5 Efficient Ways to Lower Metal Fabrication Costs
Metal fabrication costs can add up quickly beyond project estimates. While expenses are inevitable, it doesn't mean there's a few tricks you can use to bring it down to practical levels and still maintain quality.
Finding a low-cost metal fabrication company is one viable solution, but that company must provide steel fabrication cost reductions for the right reasons. A cheap company with a reputation for poor work quality will most likely give your subpar outputs, which will cost you more down the line. We'll be discussing in this article five excellent ways to cut down costs without compromising quality.
1. Look for a Local Metal Fabrication Company
One of the most apparent advantages of hiring a local metal fabrication company is the money saved on shipping. It's as easy as that. You won't have to pay as much for shipping if your metal fabricator's around the neighborhood or within a few miles. Partnering with a local company also translates to significant time savings.
2. Use a Common Gauge Material
If you design your product to be manufactured using a non-standard sheet metal gauge, you'll have to get it customized and special-ordered. Manufacturing costs will be higher as a result of special-ordered materials. Consult with your fabricator to identify which common gauge will meet your needs while keeping your expenditures to a minimum.
3. Make Your Design Simpler
In general, the more intricate your project, the higher the cost. Design for simple angled bends with an interior radius equal to 1X the thickness of the material to save on labor and time costs. Small bends on large, thick components are more likely to come out wrong, so they should be avoided if possible.
4. Look for a Full-Service Fabricator
If you want to save money, you want your metal fabrication company to handle as many processes as possible. If your metal fabricator handles everything from design through assembly, there is no need to spend additional money or effort outsourcing these steps.
Furthermore, look for a business that employs cutting-edge metal fabrication technology. While metal fabrication companies using these modern tools may not be the cheapest option in some situations, it'll pay off in the long run with items that are done faster and look better. Read our article on the advantages of CNC machining on mass production of parts.
5. Cut Down Waste
Cutting down waste is more of a long-term goal than a short-term one. A simple design change can often provide additional pieces from a single piece of raw material, or your business might discover an alternative technique to repurpose leftovers from one project to your current one. These are simple methods of waste reduction you can consult with your metal fabrication. However, in most cases, cutting down waste involves predictive maintenance on machines and retooling the entire production process.
Final Thoughts
These cost-saving alternatives become more achievable when you partner with a professional and local metal fabrication company. When you pick the right metal fabrication partner and communicate your goals clearly, they will work with you to meet your project demands in the most effective way possible.
If you're looking for a reliable machine shop and fabrication in Santa Clara, Rost Machining and Fabrication can help! Our family-run business delivers personalized service you won't find elsewhere. Whether you need milling, turning, lasing, welding, grinding, or more, our fabrication company will help you meet your goals. Visit our website today to learn how we can help you!
