What does your company use sheet metal for? Many products that you use every day start their life as sheet metal before being formed into useful items that can make life easier. If you are considering purchasing sheet metal fabrication services to create your latest product then you will have to pick one of the many possible sheet metal fabrication companies to work with you.
Choosing the right company is vital for the success of your project. You need a company that is comfortable bending, welding, and cutting your steel to the perfect shape, but that is just the start of your requirements. Any business relationship must be just as much about the people as about the product they provide.
Look for similar experience
Sheet metal fabrication covers a wide range of services and not every company will be set up to carry out every possible task. To find a good match for your project you will need to look for a sheet metal fabrication company that is comfortable making products very similar to yours. Some sheet metal companies focus on small scale fabrications such as, fascias, manifolds, brackets, control panels, machine guards etc.
Other companies are set up with the tooling to produce larger scale fabrications. When you contact the company you will need to be specific about exactly what you want. Ask them what similar jobs they have undertaken in the past and ask whether they have any samples you can look at. If they don't have any available samples then speaking to past clients can be a highly effective way of finding out what the company is like to work with. Find out what level of service they offer and whether they always meet their delivery targets.
Look for sufficient capacity
Sheet metal fabrication isn't always a rapid process. Make sure you discuss delivery dates with your chosen company. If you plan to make regular large orders for fabricated parts it is worth checking that they will be able to keep up a reasonable delivery schedule. Ask them about both their production speed and their spare capacity. Knowing that they have the skills and equipment to produce what you need doesn't matter if that machine capacity is already committed to other customers.
Asking questions at the start of the process is the most effective way to find the best sheet metal fabrication company for your project. Talk to your prospective supplier and make sure that they fully understand your requirements and are able to perfectly fulfil them.
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