Advancing New Product Introduction at Liberty Precision, Empowered by AI

Technology

Aug 8

In aerospace manufacturing and other high-demand industries, fast lead times and top-notch precision are non-negotiable. At Liberty Precision, we are leveraging the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize our new product introduction (NPI) process. Our focus is clear: streamline complex machining workflows, deliver superior CNC machining services, and help our customers launch new parts faster than ever. Here’s how we accomplish this:

Building an Intelligent Digital Thread

New product introduction at Liberty Precision starts with a tightly integrated digital thread that connects every phase of the process. From the moment our customers submit requests for quotes to our precision machine shop, AI-powered tools optimize each step for accuracy and efficiency.

The team at Liberty Precision uses advanced software platforms that work in tandem, including:

ESPRIT CAM software creates highly efficient toolpaths for our CNC turning and CNC milling services, minimizing unnecessary machine time and material waste.
High QA automates the generation of critical quality documentation, like first article inspections and PPAP reports. In addition, this software ensures that we are capturing the right data from our inspection equipment.
MachineMetrics provides real-time data on machine utilization, enabling us to forecast lead times with precision and manage urgent orders.
Paperless Parts accelerates quoting by instantly analyzing complex geometries so our team can deliver rapid, accurate pricing for precision machined parts.
Our ERP system keeps operations seamlessly connected and gives full visibility from engineering to shipping.

With this powerful digital thread, Liberty Precision can confidently take on complex machining projects, all while knowing our capacity, pricing, timelines, and quality standards are tightly controlled.

Automating Data Flow for Smarter Production

Once production begins, AI integration continues to play a critical role. MachineMetrics and our ERP system feed real-time production data directly to our scheduling, machining, and shipping teams. This up-to-the-minute information reduces potential errors and ensures projects stay on track and on schedule.

As part of our culture of continuous improvement, Liberty Precision is also exploring new ways to automate inventory allocation and shipping processes. By removing manual data entry and decision points, we free up our highly skilled workforce to focus on what matters most: optimizing machining processes and delivering best-in-class results.

AI’s Impact on High-Volume Production

A major advantage of AI-driven new product introduction is our ability to ramp from prototype to production volumes quickly. While many shops may require 8 to 10 weeks for new product launches, Liberty Precision is now routinely achieving NPI ramp-up times of just 10 to 20 days. This agility is critical for customers facing tight market demands or unexpected shifts in production needs.

AI tools like High QA also support our AS9100D-certified machine shop in maintaining tight aerospace tolerances with confidence. By automating print validation and tolerance verification, we ensure each run meets our strict quality standards, whether it’s the first 30 parts or the next 30,000.

Empowering Our People Through Automation

Some may view AI as a threat to skilled labor, but at Liberty Precision, we see it as an enabler. AI handles repetitive, time-consuming tasks like data entry so that our talented engineers and machinists can focus on high-level problem-solving. This frees our people up to apply their expertise where it adds the most value, whether it’s optimizing tool life, fine-tuning our processes, or forwardskilling to develop their skills and careers.

The Future of New Production Introduction at Liberty Precision

The reality of our ever-evolving industry is that staying ahead means embracing innovation. Liberty Precision’s commitment to AI-powered NPI ensures that we remain a responsive, capable partner for our customers in aerospace, defense, and other industries that demand perfection.

By continuously expanding our digital capabilities and refining our AI integrations, Liberty Precision is setting the standard for modern contract manufacturing. Our forward-looking approach ensures we deliver the speed, precision, and scalability our customers need, today and years into the future.

Bill Berrien