Advancing Manufacturing Automation with AI: Liberty Precision’s Approach
As technology continues to shape the future of aerospace manufacturing and complex machining, Liberty Precision is embracing innovation through a powerful combination of human expertise and artificial intelligence. From our front office to the production floor, manufacturing automation is driving improvements in speed, accuracy, and efficiency while empowering our team to do their best work.
We believe that innovation is not just about machines—it’s about people. And at Liberty, our people are equipped with the tools, training, and mindset to thrive in an AI-enhanced environment.
A Culture of Lifelong Learning
Our success with manufacturing automation begins with a deeply held belief: education never stops. At Liberty, we actively cultivate a culture of continuous learning. As an AS9100D-certified machine shop, we recognize that staying on the cutting edge requires both state-of-the-art technology and highly skilled professionals.
That’s why we invest heavily in upskilling our team—from machinists learning the latest machining techniques to office staff mastering AI tools like ChatGPT. We encourage experimentation, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing across every department. This commitment to learning enables us to fully leverage new technologies without losing sight of what matters most: our people.
Smart Automation on the Shop Floor
One of the most exciting developments in our digital transformation has been our AI-powered Tool Anomaly Detection system. MachineMetrics built this system to continuously monitor spindle load behavior to detect early signs of tool wear. Instead of relying on rough cycle estimates, we now use real data to:
Extend tool life
Prevent machine crashes
Minimize downtime
Maintain quality standards in high-volume runs
This technology is particularly beneficial in our Swiss machining department, where consistent performance is critical. Since implementing AI monitoring, alongside other cutting-edge automated technologies, we’ve increased machine utilization in that department by over 35%—allowing us to reduce lead times, cut overtime costs, and boost throughput.
Office-Based AI: A Strategic Advantage
Behind the scenes, our team uses AI tools like ChatGPT to supercharge productivity and inform decision-making. Here’s how we’re putting it to work:
Smarter Financial Analysis
When exploring capital investments—like adding new equipment or expanding our services—we input cost, performance, and ROI data into ChatGPT. It helps us model different purchase structures, evaluate long-term value, and ultimately make informed decisions faster.
Interpreting Complex Data
MachineMetrics outputs a vast amount of operational data, and ChatGPT helps us make sense of it all. By exporting the data and feeding it into ChatGPT, we’ve uncovered trends and insights that would have otherwise gone unnoticed—optimizing everything from tool life to overall efficiency.
Rapid Content Creation
From internal training decks to customer-facing presentations, we use ChatGPT as a first-draft generator. It’s a time-saver that enables our team to focus on polishing the message rather than starting from scratch.
Brainstorming and Strategy
ChatGPT is also our go-to idea partner. Whether we’re overcoming roadblocks or planning new workflows, AI gives us fresh angles and expanded perspectives.
AI That Enhances, Not Replaces
At Liberty Precision, AI isn’t about cutting jobs—it’s about improving what our people are capable of. We’re actively automating repetitive administrative tasks, such as purchase order entry, to give our people more time to focus on the aspects of their work that truly require human insight and creativity.
We believe this shift will lead to more fulfilling careers and stronger results across the board. It’s not about replacing machinists or engineers—it’s about helping them do more of what they love.
Looking Ahead: The Future of AI at Liberty Precision
As we continue to refine our AI strategy, we’re excited about what the future holds at our precision machine shop. For us, it’s not just a tool—it’s a mindset. And with a highly trained, motivated team backed by robust technology, Liberty Precision is ready to take on the most demanding challenges in contract manufacturing.
Looking for a manufacturing partner that’s constantly evolving? Reach out to Liberty Precision and discover the difference that manufacturing automation can make.