporation of AI in the design process demand that both large manufacturers and shops be prepared to meet challenges radically different from today’s conventional manufacturing. The knowledge base of both designers and producers will have to be considerably broadened to define the correct choices.

 ? Adaptability. The ability to quickly and effectively adapt to major challenges will require a major reconsideration of the business model. In the current Coronavirus Pandemic, the shortage of critically needed ventilators is being answered by major automotive manufacturers who are repurposing portions of their facilities to mass produce the necessary units. While this may seem like a radical change to the public, in reality, it will be accomplished in a comparatively short time. The fact is that the designs and the programs for the components of these units already exist. By securing the correct materials and importing them into the proper tools, it will be possible to move rapidly from the factories’ traditional outputs to the new devices. 

 As manufacturing moves forward and the number of disciplines and required areas of expertise proliferates, cooperative efforts in the design and manufacture of components and products will, of necessity, become more common. Shop owners and manufacturers that have historically thought in terms of moving from design to finished product will now be interacting in both long- and short-term partnerships to achieve the desired end result.

 ? Capability. Among the most immediate changes that the manufacturing community will be obliged to deal with is the continued proliferation of “hard to machine” materials and shorter runs of complex parts. As many are currently discovering, success in this area demands a thorough-going reevaluation of tools, machines, and accessories. Modern materials frequently require both higher speeds and precision workholding for effective machining. When it comes to assets such as turning centers or machining centers, the apparent economics of this can be staggering. Faster obsolescence is already becoming a factor, although retrofitting existing units with equipment such as high-precision, fast-change, workholding units on turning centers and multi-axis capability on machining centers can go far in easing the burden. As with computers, controls, and other electronic devices, manufacturing machinery will experience a shorter service life than has historically been the case.

 The Second World War was responsible for the development of many things that made the post-War period one of great prosperity. One of the most significant but least visible had to do with the fact that the individuals who left military service to enter the management community were experienced with working under duress and understood the value of teamwork. As such, it was through their vision that the United States not only became the unquestioned leader of the Free World but also participated in rebuilding the economies of our Allies and even our former enemies. 

 The current disruption in manufacturing will likewise require participants to undergo a major adjustment of their views on all aspects of the process. The result will be a more effective and efficient system operating at a greatly increased pace. 

 Check our website at www.hainbuchamerica.com for further information.