As tempting as it is to add complexity to individual parts or design flair to an otherwise simple, utilitarian part, these extravagances in your metal fabrication project can cost you dear – literally. To keep your metal fabrication jobs efficient and affordable, we take a look at some things that are essential when planning out your next project.

More often than not some simple redesign and design choices can help bring down metal fabrication costs and times a lot.

Widely stocked materials

Materials that are widely stocked, easily available or generally in regular circulation are good options over more ‘exotic’ choices, especially if your project is a prototype or one-off. These will save you cost as they will be cheaper to procure as well as less of a drain instances of material loss.

Common gauge

Using standard sheet metal in your metal fabrication is another key time and cost saver. Unusual gauges may require specialized equipment and different handling methods. This can add time and cost at the metal fabrication process. Gauge also affects the bend radius that can be achieved. In simple terms, it may mean a reduction in potential bend radius; however, on the shop floor, having to work at the extremes of bend radius can add time to metal fabrication, given one needs to tread carefully in order to not damage the metal.

Complexity

Generally speaking, the more complex parts are the harder they are to produce. Intricate folding and tight tolerances are two examples that spring to mind when assessing the cost of a metal fabrication project. Also, constantly having to reorient parts to complete the project will add time to the build.

Learning

And there's a fourth...introspecting into the finished project after every metal fabrication build is a great way of finding unneeded redundancy and wasted material. Review your design thoroughly and you will find ways of refining it to use less material.

4 Way Metal is a leading provider of metal fabrication service provider for clients across Canada. Our investment in the latest technologies and skill development of our technicians have kept us at the forefront of the metal fabrication industry. Over the years we have had the opportunity to work with notable clients, including Husky, on a number of different projects.