How to Choose the Right Machine Shop

Performing any type of computer numerical control (CNC) work is not a DIY job. You need to bring your metal piece to a professional machinist to have it cut, bored or otherwise shaped to meet your specifications. But it’s important to note that not all CNC services are the same, and choosing the wrong company can lead to unsatisfactory results.

The good news is that finding the perfect machinist for your needs doesn’t have to be all that difficult. Keep reading to learn a few of the things to look for in a high-quality shop.

Range of services

The first thing to consider is the services offered by the machining company. After all, if they don’t perform the service you need, there’s no need to ask any further questions.

We also advise working with a shop that offers a wide variety of services. Finding a shop with many different machining capabilities allows for a much smoother partnership.

We’re a full-service shop at NW Metal Fabricators Inc. We do everything from milling and drilling to turning and water jet cutting.

Reliable lead times

You’ll find that some companies give super-fast estimates regarding turnaround times. These shops may just be saying that to get your business. Then, once they start the project, they may keep delaying your timeline because they’ve got too much on their plate.

Ask questions about the company’s current workload to get an idea of how long it might take them to get around to your project. If a timeline seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Technology and equipment

Running a successful machine shop requires staying up to date with the latest technologies. Ask your machinist what technologies and equipment they currently use. It’s also a good idea to tour the facility to ensure all of their equipment is in good condition.

Quality control

Just because a machinist inputs a design in the computer doesn’t necessarily mean the piece will come out looking as it should. This is why all CNC services need to have quality control measures in place. Talk to your chosen machine shop about their quality control practices and how they rectify situations if the products don’t come out perfect.

Communication

Open communication is everything in the machining industry. If you’re on a tight deadline, you need a partner that will respond to your phone calls or emails as soon as possible. You should also look for a company that’s proactive about keeping you in the loop regarding your order status.

Price

You can’t overlook the cost of the company’s services. While you don’t want to overpay for any machining work, you shouldn’t choose a cut-rate shop. Companies that offer the absolute lowest estimates typically produce shoddy products, so be sure to shop around and get a quote that meets your budget and quality expectations.

Talk to our team today

Look no further than NW Metal Fabricators Inc. if you need a new machine shop. Our machining capabilities are second to none, and we offer competitive and fair rates for all of our services. Contact us today to see what we can do for you and your company.

Categorised in: Machining

This post was written by Writer