Industry News Wrap Up: December 14-18, 2015
Here’s a look at a couple of the top stores in the aerospace, semiconductor, and consumer electronics industries this past week.
Vehicle Charging Expected to Boost Semiconductor Industry
IHS Technology reported that semiconductor industry revenues attributed to vehicle charging stations reached $44 million in 2014 and are expected to reach $233 million by 2019. The push towards sustainable technology will continue to present opportunities to supply chain members in the semiconductor and electronics industries in the coming years.
Apple Names New COO
On Thursday, Apple announced that company veteran Jeff Williams will become the next COO. Williams joined Apple in 1998 as head of worldwide procurement and in 2004 he was named VP of Operations. Williams played a key role in Apple’s entry into the mobile phone market with the launch of iPhone® and Apple’s first wearable product, Apple Watch®.
China Southern Airlines Commits to Purchase 100+ Boeing Planes
China Southern Airlines has committed to purchase 30 Boeing 737NGs and 50 737 MAXs, valued at $8.4 billion. Its Xiamen Airlines subsidiary will also be purchasing 30 737 MAXs. According to China Southern, Boeing will take back thirteen 757s and three 737-300s as part of the agreement.
bisco industries is proud to serve clients in the aerospace, semiconductor, and electronics industries. Stay tuned to bisco’s blog each week for updates on the latest industry news.
Industry News Wrap Up: December 7-11, 2015
We’re wrapping up the second week of the last month of the calendar year. Here’s a look at a couple of the top stores in the aerospace and electronics industries this past week.
Boeing Unveils its Newest Airliner – The 737 MAX
This past Tuesday, December 8th, Boeing rolled out the newest edition of their 737 model plane. The Boeing 737 MAX was revealed in an employee-only event at the Boeing 737 Factory in Renton, WA. The aircraft is being prepared for its first flight early in 2016 and its first customer deliveries in the third quarter of 2017. Southwest Airlines, known for operating almost exclusively on 737’s will be the first customer to receive their delivery. Some of the most notable improvements on the 737 MAX are the 20% increase in fuel efficiency and the 14% decrease in operation costs.
Samsung to Join Automotive Industry with Electronic Parts
One of South Korea’s largest electronics players is entering into the ever-growing industry of smart mobility. Samsung will initially build products for infotainment and autonomous driving vehicles. Samsung is the latest to enter the market along with Apple, Google, and LG Electronics. Currently there are between 80 to 100 processors in a vehicle depending on its sophistication; as regulations mandating certain technologies become more prevalent, this number is likely to increase. According to recent reports, this market (composed of automotive software, services and components) is worth an estimated $500 billion. A Thomson Reuters report shows that Samsung has been investing in automotive electronics R&D since as early as 2010. In the future, vehicles will likely have the ability to communicate with one another as well as larger infrastructures.
bisco industries is proud to serve clients in the aerospace and electronics industries. To learn more about bisco and our services visit biscoind.com.
Molex Expands Offering of Military Grade Electronic Products
In a recent press release Molex announced an expanded product line of military grade electronic components to support manufacturers in the aerospace and defense industries. Molex’s growing selection of products for aerospace and defense is bolstered by its recent acquisition of Minnesota based manufacturer, Soligie. According to Molex regional sales manager, Jeff Brecker,
Military applications are some of the toughest faced by electronic products and it is vital that the installation and replacement of sensors, encoders, switches and other I/O devices are accomplished easily and reliably. As a leader in connectivity, Molex understands the necessity to offer a range of technical, manufacturing and electrical solutions unmatched in the industry. We can meet virtually any connector need with an off-the-shelf or custom product quickly and cost-effectively.
Molex expanded line of military grade products includes:
· Ruggedized MT Optical Backplane Connectors
· Optical Assemblies & Adapters
Molex + bisco
Established in 1938, Molex is a global manufacturer of connectors, sockets/edge cards and cable assemblies. Molex delivers complete interconnect solutions helping design engineers create reliable, cost effective solutions for harsh military environments. bisco industries is proud to be a preferred distributor of Molex products. To find complete Molex product data and price and availability visit biscoind.com.
The Lightest Metal Structure Ever
Aerospace giant Boeing has released a video showcasing the lightest metal structure ever! The structure is made of one of the lightest materials known to science, called Microlattice.
The entire structure is 99.99% air and is similar to the hollow honeycomb architecture of bone. The structure is made up of super thin, hollow struts. The struts are around 100 micrometers in diameter and have walls just 100 nanometers thick. It’s this design that makes Microlattice 10 times lighter than Styrofoam. Despite it being an insanely light material, it is also extremely strong.
As the video explains, this development has many possibilities, ranging from use in aerospace, high-performance vehicles, shock absorption, and vibration insulation.
Looking for innovative products?
bisco industries is your specialist for the aerospace, circuit board, communication, computer, fabrication, instrumentation, industrial equipment, and marine industries. Visit biscoind.com to learn more.
Counterfeit Parts Still An Issue For Military Equipment
In 2012 the Senate Armed Services Committee of the United States released a report identifying a massive number of imported counterfeit Chinese electronic parts being used in U.S. military equipment.
According to the report, more than 70% of an estimated one million suspected counterfeit parts were imported from China. The second and third largest sources for fake parts were the United Kingdom and Canada. The report also highlighted that counterfeit parts were found in helicopters and planes used by the United States Navy.
Some three years after the report, combatting counterfeit parts continue to be a significant focus for the defense and aerospace industry. Supply chain members are focusing on maintaining and improving product traceability in addition to cutting out unknown and unreliable suppliers. The failure of a single electronic part in any military vehicles could not only result in higher overall costs, but also cause injuries, mission failure, reduced dependability and product recall. Most importantly for the manufacturing community, it could result in the loss of contracts, and the shutdown of manufacturing lines.
A Trusted Source for Mil-Spec Components
As a recognized quality leader in the manufacturing and distribution industries, bisco is a trusted source for military specification (mil-spec) components. Our counterfeit detection process flags outdated cage codes and date codes, requiring a stringent validation and authentication process. In addition, bisco’s AS9100/ISO9001 certified quality management system ensures that even the highest-level client requirements are met. To learn more about bisco’s quality management system and our value added services contact your local bisco representative.
South Carolina Aerospace Industry Growth Outpaces Washington State
Last week, The University of South Carolina released its “Aerospace in the Southeast” study showing that though it’s size still pales in comparison to that of Washington state’s, South Carolina’s aerospace industry is growing at a faster rate.
The study compares South Carolina’s private sector aerospace growth — aerospace manufacturing, air transportation and air transportation support services — to Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and Washington state. The report found that among those states, South Carolina is actually the industry leader in private sector aerospace revenue growth. South Carolina’s aerospace sector grew at a rate of 15.5% from 2010-2012, compared to Washington’s 13.9% growth (the data excluded military aviation).
Of course, Washington’s aerospace industry, centered around Boeing, remains far larger than its southern counterparts. South Carolina’s entire aerospace workforce only makes up 19% of the 92,000 aerospace workers in Washington.
The Next Step For Aersospace In The Southeast
For the rest of the southeastern states to get on the same playing field as Washington, aerospace firms need more metal finishing and metal processing suppliers in a close proximity. More original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and tier-one firms moving to these states would also accelerate growth. Lastly, companies in the Southeast need to obtain their AS9100 certifications — a quality management system for the aerospace industry — in order to do more work for large OEMs like Boeing.
A Dedicated Partner For The Aerospace Supply Chain
For over 40 years bisco industries has been serving quality-oriented companies in the aerospace industry. Our quality management team works diligently in cooperation with dedicated sales reps to ensure that products arrive on time and to our customers’ specifications. bisco is AS9100 certified and has 48 local facilities throughout North America. We also have 8 regional warehouses that have been strategically placed so clients receive products as soon as possible. Visit biscoind.com to learn more and shop for products.
Supersonic Jet Could Fly People From NYC to London in 3 Hours
A new luxury jet could get you (and 17 of your closest friends) from New York to London in just 3 hours.
Spike Aerospace’s S-512 Supersonic Jet was introduced in 2013, but the Boston based company recently announced a few exciting updates to the plane’s design that could make it safer for jetsetters. The updated design could also make the superfast plane even speedier, company representatives said.
Spike Aerospace‘s engineers claim the S-512 could reach a maximum speed of Mach 1.8 (1,370 mph, or 2,205 km/h), which is 1.8 times the speed of sound. For comparison, the fastest Boeing 747 commercial “jumbo jet” can reach a maximum speed of Mach 0.92 (700 mph, or 1,126 km/h). If the S-512 really is built to reach these supersonic speeds, it would be as fast as an F-18 Hornet, a military fighter jet with a max speed of Mach 1.8. This would also make the supersonic jet about 450 mph (724 km/h) faster than the fastest civilian jet.
This superfast travel is facilitated by the plane’s newly designed “delta” wings. According to senior engineer, Anutosh Moitra, “The new delta wing of the S-512 delivers high aerodynamic efficiency and improved flight performance in both low-speed flight and supersonic cruise”. Both the shape of the jet’s wings and its newly modified tail help reduce drag improve speed and fuel efficiency.
Supply Chains Are Critical to Aircraft Safety
Exciting developments in air travel like the Supersonic Jet reiterate the need for supply chain partners that understand how to meet extreme quality requirements. The safety of both passengers and crew depend on the supply chain meeting quality standards even on the smallest rivet.
Looking for a supply partner that understands the extreme requirements of aerospace design?
Look no further than bisco industries. bisco is ISO9001/AS9100 certified and has over 40 years of experience working with aerospace clients. Locate your local sales rep today to learn more about bisco’s services.
How Ergonomic Components Enhance Aircraft Interiors
Aerospace Industry Focused on Lightweight Design
Many aircraft original equipment manufacturers are concentrating efforts on stripping weight out of everything from the aircraft bodies to passenger seating. With new developments in technology and design and increasing demand for improved performance at reduced costs, locating and utilizing the most efficient, lightweight parts is more important than ever. However, utilizing lightweight materials in certain applications can come with its own set of challenges. For example, design engineers working on aircraft interior applications must replace traditional materials with lightweight materials without sacrificing quality or end user comfort. One way, engineers are overcoming this obstacle is by using lightweight positioning solutions on interior cabin applications, like food trays, inflight entertainment systems, interior doors and panels.
Lightweight positioning solutions provide ergonomic functionality for passengers as well as crew members and maintenance personnel. Passenger comfort and usability can be greatly increased by using ergonomic torque hinges and display mounts that provide a full range of motion. Not only do lightweight positioning solutions enhance ergonomic functionality for passengers but they also promote fuel efficiency thereby reducing costs in the long run.
Southco: The Trusted Leader in Lightweight Positioning Solutions
Southco is the industry leader in “lightweighting” latch, handle, hinge and display mount designs and bisco industries is a premier authorized distributor for Southco. To learn more about how Southco ergonomic hinge and display mount solutions are helping to increase aircraft efficiency download Southco’s Aerospace Positioning Solutions Industry Report.
Know which part you need or still specing in an item? Southco’s microsite on biscoind.com allows you to search by product number or product type. bisco’s e-commerce website also provides online quoting and purchasing for your convenience. Visit biscoind.com today!
bisco industries AOG Service – Support When You Need It Most
Serving Customers Around the Clock
bisco has officially launched its Aircraft On Ground (AOG) program to service customers with a critical and immediate need for parts. Our rapid response team is available 24/7 to address your requirements and source the parts necessary to get your plane back into service.
When an aircraft is AOG there is typically a serious need for components that are not on-hand. Materials required must be driven, flown, or sailed to the location of the grounded aircraft as fast as possible. bisco’s knowledgeable team is available around the clock to provide a plan of action to get your parts from the point of origin to the ultimate destination.
Expanded Value Added Services
The launch of the AOG program expands bisco’s already wide range of value added services including vendor managed inventory, bin stocking, kitting/assembly, contract pricing and instant online sourcing. Not only is bisco AS9001/ISO9001 certified but we have been ranked 13th by Quality Magazine in their Top Quality Oriented Companies in North America list.
To reach our AOG service team dial 844-323-3148. Upon calling, you will be linked to a 24 hour help desk with global sourcing, same day shipping and bisco’s AS9100/ISO9001 quality support. Don’t have an AOG emergency? bisco’s e-commerce site is always available with pricing and availability for standard and hard-to-find components. Our e-commerce team is also on standby and ready to assist you with any questions that you may have.
Another Step Forward for Commercial Drones
In the developing commercial drone industry, San Francisco start-up, Airware, is vying for a crucial role: the operating system. The advantage of a popularized operating system has been seen before in the tech world. Computers took off after MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows appeared. Similarly the popularity of smartphones rose after the introduction of Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android operating systems. Airware anticipates the same type of success for commercial drones with the release of its Aerial Information Platform operating system.
Early Feedback
After the release of its drone operating system earlier this month it appears Airware may indeed become the Microsoft of drone operating systems. One of Airware’s beta testers, Allied Drones’ president, Josh Kornoff, says he plans to put Airware software on all of the drones they build. According to Kornoff other autopilot solutions he’s tested weren’t up to snuff — only good enough for hobbyists — or were clunky old military systems.
GE Ventures managing director, Alex Tepper, shared a similar sentiment, saying that Airware has found a sweet spot in the market between the hobby systems and the military systems. Airware is partnering with GE to provide commercial drone applications for its customers (GE’s venture arm also made an investment in Airware in late 2014). GE says that the variety of demands it gets from customers, ranging from oil and gas companies to power companies and transportation companies, requires a flexible platform such as Airware’s.
The Future of Commercial Drone Manufacturing
With exciting developments in operating software such as Airware’s Arerial Information Platform, commercial drones are closer than ever to gaining widespread commercial use. As a result commercial drone manufacturing is set to become an increasingly competitive marketplace. To stay ahead of the competition manufacturers must continue to engineer innovative solutions and reduce supply chain costs.
The Right Supply Chain Partner is Key
bisco industries frequently partners with engineers to help them find cutting-edge solutions to demanding applications. Our knowledgeable sales reps have extensive experience and access to resources from hundreds of manufacturers. In addition, bisco offers a wide range of value added services to help manufacturers reduce inventory management and purchasing costs. Visit biscoind.com or contact a representative to learn more about partnering with bisco industries.
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