Metal is one of the most versatile materials available to manufacturers. Fabricating metal sheets into usable components requires the use of specialized equipment, which can cause the cost of fabricating steel components to rise.
Fabrication costs can have a direct impact on the profitability of a component. Finding ways to lower metal fabrication costs can be a great way to increase profits without compromising the quality of your products.
1. Focus on Engineering
One of the easiest ways to reduce fabrication costs is to focus your time and efforts on the engineering phase of the fabrication process. The overall design of a component can dictate fabrication costs.
Simplify the profile of all components, and find ways to reduce the number of bends in your product design.
Streamlining the design of each component will reduce the number of fabrication processes needed to complete your project. This helps to save money during fabrication and increases the profit margin on each component you produce.
2. Choose the Right Materials
The materials that you select for your project can impact fabrication costs. Some materials are easier to work with than others.
Steel is a popular option for many fabricators. If you plan to utilize steel, be sure to select a gauge that is strong and lightweight. A light gauge steel can be treated to be resistant to corrosion. Lighter steel gauges are also easier to pass through various dies and presses.
Choosing the right materials will reduce production time and help you keep fabrication costs low.
3. Choose a High Yield Process
Many fabrication processes can be utilized to create the same components. The key to keeping your production costs low is to select the process that will yield the most components out of the steel you are working with.
Roll forming can be an excellent choice when looking for a high yield fabrication process. Because roll forming relies on coil-fed processing, the amount of material drop-off and scrap is reduced significantly. Opting for roll forming instead of press braking or stamping when fabricating your metal components will keep your fabrication costs as low as possible.
Metal fabrication allows for the creation of specialized components that contribute to the function of consumer products. The lower you keep your fabrication costs, the more profitable your company will be over time. Simplify your product design, choose the right materials, and employ high yield processes to reduce fabrication costs. For more information about the fabrication of different materials, such as steel fabrication, contact a local professional.
