Misconception About Custom Metal Fabrication Companies

When looking for custom metal fabrication companies to start your new fabrication project, it’s easy enough to get overwhelmed by simply trying to find answers to the most basic questions. The term “metal fabrication” can be confusing enough – it broadly refers to many processes that shape, cuts, weld, machine, or mold metal material into a final product. A full-service custom metal fabrication company is not simply a business; it is an integral grouping of technologies that are applied at various stages of production to fabricate the desired end product. It is important when doing research for a fabrication company not to be sidetracked by misconceptions and generalizations about what a custom metal fabrication company can or cannot do. Knowing what to expect from a fabrication company should be your goa

1. Metal fabrication companies are essentially the same

A metal fabrication company may offer many services to its customers or only one. In truth, services differ widely from shop to shop. Choosing one over the other directly relates to your project requirements. It’s important to find a fabrication company that offers the services that you require to complete your project to your satisfaction.

2. If you have a design there is no need for an engineer

There is a common misconception that if you submit your own design there is no need for further input from an engineer. However, from concept to actually manufacturing a product is a multi-step process that requires engineering input throughout. Even after submitting a final design for a project, it still requires the expertise of an engineer for testing, tweaking, and prototyping. Engineers and fabricators work together throughout all the processes to make sure the end products work as designed.

3. The best price ensures a better ROI on a project

There is truth in the old saying, ‘find the best price for the best quality and you’ll get the most for your money.’ While doing research for a new fabrication project, preparing a budget is requisite to the profitability of that project. Shopping around for the best price then is essential to ensure the project’s financial success. Keep in mind that, in the long run, the lowest price from a fabricator will not necessarily provide you with a better ROI.

4. Metal applications are interchangeable

Though there are many metals to choose from when designing a metal fabrication project, some with similar characteristics, it does not mean that these metals can be used interchangeably to complete a project. The material composition of metals varies. Each metal has its own set of unique properties with specific characteristics for specific applications and end products.

5. Custom metal fabrication companies use multiple vendors

Though it is certainly possible for a third-party vendor to be brought in on a new project in some shops, very rarely will a full-service fabrication company require the services of one or multiple vendors to complete a new project. No matter how unique the project is, from start to finish, design, engineering, fabrication, and assembly is done in-house. When researching a metal fabrication company for your new project, you will be better served to look for a company with the capabilities to fabricate from many metals, such as stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, copper, and brass, that uses state of the art equipment operated by skilled craftsmen all performed under one roof.