Outsourcing your metals welding fabrication makes sense from a monetary and time perspective, but hiring the wrong fabricator can lead to complications. There are a few crucial considerations when hiring a welding specialist, regardless of whether you need relatively simple work like TIG welding, or more advanced fabrication. Some due diligence and a few well-structured interview questions in these crucial areas will help you find the right company for the job.

Internal Processes

A fabricator's internal systems have a direct impact on quality control, production timelines and other key areas of the fabrication process. Learn as much as you can about your chosen manufacturer’s systems. A guarantee that the fabricator adheres to accepted standards and certifications is usually a good indicator that you will obtain the results you are looking for.

Areas of Expertise

This point may seem obvious but there is more than meets the eye when considering your chosen fabricator’s level of experience and expertise. In your conversations with your potential manufacturing partner, learn about their history with the specific kind of project that you want done. A high level of detailed experience may be especially important where stringent quality control is at stake, such as with aerospace welding. Confirm that the fabricator has the necessary knowledge, equipment and man-hours on comparable projects in dealing with your specific industry requirements.

Additional Services

It is cumbersome to hire multiple external manufacturers to perform various tasks on a single component. If you need additional services such as precision laser cutting or cone rolling in addition to welding, it will help if you can have all of it done in one facility. Take time to assess all your fabrication needs and hire a manufacturer who is able to handle them, preferably without involving additional parties. Accountability and quality control can be more difficult when working with multiple agents.

In-House vs. Outsourced Manufacturing

Ask your selected manufacturing partner how much of their finished work is outsourced. Some metal fabricators outsource many tasks to third parties. A fabricator who does aluminum welding but outsources rolling or planishing may not be the best choice for the project. Your chosen welding specialists should have all the necessary equipment, personnel and capabilities to handle the entire project in-house.

Type of Equipment

Finally, the equipment that the fabricator uses is just as important as the staff and expertise. Opt for a company that utilizes the most advanced equipment for your particular industry. Low-tech equipment can have a negative impact on turnaround time and quality, so consider your fabricator’s equipment investment when partnering with them.

These are important considerations to discuss with a welding fabricator to ensure that you are outsourcing to the best partner for your business. Careful consideration of these factors can make a significant difference in the success of your operations.

CONTACT US:

Tech-Weld Inc.
801 E. North Street
Elburn, IL 60119, USA
Local Phone: 630.365.3000
Hotline: 800.521.8823
Fax: 630.365.0506
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.techweld.net