If you are in the fabrication business, you may need to provide many types of services. Even if you are busy, when a good customer needs a special project you can’t afford to say “no”. Yet, this can put a strain on your workforce and business. In order to fill needs you can’t currently provide, you may want to go with an outside source. But which contact manufacturers are best? Here are some helpful tips for choosing the right business to partner with.
Services
Can any of the local shops provide all the services you need? This is the best option if you can find it. When you routinely do business with one shop, you get to know the people and they learn to understand your specific needs.
If you need fabrication services from time to time, make sure to choose contract manufacturers capable of handling the materials you regularly use. For example, it can sometimes be difficult to weld aluminum and takes special skills and equipment. Machining stainless steel can be a problem also. A company with experience in these materials can be very helpful.
Equipment
What kind of equipment does the shop have available? For best results, choose a company with CNC, horizontal, vertical machining, plasma cutting, laser cutting and robotic welding capabilities. This ensures you can receive complete services.
Quantity
Do you need steel fabrication? Make sure to consider a shop offering custom fabrication services and size also matters. For example, some shops only serve customers with very large needs and are only willing to take on large projects. On the other hand, some shops may simply be too small (or have limited resources) and unable to serve the needs of large shops. This is an important thing to know before you do business.
Quality
No matter what services contract manufacturers provide, they are pretty much useless without quality. You need a shop offering quality products, materials, workmanship and customer service. They should have a quality management program in place. In fact, unless the shop is ISO 9001 certified, there is no way to be sure they can deliver high quality materials time and time again.
In Stock Materials
Does your provider stock many of the materials they use for fabrication? This is an important consideration because it can drastically reduce the turnaround time on your orders. For example, when the shop already has tubes, plate and bar stock they need, it will not take long to deliver your custom fabrication project. On the other hand, if the materials must first be ordered, it could be weeks before they can begin the project.
