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I'm looking at manufacturing variety of grooming products. US based bottlers want too big of a MOQ. Im looking to launch a small batch and test the market. Other than diy the process from home/office, what would you do if you were testing the market but wanted quality control at max level. Thanks.

Ive been in manufacturing for few years now, as process engineer. Background chemical eng. I like my job but I hate the aspect that I have to be on call 24/7 unless on PTO. Its not like my phone rings all day, but when it happens I need to provide support and solve whatever issue they’re calling me for (could take minutes or hours). also includes issues that come up last minute and then i have to stay at work till 6-7pm or later.

Is this what all Chem Engineers do? If not what position do you have?

Will doing an MIT xPro online course in Additive Manufacturing help me land a role as a Manufacturing Engineer?

Do recruiters value such online certificate courses?

Hi All,

I am looking for opportunities that are open source and I can contribute to as a person with software and machine learning skills.

Does any of the members know of any repositories on GitHub that are open source and related to manufacturing that I can contribute to?

Thanks!

Hello -
We are developing a product, a glorified/specialized measuring cup. The cap is injection molded (PP) and the body will be blow molded (HDPE).
I've been working with an industrial designer who has developed both the bottle and graphics/ artwork for the measurements. The designer is using CAD software in order to carefully (hopefully) mark each measurement. For example, PINTS / OZ / ML - in specific intervals. There's approximately 100 measurements on our design. I won't pretend to know CAD software, but I'm sure this is a bit tedious.

My questions:
1 - Is CAD software reliable for developing accurate measurements? And when we go to production, can we rely on these measurements to still be accurate - or should we expect to have to tweak?
2 - Could there be variances in bottle thickness that would alter the measurements seen in CAD models vs real life production. For example, if the bottle ends up being a little thicker, could that distort all the measurements and how should this be accounted for?

3 - We are planning to heat transfer graphics to body.

The most important thing to us is the measurements are accurate. Are there any general tips on how to best execute a product like this?

Need a pick me up, lots of parts coming back rejected from client for silly mistakes.

Need to know we’re not alone.

What’s your shops horror story?

As a manufacturer please describe your systems for calculating bonuses at your company.

Hey everyone,

I'm currently an industrial engineering student diving into my final project, which revolves around optimizing feeding flows in the assembly line of an automotive injection factory. Specifically, I'm focusing on the assembly of door panels, incorporating semi-finished components like armrests, after the injection process to achieve the final product.

The project is centered on enhancing feeding flows in the assembly line and identifying wasteful practices to suggest improvements. It involves two assembly lines with distinct processes. We're looking closely at how components and semi-finished goods are fed into the line, as well as the staffing requirements for assembly stations. The main component, known as the Pano, along with other necessary components like armrests, are fed into the line. It's worth noting that our factory serves two dedicated projects for our client, each with a variety of references based on car models.

Our assembly line replenishes supplies from storage for components such as soundproofing foam and fasteners. Semi-finished components come from warehouses occupying significant space within the factory, while the primary component, the Pano, comes from an intermediate stock between injection and assembly.

The project follows a continuous improvement approach to thoroughly analyze feeding flows, the movements of handlers, feeding frequencies, and sources of waste. The goal is to pinpoint areas for enhancement in each component and ensure just-in-time replenishment of assembly line stations with a clearly defined cycle. Additionally, we aim to redesign these stations with optimal resizing of ongoing stocks (integration of 2-bin systems and flow racks) to boost the productivity of the final product.

I'm eager to receive any suggestions, advice, or resources that could assist me in advancing this project. Your contributions will be incredibly valuable to me as I strive to successfully complete this final project.

Here are some questions I'd like to get answers to:

1. How can I ensure the "Control" (C) part of the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) approach in my project?
2. What specific tools and methods can I use to analyze feeding flows and identify sources of waste?
3. As a beginner, what additional information should I gather to complete an economic study of my project, particularly regarding potential gains calculation?

Thank you in advance for your help and support.

I am a Cost Accountant at a medical device manufacturer in the US. I want to learn more about the future of manufacturing and become more a part of Capex decision and/or research. I know basically nothing of any kind of engineering, so I don't want to get into anything too niche right now. Are there any good events that I should attend?

So I’m about to try and get a blueprint from protolabs, but when I went to go to their services it’s telling me to already have my CAD blueprint files (i’m going for a 3D printed test run). Though on their site it said they would discuss and help me make a blueprint too, then manufacture it. I’m not an engineer so I don’t want to make the blueprint myself and have it not function right. Can anyone help?

TL;DR: I need the steps to schedule a product design call with protolabs to obtain an accurate blueprint

I'm going to keep the details vague but I know of a place that makes AR and likewise gun stocks and parts at 16 parts every 6 seconds.

All I want opinions on is, what where and why would anyone or anything need that many guns so fast?

I since I found this information, I've been wondering and it really makes me think.

What's your thoughts? Serious replies only.

Thanks for the help y’all!

I’m looking to implement an ERP system or Project management tool. I work for a fast growing engineering and manufacturing ng company roughly £11mill business. We have a lot of manual process but use Sage 50 for our finance and cost tracking.

I am going through the process of selecting an ERP system possibly Netsuite, Acumatica or SAP business one but I’m concerned it might not be a best suit for the whole business. Finance is a must but can they accurately plan bespoke client projects and manage workforce resource. 1 problem is we don’t know if we have the right amount of staff or scheduling manufacturing tasks accurately to meet deliveries while including offshore work, training courses and holidays.

I’m unsure if an ERP system can offer all of that so a solution could be to upgrade Sage to the latest programme and implement a project management system to schedule work and plan our resources and if we could down this route would it talk to Sage??

Looked at Asana, Monday but I’m not convinced they look right for a complex engineering/manufacturing business.

Finally, trying to find impartial advise is so hard to come by. As soon as I talk to a sales team they immediately give you the “hard sale” stating they can do everything. Where do I go to get good advice and find a software company thats a right fit

https://www.kmart.com.au/product/disney-pixar-wooden-toys-character-puzzle-43197521/ I’m mostly interested in how the color is put on the pieces/board. It looks like it’s paint but could be printed. Is there a machine that does this?

Does anyone know who manufactures the AG1 canister? Any alternative manufacturers?

Hi. I’m looking for a wet wipes manufacturer that would handle custom branded orders. Do any of you have any ideas where to start looking for such a manufacturer? (Preferably european proximity)

Thanks

Anyone know a manufacturer that can help me out? Thanks all!

We've been struggling with floor markings especially since we're washing the floors so often, so we've started looking at overhead projectors or lasers instead.

Does anyone use them? They seem pretty expensive for the amount of ground each one covers, and I'm specifically wondering if/how badly the light might shine in someone's eyes if you're walking past at the wrong angle.

It's a new manufacturer so I'm suspicious and don't know can I trust it. And is 4 sample tees for 150£ sounds legit? Thanks

Genuinely asking anyone who has worked in major industry for years at any level. What are the pros and cons of being in a manufacturing environment? How easy is it to move within the industry and how fluid are job opening? What is end game like?

I’ve been in a manufacturing engineering program for 5 years and I’m about to graduate. I’m thinking of working towards taking the Industrial and System PE and working towards my license. I’m very happy I got here but I frankly can’t tell how fulfilling of a life this will be. Am I going the right direction?

Edit: Thank you all so much for the amazing comments. You all have refilled my confidence. If I wasn’t heavy in school still I would have more time to respond but to all of you who are older than me and have given me advice, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.

I am trying to find a tab tape, perhaps also called lead tape, that can be adhered through application of heat

The tab tape could be either on a roll or spool. Width needed is 7mm but I'm figuring we can go to a converter as needed.

Preferably I need the tab tape in 2 different colors. Red and blue would be best but any two colors could do.

I have of course tried talking with with 3M representatives and distributers of 3M products. No real progress.
This is like a niche product perhaps.

Any advise or references appreciated.

Thank you,

Last ditch effort to try find a Corten supplier in Canada - specifically BC, but can look at other provinces if needed.

I've reached out to 10+ metal supply companies in Vancouver, and none of them seem to have access to sheets of Corten metal thicker than 1/16". I'm looking for 3/16" minimum.
I guess I could also consider Washington as a potential supplier, but am not sure what's involved in bringing raw metal across the border.

Is anyone here familiar with Corten and where do you source it from?

Hi guys just wondering how many units it actually takes before its classed as mass manufacturing ?