Manufacturing Talks
There are millions of cool stories in manufacturing. Your host, Jim Vinoski, helps share them by talking to the people who are making them happen. Manufacturing is where the rubber meets the road. There's no hiding. You're either making good products people will buy for enough to keep you in business, or you're not. Meet the amazing folks who thrive in that survival-of-the-fittest world.
Manufacturing Talks
Larry Harrell with Perfect Point EDM on their new way to remove aircraft rivets!
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It's always cool to learn about breakthrough new tech, so Jim's discussion with Larry Harrell from Perfect Point EDM was a treat!
Larry discusses how Perfect Point uses advanced electrical discharge machining (EDM) to revolutionize aircraft fastener removal.
He explains that traditional twist drilling for titanium fasteners is labor-intensive, requiring up to seven minutes of high-force manual work and risking structural damage. The E-drill solves this by using a fly-by-wire EDM process that removes fasteners in approximately 10 seconds with only 12 pounds of force.
Larry highlights the shift from aluminum to titanium and composite materials, which has increased maintenance complexity and reduced the available skilled workforce. While automation works in fixed jigs, the flexibility of the E-drill is required for aircraft that flex and bend during service.
Drawing from his 26 years at Northrop Grumman, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining a nimble environment for small businesses to foster rapid prototyping. He notes that while large corporations focus on platform procurement, small businesses drive the necessary process innovations.
Highlights:
00:00 - Introduction
01:41 - The Fastener Removal Challenge
04:09 - The Impact of Maintenance Requirements
11:13 - Perfect Point EDM Technology
13:45 - Managing Heat and Coatings
15:56 - Training and Workforce Integration
19:48 - Navigating Industry and Government Gaps
32:18 - Lessons from Aerospace Leadership
41:43 - Economic Benefits and Reshoring
This is a chat you can really geek out on!
Perfect Point EDM website: https://ppedm.com/