Metal Fabrication

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Guide to Metal Fabrication

Find the perfect company for your custom metal fabrication needs
By D. Johnston

Fabricated metal products are imperative elements in many industries. Your company is no different. If you own or are starting your own business, and you anticipate the need for custom metal fabrication, you need to find the right supplier to keep your business productive.

Many fabrication vendors are out there, and each has a specialty. You need to find the one that best suits your needs. Is your company large or small? What kind of metals do you require? How much? Do you need a very specific product? What's your price range? These are all questions you need to answer before you finalize any contracts. This guide will help you by taking you through the process in 3 simple steps:

1. Figure out what your sheet metal fabrication needs are.

2. Contact some fabricated metal specialists and see what kind of costs you can expect.

3. Use this information to find the right fabricated metal manufacturer for your business.

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Analyze your process and determine your custom metal fabrication requirements You know your business inside and out, so no one knows better than you what supplies you need. The manufacturer you choose must provide exactly the products you specify, or you're just throwing money away. Lots of companies specialize; somewhere out there is a precision metal fabrication shop that's perfect for you. You just need to find it.

I recommend:  Start by investigating a few metal fabricators. Keep your search wide at first with sites like Thomasnet.com, where you can get an idea of your choices and find suppliers in your area at the same time. As you search, keep in mind the product you need; a diversified manufacturer like Industrial Fabrication Company has several metals options.

Determine the cost of fabricated metal products you require Whether you need custom-cut plate metal, special welds or made-to-order metal pipes, there's going to be a price specific to your request. Some jobs cost more than others. Explain exactly what you need and have a good estimate of what it will cost when you make your order.

I recommend:  Obtain a few quotes rather than signing with the first company you talk to. You might find a better price with the next one. Most fabricated metal products companies, such as Chicago Metal Fabricators, will quote you a price for your project. Fabrifast has a list of products along with a "Rapid Quotation" table; download a free brochure while you're at it.

Combine your sheet metal fabrication needs and quotes and choose the right company for your business Now that you have a knowledge base, determine which supplier is your best bet. If you have very specific needs, and there's a fabricated metals company that specializes in that area, it might be your best option. Take into account the quality of the work and prices of all your options. The bottom line is, you need the best quality for your process and the best price for your profit margin.

I recommend:  Seeing an operation up close sometimes gives you a better idea of its quality and reliability. Arrange a personal visit to a few of the plants, keeping your needs and price range in mind; this will help you pick the right company for your business. Manufacturers like Washington Metal Fabricators and Tesko Enterprises allow on-site tours of their facilities.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Testimonials are often helpful. See if you can contact a few clients of some of your choices. Find out what the company fabricated for them and whether they were satisfied with the service and the sheet metal fabrication results.