While stock metal components can still produce quality results, manufacturing companies interested in improving their processes, products, and profits should consider the advantages of custom metal fabrication. This involves using raw metal to create either altered versions of common components, like bolts and nuts, or unique metal shapes for specific production or assembly purposes. The guide below explains some of the reasons for making this investment.

Why Choose Custom Metal Fabrication Over Stock?

1. Wider Range of Fabrication Methods

Stock parts are created using a limited series of techniques, such as metal welding. Custom metal fabricated pieces can be cast from a mold or die, cut with lasers or water jets, extruded by being forced through or around a die, drilled, milled, sheared, or stamped. 

Many of these techniques are more precise or are better at shaping particular metals, meaning that even if you wanted a product of standard dimensions, you would get one of better quality. However, the real benefit is being able to produce custom structural beams for a building, unique assembly parts and fasteners for manufacturing, exceptionally durable springs and wires for new medical equipment, or custom auto parts. 

2. More Cost-Effective

Often, you only need a small number of the same kind of custom part. Typically, in manufacturing, the smaller the order, the more expensive the units are, which can turn people away from custom metal fabrication from the beginning. However, the producers of these components often have special relationships with material supplies that allow them to get good deals and pass the savings onto you. In some cases, this may be less expensive than getting stock pieces from a store.

3. Greater Life Span & Efficiency

When components are customized to fit or work together as precisely as possible, it reduces the need for maintenance and repairs since parts are less likely to loosen or rub together in a way that produces friction. Since any assembly line requires precise movements and timing, this decreases the number of faulty products you will have to discard and helps you maintain productivity. 

In addition, with a greater range of metals to choose from and access to higher-quality materials overall, customized parts are also more durable. Because these fabricators have ready access to the machines and metals needed to recreate parts, they can also often provide a quick turnaround time if you do need a replacement. 

If you need custom metal components for your engines, medical equipment, or industrial work, rely on International Extrusions in Garden City, MI. In business for more than 80 years, this team can perform close-tolerance metal fabrication services with an accuracy of up to .002 inches. To learn more about their offerings, visit them online. Call (734) 427-8700 to ask a question or request a quote.