Why Aerospace OEMs and Primes Use Contract Manufacturers

Modern aerospace manufacturing is growing ever more complex. Out of this complexity there is a recognized value placed on partnerships between original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), Primes, and contract manufacturers. In the aerospace/space world there is a demand for higher precision machined components in difficult materials, with the additional factors of downward cost pressures, supply chain risks, and sustainability goals. In aerospace every machined part must perform flawlessly. OEM’s and Primes recognize the value accredited contract manufacturers bring to their supply chain and are increasingly relying on them as partners. They have become a critical link in the aerospace supply chain. We at Intrex Aerospace are excited to be a key supplier to our customers, in this aerospace manufacturing supply chain.

What Is Contract Aerospace Manufacturing?

Contract aerospace manufacturing refers to the outsourcing of component parts and assemblies to specialized third-party machine shops. In aerospace, third-party shops are certified and equipped to meet aerospace standards. These shops produce parts ranging from simple brackets and housings to complex multi-axis machined components, used in engines, landing gear, avionics enclosures, hydraulic and fuel systems.

Unlike general-purpose machine shops, contract aerospace manufacturers operate under stringent quality systems. The aerospace standard AS9100 is the international quality management standard for the aviation, space, and defense industries. There is an additional requirement for most DOD components — ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations). This is a set of U.S. government rules that control the export and import of defense and military items. Intrex is both AS9100 certified and ITAR registered.

Strategic Manufacturing Services Intrex Provides to Our Customers

• Capacity and Flexibility. Aerospace programs are rarely static. There are ebbs and flows that must respond appropriately to production demands. Contract manufacturers like Intrex, with our modern flexible CNC equipment and systems help absorb much of the variability within the scheduling without forcing the OEM’s and Primes to staff up or invest in capital equipment.
• Specialized Capability. We have almost 40 years of aerospace manufacturing experience. Intrex has a documented operator training programs that can produce complex machined shapes (up to five-axis simultaneous), in a variety of aerospace materials. Our state-of-the-art CNC equipment with different levels of automation, are well suited for much of the aerospace low-to-medium volume contract production.
• Material Expertise. Our machined components vary from the simple to the  exotic alloys, from aluminum 2024/ -7075 series, to titanium, Inconel, and stainless steel 300-400 series, all with unique machining characteristics. Our experienced staff of engineers and operators with knowledge of machining speeds and feeds, generate optimal machine toolpath that maximizes cycle time, increase throughput and minimize scrap.
• Cost Control. Building, certifying, and maintaining an in-house machine shop for large OEM’s and Primes with high overhead,  can be enormously expensive. Outsourcing to efficient, flexible dependable contract manufacturers like Intrex can be an invaluable asset to an OEM or Prime. At Intrex we can provide precision components at competitive prices, on-time, and minimize or eliminate the need for OEM/Prime capital machine investment.

At Intrex our strategic offering focuses on our “3P” solution to our customers.

• Precision – parts that meet or exceed customer specifications.
• Performance – meets or exceeds our customers defined evaluation metrics
• Partnerships – we have formed with our core customers and partnerships we aspire to with new customers.

We hold  our customers in the highest regard and recognize they are foundational to our success, past, present and future. If you would like more information about our company or have a conversation with us about our company and our capabilities, we would welcome that opportunity.Please click here.