If you have ever had to hire a metal fabrication partner for your next project, you know it’s not always easy to decide who to work with. 

A good fabrication partner will help you complete your project on time and within budget, even if that means turning down additional business and working longer hours to meet your deadlines. But how can you tell the difference between a good and bad partner? Use these tips to find the best partner possible for your next job by looking at the do’s and don’ts of choosing a metal fabrication partner.

• DO Your Research

One of the most important steps in choosing a metal fabrication partner is to do your research. This will help you find the company that best fits your needs for accuracy, flexibility, cost, and time. 

Check out their portfolio to see what they’ve done before. Visit their facility if possible to get an idea of how they work. Also, find out how long it takes them to complete projects like yours. 

• DON’T Settle for the First Quote

If you take the time to do your research, it will pay off in the end. It’s much easier to find good metal fabrication partners than you might think, but it can be difficult if you settle for the first quote you get. This is especially true with metal fabricators that offer higher quality services. You should always ask for more than one quote, compare their quotes against each other, and then choose the partner who offers the best value for their quote.

• DO Consider the Services Offered

Services should be the first thing you consider when choosing a fabrication partner. A company that offers services such as CNC machining, welding, foundry work, plastics injection molding, 3D printing and more will likely have the skills to help you with your project. You might not need all these services but having them available can make your job easier. 

• DON’T Forget about Customer Service

When it comes to choosing a metal fabrication partner, you want to make sure that they take care of your needs. You’ll need to know if they have the resources and capabilities in order for them to be able to complete your project. 

You’ll also need to know how well they will be able to handle your customer service needs as this is an important aspect when it comes to these types of partnerships. Choose a company that has an excellent reputation for providing good customer service so that you don’t end up with any issues down the line.

• DO Ask for Samples

It is always best to ask for samples of the metal fabrication company‘s work before you choose them. This will allow you to see if they specialize in your type of project, as well as give you an idea about their workmanship. Samples are also helpful when making decisions about size, shape, color and design. 

• DON’T Overlook the Details

It can be easy to overlook the details when you are in the middle of an exciting project, but it is important that you take the time to review all aspects of your fabrication partnership. A few things to consider before signing on the dotted line include: 

• What kind of budget have you set aside for this project?
• How long do you need your custom metal fabrication solution?
• What location will work best for both parties?
• What material do you need for your project?

DO Consider the Future

While you may be looking for someone who will do the job now, it is important to consider the future. What if you run out of material? What if they go out of business? It is always better to have more than one option at your disposal. Even if you are confident in your decision, it never hurts to have an extra layer in case something goes wrong.

DON’T Forget to Communicate

It is important to have open lines of communication with your fabrication partner. This will allow you to get the final product you envisioned, not just what they think would be best. It is also important to be upfront about any deadlines or budget limitations. 

If you do not communicate well with your fabricator, it may lead to unexpected results that affect both your project timeline and budget.