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Learn the Lingo Behind US Manufacturing Might

seth — Fri, 30 Oct 2026 18:07:19 +0000

Aerospace manufacturing is full of specialized terms and acronyms. Today, we’re kicking off our Manufacturing Lingo 101 series by breaking down three acronyms that demonstrate how computers have revolutionized manufacturing.

CAD: Computer‑Aided Design
Engineers use CAD software to turn their ideas into digital models, creating a precise blueprint of the part they want to make.

CAM: Computer‑Aided Manufacturing
CAM software interprets the CAD design and generates precise instructions for how the part will be machined. This is where the digital model becomes a manufacturing plan.

CNC: Computer Numerical Control
A CNC machine follows the CAM instructions to cut, mill, or shape metal and composite materials. This turns the computer design into a real machined part.

Together, CAD, CAM, and CNC streamline the manufacturing process with precision and consistency.

Stay tuned for more Manufacturing Lingo for a deeper understanding of the tools and processes shaping the aerospace industry!

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Manufacturing is not going away in America

seth — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 18:28:06 +0000

Futuramic Tool & Engineering is a full-service design and build company. Founded in 1955 in Warren, Michigan, Futuramic specializes in taking a customer’s requirements and processing them through design, build, inspection, and installation.

“Manufacturing is not going away in America,” said John Couch, president at Futuramic. “It’s a great career to be a welder, to be a machinist, to be a tool maker. You’re doing something unique and different every single day for exciting programs.”

“You will always need that core talent of welders, machinists, toolmakers… that’s never going to go away.” said project manager Jim Bennett.

If you know anyone who may benefit from a career in aerospace manufacturing, please share this video and our Watch U.S. Fly channel.

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🚨 Needed: Next Gen Skilled Workers

seth — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 19:18:59 +0000

October is Manufacturing Month and across the country, U.S. aerospace manufacturers are searching for the next generation of skilled workers to carry on a proud tradition of “Made in America.”

Companies are investing in training, internships, and apprenticeships for new, hardworking people who want to pursue a stable, worthwhile career in aerospace manufacturing.

There’s a renewed focus on building back American makers. Now we need the workers.

In honor of Manufacturing Month and the tens of thousands of skilled workers, engineers, and technicians that design and build our nation’s aerospace, defense, and space systems, please share this video. One click can inspire the future makers of our defense industrial base.

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Supplier Spotlight: CPC

seth — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 15:21:14 +0000

Control Products Corporation (CPC) is a premier aerospace lighting company based in Grand Prairie, Texas. Established in 1963, CPC began as a lighted information panel house. Today, it is on the cutting edge of the industry, manufacturing night vision imaging system (NVIS) lighting for critical platforms like the CH-47 Chinook, the F-15EX, and the F/A-18 Super Hornet.

CPC VP of Engineering Andrew Sutphen describes why every person at the company is proud of the work they do: “Our designs… are real items that are going on a real aircraft [that] may save our life someday. It protects our country, it protects our borders, it protects our people. That is the biggest satisfaction.”

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Inside the Shop Making Apache Precision Parts

seth — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 14:23:26 +0000

Rave Gears and Machining is an aerospace manufacturer based in Seguin, Texas, producing precision components for some of the most mission-critical platforms in the U.S. military — including roughly 30 unique parts for the Apache helicopter.

The company’s work demands exacting standards, and sustaining that quality means investing as much in people as in parts.

Rave Gears VP of Operations Nehal Patel and two of the company’s CNC machinists discuss what it takes to build for the Apache, how Rave Gears develops the next generation of aerospace manufacturing talent, and why working on hardware that matters makes all the difference.

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The Case for EXIM, in Their Own Words

seth — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 19:03:44 +0000

For many manufacturers across America, the Export-Import Bank is the difference between competing on the world stage and watching foreign rivals take the business instead.

EXIM levels the playing field when private financing falls short, sustains jobs in communities that depend on them, and keeps American exports moving.

The case for reauthorization isn’t abstract. It’s being made every day by the businesses, workers, and industries that rely on EXIM to survive and grow. Here’s what five voices across America have to say about it:

“EXIM [is] an indispensable asset that helps sustain rural manufacturing, protect American jobs, and keep small businesses open.”

“EXIM has supported nascent American industries become leaders on the world stage.”

“To say the U.S.’s Export-Import Bank is important to American economic competitiveness would be an understatement. Without it, American manufacturers would fall behind…”

“When private investment isn’t accessible, EXIM is the safety net that can keep companies in the global market and help businesses sustain operations.”

“Without EXIM, American businesses simply can’t compete.”

“For farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, and rural communities alike, access to global markets is not optional — it’s critical. Access to these markets hinge on the Export-Import bank.”

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Support American Makers

seth — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 17:17:26 +0000

The men and women in the manufacturing industry make modern life possible for all of us. Can you imagine not being able to travel by airplane or lacking the strongest defense capabilities in the world?

When American makers thrive, we all thrive.

This National Manufacturing Month, support American makers by sharing Watch U.S. Fly with 5 people in your life who benefit from our nation’s manufacturers.

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WANTED: Skilled Workers

seth — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 15:13:28 +0000

The aerospace and defense industry is looking to hire more talent.

According to a recent study released by the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), “despite focused efforts to strengthen talent attraction and retention, the aerospace and defense (A&D) industry continues to face mounting workforce challenges.” That could be devastating for the country.

The biggest challenge is recruiting workers in engineering and skilled trades who can drive innovation and the next generation of aerospace technological advancements.

Send this link to your friends and family and encourage them to sign up for Watch U.S. Fly. Together, we can secure the future of aerospace for the next generation and those to come.

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Our Power Is in Our People

seth — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 19:05:36 +0000

Developing talent in the skilled trades is critical in an environment where that expertise is in high demand and low supply. Manufacturing leaders around the country are investing in their workforce because that is where the future of American exceptionalism resides.

Manufacturing plays a critical role in our nation’s growth and security. Talented American workers are what will enable the U.S. to continue creating the world’s best fighter jets, rockets, commercial planes, and other key tools for global leadership.

Manufacturers are building America’s future and, importantly, the next generation of makers and doers.

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Apache Is a Team Effort

seth — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 15:47:48 +0000

The AH-64 Apache is the U.S. Army’s elite attack helicopter. Its newest model – the AH-64E – is equipped with the capabilities necessary for victory in an ever-changing military climate.

In a behind-the-scenes look at the Marvin Group in Inglewood, Calif., lead mechanical assembler Luis Garcia talks about the importance of getting quality products to the frontlines.

There are more than 640 U.S. businesses and 30,000 workers in 46 states who manufacture parts and technologies for the Apache. Their hard work and dedication bring the Army’s attack helicopter to life.

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