Whether you are a small or large company, finding the best welding and metal fabrication shop to complete contract manufacturing is an important part of our business. Various factors will go into the decision, but there are some critical elements in choosing the service that shouldn’t be overlooked.
One of the most common errors made by new OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers), or even by existing OEMs, is in only considering a quoted price for the work when choosing a welding and metal fabrication service provider. This not only ignores issues with capacity and quality control but it also limits possible additional service that the best service providers can offer.
Capacity
Most OEMs will have specific deadlines for delivery of the fabricated or welded components in their order. Often the metal fabricator, particularly when going with a smaller company has lead times for the order that may result in delivery issues.
Look for a company that has a reputation for on-time delivery of their projects. These companies have the experience and expertise to schedule projects to their capacity, providing transparency to their customers and allowing for accurate planning for the time of fabrication.
Scope of Work Options
Some welding and metal fabrication shops are strictly designed to complete basic services for customers. Others will offer a broader scope of work that can assist in lessening the work of the OEMs in-house team.
This can start with assisting in the project development phase, including CAD/CAM programming to suit their specific CNC equipment. Addition consultation and assistance with design followed by prototype and then full production may also be provided. This is an optimal solution when quality control and precision is required throughout the production as the same shop is able to complete all components of the job rather than working with multiple subcontractors.
