Whether it’s your first time working with a specialist sheet metal fabrication company, or you’re looking to get more from the process, we’ve compiled useful tips and advice to help you effectively brief and collaborate with your fabrication partner to set you up for steel sheet success.
First, it’s important to determine when is the right time to bring in external steel fabrication expertise for your project.
Ask yourself:
If the answer to any of the above is yes, you’ll likely benefit from the skill and expertise of a specialist.
A careful and considered design process is the foundation of sheet steel fabrication quality and success. Cutting corners leads to increased cost, waste and time. In fact, research suggests as many as 60% of quality issues are caused by design faults.
Dedicate time with your team to give proper consideration to exactly what it is you’re looking for, covering function, sizings, loads, tolerances and any constraints. Then, when it comes to the initial consultation with your fabrication specialist, you have a solid foundation to productively collaborate and build on.
Once you’ve shared key details around load capacity, the environment your product needs to withstand, and finish goals, your sheet metal specialist will be able to guide you with material choice.
They can advise whether mild steel, stainless steel or a different metal would give you the tolerances and properties you need, and if there’s a more cost effective option for your project.
To get the best outcome for your budget, consider asking:
From steel and aluminium to copper and bronze, your chosen specialist should know each material inside-out – don’t be afraid to test their knowledge.
While your bespoke metal fabricator will want to help you achieve your vision, they won’t want to add unnecessary cost or complexity. The more materials, manufacturing processes and time your design requires, the more it will cost.
Avoid overcomplicating design by limiting tight tolerances and focusing on product-critical function. Your partner should be able to help with this, reviewing drawings and designs to flag where tolerances can be relaxed to save time, cost and waste further down the line.
Project collaboration doesn’t stop after design, and should continue into the fabrication process. Depending on the project, some sheet metal fabricators will design a prototype for you to test out before manufacturing the final product.
If you get the opportunity to test a prototype, use it exactly as you would if it was the finished product.
Collect honest feedback during the observation period from the people that will be using it: Does it fit and perform as it should? Is it optimising processes as expected? Do you have any concerns about its long term durability based on what you’ve seen?
Using this feedback, your partner should be able to refine fit, function and finishes so you have ultimate confidence in the finished product.
If you choose to work with a specialist sheet metal fabricator like CSM, you don’t lose sight or control of the project. We work as a team with a shared vision and goal in mind.
| What you bring | What we bring |
|---|---|
|
|
Collaboration and communication makes all the difference in getting the most from your steel sheet fabrication partner and maximising your investment. Learn more about the process with CSM, or get in touch with our friendly team to discuss your next project today.