Before you begin a custom metal fabrication project, you need to know how much the order will cost. You’ll need an estimate on the materials and labor. An accurate fabrication quote can be hard to obtain on a five-minute phone call or quick email, especially if you don’t have all the details of your project on hand. You can get a ballpark price, but you won’t know exactly what the order will cost down to each dollar and cent.
When you’re comparing metal fabricators, it’s best to give companies as much detail as possible. That way, they have a better idea of what needs to be done to create your product, guaranteeing you get a more accurate quote. Before you reach out to a metal fabricator, be sure that you have the following information ready to go.
Send Accurate Drawings
Information about your part’s use, shape, angles and material is what you’ll send to a fabrication company. Sending up-to-date drawings of the part or product is the best way to get an accurate cost estimate from a fabricator.
Your drawings should reflect the specs needed to give engineers a better idea of your end goal. The more detail you provide, the more accurate quote you’ll receive. Initial drawings won’t provide an accurate quote. You are bound to have revisions, so be sure to send finalized copies. Once you send your drawings, a fabricator may have suggestions to make the part more durable or save on production costs.
If you need assistance with drawings or blueprints, some metal fabrication companies, like Metaltech Products, work with clients to revise and finalize the part’s design. You’ll have a degreed engineer helping you make improvements before production starts. Our team can review your designs and create physical or simulated prototypes to test parts for form and function.
Know Your Materials
The material you choose can affect the processes and equipment used to produce your part. For example, the type of metal used could change the kind of cut or weld required, which could affect the cost of your run. When you ask for a quote, you should provide the type of metal or material you need, along with the size, thickness and volume.
Don’t Forget the Details
Would you like the final product to have a red powder coating? Does each part need a stamped logo? What will the product be used for and where will it be used? Don’t forget to share these details. Any special processes or finishes you need could change the quote. Knowing these details upfront helps the fabricator quote your price and timeline. No one wants to get to the end of production only to learn that they have to go back and complete one more step.
Include Assembly & Delivery Notes
Planning for delivery can be complicated. Where does your product need to go? When does it need to arrive? You may wish for your parts to be assembled before arrival or packed in a particular way. Communicate these details to the metal fabrication company from the get-go. Confirm your shipping and delivery details with the fabricator ahead of time, so you don’t have to worry about it later.
Once you choose to work with a company, share the products’ destination and required date. Many metal fabricators can take care of delivery through outsourcing or their own delivery service. It’s best to check, though, as some may require you to plan transportation for your products.
Metaltech’s assembly and delivery services ensure your products are ready when you receive them. If you live within 300 miles of our Lebanon, MO facility, our delivery trucks will bring your products to your warehouse or location. Metaltech utilizes LTL carriers and drop shipping methods for those outside of our delivery area.
Choosing a metal fabricator that meets all of your needs can eliminate extra logistics planning. You won’t have to keep track and plan for parts to be sent somewhere else for the next step in the process. A one-stop-shop saves you time and hassle.
Give Them Something to Talk About
Giving a metal fabricator as much information upfront as possible means you’re more likely to receive an accurate quote. By sharing this information, you’ll also give the fabricator more time to order materials, ensure the right team members will be available for the job, and plan for shipping.
Request a quote today or call (417) 426-5577 to start your custom metal fabrication project. Our team will take the information you give us to estimate the cost of your project.
