Asking the right questions is one of the best ways to find industrial fabricators who can help you with your metal fabrication, manufacturing, and welding needs. However, many people have no idea what to look for in these types of companies, and as such, they don't know where to start. You have a lot of choices! In fact, according to IBISWorld, the number of businesses in the fabricated structural metal manufacturing industry in the United States has grown 1.9% per year on average over the five years between 2018 and 2023. Here's a list of four questions to ask your local industrial fabricators.

1. What Materials Do You Work With?

The first question you’ll want to know is what types of materials each industrial fabricator works with. Do they specialize in metals like steel, aluminum, or stainless steel? What about plastic fabrication? Understanding their material capabilities upfront will help determine if they’re a good fit for your specific needs. You’ll also want to ask if there are any material size limitations you should be aware of.

2. What Industries Have You Worked In?

Another important question is what industries each industrial fabricator has experience with. For example, some may specialize in food processing equipment versus mining equipment versus architectural metal projects. Understanding who they typically work with will give you insight into their expertise. If they regularly take on jobs in your specific industry, that’s a good sign they’ll understand the unique specifications and customizations required.

3. Do You Offer Design Services?

Some industrial fabricators only focus on the manufacturing and fabrication side, while others have in-house design teams to create CAD models and technical drawings for customers. If you already have complete blueprints for your project, fabrication-only services may suffice. But if you need assistance with the design phase, you’ll want to inquire about their design capabilities to see if they can meet your needs or if you’ll need to hire a separate engineering firm.

4. What Quality Control Measures Are in Place?

When dealing with large-scale fabrication of critical components, quality control is paramount. Be sure to ask each industrial fabricator what quality control procedures they have in place to prevent defects, ensure consistent welds, verify precise measurements, and guarantee products are fabricated to your exact specifications.

Asking the right questions upfront will set your upcoming industrial fabrication project up for success. Doing your due diligence when selecting partners will prevent headaches and guarantee optimal outcomes as you bring your vision to life. If you're looking to hire industrial fabricators, reach out to Bulldog Metal Works to discuss your specific project.