How to Cut Production Time on Metal Stamping Projects？

Metal fabrication includes a range of methods that transform metal raw materials into completed parts and products. Every manufacturing technique demands a unique combination of skills, training, and specialized tools. The duration required to finish a metal fabrication project can greatly differ depending on the particular provider, the method employed, quantity of orders, complexity of the design, and numerous other factors.

Reducing project lead times—the duration required to produce and deliver your order—will accelerate product market entry. Although it might be alluring to adopt any available time-saving strategy, taking shortcuts can diminish the quality of the product. This blog entry will explore various techniques for reducing lead times in metal fabrication while maintaining your project's quality.

Manufacturing of Metal Components and Lead Times

Producers might utilize an assortment of metalworking methods throughout the manufacturing process. Common metal fabrication methods encompass:

• Stamping metal. Metal stamping employs a set of tools and dies to create different cuts and imprints on sheet metal, ultimately shaping the metal into a defined design.

   

• Deep forming. In metal drawing, a punch is used to pull sheet metal into a die to create a hollow shape. A deep-drawing technique forms a part with a depth that exceeds its diameter.

   

• Slicing. There are several methods of cutting that can be used to divide sheet metal or bars into smaller pieces. Cutting tools utilized in manufacturing comprise lasers, plasma torches, and different mechanical cutters, including saws.

  
  

• Bending. Folding forms angles by bending the metal to a defined angle. Folding is a precise operation that necessitates specific presses capable of folding sheet metal without causing any tears.

  
  

• Machining. Machining is a subtractive method, eliminating material from stock bars and blanks to create the intended piece. The most prevalent machining techniques involve a turning machine or a milling machine.

  
  

• Boring. Drilling forms openings in the metal workpiece to accommodate or secure components.

Every one of these processes provides varying lead times. When hiring a provider for a metal fabrication project, consider these questions:

• In what way will your existing order backlog affect the lead times for my project?

   

• In what ways will the complexity and tolerance specifications of my component affect lead times?

   

•  Are there different materials, equipment, or tools that might reduce lead times without affecting quality?

  
  

• Can we find a method to minimize the necessity for secondary or specialized procedures in order to shorten lead times.

  
  

• Suggestions for Decreasing Lead Time in Metal Component Production

Many elements outside the production area can influence project lead times. A few strategies to shorten lead times with your metal fabricator are:

• Whenever possible, buy standard components rather than completely custom orders.

  
  

• Finalizing the prototyping and testing stages for tailored components to prevent issues and setbacks during the entire production schedule.

  
  

• Minimize communication and shipping challenges by opting for a domestic or nearshore manufacturer.

  
  

• Think about incorporating kitting or assembly into your order to shorten lead times once the order is finished.

  
  

• Optimize inventory control through Just-in-Time and Lean inventory methods.

  
  

• Assess and enhance internal communication methods.

   

• Select a trustworthy and skilled vendor.

Additional Considerations for the Manufacturing Timeline

Selecting your manufacturing partner with care is among the most important choices you can make to enhance your lead times. The manufacturing partner you select can influence your project's lead times in numerous ways. To ensure that your partner does not prolong project durations, confirm that they possess:

• Dependable suppliers of materials

  
  

• Effective prototyping, sampling, and trial run abilities

   

• Desire to establish a lasting collaboration that optimizes expenses and procedures.

   

• Closeness to your site to reduce transport durations

   

• A complete range of internal services (instead of relying on multiple external providers)

If your manufacturing partner has not shown consistent repeatability, reliability, and adherence to strict timelines and tolerances, it is advisable to change suppliers sooner instead of later.

Skilled Manufacturer of Sheet Metal Components

Shinging Technologies boasts a rich history of fruitful collaborations, providing cutting-edge internal resources, talented personnel, and commitment to quality benchmarks. For additional details regarding our services, kindly check our capabilities page or get in touch with us today.