The hottest Manufacturing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Sports Topics

Industrial LLMs: Business of Manufacturing Technology

Exponential Industry • 39 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. The Exponential Industry GPT is tailored to the business of manufacturing technology with curated knowledge of manufacturing terminology, business understanding, and technology tradeoffs.
  2. Building a GPT involves providing a specific context, persona, and conversational tone, with additional instructions and knowledge to further customize it.
  3. The Exponential Industry GPT showcases the difference in usability by providing tailored responses related to manufacturing technology, offering specific strategies and insights.

What is Hard Tech?

Nathan’s Substack • 39 implied HN points • 03 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. Hardware companies are seeing a resurgence in interest due to their sticky products with deep moats against competition.
  2. Investors and founders in hard tech should understand that there is market risk along with technical risk.
  3. Hard tech companies face longer go-to-market cycles but enjoy stickier product market fit, with the ability to focus on growing margins through economies of scale.

20 years of Tesla

Jon’s Newsletter • 139 implied HN points • 22 Jan 23
💼 Business Manufacturing
  1. Elon Musk nearly went broke saving Tesla in 2008, but he managed to keep it alive by splitting his fortune between Tesla and SpaceX.
  2. In 2010, Tesla became the first car company to go public in the U.S. in over 50 years, which boosted its credibility and opened doors for growth.
  3. The launch of the Model 3 in 2017 was crucial for Tesla's success, making it the best-selling electric vehicle in the world and greatly increasing the company’s market value.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Manpower over Machines: The Calculated Gamble of BYD

Tech Buzz China Insider • 59 implied HN points • 03 Oct 23
💼 Business Manufacturing
  1. BYD evolved from a struggling mobile lithium battery business to a top-selling passenger car brand in China, showcasing explosive growth within two years.
  2. The three main business segments of BYD are automotive, mobile components and assembly, and secondary rechargeable batteries and photovoltaics.
  3. Automotive sector is the primary revenue generator for BYD, contributing 100% to revenue growth and solidifying its position as the pillar industry.

What's Behind the SynBio Bust?

Rough Diamonds • 72 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. Synthetic biology and biomanufacturing can be expensive. It's usually cheaper to make simple chemicals using traditional methods than using living organisms.
  2. Biomanufacturing startups need to focus on products that can only be made with biological processes. If they try to compete on common products, they will struggle.
  3. Successful biomanufacturing requires good teamwork between design and manufacturing. Companies that only focus on one part of the process often face big problems.

Digital Twins in Supply Chain Management

philsiarri • 22 implied HN points • 11 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. Digital twins are real-time models that reflect physical objects or systems. They help businesses keep track of operations and respond to changes quickly.
  2. Using digital twins can help companies test different scenarios and spot issues before they become big problems. This leads to better decision-making in logistics.
  3. However, challenges like data quality and costs can make it hard to use digital twins effectively. Still, they are becoming popular tools for improving supply chain management.

Taiwan vs. US Chip Subsidies: Bolstering the Sacred Mountain

ChinaTalk • 192 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. Taiwan allows companies to choose which technologies to invest in, unlike the US and South Korea which target specific areas to strengthen the supply chain.
  2. Taiwanese lawmakers grant significant discretion to government ministries in managing subsidies, in contrast to the US and EU where subsidies are tightly regulated.
  3. Taiwan's central government manages and funds the most significant incentive programs for the semiconductor industry, a strategy that reflects a commitment to enhancing existing strengths.

Things to know about Tesla's Cybertruck

Jon’s Newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. Tesla's Cybertruck is highly anticipated and finally ready to hit the market after four years of development. Production has been challenging, but there are a lot of reservations to show demand.
  2. Currently, Tesla might deliver around 78,000 Cybertrucks next year, with a goal of ramping up to 250,000 vehicles by 2025. However, early production might only have a small positive cash flow impact.
  3. The Cybertruck may attract a mix of individual and business buyers, possibly expanding Tesla's market. If sales reach expected levels, it could significantly contribute to Tesla's overall revenue by 2025.

A Great Unravelling

Diane Francis • 339 implied HN points • 04 Oct 21
💼 Business Manufacturing
  1. China is facing big problems with power shortages that are affecting its economy. Many businesses are shutting down because they can't get enough energy to operate.
  2. Britain is struggling due to a lack of gasoline, which is causing major disruptions. People are having trouble finding fuel and grocery items.
  3. The shortage of semiconductors is causing car manufacturers in the U.S. and Europe to stop production. This means fewer cars being made and possibly higher prices for consumers.

How Taiwan became Arrakis

Deep Into The Mundane • 17 HN points • 20 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. Taiwan's TSMC is crucial to the global economy, producing chips for major tech companies like Apple, Nvidia, and Tesla.
  2. ASML, a Dutch company, has a monopoly on EUV lithography machines, a key technology for chip manufacturing, with machines costing hundreds of millions of dollars.
  3. TSMC's innovative 'pure-play foundry' model, led by visionary Morris Chang, revolutionized chip manufacturing, emphasizing collaboration with designers and avoiding competition with customers.

A Primer: Carbon Nanotubes

State of the Future • 24 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are now being used in various real-world products, especially in batteries and composites. They help make these products stronger, lighter, and more efficient.
  2. The production of CNTs has improved significantly over the years, making them more affordable and consistent. This means they can be used in more industries beyond just research.
  3. CNTs have unique properties that allow them to enhance many materials without needing much of them. This makes them particularly valuable in applications like construction, electronics, and aerospace.

Send Samples To Your Customers

The Polymerist • 166 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
💼 Business Manufacturing
  1. Sending samples to customers is crucial for establishing trust and getting feedback.
  2. Develop a valuable product and communicate effectively with customers about it.
  3. Ensure proper paperwork, send multiple samples, get feedback, and iterate until a sellable product is achieved.

VLSI Japan: It’s Better on the Backside

Mule’s Musings • 263 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. VLSI Japan discussed the revolutionary Backside Power Delivery (BSPDN) technology and its importance in semiconductor design.
  2. BSPDN addresses the IR droop problem in semiconductor design, offering power and performance benefits like decreased IR droop and increased core performance.
  3. Intel's adoption of PowerVia technology positions them ahead of competitors like TSMC, providing potential competitive advantages in process efficiency and cost.

India’s Chip War

ChinaTalk • 148 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. India excels in software and design but faces challenges in manufacturing semiconductors due to historical economic policies that hindered growth in hardware and manufacturing sectors.
  2. India's approach to semiconductor industry development differed from Taiwan and China, starting from the design end rather than electronics assembly, posing challenges due to lack of a broader electronics ecosystem and global integration.
  3. Software industry in India thrived due to less restrictive regulations compared to hardware industries like semiconductors heavily controlled under small-scale industry reservations, hindering growth in manufacturing sectors.

Interview with Intel’s Dr. Ann Kelleher

More Than Moore • 186 implied HN points • 22 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. Intel has been successful in using EUV in their Intel 4 technology
  2. The development of nodes at Intel involves extensive research, pathfinding, and process development before transferring to high-volume manufacturing
  3. Intel is progressing well with their roadmap of '5 nodes in 4 years', with Intel 4 completed and Intel 3 on track

Control AI and ManufacturingGPT: Whatever has Been Done, Can be Outdone

Exponential Industry • 39 implied HN points • 02 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. Autonomous control AI is being adopted in manufacturing, showing potential in improving quality and saving energy.
  2. There is ongoing innovation in large language models despite calls for a pause in AI experiments.
  3. Technological advancements like AI and machine learning are bridging the gap in additive manufacturing operations, identifying suitable parts and reducing costs.

Forced to Thrive or Perish with Technology Bets

Exponential Industry • 39 implied HN points • 02 Jul 23
💼 Business Manufacturing
  1. Focused technology development bets lead to world-leading products and enduring companies.
  2. Advancements in automation technologies are reshaping industries and changing the balance between automation and human labor.
  3. Investments in high-tech solutions like robotics, AI, and additive manufacturing are driving innovation and efficiency across various sectors.

Shloop is The Sustainable Footwear Manufacturer of The Future

Warming Up to Climate Tech • 39 implied HN points • 23 May 23
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Manufacturing
  1. Shloop manufactures sustainable footwear using algae-based materials to fight climate change.
  2. The company aims to revolutionize the footwear industry by integrating sustainable materials and advanced recycling processes.
  3. Shloop focuses on providing transparent and sustainable products to footwear brands at a fair price, offering smaller batch runs and prototyping services.

Picking a Proven Winner: NRO and Starshield

Ill-Defined Space • 47 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  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.

Weight Loss Drugs Continue to Power Denmark's Economy

Apricitas Economics • 52 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
💼 Business 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.

The Race to Win the Industrial Revolution

Material World • 218 implied HN points • 27 Apr 23
💼 Business Manufacturing
  1. A small company in northern Britain, AMTE, has a significant history in battery technology development.
  2. The US Inflation Reduction Act offers hefty subsidies for manufacturers, causing companies like AMTE to consider relocating production.
  3. The UK faces a challenge in determining its industrial strategy amidst global competition in green technology subsidies.

The Sequence Chat: The One Area in Which China can Dominate the US in the AI Race

TheSequence • 49 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. China has a unique advantage in robotics due to its strong supply chain and manufacturing capabilities. This gives them an edge over the US in producing and developing robots.
  2. The US and China are in a competitive race in the field of robotics and AI technology. It's important to understand both countries' strengths and weaknesses.
  3. Robots will become a bigger part of daily life for future generations. This makes the race in robotics crucial for both countries.

Digital Shōsha: How America Could Rebuild Its Industrial Trade Infrastructure

European Straits • 14 implied HN points • 12 Jul 25
💼 Business Manufacturing
  1. A new bank called Erebor is being created to support American manufacturing and tech sectors. It aims to fill the financing gap left by the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank.
  2. Japan's trading houses helped their economy grow after World War II by providing support in funding, logistics, and market access, which allowed manufacturers to expand smoothly.
  3. To rebuild its industry, America needs both financial support and strong trade systems. This would help companies operate better in the global market.

From Petrostates to Electrostates

European Straits • 11 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. Energy is shifting from natural resources like oil and coal to electricity, impacting global power dynamics. Countries that can generate and manage electricity will be more influential in the future.
  2. AI technology is creating a huge demand for electricity, driving investment towards areas where power is cheap and reliable. This could change how industries are located and how economies grow.
  3. The shift to electricity isn’t just about tech; it's changing geopolitical landscapes, affecting everything from jobs to energy prices, similar to past oil crises but in reverse.

Why Manufacturing Is Harder Than You Think

European Straits • 11 implied HN points • 20 Jul 25
💼 Business Manufacturing
  1. Manufacturing is really important for a country's economy and security now. It's not just about making stuff anymore; it's about who can create and control new technologies.
  2. The West is struggling to bring back manufacturing because there are a lot of challenges in how the economy works. Simply putting money into factories isn't enough; there are deeper issues to solve.
  3. Despite these challenges, there are still ways forward for manufacturing. Teaming up with others and creating new financial methods can make a big difference.

The Race to 2nm: RISC-V Chips in Japan

More Than Moore • 87 HN points • 27 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. Rapidus, a new semiconductor company in Japan, aims to bring 2nm manufacturing capacity online by 2027 with backing from major Japanese companies and government subsidies.
  2. The Leading-Edge Semiconductor Technology Center (LSTC) in Japan, a collaboration between the US and Japan, will focus on advanced research and building vital silicon for both economies.
  3. Tenstorrent's collaboration with LSTC involves providing advanced high-performance RISC-V cores and chiplets, indicating a push towards AI acceleration and cutting-edge technology development.

The Science and History of the iPhone Screen

SatPost by Trung Phan • 122 implied HN points • 09 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. In 2007, Steve Jobs chose Corning's Gorilla Glass for the iPhone screen, sparking a journey into the science and history of glass development.
  2. Corning's development of Gorilla Glass involved innovative techniques like ion exchange to strengthen the glass and meet Apple's demands for a durable and thin screen.
  3. Corning, a 170-year-old company, has a diverse range of products beyond Gorilla Glass, showcasing resilience and adaptation in various industries including optical communications and life sciences.

SpaceShoring: When Offshoring Just Isn’t Far Enough

Gad’s Newsletter • 26 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
💼 Business Manufacturing
  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.

Keep Going University: Managing Tariffs and Shipping for Hardware Startups

Startup Strategies • 14 implied HN points • 29 May 25
💼 Business 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.

Lululemon's $50B+ Apparel Innovation

SatPost by Trung Phan • 90 implied HN points • 08 Dec 23
💼 Business Manufacturing
  1. Chip Wilson pioneered the athleisure industry by solving clothing problems like the 'camel-toe issue'.
  2. Lululemon's success came from addressing the need for functional and fashionable female athletic apparel.
  3. Wilson's focus on vertical retailing and product innovation led to Lululemon's growth in the athleisure market, including solving unique design problems like the 'ball-crushing' issue with the ABC pants.

More impressive BEV tech to come from BYD in 2025

TP’s Substack • 31 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  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.

Here comes Tesla's Cybertruck...

Jon’s Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 22 Oct 23
💼 Business Manufacturing
  1. Tesla's Cybertruck will officially launch on November 30th, after four years since the first prototype was shown. It's been a long wait, and the design changes led to new manufacturing processes.
  2. There is huge demand for the Cybertruck, with over one million reservations already. However, it might take a year to a year and a half for it to start making significant money for Tesla.
  3. Analysts predict Tesla could sell between 75,000 to 250,000 Cybertrucks per year by 2025, potentially bringing in up to $30 billion in revenue if sales reach Musk's higher estimates.

Welcome to the Era of AI Factories

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 19 implied HN points • 19 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. AI factories are big data centers that use powerful computers to turn data into useful insights. They are changing how manufacturing works around the world.
  2. Foxconn is teaming up with NVIDIA to create these AI factories, which will also support new technologies like electric and self-driving cars.
  3. This partnership is a step towards making processes faster and smarter, showing how AI can improve modern manufacturing.