How To Choose A Quality Metal Fabricator And Welder

By Noli Cusi, VP of Fabrication Division; Kevin Hurd, Applications Engineer; and Karen Repovs, Account Manager of Fabrication Division, Samco Machinery

Toronto, Ontario - When it comes to choosing a metal fabricator and welder, customers are in search of high-quality work and value to maintain a competitive price strategy. Advancements in technology and precision, such as Fiber Optic Laser material cutting, have decreased processing time to improve the performance of metal fabricators. Standardization, adhering to manufacturing processes and quality measures, has made it possible for fabricators and welders to meet the just-in-time supply models demanded in manufacturing today.

Engineering

It is important to use the best design to take advantage of the capability of laser cutters and advancing equipment. The goal is a design that will produce the most efficient and durable product. Value engineering can alter a design in any number of ways to help produce a better product.

Value engineering is a systematic team approach and study to provide value in a product, system, or service, improving the return on investment for the client. It is a methodology for finding solutions or reducing costs while maintaining or improving performance and quality requirements.

A proficient engineering staff will be able to work with customers to produce and/or augment any design for the most beneficial outcome. A skilled engineer can help solve problems and/or reduce costs while maintaining or even improving performance and adhering to quality standards.

Certification

Quality fabricators make sure they meet or exceed these established minimum requirements established by ISO 9001 and CWB.

The International Organization for Standardization is a global agency composed of the national standard bodies of more than 160 countries. Specifically, ISO 9001 is a Quality Management System (QMS) that puts processes in place to ensure quality workmanship through accountability from inquiry to placement of order to delivery of finished product.

The Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB), formed in 1947 to administer the W47.1 welding standard for structural steel, has expanded its reach beyond structural steel. The CWB is a certification and registration organization for companies involved in welding that requires welders in Canada to be tested every two years to maintain proficiency.

The CWB certifies companies, inspection organizations, inspectors and welding consumables through a review and qualification process to ensure they meet the requirements for a variety of product and safety codes as well as a multitude of standards.

These certifications will ensure that companies looking for fabrication and welding services will also consistently get a superior final product. Ask your fabricator about ISO 9001 and CWB certifications.

Lasers

The use of fiber optic lasers has greatly improved the quality and versatility of metal fabrication. The remarkable control and precision provided by modern laser cutters helps fabricators produce a product that will exactly match the design to a high degree of tolerance.

Today’s fiber laser cutting systems offer the capability to work with extra-long sheets, and a growing number of applications for steel, aluminum, and other non-ferrous metals. To assist with the speed of the laser, automated advances improve material loading and unloading times and sheet metal handling.

In addition to laser cutting, a full turn-key fabrication shop should offer punch press, brake press and shear capabilities, along with a CNC machine shop that includes boring, wire EDM and grinding capabilities. Most quality fabricators will also have a fully equipped paint booth for in-house coating.

Although implementation of a turn-key fabrication shop requires planning and assets, fabricators that focus on standardization and certifications will improve the quality of manufacturing while augmenting a reputation for reliability and consistency.

About Samco Machinery Ltd.

Samco Machinery manufactures roll forming machines, uncoilers, roll tooling, presses, and material handling systems. For more information, visit www.samco-machinery.com.