Back then, someone approached me and asked me what they should consider when choosing a custom metal fabrication company. That got me thinking this must be a common question among people; I researched and wrote this article to answer as many people as possible.
There are a couple of things to look out for when choosing a custom metal fabrication company, such as; the cost, the company's experience, turnaround time, the company specialty, quality standards, automation, and company reputation. Keep reading for more details.
Do you know the types of custom metal fabrication techniques? You will find that out in a few as you read on.
Custom metal fabrication companies are a dime a dozen, but not all provide the same services. Some specialize in specific types of metal fabrication, while others offer more diverse services. All in all, investing in custom metal fabrication will be of great benefit to your business. All you need to do is choose a company that will satisfy your needs. You can do that by following these tips.
Here is what to consider when choosing a custom metal fabrication company.
1. The cost
The price of a custom metal fabrication company varies depending on the type of materials they use, their location, and the type of service they offer. When you use a custom metal fabrication company, you must consider the quality you will get for your money. Generally, the more expensive a custom metal fabrication company is the higher quality of materials they use. It is possible to get high-quality customizations at a low price if the company uses certain materials that are less expensive than others. In custom metal, your money is your quality.
2. The company's experience.
You want to choose a custom metal fabrication company that has been in business for at least five years and has experience in your industry. You want to find out how long they have been in business and what types of projects they have worked on. It is also essential to see if they have any awards or recognitions from different companies or organizations. Find out everything you can about them.
3. The turnaround time.
The turnaround time can vary depending on what kind of service they offer, but it is essential to get an idea of how long it would take for them to complete a project.
4. Find out the company's specialty.
Each company will have different specialty areas, so before you choose a metal fabrication company, you should know what kind of work they specialize in. Some companies may only offer one service or product, while others may offer various products and services.
5. Quality standards
When choosing a custom metal fabrication company, you need to look for a company that maintains high-quality standards. Visiting the metal fabrication company's facility is a good idea if you work in a specific industry: this will give you an idea of the company's customer service. For example, you might like to know how responsive the employees are or how organized their inventory system is.
6. Automation
Automation in custom metal fabrication can help ensure the quality and timely completion of jobs. Robotic technology allows fabricators to cut sheet metal with high precision and speed. Robotics can also handle heavy materials and complicated tasks such as debugging sheet metal. These benefits are not limited to higher production rates; they can also improve quality and reduce costs.
7. Company's reputation.
Find out what certifications and standards the company meets: this will give you more confidence in the company's ability to deliver quality work. Look for one that has a solid reputation and is committed to customer service.
Metal fabrication has evolved, and today's modern machinery and scientific advances have greatly enhanced this industry. Many metal fabrication options today are designed to meet customers' specific needs. The machinery and scientific advances created over time have greatly improved this industry. Below are the types of custom metal fabrication techniques; check the table.
Sheet Metal Fabrication | It is used to create a product from a flat sheet or plate. It is usually done using large presses and stamping machines, which come in rolls and rectangular sheets of various sizes. Sheet metal is also commonly called plate metal. |
Tube Fabrication | This fabrication is used to create products from tubes, pipes, or rods. It can be done by bending the material with hammers and other tools or by rolling it into a tube shape. |
Wire Fabrication | It is used to create products from wire that can be twisted, bent, coiled, or flattened into different shapes depending on your needs. |
Fabrication of Structural Steel |
|
Fabrication of Prefabricated Steel | Prefabricated steel comes in many different shapes and sizes. It can be used to create buildings, enclosures, bridges, ships, towers, and more. By cutting down on manufacturing costs and the time it takes to assemble a structure using prefabricated steel, builders can save time both at the start of a project and during construction when they need to make changes. |
Use of computer-aided design (CAD) | This creates a three-dimensional representation of a product. This technology helps designers see potential structural weaknesses before the parts are made. CAD programs can also be used to help design tooling for custom fabrication. In addition, custom fabricators can help design tools to ensure that your final product fits your needs. |
Wielding | It combines heat and pressure to join two or more pieces of metal. The process varies from one metal to another, and the shape and size of the metal can vary. Some types of welding are Stick or Arc Welding, MIG Welding, and TIG welding. Aside from welding, metal fabrication can also include spot and stud welding. |
Metal casting | With this process, molten metal is forced into a mold or die and then allowed to harden and become solid. This process is often used in high-volume parts and is ideal for mass production, as it will enable mold reuse. |
Stamping | It involves using a die to cut an extended part of a metal sheet or create a hole. Stamping is also an essential type of custom metal fabrication and has many uses. It is used to create impressions for letters, images, or logos. An excellent example of this process is the daily coins we use. It is also used in the electronic and automotive industries to stamp parts and patent numbers. |
Once you have set up your mind on your metal custom project, it's time to look for a great fabricator. Getting one will give you peace of mind and assurance that things will be done professionally, but how can you know a great fabricator? Below are the tips to help you decide before choosing a metal fabricator;
The process of custom metal fabrication is a highly complex trade, and a mistake can be costly. The most critical decision in the process is choosing the right company to ensure you have the suitable material. Once you have your material, the rest of the steps are straightforward. Reach out to work with an expert at custom metal projects at Outsiders outlook.