Blog Post

5 Factors To Consider When Hiring a Metal Fabricator

  • By Admin
  • •
  • 23 Jan, 2018
  • •
Finding the right metal fabricator for your next big project could mean the difference between having your project completed smoothly, or dealing with one headache after another. To get off to a good start, we've compiled a list of five important factors to consider when hiring a metal fabricator.

1. Capabilities

One of the first factors to consider when hiring a metal fabrication contractor is whether the company you're considering has the capabilities to meet your business needs. Metal fabrication companies often have specialties, and it's pertinent to confirm that the contractor you've got your eye on has the capabilities to produce the metal product you need to your specifications.

If your project is roofing steel, you'll want to make sure the contractor is capable of architectural fabrication, for example. The same holds true if you're in need of auto parts fabrication. It's necessary that the company you choose have the capabilities to fabricate metal for auto parts.

Since different fabrication processes can have starkly different requirements, you must make sure the company you're considering has the type of metal requirements to suit your project. Find out whether the metal fabrication contractor can complete the project in-house.

Don't hesitate to ask about the materials and specific production services the company can offer, such as welding, fastening, and finishing. Have the details of your project ironed out so that you get the most accurate information from the contractor.

2. Experience

The metal fabrication company you choose should have extensive experience with the type of project you're doing. It isn't enough if the contractor has completed a similar project once or twice before.

Metal fabrication is a highly complex and skilled trade where mistakes can be quite costly. A fabricator with a high level of experience fabricating for projects like yours will be able to work efficiently and minimize mistakes.

It's a good idea to inquire about similar projects the company has completed. The answer will give you a good idea as to whether the contractor has the experience necessary to complete your project with confidence.

3. Industries

Finding out what industries the metal fabrication company you're interested in has served will provide insight into whether it can handle demanding projects. It will also give you a clue as to whether the fabricator is consistent.

Industries such as biotechnology, food processing, automotive, and chemical have high standards, very tight regulation, and demand the highest quality finished products. If the contractor you're considering has experience serving these industries chances are it delivers exemplary service and products.

Request that the contractor provides a list of the industries it has experience serving and use that as a guide.

4. Quality

Not all metal fabricators are created equal and not all metal is identical. Ensuring that the result is of the best quality should be your number one priority. A good metal fabrication company uses only the highest quality materials.

Ask the fabricator about the metal quality it uses to complete projects. You'll need to make sure the contractor uses the right grade of stainless steel necessary for your business needs.

The company you're considering should have no problem explaining the quality of the steel they use. Avoid any fabricator that offers a vague response regarding material quality.

5. Turnaround

The ability to complete your project in a timely fashion is another crucial aspect. It's inadvisable to consider hiring a fabricator with a history of running behind and completing projects late. You likely have other parts of your project that can't move forward without having the fabrication completed.

A reliable metal fabricator can provide an accurate timeline of the process for your project from start to finish. Ensure that the schedule contains all the steps, from ordering material to delivery of the final product.

A good fabricator will have experience working in this capacity and will be able to guide you through the process.  

Knowlton Industrial Steel Supply has the equipment, skill, and capability to handle fabrication projects large and small. Let us help you with your next project.

3 Beneficial Effects of Manganese in Steel

By Admin • 23 Oct, 2018
Steel holds an abundant place in the modern world. You can find steel anywhere from automobiles to high-rise buildings and industrial processing equipment. Many different types of steel exist, each of them being a slightly different alloy with iron as its base metal. Manufacturers then add other elements to boost the overall performance of the hardened steel.

3 Key Differences Between Metal Fabrication and Welding

By Admin • 20 Sep, 2018
Two of the most important metalworking processes are welding and fabrication. Learn three differences between fabrication and welding.

Custom Ductwork Fabrication: A Guide for Facility Managers

By Admin • 22 Aug, 2018
Whether you are looking to overhaul existing ductwork or install a new duct system in your facility, first review this quick guide to custom fabrication.

5 Reasons to Choose Fabricated Steel for Your New Home

By Admin • 20 Jul, 2018
While most homes are build with a wooden frame, steel can be a more advantageous choice. Read this blog to find out how.

Ways to Mitigate Metal Corrosion in Your Industrial Plant

By Admin • 25 Jun, 2018
Corrosion is a significant concern in industrial applications where metal is the primary material in use. Learn here how to prevent corrosion in your plant.

3 Key Benefits of Plasma Cutting

By Admin • 24 May, 2018
Metal fabricators use a variety of techniques to ensure clean, efficient cuts, including oxyfuel, laser, and water jet cutters.

Repair an Outdoor Steel Sculpture or Building

By Admin • 26 Apr, 2018
A steel sculpture or building can be a great addition to your yard. Learn how to repair and refinish an outdoor steel structure that has surface damage.

Using Water Jets to Cut Unique Parts and Tools

By Admin • 27 Mar, 2018
When you need to manufacture small or otherwise precise parts and tools, you face a wealth of options. Water jetting is a relatively new but increasingly popular choice among businesses, particularly if you work with dense or heat sensitive materials. Consider the following information about water jetting as you plan and design your components and the tools needed to work with them.

A Beginner's Guide to SMAW and TIG Welding

By Admin • 26 Feb, 2018
On the surface, the fundamental principle of welding is deceptively simple: high temperatures fuse together two or more pieces of metal. While this may be accurate in the most basic of terms, the actual art of welding remains much more complex. To get the strongest possible results, a welder must utilize the most appropriate welding method.

5 Factors To Consider When Hiring a Metal Fabricator

By Admin • 23 Jan, 2018
Finding the right metal fabricator for your next big project could make all the difference. Contact a steel supply group today for more information.
Show More
Share by: