We’re stacking up 18–24 in API 6D valve bodies this month, and the updated spec now calls for Inconel 625 overlay before final machining. Our VTL with 78 in swing is booked solid — anyone else in oil & gas seeing the same bump, and how are you keeping lead times under 6 weeks?
in swing is booked solid — anyone else in oil & gas seeing Same here, ugh. We held sub-6 weeks by subbing the 625 overlay to a cladding house and roughing on the HBM, then just a 1–2 hr skim/finish on the 78 in VTL. Small caveat: leave 0.050–0.080 in on the overlay and check dilution or you’ll eat inserts; can you fixture those 18–24 in bodies on a floor mill?
My take: I’d lean toward the simplest next step and see if it changes anything this week — if not, you’ve got a clear case to escalate. What would block you from trying that?