How to Identify an Industrial Part Without a Part Number
Comprehensive technical guide covering the most common industrial part sourcing challenges, identification strategies, cross referencing methods, and emergency procurement procedures.
Common Problems When Finding Industrial Parts
- Missing or unreadable part number labels
- Obsolete or discontinued components
- No stock from regular suppliers
- Long manufacturer lead times (12–40+ weeks)
- Revision mismatches or suffix confusion
- Imported machines with limited documentation
- Counterfeit or incorrect substitute parts
- Engineering changes not documented internally
- Model number vs part number confusion
- Incorrect cross references found online
Why Industrial Parts Become Difficult to Source
Industrial components frequently become hard to find due to lifecycle changes, mergers, discontinued production lines, supply chain disruptions, and evolving safety or regulatory requirements. Manufacturers routinely phase out legacy PLC modules, hydraulic valves, bearings, motors, sensors, and packaging machine components. Even common parts like SKF 6205-2RS bearings or Allen-Bradley 1769 series PLC modules can experience shortages during high demand cycles.
When equipment is 10–25 years old, OEM documentation is often incomplete, making identification and sourcing significantly more complex.
How to Identify an Unknown Industrial Component
- Record machine make, model, and serial number.
- Check casting numbers, stamped codes, or revision tags.
- Measure physical dimensions (ID, OD, mounting hole pattern).
- Confirm electrical specs (voltage, amps, phase) or hydraulic ratings (PSI, GPM).
- Take clear photos of connectors, terminals, labels, and installation location.
- Compare to similar OEM assemblies and exploded diagrams.
Uploading a photo dramatically improves identification speed.
Cross Referencing Industrial Part Numbers
Effective cross referencing focuses on specifications rather than brand alone. For example:
- SKF 6205-2RS ↔ Timken LM67048 ↔ NTN UC205
- Allen-Bradley 1769-L24ER ↔ Siemens 6ES7 Series
- SMC SY5120-5LZD ↔ Festo VUVS-L20
- Hayssen 03025B7394 ↔ Yamato 10247A2632
Matching dimensions, ratings, and function is more reliable than matching brand names alone.
Emergency Sourcing Strategy
When production is down, follow this structured approach:
- Identify exact failure component.
- Confirm compatibility tolerances.
- Search multi-brand equivalents.
- Check national distributor networks.
- Use specification-based substitutes if approved.
- Arrange expedited freight if required.
Reducing downtime by even a few hours can prevent significant production loss.
FAQ
What if my part is discontinued?
Many discontinued industrial parts have compatible equivalents or surplus availability.
Can I use aftermarket replacements?
Aftermarket parts are acceptable when specifications match and operational safety is verified.
How fast can parts be sourced?
Availability depends on stock, but emergency sourcing strategies prioritize rapid fulfillment.