
Aerospace milling requires precision, as the smallest flaw in a part can have catastrophic effects during use. As a manufacturer of aerospace parts, you’re well aware of the exacting standards in the industries, but have you applied that discerning eye to your waste prevention programs? Preventing manufacturing waste can save you money and protect the planet, so it’s of vital importance. If you want to decrease the amount of waste your site generates, consider these six strategies.
1. Reconditioning Services Available
Reconditioning services are an excellent way to keep overhead low and avoid throwing out equipment that still has a lot to offer. Reconditioning is the process of cleaning, sharpening, and coating tools so they can be used again. You can recondition a wide variety of milling tools:
- Solid carbide taps
- PCD/CBN tools
- Carbide modular drills
- Reamers
2. Employee Incentives for Waste Reduction
Sometimes the best way to generate ideas is to create an incentive. Your employees working the machines every day know little tricks that supervisors may not. By appealing to the people on the factory floor, you can discover new ways to decrease waste you may not have thought of on your own.
You can also create incentives to encourage sustainable behavior. For example, you can reward employees with bonuses and other perks for generating the least amount of waste on their shift.
3. Waste Tracking Programs
A waste tracking program helps you identify areas of improvement in your various processes. The best way to get started is to form a team dedicated to tracking and analyzing this data. Your company should have regular audits to gauge how effective your reduction efforts are. While these audits take time and money, they’ll save you resources in the long run as you learn how to optimize your business model.
4. Recycling and Reusing
Of course, some waste is unavoidable. However, you may be able to recycle, donate or even sell some items rather than send them to the landfill. Even if you can’t use the materials, at least they’re not causing environmental harm.
5. Long-Term Investments
Many businesses don’t look further than the next quarter, but you can decrease waste and boost profits by thinking long-term. For example, invest in high-quality machinery, so you spend less on repairs and replacements. Higher quality tools also produce better results.
6. Inventory Management
Managing inventory is something all businesses struggle with. Since running out of materials stalls production, it makes sense to over-order. However, that means you’re spending money on things you don’t need. Fortunately, you can save money and reduce waste by getting an inventory management system.
These systems use technology to scan codes and store the information in the cloud. That way, you can access the data any time you need. The management software can also alert you to low inventory and even send orders on a schedule.
Can you still use that carbide end mill? You may be surprised at how much reconditioning extends the life of your tools. By investing in your equipment, employees, and waste reduction programs, you can find more money to put back into your enterprise, boosting production and market share.