Case Study: Overcoming a Material Sourcing Challenge
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- Source:NexPart
In the competitive world of global manufacturing, a reliable supply chain is the backbone of success. For a precision CNC machining factory specializing in batch production, a material sourcing disruption can halt operations, delay deliveries, and damage client relationships. This case study details how our company successfully navigated a significant sourcing challenge for a critical client, reinforcing our value as a dependable manufacturing partner.
Our client, a leading industrial automation OEM, required a large batch of complex actuator housings. The specified material was 7075T651 aluminum, chosen for its exceptional strengthtoweight ratio, crucial for the highstress application. Midway through the production planning, our primary supplier declared a force majeure due to an unforeseen factory fire, creating a massive shortage with a lead time of over 12 weeks. Our client’s project timeline was only 8 weeks.
Faced with this crisis, our procurement and engineering teams immediately activated our contingency protocol. The standard approach of simply finding another distributor was insufficient, as the specific T651 temper (solution heattreated and artificially aged to a T651 temper) was in critically short supply globally. We had to think innovatively.
Our strategy was twofold:
1. Technical Qualification of an Alternative: We sourced 7075T7351 aluminum, which has similar composition but a different temper (solution heattreated and overaged/stressrelieved). While T7351 offers slightly lower ultimate tensile strength, it provides superior stresscorrosion cracking resistance. Our engineering team performed rapid prototyping and rigorous mechanical testing, creating a comparative data sheet for the client. We demonstrated that for their application, the T7351 variant not only met but exceeded the required safety factors due to its enhanced corrosion resistance, a previously unconsidered benefit.
CNC machining
2. Leveraging our Global Network: Simultaneously, we utilized our established relationships with mills and distributors in Europe and Asia. We identified a European mill that could supply the original 7075T651 material but in a slightly different form factor. Our CNC programmers and production planners collaborated to redesign the machining strategy to accommodate this new form, optimizing the nesting of parts to minimize waste and maintain costefficiency for the client.
We presented both validated options to the client within 72 hours. They opted for the 7075T7351 solution, confident in our technical analysis. We secured the material and commenced production without any delay to the final delivery schedule.
This experience was a powerful testament to our capabilities beyond simple machining. It highlighted our:
Proactive Risk Management: Having contingency plans for critical materials.
Technical Depth: The ability to engineer solutions, not just execute orders.
Supply Chain Resilience: A robust, multiregional network of vetted suppliers.
ClientCentric Partnership: Transparent communication and collaborative problemsolving.
For businesses seeking a CNC machining partner that can withstand market volatilities, this case proves that our value lies in delivering certainty, ensuring that your batch production projects proceed smoothly, no matter the challenge.