Choosing a custom metal fabrication facility is an important decision that can deeply affect the level of your production quality and the overall rate of your manufacturing process.
Here are five factors to consider when choosing a custom metal fabrication shop:
1. Experience
A reputable custom metal fabrication shop won’t hesitate to show you the credentials of its engineers, designers and fabricators. Nor will it shy away from providing references from satisfied customers. A well-established record may be the best reason of all to choose a particular shop.
2. Capability
Versatility is a fairly clear indicator of whether a fabrication shop can meet your needs. Certain industries require specialized non-standard equipment, adherence to strict hygienic and sanitary standards, or the use of custom fabricated products that can withstand extreme conditions.
Not every metal fabrication shop has the capability to provide custom products that adhere to the variety of design, build, and finishing regulations required by certain industries.
3. Industries Served
Every industry has its own unique compliance and regulation requirements. If a metal fabrication shop consistently delivers quality products to manufacturers spanning the chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and food processing industries, chances are they can handle even the most demanding requests.
Between them, these industries have the process manufacturing industry’s strictest set of guidelines and specifications. If they serve these industries regularly, and their customers have indicated a high satisfaction with their products, add them to the top of your list.
4. Materials Used
Good metal fabrication companies only use the highest quality materials. Ensuring the fabricator has access to the appropriate grade of stainless steel or metal alloy necessary to completing your project is an obvious, but critical element that can go overlooked in the early stages of deciding between fabrication shops.
Reputable custom fabrication designers typically tackle this topic right away to make sure you understand what they will use for your project and why.
5. Turnaround and Price
Cost is a major consideration in choosing the right shop, and this comes down to what you pay for labor and material. While a project’s turnaround time is important, so is making sure the job gets done right.
A quick turnaround is always preferred, but only the best fabricators can meet a quick deadline without cutting corners. Good design engineers will walk you through the production process and give you a reasonable idea of when to expect delivery of your high-quality product.