Still Running Legacy Parts the Same Way? Here’s Why You Should Reevaluate
If you’ve had a part running with the same supplier for years, it’s easy to assume the process is already optimized. But the reality is that our industry is changing rapidly, and the equipment, automation, tooling, software, and machining strategies available today are dramatically different than they were even just a few years ago.
At Liberty Precision, we’ve partnered with a significant number of companies who revisited older parts and discovered their existing supply chain was no longer delivering the efficiency or speed they needed. For many of these customers, requoting a legacy part opened doors to major improvements in cost, lead time, quality, and overall supply chain reliability.
Let’s explore why.
Why Customers Are Requoting Legacy Parts
In many cases, older manufacturing processes involve several operations spread across multiple machines and suppliers. Today, newer multi-axis machining technology allows many of those same components to be completed in fewer operations, often in a single setup.
At Liberty Precision, we’ve invested heavily in advanced equipment and automation that allows us to machine highly complex parts more efficiently than ever before. That often means parts that were once expensive or challenging to produce can now be manufactured more competitively, and with better speed and repeatability.
The Types of Components Liberty Precision Is Equipped to Support
Our capabilities are especially well-suited for customers producing complex, high-precision components in the defense and munitions spaces.
Complex Turned Parts with Milling Features
We specialize in turned components that require advanced milling operations or cross features. Additionally, our facility includes advanced multi-axis equipment with up to nine axes, allowing us to complete highly complex parts in fewer operations. Reducing setups improves consistency and minimizes handling and the opportunity for risk.
Medium- to High-Volume Production
We’re well-suited to take on production volumes exceeding 10,000 parts annually, and our lights-out and optimized processes can create major efficiencies.
Tight-Tolerance Components
We routinely support parts requiring tolerances tighter than ±0.005” and understand the process controls needed to maintain consistency at scale.
Challenging Materials
Our team regularly machines components from challenging materials such as Inconel and titanium, many of which require specialized tooling and process expertise to run as efficiently and consistently as possible.
Components with Strict Inspection Requirements
Our team understands that producing complex parts is only half the equation, and verifying them accurately is just as important. That’s why we’ve invested in advanced inspection equipment and quality systems capable of validating complex geometries and tight tolerances. In many cases, we’re able to inspect features that customers themselves may not have the capability to verify internally.
Projects That Require Fast Turnarounds
More than ever, we’ve experienced customers prioritizing faster turnaround times and strong communication from their suppliers. That’s why Liberty Precision prioritizes responsiveness throughout the quoting and production process. We regularly quote projects within 10 to 20 days while also supporting expedited manufacturing to help customers facing urgent timelines or supply chain disruptions.
Combined with our strong local manufacturing network, we’re able to quote many parts complete, helping customers simplify vendor management while improving lead times.
Requote Your Part and Explore What’s Possible
Many companies continue sourcing parts the same way simply because “that’s how it's always been.” But if your part hasn’t been competitively reviewed in years, there’s a good chance partnering with a forward-thinking manufacturer could improve:
Cost efficiency
Lead times
Supply chain reliability
Production scalability
Risk management
Quality assurance
At Liberty Precision, we continue investing in advanced equipment, automation, quality systems, and skilled talent so we can support increasingly complex machining challenges.
If you have a part that hasn’t been requoted recently, or if your current supplier isn’t delivering the speed or quality you need, we’d welcome the opportunity to evaluate it.