Ensuring precision and quality
As per C. Doshi, a skilled team is the first step towards exacting precision. The WIL CEO said, "Our best in class trained manpower helps us in giving unique, high-quality products and services with the desired precision levels to our customers. Moreover, lean manufacturing focus is applied in a targeted way to ensure that quality products are delivered on time and within budget."
When asked about quality, Ramchandani revealed that the company executes this through precision manufactured jigs and fixtures, advanced digital metrology processes and implementing a Smart Quality Management System (SQMS).
"Our Quality control starts with identifying Product and Process Key Characteristic parameters along with Risk Mitigation plan. Key metrics to monitor include First Time Right and Every Time Right at all manufacturing stages and ensuring zero rejection of critical components. We have imbibed the ISRO Quality Culture along with L&T way of innovation which is the mantra of our success," the Defence Head shared as elaborated with the company's international standard AS9100 and encompasses all activities and areas directly involved in the manufacturing of various products at L&T.
Testing laboratories are of utmost importance, when carrying out quality checks in manufacturing. The HIC CEO shared that the raw materials supplied to ISRO were tested at their CGCRI Labs, which are NABLcertified. "Once the results are obtained, sample production is undertaken in a newly made tool to ensure high dimensional accuracy," he elaborated. The company has made it mandatory to carry out routine inspection at every stage of the manufacturing to ensure the requisite parameters.
Additionally, he revealed that the manufacturing process itself involves various measurement tools and fixtures to ensure that reliability in dimensional accuracy is maintained time after time. "Furthermore, each component undergoes grinding with a diamond tool to ensure that their dimensions are spot on," he said.
What about sustainability?
However, high precisions and advanced technologies are often juxtaposed with a high-carbon print and low adherence to sustainability. We asked these companies the measures they undertook to ensure sustainability in their operations, to which Ramchandani replied, "L&T's sustainable practices include 85-90 per cent of the electrical energy consumed from renewable energy and considerable portion of water being reused with ZERO discharge facility & having onsite STP / ETP facility for recycling of water." He explained that the company focuses on using components with high durability, energy efficiency, and minimal waste. "Green Filter" as process criteria is applied for their evaluation manufacturing processes.
Similarly, the HIC CEO revealed their source of energy to be a windmill installed. They too have a steadfast approach towards water treatment, which he explained that is treated in house at the company's primary treatment plant, and then forwarded to the CETP treatment plant.
Interacting with WIL, gave us an insight, not only on the company's sustainability practices but also led to the identification of several certifications which the company adheres to. Doshi elaborated by listing that WIL complies with ISO 14001 to manage environmental aspects of component production, reducing the environmental footprint.
With respect to quality, he shared, "Being an ISO 9001-2015 certified company we have implemented robust QMS compliant processes and measures meticulously designed throughout the production process. Moreover, an indepth review and inspection plan is in place to pre-empt errors across the chain of manufacturing from raw material stage to final product."
Make in India and a glimpse into the future
Chandrayaan-3's success is a proof of the extent to which the fabric of Make in India has been woven in the minds of the nation's folk. Sharing this sentiment, Bachkaniwala says, "The biggest benefit of ‘Make in India' can be noticed when we look at the cost of the Chandrayaan-3 mission at Rs 600 crores which amounts to less than multiple superhit Hollywood movies released in the recent past, namely Adipurush and Interstellar."
Furthering this feeling, Ramchandani shared L&T's further plans to work with ISRO. "As a consortium partner to HAL, is currently executing the order for 5 Nos. PSLV. It will be first of a kind industry-built launch vehicle under the handholding of ISRO and we expect the first vehicle launch in 2024." The company has also supplied flight rated hardware for the India's Aditya L-1 and will be a part of its Gaganyaan Missions. L&T is also participating in the EOI from NSIL for ToT of Small Satellite Launch Vehicles to Indian Industries.
In closing, Chandrayaan-3's victorious lunar touchdown not only kindles national pride but also propels India's space exploration aspirations to new heights. With manufacturing powerhouses by its side, ISRO's future endeavours in space hold the promise of even greater achievements, leaving us eager to witness the next chapter in India's space jounrey, as even sky is not the limit for India.
