CASTING SECTOR PIONEERING INDUSTRY-WIDE COLLABORATION: The Engine Supplier Base Initiative

摘要

The Engine Supplier Base Initiative (ESBI) - Casting Sector is a joint Air Force/Industry cooperative agreement aimed at achieving affordable precision investment cast airfoil and large structural components for man-rated gas turbine engines. The ESBI program will obtain these goals through the implementation of business and technology improvements with specific focus on increased product quality and reduced cycle time. This program has brought together all the key players who produce and use precision investment castings to collaborate and solve sector wide issues. This paper presents the framework of the teaming approach as well as results achieved in quality and cycle time improvements through technical and business process improvements.