Choosing the Right Aerospace Part Manufacturer: Key Factors To Consider
When procuring components for aerospace applications, few decisions will have a larger impact than your choice of manufacturer. Components used in aerospace programs must adhere to stringent performance, safety, and regulatory requirements. There is absolutely no room for error or inconsistency. While price and lead time are important factors, it’s equally critical to partner with a manufacturer who has the experience and systems in place to ensure repeatable, high-quality results.
That is why companies like Boeing and Airbus choose to trust aerospace machining companies that get parts right, on time, and that meet the specs while supporting long-term program success.
Aerospace Machining Experience
Just because a CNC machining company can machine your part doesn’t mean they should. Aerospace programs have different material requirements, tighter tolerances, and numerous compliance standards to be aware of.
A top aerospace machining company such as W Machine Works knows:
- Tighter tolerances
- Design features unique to aerospace
- Aerospace-grade materials like titanium and aluminum
- Performance considerations
- Documentation and traceability requirements
Manufacturers with a strong aerospace background are better equipped to anticipate challenges and deliver reliable results.
Certifications
There are a number of certifications and approvals that can help identify a qualified aerospace part manufacturer. Industry certifications like AS9100 prove that a manufacturer has established a quality management system tailored to aerospace production.
If your parts are for defense purposes, ensuring that your manufacturing partner is ITAR compliant will help protect sensitive technical information and components.
Certifications will usually guarantee:
- Repeatable processes
- Documentation of inspection practices
- Traceability of materials used
- Risk management procedures
Quality certifications help ensure your manufacturer will meet contract requirements.
Advanced CNC Capabilities
Aerospace components often have complex designs that require advanced CNC machining. Multi-axis machining is common in the industry, so you should look for a manufacturer that has the right equipment and capabilities.
Look for manufacturers that offer:
- 5-axis machining
- Multi-axis turning
- Palletized systems
- Unattended machining
Advanced CNC machining will help reduce setup times on complex parts and improve overall accuracy.
Knowledge of Aerospace Materials
Some of the materials used in aerospace applications are more difficult to machine. Whether you are working with titanium, aluminum, or stainless steel, you should partner with a manufacturer that has knowledge and experience with these materials.
An experienced aerospace part manufacturer understands the correct tooling, cutting strategies, and process controls required for each material.
Quality Assurance
While precision machining is critical, you also want to ensure that every part is inspected and verified. Your aerospace part manufacturer should have the equipment and expertise to check every piece before it’s shipped.
Make sure your manufacturer provides:
- Quality control documentation
- Metrology and inspection equipment
- First article inspection
- In-process inspection
Quality assurance practices will help instill continuous improvement and limit defects.
Sub-Assembly Options
More and more aerospace manufacturers are offering sub-assembly services to their customers. Instead of having to source multiple suppliers to fabricate and assemble your component, you can work with one company to streamline processes.
Providing sub-assembly services gives you:
- One point of contact
- Easier logistics
- More control over quality
- Faster production times
- Reduced costs
Look for manufacturers that provide both machining and value-added services.
Long-Term Reliability
Lastly, you want to make sure that your aerospace part manufacturer is reliable. Contracts can last for several years, so you need to know that your manufacturer will be there to support your program.
Look for a manufacturer with:
- A history of delivering on time
- The ability to meet scaling production when needed
- Responsive customer service
- A willingness to improve
Your aerospace manufacturer should be viewed as an extension of your internal team. Partner with a reliable machining company that you can trust. Partner with W Machine Works!