Need It Built? What to Know Before Starting a Custom Fabrication Project

Not every project can be solved with something pulled off a shelf. Sometimes you need a part that doesn't exist, a piece of equipment modified to fit your needs, or a custom solution built around the way you actually work. That's where custom metal fabrication comes in.

But before bringing a project to a fabrication shop, it helps to have a few details ready. The more information you can provide up front, the easier it is to understand what you need and determine the best way to build it.

Start With the Problem You're Trying to Solve

You don't necessarily need to know exactly how the finished piece should look. Start by explaining what you need it to do.

Is a piece of equipment no longer working the way it should? Do you need something to fit a specific space? Are you looking for a stronger replacement for a part that keeps failing?

Explaining the problem gives a fabricator a better starting point. There may be several ways to accomplish the same goal, and the best solution isn't always the one you originally had in mind.

Bring Measurements When You Can

Measurements are one of the most important pieces of information for a custom fabrication project.

Depending on the project, useful measurements may include:

• Overall length, width, and height

• Hole locations and sizes

• Thickness of existing material

• Distance between mounting points

• Available space

• Weight or load requirements

Don't worry if you aren't sure which measurements are important. Photos and the original part or equipment can also provide valuable information.

Photos Can Help

If you can't easily bring the equipment or existing part to the shop, take plenty of photos.

Pictures from different angles can help show how a part is currently positioned, how it attaches to other components, and where there may be clearance issues. A photo with a tape measure in the frame can also help provide scale.

The more context you can provide, the easier it is to understand the project before fabrication begins.

Consider the Material

The right material depends on what the finished product will be used for.

Steel, stainless steel, and aluminum all have different characteristics, and factors such as strength, weight, corrosion resistance, and the environment where the piece will be used can affect the decision.

If you're not sure which material is right for your project, that's something a fabrication shop, like us, can help you determine.

Think About How It Will Be Used

A custom part that looks great but doesn't hold up to the job isn't a successful project.

Consider questions such as:

• Will it be used indoors or outdoors?

• Will it be exposed to water, weather, or chemicals?

• Will it carry weight?

• Will it experience vibration or repeated movement?

• How often will it be used?

• Does it need to be removable or adjustable?

These details can influence everything from material selection to the way the piece is designed and fabricated.

Don't Forget About the Finish

The fabrication process doesn't necessarily end when the welding is finished.

Depending on the project, the finished metal may need additional protection from weather, moisture, corrosion, or everyday wear. Powder coating can provide a durable finish while also giving you plenty of options when it comes to appearance.

One advantage of having both Sanchez Machine Shop is our sister company, Superior Powder Coating that allows for your project can move from fabrication to finishing in-house. Instead of coordinating with a separate shop for the final finish, your custom-fabricated piece can go directly to Superior Powder Coating for preparation and powder coating.

Planning for the finish early can also help ensure the project is designed and prepared properly from the beginning.

Custom Doesn't Have to Mean Complicated

Custom fabrication can be as simple as recreating a hard-to-find part or as involved as building an entirely new piece of equipment.

The important thing is to start with the problem, provide as much information as possible, and work with your fabricator to determine the best solution.

At Sanchez Machine Shop, we work with customers to turn ideas, repairs, and project requirements into practical metal solutions. Whether you have detailed plans or just a problem that needs to be solved, we're ready to take a look.

Have a custom project in mind? Contact Sanchez Machine Shop to get started.