The hottest Manufacturing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Britain's headlong slide from silicon supremacy to silicon irrelevance

Material World • 6 HN points • 19 May 23
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. In the 1940s and '50s, Britain was at the forefront of semiconductor research and came close to inventing the integrated circuit before the U.S.
  2. Geoffrey Dummer, an English engineer, almost changed history by conceptualizing the integrated circuit in 1952.
  3. The UK's semiconductor sector faces challenges, and the government's new Integrated Semiconductor Strategy indicates a potential shift towards a 21st century industrial strategy.

Can Detroit Become a Product Innovation Hub?

Midwest Humble • 6 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
💼 Business Manufacturing
  1. Starting a DTC startup in Detroit comes with advantages like a rich history of design and a growing talent pool.
  2. Venture capital interest may be cooling for DTC startups, but a slower growth model can still be successful.
  3. Facing challenges in talent recruitment, Detroit is evolving with access to younger talent and mentorship opportunities.

McKinsey Employees More Likely To Raise VC Funds In Healthcare Than Stanford PhDs

Golden Pineapple • 4 HN points • 03 Jul 23
💼 Business Manufacturing
  1. Ex-McKinsey employees are founding more venture-backed businesses compared to Google and Microsoft alumni across various sectors.
  2. In the Healthcare sector, ex-McKinsey employees topped the list with 106 companies founded by them.
  3. Ex-McKinsey employees are excelling in founding venture-funded companies in sectors like Biotechnology, Manufacturing, and Artificial Intelligence.

Silicon Carbide: A Power Electronics Revolution

The Asianometry Newsletter • 3 HN points • 29 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. Silicon carbide is a powerful semiconductor with unique properties like wide bandgap and high temperature tolerance.
  2. Silicon carbide-based power electronics are revolutionizing the industry by enabling higher voltages and frequencies with lower power loss.
  3. Challenges in producing silicon carbide wafers have limited its adoption, but recent advancements are making it more commercially viable.
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🔮E10: Pushing Moore's Law to the Limit with High-NA EUV (aka Nanoscale Chip Printing)

Let Us Face the Future • 1 HN point • 27 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. High-NA EUV lithography enables more precise and densely packed chip patterns below 10nm, crucial for continuing Moore's Law.
  2. The first High-NA EUV systems are expected to be available commercially around 2025-2026, with known engineering hurdles to overcome.
  3. High-NA EUV may produce chips worth $200 billion annually, impacting advanced logic, analog, photonic, and quantum semiconductors.

UMC: Taiwan’s Other Semiconductor Giant

The Asianometry Newsletter • 2 HN points • 10 May 23
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. UMC was Taiwan's first semiconductor company founded by the government to pivot the economy towards integrated circuits.
  2. UMC faced steep competition from TSMC, leading to innovative strategies like OEM foundry and joint ventures.
  3. UMC struggled to keep up with TSMC technically, especially with significant decisions like the 28nm gate technology and faced challenges in global expansions, including incidents in China.

ASML: A Monopoly on Magic

The Generalist • 1 HN point • 30 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. ASML is the sole provider of EUV lithography machines for semiconductor chips, making it a monopoly in a valuable market.
  2. ASML's EUV machines are incredibly complex and rely on a vast supply chain, with the company coordinating components sourced from multiple manufacturers.
  3. ASML's technology is crucial for industry advancements, particularly in AI, and the company faces challenges from US-China tensions and the need to maintain Moore's Law.

Better Batteries With Bodi

The Polymerist • 1 HN point • 14 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. Innovations in battery separators are crucial for energy storage technology to scale and meet the demand for renewable energy generation.
  2. Current lithium ion battery design faces safety issues like fires, and there is a need for better materials like thermally stable and flame retardant polymers.
  3. Companies like Bodi Energy are developing novel battery separators using polyimide fibers with unique ceramics to enhance safety, thermal stability, and ionic conductivity.

Y-Combinator’s 2024 RFS - Analyzing the Fastest Growing Companies Across Ep 2

Golden Pineapple • 0 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
💼 Business Manufacturing
  1. A top priority across various sectors is bringing manufacturing back to America, with bipartisan support and significant government investments.
  2. SpaceX has shown the effectiveness of private space companies, with companies like Anduril proving the same in the defense technology sector.
  3. Foundational models for biological systems and stablecoin finance are seeing significant growth, with companies like Science and Ava Labs leading the way.

The cost of making Avalon miners has declined

Miner Weekly • 0 implied HN points • 29 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. The cost of making Avalon miners has declined, creating potential for getting bargains as manufacturing costs decrease over time.
  2. The decline in manufacturing costs could allow manufacturers to adjust prices when demand for new mining equipment is low, potentially affecting gross margins.
  3. There is curiosity about whether Bitmain and MicroBT will also see a trend of declining costs for ASIC miners and if this will lead to even cheaper prices as the bitcoin network approaches the next halving.

Trade and Jobs

Japan Economy Watch • 0 implied HN points • 28 Oct 17
💼 Business Manufacturing
  1. Manufacturing job loss is mainly due to automation, not trade.
  2. Modern machinery has significantly increased productivity, requiring fewer workers to produce the same output.
  3. The lack of rise in workers' wages is not because of globalization, but due to power dynamics in Washington.

More interesting things in robotics this week

Robots & Startups • 0 implied HN points • 16 Jun 21
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. Scientists have created millimeter-sized robots that can be controlled with magnetic fields for various applications in biomedicine and manufacturing.
  2. Research, development, and production of new materials depend greatly on the availability of fast means of testing them.
  3. Consider subscribing to Robots & Startups to access more robotics content with a free 7-day trial.

Silicon wafer market: upturn, higher prices

Semiecosystem • 0 implied HN points • 24 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. Silicon wafer suppliers are seeing signs of recovery and expect a gradual improvement in the second half of 2024.
  2. Prices for select silicon wafer products are anticipated to increase this year due to factors like demand and supply agreements.
  3. The 300mm silicon wafer market is expected to rebound in 2024, while the 200mm market faces challenges.

How Much Technology Can Humanity Handle? A lot.

The Digital Anthropologist • 0 implied HN points • 04 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. Humanity can handle a lot more technology than we might think, from AI to tools for fighting climate change.
  2. Feeling overwhelmed by technology often comes from how we use information technologies like social media and AI in our daily lives.
  3. As we address the negative impacts of technologies like social media, we are also advancing with AI and other tools to address important issues like manufacturing efficiency and climate change.

India’s AI Hardware Dream Takes Off

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 0 implied HN points • 27 Jun 24
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. Chips are becoming as important as oil was in the past. Having strong chip manufacturing will be key for countries in the 21st century.
  2. SiMa.ai believes India can be a global leader in AI products, with many innovations coming from there.
  3. India is focusing more on semiconductor manufacturing, which could help the country grow in the tech industry.

Chip Industry Ditches US for China

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 0 implied HN points • 31 Mar 23
💼 Business Manufacturing
  1. The US is trying hard to keep its chip companies from doing business with China, offering grants and imposing restrictions. But many companies prefer to work with China anyway.
  2. China is a major player in the semiconductor market, not just for manufacturing but also as a big consumer. Companies like Qualcomm and Apple make a significant portion of their sales from China.
  3. Despite the US government's efforts, major companies are visiting China to strengthen their relationships, showing that they value the potential of the Chinese market over American incentives.

A Tesla 2017 Update: A Disruptive Force and a Debt Puzzle!

Musings on Markets • 0 implied HN points • 11 Aug 17
💼 Business Manufacturing
  1. Tesla has ambitious goals to produce a lot of cars, but it faces tough competition from other automakers who are now paying attention to the electric market. To succeed, Tesla needs to sell millions of cars within the next few years.
  2. The company struggles with manufacturing costs and production timelines. Meeting these goals is essential for Tesla to build its reputation and financial success, given its history of production issues.
  3. Tesla relies heavily on debt to fund its operations and growth, which may not be the best choice at this stage. Using debt can create financial pressure, and it might be wiser for Tesla to consider raising equity instead.

Procedural Flow for Mechanical Design

The Halfway Point • 0 implied HN points • 26 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. When designing a product, it's crucial to define the project scope clearly. This helps prevent misunderstandings and changes that can be costly later on.
  2. Using tools like design block diagrams can help visualize the design process. This makes it easier to define parts and see how everything fits together.
  3. Consider the quantity and materials needed for the design early on. This affects manufacturing choices and ultimately how well the product can be made.

US government finalizes $1.5 billion CHIPS award to GlobalFoundries

philsiarri • 0 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Manufacturing
  1. The U.S. government is giving $1.5 billion to GlobalFoundries to boost chip manufacturing. This funding will help strengthen the supply of semiconductor chips essential for many industries.
  2. GlobalFoundries is spending $13 billion to modernize its facilities, which could create 10,000 jobs. This includes both construction and permanent jobs, helping the economy.
  3. The goal is to decrease America's dependence on East Asia for chip production, which is currently very high. By making more chips in the U.S., the country can improve its tech security and competitiveness.

December 2024 Round up - Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Maker News • 0 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. The newsletter has grown to 660 subscribers since it started in 2022, showing a positive response from readers.
  2. There are many creative projects shared, like 3D printing PCBs and building custom operating systems, that highlight innovation in the maker community.
  3. Overall, 2024 was a great year for makers, with lots of exciting projects and a hopeful outlook for even more in 2025.

EU approves funding for Infineon’s €1 billion Smart Power Fab in Dresden

philsiarri • 0 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. The EU is giving money to help build Infineon's new semiconductor factory in Dresden, which will cost around €1 billion. This support is part of a wider effort to boost Europe's tech industry.
  2. Construction of the factory started in March 2023 and it is expected to open in 2026, creating up to 1,000 new jobs. This will help the local economy and provide new employment opportunities.
  3. The new facility will focus on making energy-efficient technology, especially for artificial intelligence. It will also encourage collaboration with universities to foster innovation in Europe.

Illumination Controller - 中央精機株式会社

Everyday Thing • 0 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. The illumination controller is a simple device made mostly of a transformer and a variable resistor to control light bulbs. It's not very complicated, just does its job well.
  2. It probably dates back to the 1980s but is based on designs from older decades, showing the timelessness of good design.
  3. The assembly appears to be done by hand, and everything is neat and well executed, which adds to its charm.

The AI Dilemma Haunting a Million Midsize Firms Today

OSS.fund Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
💼 Business Manufacturing
  1. Midsize firms, like MFG PLC, often feel left behind even when they invest wisely. They see competitors using AI effectively and worry about falling behind.
  2. You don't need a fully modern IT system to benefit from AI. Companies can start small by applying AI to specific workflows that yield quick returns.
  3. AI can enhance existing processes without large IT upgrades. Using data from current operations, businesses can improve efficiency and save money right away.

@adlrocha - Semiconductors: Why the 21st Century is Fought Over Sand, Not Fuel

@adlrocha Weekly Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 28 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. The semiconductor supply chain is extremely concentrated and fragile, with a handful of companies controlling the hardest-to-do steps and huge capital and expertise barriers to entry.
  2. Advanced packaging and the specialized toolmakers have become new chokepoints — limited packaging capacity and ultra-precise equipment are now throttling the production and rollout of advanced chips.
  3. Geopolitical pressure is turning chips into strategic assets, pushing countries toward "chip sovereignty" while also opening opportunities for innovations like chiplets and AI-assisted design to lower barriers and spawn new entrants.

@adlrocha - Lego Farming Blocks: Letting AIs Grow our Food

@adlrocha Weekly Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 11 Jan 26
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. A Lego-like modular home farming system lets people grow food indoors by snapping species-specific blocks together. Each block contains the right lights, sensors, and watering so users can plug-and-play without farming knowledge.
  2. AI plus edge controllers orchestrate plant care by turning biological needs into simple commands and running adaptive "recipes" locally or from the cloud, with offline fallback on the microcontroller. Users can optionally share data to improve those recipes across the network.
  3. The concept is prototype-ready and commercially viable: a small BOM and a hydroponic/aeroponic stack can validate the idea, and a consumables-based model (seed/nutrient pods) offers a scalable business while still allowing DIY alternatives.

On Rails in Mt. View California 🚂

Thinking Through • 0 implied HN points • 03 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. The public data on rails in the Bay Area provides interesting insights, like weight, manufacturing details, and design specifications.
  2. Rail dimensions like height and width play crucial roles in supporting the track and preventing rail rolling.
  3. Many intriguing questions arise about rails during train rides, from spacing between rails to the forces rails experience.

A Great Manufacturing Transformation

Exponential Industry • 0 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
💼 Business Manufacturing
  1. Industrial operations are shifting focus from cost reduction to profitability, sustainability, and collaboration.
  2. Innovative technologies such as generative AI and olives for manufacturing are being explored.
  3. Companies are investing in advanced technologies like AI, robotics, and green initiatives to transform manufacturing processes.

Industrial LLMs: Outside the Shop

Exponential Industry • 0 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. Large language models help in reducing time-to-market and operational costs in complex product design.
  2. Generative AI aids in identifying and mitigating risks in supply chain management.
  3. The integration of AI technologies represents a new paradigm in industrial research and design.

AI Partnerships Advance Industrial Automation

Exponential Industry • 0 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. AI partnerships are advancing industrial automation by improving quality, throughput, and worker safety.
  2. Businesses are investing in new technologies like sensors, robotics, 3D printing, and AI to enhance manufacturing processes.
  3. Government initiatives like Made Smarter are driving tech investments in SMEs for industry growth and sustainability.

Industrial LLMs: Sourcing Technology Vendors

Exponential Industry • 0 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. The Exponential Industry Advisor assists with sourcing technology vendors for more productive use of inputs and continual innovation.
  2. Vendor sourcing in manufacturing involves identifying reliable vendors with cutting-edge technology solutions aligned with specific operational needs.
  3. Exponential Industry's weekly digest provides case studies on validated technology vendors, offering insights critical for informed decision-making in vendor selection.

Manufacturing is Cool Again

Exponential Industry • 0 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
💼 Business Manufacturing
  1. Manufacturing is becoming trendy with an increased focus on showcasing the manufacturing process through videos.
  2. Automated equipment and robotics are gaining importance in manufacturing industries to cut costs and improve efficiency.
  3. Partnerships, funding rounds, and collaborations are key in advancing technologies and driving innovation in the industrial sector.

Robot Picking Shining Discs and Water Balloons

Exponential Industry • 0 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. Robotic grippers are becoming more tactile and AI-enabled across various industrial processes, signaling advancements in technology in the industrial sector.
  2. Investments and partnerships in AI, robotics, and technology are driving significant transformations in various industries like waste management, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and industrial automation.
  3. Innovations like Viscous Lithography Manufacturing (VLM) in 3D printing are showcasing unique and disruptive approaches to traditional manufacturing processes.

Fight to Repair Daily: Friday October 28, 2022

Fight to Repair • 0 implied HN points • 28 Oct 22
💼 Business Manufacturing
  1. Apple is switching to USB-C for iPhones in compliance with EU regulations, despite expressing concerns about electronic waste.
  2. Automakers like General Motors and Stellantis are struggling to comply with Massachusetts' right to repair law due to safety concerns, sparking a legal battle with the state.
  3. The FTC approved orders against companies like Harley-Davidson and Weber for illegally restricting consumers' right to repair, leading to corrective actions and potential penalties.

The Week in Repair Dec 13-20

Fight to Repair • 0 implied HN points • 21 Dec 21
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. Canada's push for a right to repair highlights a government effort to promote repairability of electronics and inform consumers about environmental impacts.
  2. Dell's Luna concept laptop focuses on easy disassembly for repair and recycling, aiming to extend the life of components through reuse.
  3. The FTC's letter on regulatory priorities emphasizes the importance of right to repair, signaling potential new rules to address anti-competitive behavior in various industries.