Shweta Dabas Kumar, D.Eng.

BEL-AIR MACHINING CO. has a dedicated DFM division and offers full access to our clients and business partners. The rapid development of new technologies, combined with the increasing complexity of parts and the pressure to bring them to market quickly, has expedited the adoption of DFM (Design for Manufacturing) in advanced manufacturing facilities worldwide. DFM has not only helped to address complexity in manufacturing engineering but has also resulted in savings in machining time and reduced prototyping costs. The Space Exploration and the AAM industries are the two driving forces behind this evolution in the industry. "We Fly Higher" picture shown: NT 4250 - 9 Axis

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Calling all Quality Champions!   Tired of seeing companies prioritize speed before quality? Look no further than Boeing's recent troubles. Article It's a stark reminder that quality is the cornerstone of success and speed!   Join ASQ Tulsa's interactive meeting on When: Tuesday, May 14th, 5:30PM Where: Tulsa Tech - Lemley Campus, Client Services Building Room 7 We'll dive deep into quality best practices… quality management processes, Lean, Training Programs, etc.   Share your war stories! What strategies have propelled organizations toward excellence? What pitfalls have you witnessed?   This session is for you, especially if: · You're fired up about the critical role of quality. · You're leading the quality charge in a fast-growing company (like me!). · You're eager to learn from the experiences of fellow quality professionals. This will be a dynamic discussion you won't want to miss! Let's explore a roadmap to quality together. See you there!

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SR-71 was basically a flying fuel tank. The Brown area in the picture. That’s where the fuel was. It’s not true that it had to be refueled after takeoff because so much fuel was leaking. Yes, it leaked but not enough to have to be refueled in some cases the SR 71 could take off with a full tank that’s 80,000 pounds. Here are some fun facts about the SR 71 and a question: where is the doghouse? The SR-71 was the first aircraft to use its own fuel for hydraulic fluid. It was called the fuel hydraulic system. An engine-driven pump provided 1800 psi of recirculating fuel to accurate various engine components and then returned it to the aircraft fuel system to be burned. Fuel was used in the actuators to control the afterburner nozzles, which maintain the proper exhaust gas temperature and control the thrust output. The fuel was also used in the engine actuators to shift the two-position inlet guide vanes from their axial position to the cambered position and back again. This was just another of the many first-ever inventions of the SR-71. The J58 engine was hydromechanically controlled and burned a special low-volatility jet fuel mixture known as JP-7. Emergency fuels could be used in the SR-71 if the crew was low on fuel and had to use ANY tanker (as already explained, the Blackbird relied on KC-135Q tankers [that could simultaneously carry a maximum of 74,490lb of JP-7 and 110,000lb of JP-4 for their engines]. Still, the SR-71 could also be refueled by standard Stratotankers in the event KC-135Qs were not available or if the Blackbird crew had to deal with an emergency) they could find to avoid the loss of the aircraft. The emergency fuels were JP-4 or JP-5, but they limited the Blackbird's top speed to Mach 1.5. There were six main fuselage tanks. All 80,285 pounds of JP-7 fuel were carried in six main fuselage tanks. The tanks numbered one through six moved forward to aft (back) tank 6B. It could hold 7,020 pounds of gravity-fed fuel and two tank sumps. This was also called the “doghouse” and was located in the extreme back portion of the fuselage.

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Military, aerospace and defense programs last for decades and require long-life systems from a long-life supplier. When it comes to Pre-Planned Product Improvements and technology refresh, find out how we at General Micro Systems keep our finger on the pulse and adapt to long-life, rugged defense applications: https://lnkd.in/gYxBSp-J #P3I #ModularComputers #NextGenSystems

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#Thermal design is becoming more important as things like artificial intelligence and machine learning push the performance envelope. Learn more in this webinar with Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions this Friday! #aerospace #defense

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It also requires regularly reviewing manufacturing and engineering processes to identify areas for improvement and investing in training to ensure everyone is aligned with the latest industry standards and practices. #quality #qualitycontrol #processandimprovement

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Integrating ML into our workflow would allow workers to more safely fulfill their responsibilities. Automating dangerous tasks significantly reduces the chances of electric shock, heat stress, and other risks. Manufacturers could implement cobots for things like welding as they can perform tasks with little to no human intervention and adapt to sudden changes in work conditions. I especially see the need for robots when dealing with hazardous materials. We could utilize this technology to help our team in so many ways. #ML #Manufacturing #Manufacturers

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I like to close my eyes when measuring a part because it's more exciting when upon opening your reading is perfecto 📏⚙️👀✅🤓🎉 Maybe even nerdier is I like to set up 3 identical micrometers in a row and measure the part (stopping on 1 torque ratched thimble click) and getting the exact same measurement. And by exaxt same measurement, I mean exact not even 50 millionths off. Man, I love that.👌🤓 One of biggest problem with micrometers is that measurements are subject to variations from one operator to another. There are two types of influences that contribute to this variation: "feel," or inconsistent gaging force and subjective factors. The micrometer is a contact instrument. Sufficient torque must be applied to the micrometer to make good positive contact between the part and the instrument. The only torque calibration in the human hand is the operator’s "feel." What feels like solid contact to one operator may not feel correct to another, so the readings will be different. In order to eliminate the "feel" part of the measurement, the designers of micrometers incorporated a ratchet or friction thimble mechanism. This is an attempt to assure more consistent contact pressure and eliminate the human influence. A psychologist might say that the other type of measuring influences, the subjective ones, are all in the operators' heads. Tell an inspector that the best machinist in the plant made this part and influence enters the picture. Or suppose your boss walks over and asks you to measure a part, and he adds, "I just made it myself." In these cases, measurements will tend to be better than the part deserves. There are also more subtle types of influences. If you know what size the parts ought to be before you measure them, readings will tend to be closer to that ideal than if you don’t know. Don’t take my word on this—conduct your own experiment. Step 1: Take a number of workpieces and have several people measure them using micrometers without a clutch or ratchet or friction type thimble. Don’t reveal the actual dimension of the workpiece or what anyone else got for readings. These are uninfluenced measurements. Step 2: Give the same operators a known test piece to practice on to get a feel for obtaining a repeatable reading. Then ask them to measure an unknown part. Next give another group a sample known part to practice on to get a feel for obtaining a repeatable reading; then have them measure parts where the size is known. Step 3: Replace the micrometer with one with a ratchet or friction thimble. The measurements are likely to improve even more. While more expensve, I've always thought the simplest and safest thing to do is use a hand tool that has ratchet or friction drive to achieve consistent gaging pressure. #swissmachining #swisslathe #manufacturing #cnc #cncmachining #metrology #quality #lean #leanmanufacturing

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Let's embrace the lessons life presents us and strive to become stronger individuals. Remember, it's not about avoiding pain, but about how we choose to respond to it that truly defines us. #StayPositive #ChooseWisely #KeepPushingForward #OvercomingChallenges #PersonalGrowth

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Ever wonder how we do it? Here is a little insight into the challenges AM teams overcome.

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In the world of problem-solving, the landscape is as varied as the problems themselves. From the precision-driven auto factories of Detroit to the unpredictable and high-stakes scenarios of emergency response, the challenges are as diverse as they come. Yet, the core of solving these problems is rooted in a singular truth…understanding the unique demands of each situation and applying a relentless Lean mindset to carve out effective solutions. In the heart of Detroit's automotive industry, the game is all about precision and adaptability. The relentless drive for efficiency and innovation demands a robust Lean approach. Here, every second shaved and every component streamlined counts. This battleground honed my ability to spot waste and inefficiency with a razor-sharp eye, even amidst the most intricate systems. Contrast this with the unpredictable nature of emergency calls as a firefighter and paramedic. Each situation is a wildcard, stakes sky-high, solutions never cookie-cutter. These moments hammered home the critical need for swift, decisive action and the agility to pivot as situations evolved…mirroring Lean's focus on flexibility and the relentless pursuit of improvement. Then there's the Middle East…my military and security tenure. In the service of the Departments of State and Defense, the margin for error was razor-thin! Lean principles here took on a life-and-death significance…maximizing resources, streamlining processes to safeguard high-risk operations. The cultural complexity and operational intricacies of these roles demanded crystal-clear communication and meticulous planning. Each chapter of this journey has deepened my grasp of the vast spectrum of customer needs and how uniformly Lean thinking can address them. Whether it's fine-tuning a production line, saving lives in the heat of emergency, or ensuring the security of a diplomatic mission, the bedrock principles of Lean…cut the waste, boost efficiency, and never stop improving…have been my north star. As I forge ahead at GE Aerospace, these principles are the core of my approach. Challenges will shift, but the fundamental process…listen to the customer, dive deep into the problem, then apply disciplined Lean strategies to solve it…remains unchanged. This odyssey across diverse terrains of demand and challenge has not only sculpted my professional ethos but also cemented my dedication to driving excellence through the power of Lean and Kaizen. This journey could not be possible without such influence and inspiration I have so gratefully connected with through this platform, Thank you! Lonnie Wilson Bob Emiliani Kathryn Belcher Colleen Soppelsa Eduardo Muniz Andrew L. Bishop, Ph.D. Andrew Jallah Jr Sam McPherson Harvey Leach Ashok Motwani John Foster CQP MCQI Nathan Corliss Shayne Daughenbaugh The annual W. Virginia rafting trip with my daughter. Our first raft she was only 12 and very scared but determined. Up to now, every year she overcome last years challenge.

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SCHROTH Safety Products are famous for their superior occupant safety technology in the air, on the ground, and in space. But did you know that #SCHROTH restraint systems also keep people safe on the water? Many pilots of powerboats, speedboats, and hydroplanes rely on SCHROTH for their safety when racing their watercraft at extreme speeds. #safety #seatbelts #aerospace #aviation #racing #automotive #speedboats #powerboats #hydroplanes Video reposted from Instagram: @stephenkildahl

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Coming soon! We have exciting course program updates debuting at the 2024 MBSE Cyber Systems Symposium. Be sure to stop by our booth to see how Studio SE, Ltd. can unlock your MBSE and SysML potential ✈ 🔬 👩‍💻 #mbse #systemsengineering #catia #modeling #dassault #MBSEtraining #cybersymposium 

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💡 In case you missed it: Dive into the future of manufacturing with Lockheed Martin's Gregg Doppelheuer and Thinaer's Bryan Merckling. Watch their exclusive conversation on "The Factory of the Future," where they discuss cutting-edge technologies, innovative solutions, and the transformation of the manufacturing landscape. 👇 https://hubs.la/Q02C17Tt0 #factoryofthefuture #smartmanufacturing #AIoT #IIoT #IoT

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Aircraft and powertrain classifications, from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Guide to Vertiport Design. What do you think about it? A multicopter is a VTOL-capable aircraft (VCA) with more than two lift-generating propulsors and with no fixed-wing surface for horizontal flight. Current discussion within the AAM industry has suggested that a multicopter should be labelled as an axicraft. The rationale is based on the way lift is only generated along the propulsor axis (axial thrust). This is different from rotorcraft (helicopters or gyrocopters), where lift produced by the rotor can be tilted to direct thrust along, and off, its spin axis. Examples of multicopter VCA are the eHang EH216-S and the Volocopter VoloCity.

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