What to Look for in a Reliable Machining Services Provider
What to Look for in a Reliable Machining Provider
Every aluminum framing project has unique requirements—including yours. Even when you have access to a catalog featuring thousands of profiles, fasteners, and accessories to build your idea, some components may need to be tailored to your specifications.
But choosing a precision machining services provider that can make these modifications is difficult. There are many factors to consider, and finding the right partner can make or break your project.
80/20 Is Your Precision Machining Services Partner
Our technical experts have precision machining down to a science; they do it day in and day out. This means we can provide accurate, high-quality, tailored products quickly. 80/20’s state-of-the-art equipment can handle single parts or large quantities; we have no minimum charges or minimum order requirements. Want to find a reliable machining services partner? Here are some key factors to look for.
Standard and Custom Machining Solutions
There are two types of machining services: standard and custom machining services.
Standard machining services align with a set of predetermined specifications and can be applied to a large number of parts.
A provider that offers custom machining solutions can create one-off components and tailor parts based on unique needs.
For example, a manufacturer may have a new piece of equipment requiring a supporting bracket that isn’t available off the shelf. After going over parameters like dimensions and load-bearing capacity, a custom bracket can be created to support that specific machine.
On-Site, In-House Customization Services
When your precision machining services partner must send parts outside their shop to be customized, this extends lead times, makes quality control more difficult, and increases costs.
Look for a partner that can handle custom product design solutions in-house—supported by experts who know how to run a custom machine shop. They’ll be able to make changes fast to keep your projects on track, while also keeping a close eye on specifications and standards to ensure consistency and quality.
No Minimum Quantity Requirements
Setup costs for made-to-order industrial builds can be expensive, and small production runs can be inefficient. That’s why many custom aluminum machining operations put minimum order quantities in place. (In other words, they require that you purchase a certain number of components, regardless of how many you truly need.) This constraint not only increases costs but also makes inventory management more complex.
Seek out custom machining services that allow you to order the specific number of parts you need, whether it’s two or 2,000.
No Minimum Charges Enforced
Some providers establish a set price for their services, regardless of what the work involves. For small and simple jobs, this often means you pay more than the value of the services being performed.
Working with a custom aluminum machining partner that has no minimum charges means you can order and pay for precisely what you need without paying a minimum fee.
Built-In Measures to Ensure Accuracy
There are many opportunities for errors when creating made-to-order industrial builds. The partner you work with should have safeguards in place to ensure accuracy at every point—from quote creation to production, shipping, and even assembly.
Ask your provider to explain how they build accuracy and quality checks into their process. For example, 80/20 manually reviews each quote design and visually inspects and measures each part for proper location and sizing.
Responsive Approaches to Communication
Success comes down to honest and consistent communication to avoid mistakes and delays. This means clear dialogue about project specifications, requirements, and timelines. Make sure the precision machining services partner you choose is an excellent communicator and open to feedback. They should be able to:
- Answer all your questions about processes and timelines
- Offer regular progress updates
- Respond to concerns and messages quickly
- Share insights into potential issues that arise and how they can be solved
- Establish realistic expectations about project scope, timelines, and results
Fast Turn Times
When you have a project on the line, you want to move quickly. Fast turn times ensure that your custom product design solutions are completed quickly so you can maintain or even accelerate your timelines.
Ask prospective custom machining services providers what their average turn times are, as well as how quickly they can complete your projects—and how much lead time they need before getting started.
Learn more about our standard machining services and custom machining services.