How To Find the Right Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication Supplier

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Selecting a custom sheet metal fabricator is a complex task that requires extensive research and tenacity. After all, this company will manufacture some of your most critical components. Thus, hiring someone that will not only assist you but also be a collaborative partner who will aid you in achieving your goal is crucial.

If you need help determining where to begin, this article will discuss the factors to consider when selecting a partner fabrication company.

Key Considerations When Selecting a Sheet Metal Fabricator

The first step in assessing if a company is a suitable fit for your needs is to research the following factors:

Experience

The objective of inquiring about a company’s experience is to verify that it can demonstrate competence in the projects you require. Don’t just ask how long they have been in business; inquire about the products they create and the industries they serve. While working with a company that has been in business for decades can be convincing, even someone with 50 years of experience may be inefficient if they have never worked on a project like yours.

Here are some supplementary questions to ask regarding their experience:

  • Do they have prior experience working on a project similar to yours?
  • What employees or specialists are they employing in your industry?
  • Are they capable of powder coating and finishing your products?

Availability

Ask about the company’s scheduling and workforce availability. For instance, if you come across a supplier with all of your required qualifications but cannot meet deadlines, consider looking into other companies or putting the work on hold.

Equipment

Equipment is critical when it comes to metal fabrication. Therefore, you must be as detailed as possible about your specifications and schedule when inquiring to confirm whether the company can provide them.

Ask questions such as the following:

  • Do they have the necessary tools and materials for your type of job?
  • Can they handle the required metal type, grade, and gauge?
  • What kind of supply chains do they work with?
  • How much of your work can they do in-house?
  • Can their facilities complete the job on time?

Capabilities

Professional custom sheet metal fabrication companies frequently offer additional services in addition to design and manufacturing. Depending on what they offer, you may save money and time by not having to work with multiple manufacturers on a single project. You can accomplish this by checking whether they offer services like precision machining, mechanical assembly, powder coating, inventory management, and CAD solutions.

Past Work

Take considerable time researching a company’s previous work to understand its capabilities. You can do this by performing the following methods:

Browsing Website Reviews

Check out their website for sheet metal fabrication services and a gallery of finished products. If the performance and quality are consistent, and you see similar products to the one you require, it is a good sign that they can handle the work. You can also get more information from their website, which includes case studies and client testimonials.

Checking References

One of the best ways to learn more about a fabricator is to speak with people who have worked directly with them. Therefore, feel free to ask a sheet metal fabricator for client references.

You can ask the following questions:

  • What was the quality of the work?
  • How quickly was the job completed?
  • Was the team communicative and professional?
  • Did you run into any issues while working with them? If so, how did the team solve them?

Searching for Online Reviews

Checking their reviews on websites like Google Business and Yelp is another way to assess the quality of their services. Finding consistent and positive feedback from others over time is a good indicator that you are working with experts.

Conducting Company Visits

Visiting the company in person is the best way to assess professionalism, quality, and overall team capability. Though traveling to a fabricator’s facilities can be costly, seeing their process firsthand is a worthy investment for the quality of your finished product.

Pricing

Choose a company that offers a competitive price without compromising quality. It also helps to get quotes from multiple suppliers before comparing and ensuring that you will get the best value for your money.

Ask more than the final cost when requesting for a quote. A professional custom sheet metal fabrication company should provide a quote that breaks down expenses such as tooling fees, design costs, and shipping. Furthermore, ensure that there are no additional expenses that are not initially disclosed.

Make the Right Decision for Your Project With CLS Fabrication

Are you looking for an experienced sheet metal fabricator and people you can rely on? CLS Fabrication has you covered! We provide a variety of sheet metal and structural fabrication services to businesses and individuals all over North America. We also have diverse capabilities, cutting-edge methods, and high-quality machines and tools that enable us to provide end-to-end solutions to our customers.

Contact us if you have any questions, or request a quote today to get started on your project!