In the world of manufacturing, the term “lead time” is used to define the period between when an order is placed and when that order is complete (i.e. ready for pick up or delivery.)

Lead time in manufacturing is important for all parties involved, as it ensures that orders are placed and fulfilled according to a predictable timetable established at the outset. Depending on what is being produced and the processes which it requires, lead times can be fairly standard throughout the industry, but there are always circumstances that could extend or shorten production lead times. Knowing what goes into determining lead time can be extremely beneficial when quoting jobs or placing orders, and there helpful steps to consider when expediting lead time is a priority.

There are many methods and machines capable of cutting parts, but one of the most effective, efficient and affordable approaches is known as water jet cutting. Water jet cutting is the preferred operation for many manufacturers looking to cut high-quality parts without adverse material effects that can come into play when relying on other cutting methods.

A water jet uses a concentrated mixture of water and garnet (fine sand) that is sprayed through a small orifice at extremely high pressure (50,000-60,000 psi.) The result is an extremely fine cutting stream, capable of passing through nearly any type of material with little hardness/thickness restrictions. As with other CNC style machines, a water jet uses CAD data to follow designated tool paths as well as varying cut types/qualities to adjust for speed, depth of cut, etc.

The water jet is an incredibly effective piece of machinery, and it is gaining popularity across the industry as more manufacturers and engineers are learning of its unique capabilities and benefits. Below, we will dive deeper into several of the advantages of water jet cutting, as well as how the water jet stacks up against more conventional cutting options.

When searching for a company to handle your metal fabrication project, cost is a major factor. You might be tempted to choose the lowest quote you find in order to save money. However, cheaper isn’t always better with these quotes. Unfortunately, you’ll often find that the lowest quote, especially a quote significantly lower than all other quotes, will cost you more in the long run. Here are some of the reasons you shouldn’t always choose the cheapest metal fabrication quote.

Not All Fabrication Companies Are Equal
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when choosing a metal fabrication company is assuming that all companies are equal. If this were the case, the cheapest quote would be the best quote. However, companies have different levels of experience and different qualifications. Different companies will also have different scales of operations, which can often affect the speed at which your project is finished. It’s important to choose a company with enough experience to get your job done right.

Designing, fabricating, assembling, finishing, and cleaning equipment for food-grade applications, regardless of the alloy used, has a myriad of requirements that must be met every step of the way. The term food grade and its many variants refers to surfaces that have a sanitary finish—a finish that is safe for processing food products and can easily and reliably be cleaned and sanitized.

The grinding, sanding, and finishing of food-grade stainless steel must result in surfaces devoid of areas that encourage bacteria growth. The surfaces must be free of lines, grooves, pits, or divots. Additionally, the surfaces must withstand corrosion from the food being handled and the chemicals used to sanitize the equipment. Also note that stainless steel isn’t a single material; many stainless alloys are used in food-oriented applications.

Metal fabrication is a very involved process. From cutting to welding to polishing, there are many different operations involved in the metal fabrication process. Although there are different companies that can handle different parts of the job, for the best product it’s better to deal with a single, all-encompassing metal fabrication company. Here are some reasons why you should use one metal fabrication company to handle your entire project.

Welding stainless steel has its challenges and differences. Though not as difficult to weld as some metals, stainless steel has specific properties that vary from other more common steels that should be addressed before welding.

Stainless steel is a nonferrous metal alloy of iron, carbon, and a minimum of 10.5% chromium. It’s known for its strength and corrosion resistance. The many different grades of stainless steel are determined by the degree and combination of other elements mixed with the iron, carbon, and chromium such as nickel, niobium, molybdenum, and titanium. The addition of chromium to the alloy–which is resistant to rust and tarnishing—also gives the metal its familiar shine.

Choosing a metal fabrication shop for any industry or business can be a daunting task. Companies large or small want exceptional quality at competitive prices. Getting price quotes from several sources is always wise, but it’s good to note before making a decision that any price discrepancies may reflect the use of higher quality metals or a greater degree of precision cutting tools and the like. Meaning higher costs up front may translate into better products and fewer costly mistakes over the long term.

Pricing aside, because metal fabrication companies vary in what services they provide, companies seeking out those services should be aware that not all fabrication companies are built the same. Some companies may offer a variety of services while others specialize in only a handful.

​Custom metal fabrication is as much a service as it is an art. With that in mind, below are several options to consider before selecting a metal fabrication shop for your company’s needs.

Q: I am in charge of our company’s safety talks. Which welding safety topics should I cover?
A: When the proper safety measures and training are in place, welding and cutting are safe occupations. When these measures are unknown or ignored, you can find yourself in some very hazardous, even deadly situations.

In this industry, the most common avoidable accidents are burns, cuts, and eye injuries. The Standards New Zealand (NZS) 4781:1973 Code of practice for safety in welding and cutting is the industry standard for safety, and every company that welds or cuts should have a copy of this document on hand. It is available from several sources as a free download if you search it on Google. You can take individual topics outlined in this standard and discuss them during your safety meetings.