When creating a design for metal fabrication, it’s important to make sure your fabricator will be able to easily translate the design into your desired product. In order to create a useful design, there are certain considerations you should take into account. Here are some tips to optimize your design for metal fabrication.
Provide In-Depth Information in Your RFQ
When you request a quote, it’s important to include as much detail as possible. The more information you provide, the more accurate the estimate of your costs will be. Be sure to include shop ready drawings, technical specifications, engineering drawings, plans and profiles, your site address, the person the fabricator should contact, the date you need it by, and any other information that might be relevant.
Get Your Fabricator Involved Early
When you get your fabricator involved early, you can make sure that all designs are feasible. Any designs that are unrealistic or non-optimal will have to be redesigned, costing you money and time. When you get your fabricator involved early on in the design process, they can provide suggestions and minor alternations to ensure that your design is fabrication-ready.
Eliminate Unnecessary Details
It’s important to be detailed when creating your design, but extraneous and unnecessary details will cloud your overall design. When your fabricator has trouble deciphering your design, it will delay production and cost you more. Be sure to consult with your fabricator on your design to learn which details are important and which are unnecessary.
Test Before Production
There are times where a design fails in real world conditions because it doesn’t translate well from theory. Your metal fabricator can provide you with 3D models and prototypes that will help you test your design before production. Testing is important in ensuring that your design will translate well into the production stage of fabrication.
Choose Materials Wisely
There are many materials to choose from when designing a product for metal fabrication. The metal you choose will effect the practicality of the product, as well as the efficiency and cost of production. Get your metal fabricator’s input before choosing a metal, as they will have suggestions that will aid in the most effective design possible.
Choose a Production Partner Who Understands You
It’s important to have a good relationship with your metal fabricator. They should be able to translate your designs in any form and understands your intentions and vision for your project. Your fabricator should also be up to date on all relevant engineering design languages, in order to ensure that all directions are followed properly.
CAMM Metals | CT Metal Fabricator
It's crucial to do your research when choosing a metal fabrication, as not all companies are capable of completing the same quality of work. CAMM Metals has years of experience, honing our skills across the board to deliver a quality product and measurable bottom line value to our customers.
