Build-to-print and special process sourcing.
Each drawing needs a shop with the right processes, certifications, and sub-tier sources. We source build-to-print parts, raw material, and special processes from suppliers we qualify to your drawings and specifications, imperial or metric.
- 2,500+SKUs managed in aerospace and defense
- 200+active suppliers in an aerospace and defense base
- 7defense programs supported, including F-35, V-22, and CH-53
From our founder’s operating roles. Not client results.
Where build-to-print sourcing goes wrong.
Most build-to-print problems start before the purchase order. Four are common.
Incomplete technical data
RFQs go out without the current revision, called-out specifications, or drawing notes, so the quote and the part do not match the drawing.
Hidden special processes
Heat treat, anodize, plating, passivation, and NDT are subcontracted by the machine shop to sources you have not approved.
Material certification gaps
Raw material arrives without certifications that trace to the AMS, ASTM, or DIN specification on the drawing.
Mixed units and standards
Imperial and metric drawings, DIN and ASTM hardware, and international specifications get mixed without anyone checking equivalents.
What we check in build-to-print sourcing.
Every part is matched to suppliers by process and specification, not by commodity name.
- Drawing
- Current revision, tolerances, notes, and imperial or metric units
- Material
- AMS, ASTM, or DIN specification, form (bar, plate, sheet, pipe, tube, strip), and certification
- Primary process
- Sand casting, forging, machining, welding, or fabrication
- Special process
- Hard-coat anodize, passivation, zinc, cadmium, electroless nickel, heat treat, NDT
- Approvals
- Nadcap or customer approval for special process sources where required
- Quality system
- AS9100 or ISO 9001, with your quality clauses flowed down
- Qualification
- First article inspection or first article test (FAT), with prototype runs where needed
- Export control
- ITAR handling of technical data where it applies
- Assemblies
- Wire harnesses, cable assemblies, PCB assemblies, webbing, and fabrics
How it works.
Technical review
Review drawings, specifications, and notes to list every material, process, and approval the part needs.
You receive: Part requirements sheet
Supplier match
Match each part to suppliers by process capability, certifications, and sub-tier special process sources.
You receive: Supplier short list by part
RFQ and award
Issue complete RFQ packages, level the quotes, and award with quality and contract flow-downs in the purchase order.
You receive: Award recommendation and PO terms
Qualify
Run first article inspection or FAT, confirm material and process certifications, and release production.
You receive: Qualified source ready for production
From operating experience.
- Materials and components sourced and developed for F-35A/C, F-18, V-22, CH-53K, B-52, B-1, and LAU-116B/A contract requirements.
- Prototype development and first article test (FAT) qualifications with suppliers in India and Taiwan.
- 2,500+ SKUs and 200+ active suppliers managed in aerospace and defense.
Our founder delivered these results while running supply chain organizations between 2017 and 2021. They are operator results, not client results. See all results
What you receive.
- Part requirements sheets from drawings and specifications
- Supplier short lists by process and certification
- RFQ packages with technical data and quality requirements
- Quote comparison and award recommendation
- First article and FAT plans
- Approved special process source list for your AS9100 supply chain
Standards, contracts, and systems our founder has worked within
- AMS
- ASTM
- DIN
- Imperial and metric drawings
- Special processes
- AS9100
- ISO 9001
- Nadcap
- ITAR
- FAT
Build-to-print sourcing questions.
Can you source to metric drawings and DIN specifications?
Yes. We source to imperial and metric drawings and to AMS, ASTM, and DIN specifications, and we check that hardware and material callouts are read correctly before parts are quoted.
Should we buy special processes directly or let the machine shop subcontract them?
It depends on how much control you need. Buying special processes directly gives you approved sources and clear traceability but adds coordination. Letting the machine shop manage them is simpler, but only if the process sources are on your approved list and flowed down in the PO.
What is the difference between first article inspection and first article test?
First article inspection verifies that a part meets every drawing characteristic. First article test adds functional or performance testing, usually for assemblies and qualified components. Your contract or customer sets which one is required.
How do you handle ITAR-controlled drawings?
Technical data goes only to suppliers cleared to receive it, under the ITAR and contract flow-downs that apply. We confirm that status before any RFQ package is sent.
Do you source assemblies as well as machined parts?
Yes. Wire harnesses, cable assemblies, PCB assemblies, webbing, and fabrics, in addition to castings, forgings, machining, welding, and fabrication.
Start with a 30‑minute conversation.
Describe what you buy and where the problem is. We reply to every message directly.