The hottest Manufacturing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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SpaceShoring: When Offshoring Just Isn’t Far Enough

Gad’s Newsletter • 26 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
💼 Business Manufacturing Startups Technology Space Economics
  1. Manufacturing in space has unique benefits, like producing materials with special properties that can't be achieved on Earth. This is due to factors like microgravity, which can enhance things like crystallization in materials.
  2. Despite the advantages, there are huge challenges to making space manufacturing cost-effective. High startup costs and technical difficulties mean it's currently not competitive with traditional Earth-based manufacturing.
  3. The future of space manufacturing could depend on companies like SpaceX reducing launch costs even more. If prices drop significantly, it might open up new possibilities for making things in space that could eventually be profitable.

Gridlocked: Transformer Shortage Choking U.S. Supply Chains

ChinaTalk • 948 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Industrial Policy Supply Chains Manufacturing National Security
  1. There's a big shortage of transformers in the US, which are crucial for powering everything from homes to new technology like AI and electric vehicles. This shortage is causing long delays in construction and other projects.
  2. US production of transformers is struggling due to a lack of trained workers and supply chain issues. Only about 20% of the domestic demand is currently being met, leading to rising costs.
  3. This transformer shortage presents a security risk as foreign attacks could cripple the grid. Improving regulations and providing support for domestic manufacturing could help address these problems.

Hybrid Bonding Process Flow - Advanced Packaging Part 5

SemiAnalysis • 7677 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Semiconductors Manufacturing Equipment
  1. Hybrid bonding is a major innovation in semiconductor manufacturing, impacting design processes and supply chains.
  2. There are engineering challenges in bringing hybrid bonding to high volume production, with a focus on cleanliness, surface smoothness, and alignment accuracy.
  3. Wafers are bonded using advanced techniques such as wafer-to-wafer or die-to-wafer processes based on alignment accuracy, throughput, and bond yields.

How Sony Mastered the Transistor

The Asianometry Newsletter • 1607 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Electronics Innovation Manufacturing History Engineering
  1. Sony started from nothing after World War II, but two determined founders, Akio Morita and Masaru Ibuka, worked together to create innovative products like radios using new technology.
  2. They took a big risk by licensing transistor technology from Western Electric, believing it could change the way they made electronics, especially portable radios.
  3. Through trial and error, they learned how to produce reliable transistors and eventually created one of the first successful transistor radios, leading to the company's iconic brand name, Sony.
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Winning iPhone Orders is no Longer Victory

Tim Culpan’s Position • 39 implied HN points • 11 Sep 24
💼 Business Economics Supply Chain Manufacturing Technology Market Trends
  1. Luxshare and Foxconn are both working on assembling iPhones, but Luxshare's recent orders don't seem to bring in much more money for the company. Their iPhone assembly success hasn't led to significant revenue growth.
  2. Apple is a big client for both companies, but they are overly dependent on it. Luxshare's reliance on Apple for 75% of its revenue is worrying for investors, especially as Apple's overall sales have been slowing.
  3. To succeed, Luxshare might need to expand into new areas like AI servers rather than just focusing on iPhones. However, they face challenges in doing this and need to be cautious about their future strategies.

Beyond the ISS

Chris’s Substack • 19 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🔬 Science Manufacturing Technology Commercialization
  1. The International Space Station (ISS) is important for research in space, especially for understanding how different conditions affect materials.
  2. There is a high demand for time on the ISS, which is leading to the development of commercial space stations to help meet that need and lower costs.
  3. Space manufacturing has been proven possible, but we need to make the processes cheaper and easier to implement in space to fully take advantage of it.

The Loopwheeler Editon

Why is this interesting? • 723 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Fashion & Design Sustainable Fashion Manufacturing
  1. Old looms can produce better quality denim than modern machines. The unique vibrations from these old looms give the fabric a special character.
  2. Loopwheeler is a brand known for making high-quality sweatshirts using a slow and careful process. This slow method leads to durable clothing that gets better with age.
  3. Luxury in fashion can come from production limits. The time-consuming methods used by brands like Loopwheeler make their products special and desirable.

The blast furnace - 800 years of technology improvement

Construction Physics • 10856 implied HN points • 23 Feb 23
🕹 Technology Innovation History Manufacturing Science Environment
  1. Steel production has evolved over 800 years, with blast furnaces being a crucial part of the process.
  2. The blast furnace technology has seen gradual improvements by engineers and craftsmen over centuries.
  3. As advancements like hot blast and mechanization have been made, the blast furnace's role is changing in modern steelmaking.

What Is To Be Done? Investing Where It Matters.

Breaking the News • 654 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
💼 Business Investing Economics Innovation Manufacturing Market Trends
  1. Investing in advanced technology manufacturing is gaining momentum in the US. This is a positive sign for the economy, showing growth and innovation.
  2. It's important to focus on what truly matters when making investments. This could mean supporting industries or ideas that have the potential to make a significant impact.
  3. Documenting progress and sharing stories of innovation can inspire others to get involved and contribute to meaningful change. It helps to keep the momentum going.

China is ‘world’s sole manufacturing superpower’, with 35% of global output

Geopolitical Economy Report • 1056 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Manufacturing Economy Trade Industrialization Geopolitics
  1. China has become the world's top manufacturing power, accounting for 35% of global production.
  2. China's economic success is largely attributed to its state-led development model, with government-controlled enterprises and strategic policies.
  3. The US is heavily reliant on Chinese manufactured goods, making complete decoupling challenging and costly for both countries.

Rivian's CEO on Elon's Influence, The Plan For Profitability, And The Grid’s Risky Future

Big Technology • 750 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Electric Vehicles Sustainability Innovation Manufacturing Energy Policy
  1. Rivian wants to make electric cars appealing to everyone, not just one type of buyer. They're focused on inviting all people into the electrification movement and fostering a diverse community of users.
  2. The company is dealing with challenges in becoming profitable while also launching new vehicles. They're now working on lowering costs and improving supply chains to achieve positive cash flow.
  3. Rivian believes that moving away from fossil fuels is essential for the future. They see a big responsibility in transitioning to renewable energy and are committed to creating products that contribute to this change.

Picking a Proven Winner: NRO and Starshield

Ill-Defined Space • 47 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Aerospace Defense Space Manufacturing Intelligence
  1. The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) is rapidly deploying satellites using SpaceX's Starshield, increasing its satellite fleet significantly in a short time. This means they are becoming more reliant on a single company for their satellite manufacturing needs.
  2. In contrast, the Space Development Agency (SDA) is struggling to build a solid supply chain and is concerned about its satellite manufacturers. They need to make and deploy a larger number of satellites than currently planned.
  3. The NRO's approach may help it quickly achieve its goals, but it raises questions about the risk of depending heavily on SpaceX for critical military capabilities.

My Two Summers in a Factory

In My Tribe • 622 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Work Life Social Class Manufacturing Personal narrative
  1. Working in a factory exposes you to hard, repetitive tasks that can be boring and sometimes unsafe. Many people today don't have this experience, leading to a disconnect between blue-collar work and white-collar jobs.
  2. The author highlights how different backgrounds can affect perceptions in a factory setting, showing that coworkers accepted him despite his different upbringing.
  3. Political talk about the glory of manufacturing jobs often misses the reality of those jobs, which can be unpleasant and unhealthy. It's important to recognize both the challenges and the necessity of these jobs.

ESP32-S3 ZX Spectrum - Update 22-06-2024

Single Board ESP32 ZX Spectrum • 159 implied HN points • 22 Jun 24
🕹 Technology Hardware Software Manufacturing Design Crowdfunding
  1. The creator is grateful for the support shown for the ESP32-S3 ZX Spectrum project, with 432 people signing up for updates.
  2. Progress has been made in applying to platforms like Crowd Supply, developing prototypes with new features, and creating new artwork for the project.
  3. Key questions are addressed about the project, including display options, pricing, support for games, and potential selling platforms.

Humanoid Robots: China’s Grind Toward Embodied Intelligence

ChinaTalk • 400 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Robotics Manufacturing Data science Innovation
  1. China aims to become a top producer of humanoid robots by 2027, planning to use them in various industries like manufacturing and services. This is partly because they face labor shortages and believe humanoids can do many tough jobs.
  2. Humanoid robots need advanced technology in hardware and AI to work well. This includes making them mimic human movements and learning from real-world experiences, which is still a big challenge.
  3. The automotive industry could be key for testing and improving humanoid robots. Car factories have structured environments that help robots learn new tasks safely while addressing labor shortages in that sector.

Keep Going University: Managing Tariffs and Shipping for Hardware Startups

Startup Strategies • 14 implied HN points • 29 May 25
💼 Business Startups Tariffs Shipping Supply Chain Manufacturing
  1. Founders need to be aware of unexpected costs, like tariffs, that can hit their business hard. It's important to have a plan in place before these situations arise.
  2. When facing high tariffs, businesses may have to make tough choices like raising prices or assuming losses. Flexibility is key to navigate these challenges successfully.
  3. Margins can make a big difference in surviving financial shocks. Having good margins helps a business stay afloat during unpredictable situations.

The Greek manufacturing sector

The Greek Analyst • 299 implied HN points • 24 Apr 24
💼 Business Manufacturing Economy Tech startups
  1. Greek manufacturing sector shows signs of recovery, hitting record highs in employment, productivity, and sales.
  2. Manufacturing exports have tripled since the crisis, but Greece still lags behind other European countries.
  3. Investing in smart manufacturing, robotics, innovation, and collaboration between universities and industry is crucial for the future growth of the Greek manufacturing sector.

Exploring the Need for More Semiconductor Technology Experiments in Space

Space Ambition • 139 implied HN points • 31 May 24
🕹 Technology Semiconductors Space Tech Manufacturing Research Innovation
  1. Space has unique conditions like microgravity that can help create better semiconductor materials. This could lead to higher quality electronic devices in the future.
  2. Past experiments on the ISS focused mostly on growing crystals, but more research is needed on the complete manufacturing process for chips in space. This includes steps like slicing the crystals and fabricating circuits.
  3. Future projects aim to advance semiconductor production by using resources in space, like making solar cells from lunar materials. This could reduce costs and create a new way to manufacture technology off Earth.

Top Links 543 French billionaires. CGT election panel. America's manufacturing disasters & plunging global fertility.

Chartbook • 371 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy Elections Manufacturing Demographics Billionaires
  1. There are 543 billionaires in France, which shows a significant level of wealth concentration in the country. This number can spark discussions about wealth distribution and economic policies.
  2. America is facing major challenges in its manufacturing sector, leading to concerns about economic stability and job security. Understanding these issues can help us think about the future of work and industry.
  3. Global fertility rates are declining, which could have long-term effects on population growth and economic dynamics. This trend raises important questions about family planning and societal changes.

Chartbook 270: How Russia makes missiles - an important report from Rhodus Intelligence

Chartbook • 1187 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Military Manufacturing Imports Sanctions
  1. The war in Ukraine showcases Russia's significant advantage in missile production compared to Europe and the US.
  2. Russia's ability to sustain high levels of missile output is linked to its strategic importation of advanced CNC machines, particularly from the West and China.
  3. The Rhodus Intelligence report reveals the complex dynamics of Russia's military production surge, showcasing the importance of machine tools and imports in modern missile manufacturing.

Designing your own PCBs

lcamtuf’s thing • 2652 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Electronics PCB Design Manufacturing Tools Prototyping
  1. Designing your own PCB allows for faster iteration on new designs compared to ordering custom circuit boards.
  2. KiCad is a recommended tool for designing hobby PCBs due to its extensive library of footprints and open-source nature.
  3. Consider important factors like component placement, trace widths, and manufacturing constraints for successful PCB layout.

Who produces machine tools?

kamilkazani • 727 implied HN points • 09 Jun 23
💼 Business Manufacturing Technology Global Trade
  1. Machine tool production is concentrated in Western Europe and East Asia, led by Germany and Japan.
  2. The machine tool industry is knowledge-intensive and technology-driven, requiring skilled labor.
  3. Old industrial powers that adapt to new technology changes have a significant impact on machine tool production.

Weight Loss Drugs Continue to Power Denmark's Economy

Apricitas Economics • 52 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
💼 Business Economics Pharmaceuticals Exports Trade Manufacturing
  1. Denmark's economy is growing mainly because of weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. These drugs help people lose weight and improve health, leading to increased demand and exports.
  2. The pharmaceutical boom has made Denmark one of the fastest-growing economies in the EU, with a significant rise in drug exports to the United States. This growth has greatly benefitted Denmark's GDP.
  3. Despite the economic growth, many people in Denmark aren't feeling the benefits yet. Personal spending and investment have been stagnant, even though pharmaceutical manufacturers are earning more money.

How Japan Won the Lithography Industry

The Asianometry Newsletter • 2368 implied HN points • 24 May 23
🕹 Technology Industry Semiconductors Manufacturing Innovation Competition
  1. In the late 1980s, Japanese firms dominated the lithography market, overtaking American suppliers.
  2. The US led the early semiconductor industry, influencing chip development and government interest.
  3. Japan's VLSI project in the 1970s propelled their indigenous semiconductor industry through collaborative research and development.

Not All Deep Tech is a Startup

Ulysses • 239 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
💼 Business Technology Venture Capital Manufacturing Deep Tech Startup
  1. Software startups have unique advantages like zero-cost replication and large markets, but building unicorns is still rare.
  2. Deep tech ventures face challenges like talent scarcity and long payback periods, but success can create a science-fiction future.
  3. Different models for deep tech leverage value generation, such as software-derived value, economies of scale, high-margin consumables, and extreme capital goods durability.

The 3-D Transistor Transition

The Asianometry Newsletter • 1861 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Semiconductors Innovation Manufacturing Future Technology
  1. The semiconductor industry shifted to producing 3-D transistors like the FinFET for better control over the channels.
  2. Classical scaling involved shrinking transistor dimensions to improve performance, power, and area gains.
  3. 3-D transistor designs like FinFETs and Gate all around are pushing semiconductor technology forward, but come with added complexity and cost.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #127

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 121 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Space Exploration AI Development Biotechnology Manufacturing
  1. Blue Origin successfully launched its New Glenn rocket, marking a big step for Jeff Bezos in the space race against Elon Musk's SpaceX. This could lead to more competition and innovation in space exploration.
  2. A startup called Colossal is working to bring back extinct animals like woolly mammoths using advanced genetics. They believe this could open up new possibilities in science and conservation.
  3. AI is showing positive results in education, especially in Nigeria, where students using AI tutors outperformed their peers. This suggests that AI can be a helpful tool in learning when combined with good teaching.

More impressive BEV tech to come from BYD in 2025

TP’s Substack • 31 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Electric Vehicles Battery technology Manufacturing Sustainability
  1. BYD is launching new electric vehicle technology in 2025, focusing on better battery efficiency and faster charging. This means you could charge your car much quicker than before.
  2. Their new SiC power modules will make vehicles lighter and more compact, leading to improved performance and energy efficiency. It will help in making electric cars cheaper and more powerful.
  3. BYD is also planning to expand its charging network to support high-voltage charging stations. This is crucial for supporting their upcoming models that require faster charging.

The 20 Year Fall of Japan's Sharp Corporation

The Asianometry Newsletter • 1692 implied HN points • 12 Jul 23
💼 Business Technology Leadership Finance Manufacturing Acquisition
  1. Sharp Corporation, a giant in consumer electronics, faced a 20-year decline due to reliance on the challenging LCD panel business.
  2. Founder Tokuji Hayakawa's journey from a young apprentice to creating iconic products like the Hayakawa Mechanical Pencil and Sharp radios.
  3. Sharp's move towards LCD technology led to financial strain, intense competition, and ultimately being acquired by Foxconn in 2016, marking the first foreign takeover of a major Japanese electronics firm.

Just how much battery is needed by China alone?

TP’s Substack • 19 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Energy Automotive Sustainability Manufacturing Electronics
  1. China needs a huge amount of batteries for electric cars, with estimates suggesting around 1.3 terawatt-hours just for passenger vehicles. This shows a big shift towards electric cars in the country.
  2. The demand for batteries isn't just from cars; commercial vehicles also need a lot, with predictions of roughly 1 terawatt-hour for all types of trucks and other commercial vehicles. This means a lot of growth in the electric vehicle sector.
  3. To support a greener energy grid, China might need around 10 terawatt-hours of battery storage for renewable energy. This highlights that as they move to renewable energy, battery production has to increase significantly to meet these needs.

Congress in Rare Agreement on E-Bike Battery Bill

The Micromobility Newsletter • 235 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
💼 Business Transportation Manufacturing Sustainability Regulation Investment
  1. A new bill for lithium-ion battery safety standards in the US has rare bipartisan support in Congress.
  2. Jersey City is implementing a system for secure charging and storage of electric bikes.
  3. Several companies worldwide are ramping up electric vehicle production and investing in sustainable practices.