Considerations When Looking For A Metal Fabricator

23 November 2022
 Categories: Industrial & Manufacturing, Blog

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Are you looking for a metal fabricator? It could be you need to build bespoke equipment that is unavailable on the shelves. Below is a piece with insights on finding the right-fit metal fabricator. 

Specialisation 

If possible, consider fabricators specialising in making the equipment you need. For instance, some metal fabricators specialise in making auto parts. They are a suitable choice when looking for bespoke components such as roof rails, grills, frames, and suspension components. On the other hand, other metal fabricators specialise in plant equipment such as excavator arms and buckets. The primary benefit of dealing with a specialised fabricator is that they have insights into how you intend to use the equipment, the loads it will bear, and how to improve its functionality. For example, when designing a tractor attachment, the fabricator could recommend using lightweight materials to ensure you can lift or haul heavy loads. Besides, they could integrate modern technologies such as power take-off shafts to ensure you have an easy time using the fabricated equipment. 

Fabrication Techniques

Visit the fabricator's premises and examine their fabrication techniques. Design is at the heart of the fabrication process. Consequently, the fabricator should have a highly experienced design team and state-of-the-art design software and equipment. When working with a specialised fabricator, they might have schematics for the equipment you need. In this case, the design team makes tweaks to personalise the equipment to suit your needs and tastes. However, when handling a new project, the company must make thorough assessments to establish how you intend to use the equipment. For example, if you need scaffolding for a construction site, the design team could conduct a site visit to establish whether the equipment will be pinned to the ground or the walls. Moreover, they check the loads the equipment will bear, the risks at the site, and the prevailing weather. 

Once the design team develops the schematics, the fabrication team takes over the project. First, the team develops and tests a prototype to determine the efficiency of the equipment. During this stage, the team determines the material to use and its required gauge. Once the team is confident with the prototype, they commence the fabrication work. Usually, it involves a lot of machining, welding, bending, folding, and grinding. Once the project is complete, the team runs some tests to ensure the functionality of the equipment. As a client, you must insist on warranties and free servicing. It improves your confidence in the product. 

For more information, contact metal fabricators in your area.