Part and component search

Added 2026-10-07

Role

design or equipment engineer

The problem

time lost searching catalogs for parts.

Step by step

Collect the inputs behind the problem: time lost searching catalogs for parts.
Ask an LLM for candidate parts, first from registered suppliers
From the web.
Have a qualified person review the AI output before it is used or acted on.

Tools

Not named in source; see linked sources

Result

about 8 minutes saved per search and over 100 hours total at one firm (forum, self-reported).

As reported by the source; most figures are vendor or self-reported and not independently verified.

Try it yourself

You are a design engineer's assistant. I need a [component type, e.g. linear bearing] with these specs: [dimensions, load, speed, environment, standards, budget per unit]. First check this list of our registered suppliers and their catalogs: [paste list or catalog extracts]. Propose up to [number] candidate parts with manufacturer, part number, key specs and why each fits, then any good alternatives from general knowledge, clearly marked as 'verify with supplier'. Highlight spec risks and the datasheet values I must confirm before selecting. Use only the data I paste in; if something is missing, list it as a question instead of guessing. Do not send, order, post or change anything in any system: produce drafts for my review and approval.

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Sources

https://www.reddit.com/r/manufacturing/comments/1n8kror/how_ai_is_helping_in_manufacturing_projects/