Cost-Saving Welding Tips for Your Next Project
Constructed materials rely on the strength of hinges and joints. For metal structures, the strength of the welds matter. Any defects in welding result in higher costs and an unsafe end product. Before a project starts, you have to consult your metal fabrication partner. Whether this project involves steel beam parking structures or a larger-than-life art installation, you need to look for a welding contractor who can do these cost-saving measures.
Modify the Design to Remove Unnecessary Welds
Work with a contractor you can trust to change product designs so you can remove extraneous parts. For example, if the original design has welded lift handles, you can ask your partner to cut out lifting slots instead, which brings down the cost and streamlines the design. There are various instances where a welder will know how to eliminate unnecessary details just from looking at the design, so consult them before you begin.
Incorporate Other Fabrication Processes
People go to welders for different services, not welding alone. It is common for OEMs to request specialty welding, machining, and painting as one project. Steel beam manufacturers would know how to streamline welding with other services. Pre-machined items, for instance, would typically get distorted by welding. A skilled welder will know how to account for that change, so the end product remains serviceable.
Balance the Art and Science of Welding
When you heat a metal, you cause it to shrink, move, or distort. If your supplier knows what they are doing, they can significantly influence the metal fabrication process’s outcome.
Suppliers are not perfect, and they can assemble components incorrectly. If they do not know how the welding process changes the metal’s features, the end product might differ from your vision. Working with a professional with years of expertise means you are more likely to receive higher-quality parts and fewer defects.
Minimize the Downtime of Welding Equipment
Wasted time means money down the drain for both the fabrication partner and the client. A welding contractor can keep costs down by using the appropriate filler metal packages and scheduling machine maintenance. A welding supplier should use filler metal packages large enough for wire changeovers.
Also, note that once you open a package, the filler metal absorbs moisture, dust, oil, and other contaminants. This will negatively affect the end product’s performance. As such, use the right size and type of filler metals matter.
Besides using materials properly, contractors could also schedule regular machine downtime to prevent equipment breakdown. When a machine has regularly-scheduled downtime, it performs better, which means more efficient welding services at a better cost. A good contractor makes the client’s budget one of his primary considerations for decisions during the project.
Conclusion
Your business needs to have the right partners. Get people who help you continuously improve your processes and support your growth. A vital thing to look for in a contractor is adaptability. They should know how to compromise and work with you on your goals.
When your project involves metal structures, one of your most important partners is your fabrication service provider. Strive to get a partner with both skill and experience, someone who can deliver what you want but keep costs down at the same time.
Partner with C-BEAMS for innovative structural solutions and products. We are more than steel beam manufacturers; we will support you at all stages of a project, from the initial concept to the final delivery. Get in touch with us today to learn more!
