MidtownGuy wrote: Pleast note a correction to one line below. In point 4, it should read "that's
not how it works". It is mistakenly written as "
now", which is incorrect.
4/ The time it takes to build a torch (independent of all the other stuff above) is a bit of closely held information for comptetitve reasons (and is faster than the client needs them, as per the above examples for two of the biggest companies in the world), but most important to know is that an order of 4 torches does not take 4 times the amount of time as it does to make 1 torch.
That's not how it works. [edited from previous: That's now how it works.] Multiple torches aren't built consecutively, they are built concurrently. A single order of 1, 4, or 24 torches will roughly take the same amount of time, as the parts, materials, and fabrication can be conducted concurrently. As can the ordering of peripherals.
MidtownGuy wrote: There's some confusion -- intentionally or otherwise -- around torch development timeline. Four points to keep in mind:
1/ In almost all cases, the production timeline will be based on the needs and requirements of the clients, not PYR's ability to build. PYR delivers when the clients are ready, not when PYR is ready. The clients are determining the timeline.
Client A, for instance, wasn't ready recently even while PYR had completed its work, so requested an additional 90 days prep time. Client B has ordered their four torches based on their timeline.
2/ Initial orders are likely to require longer lead time on the clients' end, because of infrastructure adaptations, additions, and electrical and engineering work they might need to deploy. It should be considered that this would vary client by client, depending on who they are, how big they are, their available resources, their on-site engineering, general readiness, etc.
I say "likely to" because in some cases, the clients may already have the required infrastructure, expertise, and mechanical/electrical resources in place. The aluminum industry, for example, are experts in using a massive amount of high powered electricity, so it might be anticipated that they would have the electricity capacity and connectivity components (and engineering skills) already in house if ever they were to switch to plasma torches as a fuel source -- an industry use PYR is pursuing, for the record.
3/ The specific length of time to build a torch is only one part of the equation. That is because a torch system is comprised of several different aspects, from very large power supply units, to cooling units, to gas system input, etc. It's not just a torch, it's a system of interconnected mechanicals, electronics, and controls. Some are built or fabricated, some (like the power supply unit) are custom ordered. Some companies or industries won't require power supply units. Some of the materials come from top producers around the world. PYR can build torches likely faster then the required peripheral systems can be produced, shipped, and received. But this fact does not necessarily impact overall timeline, because...
4/ The time it takes to build a torch (independent of all the other stuff above) is a bit of closely held information for comptetitve reasons (and is faster than the client needs them, as per the above examples for two of the biggest companies in the world), but most important to know is that an order of 4 torches does not take 4 times the amount of time as it does to make 1 torch. That's now how it works. Multiple torches aren't built consecutively, they are built concurrently. A single order of 1, 4, or 24 torches will roughly take the same amount of time, as the parts, materials, and fabrication can be conducted concurrently. As can the ordering of peripherals.
An order for multiple torches does not extend the timeline exponentially. When a large order is placed, all the elements above would be ordered or built at the same time, not one at a time.