Precision-Ground and Blanchard-Ground Materials for Suppliers: Adding Value to the Supply Chain
- Andrew S
- Oct 3
- 2 min read
For material suppliers, providing raw stock alone often leads to price-driven competition. Customers in aerospace and industrial markets increasingly expect materials to arrive closer to finished dimensions, saving them time and cost on secondary processing. By partnering with AB Precision Grinding, suppliers can offer precision-ground and Blanchard-ground products directly - creating value, building loyalty, and reducing risk in the supply chain.
Why Material Suppliers Benefit from Precision-Ground Offerings
Traditional supply stops at raw stock. Customers then outsource Blanchard or surface grinding themselves, adding cost and delays. By integrating precision-ground products into their offering, material suppliers can:
Expand services without investing in new equipment
Increase customer retention by supplying ready-to-use stock
Shorten lead times with one-stop fulfillment
Differentiate from competitors who only sell commodity plate
Capabilities Available for Material Suppliers
At AB Precision Grinding, we deliver precision-ground and Blanchard-ground materials that suppliers can resell as value-added stock:
Blanchard-Ground Plate – Large plates or blocks reduced to precise thickness with flat, uniform surfaces.
Precision-Ground Stock – Surface finishes and tolerances held for aerospace and high-performance applications.
Creep-Feed Ground Material – Efficient stock removal while holding exceptional accuracy.
Double-Disc Ground Plate – Parallel surfaces and uniformity, reducing machining for end users.
These capabilities allow material suppliers to deliver stock that is production-ready, not just raw material.
Expanded Real-World Example
Consider a stainless steel distributor who normally sells raw plate. By partnering with AB Precision Grinding, they begin offering Blanchard-ground plate and precision-ground stock at aerospace-grade tolerances.
This shift creates measurable advantages:
Stronger Supplier-Grinder Relationship: The distributor gains a reliable partner in AB Precision Grinding, ensuring consistent turnaround and high-quality Blanchard-ground finishes.
Stickiness in a Commodity Market: Raw stock is highly price-sensitive. Once the distributor delivers precision-ground materials, they offer a differentiated service that customers can’t easily replace.
Lower Total Cost for Customers: End-users avoid sending material out for secondary processing, saving on logistics, downtime, and costs. The distributor’s Blanchard-ground plate arrives ready for machining.
Greater Competitiveness: By helping customers reduce costs, the distributor strengthens market position and shifts conversations away from price-only comparisons.
Additional Revenue Stream: The distributor earns margin on the grinding service while still lowering customer costs overall - turning commodity sales into value-added solutions.
The result? The distributor moves from being “just a plate supplier” to a strategic partner in their customers’ production process.
Aerospace and AS9100 Alignment
For aerospace material suppliers, traceability and compliance are essential. By sourcing precision-ground and Blanchard-ground materials through AB Precision Grinding, suppliers gain:
Full traceability with material certifications
Counterfeit goods prevention through supplier verification
FOD prevention and controlled shop environments
AS9100-aligned documentation packages
This makes it easier to serve OEMs and Tier 1 aerospace manufacturers with confidence.
Closing
Offering precision-ground and Blanchard-ground products transforms a commodity into a value-added solution. For material suppliers, it means stronger customer relationships, greater competitiveness, and new revenue opportunities. With AB Precision Grinding as a partner, suppliers can deliver products that are ready for aerospace and industrial applications right out of the box.
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