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When it comes to receiving accurate and timely quotes, having the right information is key. At Metal Fabrication Professionals, we work to streamline our quoting process, ensuring customers get the best possible estimate by gathering essential details at the outset.

Whether you need metal fabrication, welding, or laser cutting services, including specific project information allows our team to provide a faster, more accurate quote. Here are some best practices for submitting an RFQ to make the process smoother and more efficient:

Include All Relevant Files in Your RFQ

For our team to quote your project quickly and precisely, it’s important that you supply the correct file types. The two files our team needs include:

3D Models

If your part requires metal forming services, a 3D model is essential. This model holds critical information like material type, precise geometry, and dimensions in a 3D space. When our team uploads the model into our quoting software, Paperless Parts, the platform automatically identifies the manufacturing processes required, such as cutting, forming, or rolling. This automation drastically reduces manual entry, allowing us to generate quotes more efficiently.

2-D Drawings

If your part is flat, a DXF file provides significant information. The MFP team can process a DXF through our platform relatively quickly, using the laser to determine cutting paths. 

While we don’t always need a 2D print, there are certain situations where it’s critical to include one. If important information is not included in the model—such as welding instructions, assembly notes, or specific finishing requirements—a 2D print will fill in the blanks for our team. This is especially true for more complex projects.

When in Doubt, Include Both

A 3D model will typically suffice for simple piece parts. However, for projects with multiple parts or assemblies, providing both the 3D model and the 2D print is ideal. Providing both the DXF and a 3D model ensures everything that may be captured in the model gets noticed, from weld specifics to thread patterns.

With access to both the drawing and the model, our team has sufficient information to produce our customers’ parts. This reduces the back-and-forth communication that occurs when we need additional information from customers. 

Be Clear About Your Priorities 

What’s driving your purchase?

When submitting an RFQ, it’s important to communicate what matters most to you: speed, cost, or quality. If speed is your priority, we may need to adjust our processes to expedite the job, which could impact cost. If you need low-cost parts, you might need to be flexible in terms of quality or speed. If your parts require top quality, we may need to add in time and/or costs to account for additional inspection or testing processes.

Knowing your priorities upfront helps us tailor the quote to fit your specific needs, ensuring the most accurate quote that aligns with your unique requirements.

Consider the End Application of Your Parts

Knowing the end application of your parts can also impact the quoting and production process.

In a past project involving 50-foot rafter beams, precise hole placement for splice plates was essential. When an issue arose with the hole alignment, we proactively reached out to the customer to revise the project. By understanding the specific end use and requirements early on, we were able to catch and address the issue promptly, preventing costly revisions down the line.

Partner with MFP for Fast, Accurate Quotes

At Metal Fabrication Professionals, our goal is to provide customers with fast, accurate quotes for their metal fabrication projects. By following these best practices, you’ll help us serve you better from the start.

Are you in need of sheet metal fabrication services? Request a quote from MFP to get started.

At MFP, we understand that many of our customers need their parts as quickly as possible, and we’re equipped to meet those demands with our range of precision sheet metal fabrication services. Our expert team offers expedited options to get projects moving quickly so our customers can deliver them to their customers with impressive speed.

Want to know how MFP’s expedited processes can keep your projects on schedule? Continue reading to learn more.

How Our Expedite Process Works

If you’re facing tight deadlines and need parts quickly, MFP is here to help. Turning around parts in one day (or even the same day) can be challenging due to the various steps involved – from quoting and ordering to programming and nesting. Our team understands the urgency and is equipped to make it happen in many cases. 

However, it’s essential to consider that our expedited services are not well-suited for all types of jobs and parts. Here are some factors our team must consider when determining whether or not we can offer same- or next-day delivery to customers:

Complexity

If you have a single part or a straightforward job with minimal operations, such as cutting only or cutting and forming, we are more likely to meet same-day or next-day lead times. The fewer steps required in the fabrication process, the faster our team can deliver your parts.

Material Type

One of MFP’s significant value-adds is our large steel inventory. If you’re requesting parts made from steel and the material is already in stock, we don’t have to wait for shipment from our material suppliers, significantly speeding up the turnaround time.

Automated Processes

MFP can even expedite larger jobs for parts that can be processed using our automated equipment, particularly our fiber optic laser with an automation cell. This equipment significantly reduces handling time between sheets, making it ideal for higher-volume production involving multiple sheets of thinner material. We frequently use this laser-cutting tool for expedited orders when the material specifications align with its capabilities.

Our Capacity

While we’re happy to get parts out to customers as soon as possible, we may not be able to offer next-day delivery if all of our machines are tied up at that moment. So, while your part may be an ideal candidate for our expedited services, we cannot guarantee that we have the available capacity exactly when you need it.

The Most Critical Component: Communication 

Open communication with our customers is essential when meeting expedited timelines. We encourage you to contact us early in the process to see how we can accommodate your needs. Whether you need next-day delivery or are aiming for a specific deadline, providing as much information as possible upfront allows us to give you a quote that aligns with your requirements. 

Moreover, let us know if you have more flexibility and don’t need your parts within our standard seven-day lead time. This information can help us plan our production schedule efficiently and ensure that we can accommodate other urgent requests as they arise. Additionally, if your timeline allows for extended planning, you can lock in material pricing based on the market rates at the time of your order, potentially reducing costs. 

Let MFP Meet Your Expediting Needs

At MFP, we are equipped to handle urgent requests and provide reliable, fast service without compromising on quality. From sheet metal cutting to machining services, we have the equipment and experience to tackle a wide range of projects with agility and expertise. Our Kentucky metal fabrication facilities are fully equipped to support both small custom orders and larger production runs, offering the versatility and responsiveness our customers require. 

When your project requires quick turnaround times, keep our team informed about your specific needs. With proper planning and communication, we can help keep your operations running smoothly and efficiently.

Request a quote from MFP today!

For many of our customers, cost-effective parts are a non-negotiable.

At Metal Fabrication Professionals, we understand this need and have developed innovative strategies to help our customers optimize their budgets while maintaining our high standards for quality and on-time delivery.

Let’s explore ways we work with customers to provide cost-effective solutions.

Strategic Utilization of Material

One of our go-to methods for helping customers reduce costs involves utilizing material remnants. When a customer is concerned about costs, we might suggest using remnants instead of full metal sheets. This approach can lead to significant savings, though it isn’t as straightforward as it might seem.

While remnants can be cost-effective, their availability and pricing can vary. Sometimes, it’s more economical for us to buy a full sheet than to source a specific remnant size. Our team carefully evaluates each situation to determine the most cost-effective approach so our customers don’t have to. 

Providing Material Alternatives

When material costs are a concern, the MFP team explores alternative material selections that can meet customers’ requirements at a lower cost.

For example, if a customer requests 316 stainless steel but raises concerns about pricing, we will inquire about how much wiggle room they have, if any. Maybe a lower-cost material that offers similar properties will suffice, like 304 stainless steel. This simple switch can lead to significant cost savings without compromising the part’s integrity.

Optimizing Material Usage Through Nesting

Nesting is a crucial technique to maximize material usage and minimize waste. Whether it’s one part or a thousand, we nest everything at Metal Fabrication Professionals. 

Our quoting software, Paperless Parts, analyzes critical part information, such as the border size around the sheet and the spacing between parts. It then automatically arranges parts within these parameters so we can provide accurate prices to customers during the estimator process.

Once the order is placed, we program our machinery using SigmaNEST to nest parts as closely as possible to get the most parts from a single sheet, reducing material waste.

Maintain an Open Line of Communication

Our team believes in ensuring full transparency with our customers about their budget constraints and priorities. This information allows us to tailor our approach and find the most cost-effective solutions possible. 

Throughout the process, we keep our customers informed about:

• Material options and their cost implications
• Potential cost-saving strategies we’re exploring
• Any trade-offs between cost and other factors (like lead time and quality)

That way, we can partner with customers to help them make informed decisions about their manufacturing processes.

Partner with MFP for Cost-Effective Machining Services

At Metal Fabrication Professionals, we see ourselves as a crucial partner in our customers’ success. By leveraging our expertise in cost-effective manufacturing solutions, we help them stay competitive within their markets.

Our approach goes beyond cost-cutting; we provide comprehensive solutions that balance quality, efficiency, and affordability. Whether through tactical material sourcing, advanced nesting methods, or transparent communication, we’re dedicated to maximizing value for our customers. 
By leveraging MFP’s precision metal fabrication services, you have access to experts committed to your success. Request a quote to get started.

At Metal Fabrication Professionals, we don’t just offer laser cutting. We offer laser cutting and waterjet cutting and plasma cutting. Our team handles all of these metal cutting services due to our expansive capabilities and limitless expertise and because each process offers unique and significant benefits. Distinctions between these capabilities include:

• Cut quality
• Precision
• Material thickness allowances
• Cost
• Heat considerations
• And other factors

Let’s explore why customers choose one cutting method over the others. Then, we’ll explain why customers should partner with MFP for their sheet metal cutting needs.

Laser Cutting Services

At Metal Fabrication Professionals, we have access to a fiber optic laser and a CO2 laser, both offering unique benefits. Due to their efficiency, speed, and quality, our team typically defaults to these machines when cutting metal. Let’s explore the specifics:

Impressive Speed

Laser cutting offers the greatest speed of all the sheet metal cutting processes we handle, making it the most efficient of our services. 

High Accuracy

Laser cutting offers exceptional accuracy, including the following specifics:

• Positioning accuracy of +/- 0.004”
• Repeatability of +/- 0.002”
• Edge detection accuracy with capacitive sensing of +/- 0.002”
• Edge detection accuracy with cut control of +/- 0.006” (with our fiber optic laser) and +/- 0.008” (with our CO2 laser)

Considerations for Laser Cutting

Our laser cutting services are typically our default for metal cutting, but we can only handle limited material thicknesses. Our fiber optic and CO2 laser can cut mild and stainless steel up to one inch thick. When cutting thicker material, we need to pivot to plasma or waterjet cutting. 

Waterjet Cutting Services

Another standard method for sheet metal cutting, waterjet cutting, offers heat-free, high-precision results.

Range of Material Thickness

Our waterjet cutting services allow us to cut a range of materials – including metals, wood, glass, and composites – from 1/16 inches thick to 6 inches thick. 

Exceptional Accuracy

Waterjet and laser cutting are comparable in terms of accuracy, surpassing plasma cutting in this area.

No Heat Affected Zone

One of the primary value-adds of this process is its ability to cut material without melting, distorting, or warping it. Depending on the type of metal or the part’s intended end use, no exposure to heat could be the main selling point for waterjet cutting.

Considerations for Waterjet Cutting

While waterjet cutting offers its share of benefits, it’s essential to consider the following before opting for waterjet cutting:

• Cost: Waterjet cutting is a labor-intensive process, and the additional labor cost makes it the most expensive of the three metal cutting procedures.
• Speed: Of all the metal cutting services we offer at MFP, waterjet is the slowest process.

Plasma Cutting Services

Our metal fabrication shop has a “Messer” high-precision cutting machine that offers efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Cost-Effectiveness

While we often default to our laser cutting services, customers may request plasma cutting to reduce costs. 

Flexibility of Material

Our plasma cutting equipment offers us the ability to cut a range of sizes and thicknesses.

Stainless steel cuts from 12 gauge to…

• 1 ¾” thick for pierce cut
• 2” thick for edge start

Mild steel cuts from 16 gauge to…

• 2” thick for pierce cut
• 2 ¼” thick for edge start
• Or up to 6” thick via torch burning

Aluminum cuts to…

• 1 ½” thick for pierce cut
• 2” thick for edge start

Considerations for Plasma Cutting

It’s important to note that the cost reduction that occurs when customers opt for plasma cutting services comes at a different price: less accuracy and precision. Particularly when cutting thicker materials up to 6 inches thick, adding a torch head can achieve these cuts but will increase the heat affected zone and widen the tolerance for these cuts, sacrificing precision.

Bear in mind that plasma cutting is a good choice for sheet metal cutting when tolerancing isn’t an issue.

Leverage MFP’s Expertise in Sheet Metal Cutting

By looking at the print, our team can determine the best cutting method based on the customer’s needs and the part’s specifications. This expertise not only ensures customers receive the best parts, but it could also yield positive results regarding speed or cost.

For instance, we occasionally receive drawings that request waterjet cutting on pieces less than one inch thick, even when a heat affected zone is permitted. In cases like this, our team will contact the customer to inquire about any outstanding reasons why they require waterjet cutting, only to find out that the customer developed this print long ago, before laser cutters could handle materials up to one inch thick. When we offer laser cutting services as an alternative, our customers will often jump at this opportunity, as it produces parts of the same quality but at a significantly lower cost.

This is where MFP’s expertise comes into play. Because we have such an in-depth understanding of our machinery and the results it produces, we can offer better options for our customers.

Request a quote to get started with Metal Fabrication Professionals. 

At Metal Fabrication Professionals, we pride ourselves on our ability to excel at handling larger production runs and repeat work. This capability is mainly due to the advanced automation and equipment we have invested in over the years.

Continue reading to discover how our precision metal fabrication services are a perfect fit for high-volume, repeat production.

Why MFP Is Suited for High-Volume Production

We’ve invested heavily in cutting-edge equipment to support the high-volume production of components. Let’s explore some examples:

Lights-Out Production with Our Automation Cell 

One of the critical pieces of equipment that sets us up for high-volume production is the automation cell we’ve added to our laser cutter. This system is designed to load and unload material efficiently and automatically, allowing us to operate lights out. Here’s why this capability is particularly beneficial for higher volume production runs, as well as repeat work:

• Shorter lead times: Our production process becomes significantly faster with automated material handling. As a result, our team can deliver parts to our customers more quickly.
• Reduced labor costs: Operating unmanned and lights-out minimizes the need for manual labor. This efficiency translates into cost savings, which we pass on to our customers.
• Consistency and precision: Automation ensures that each piece is produced with the same high level of accuracy and consistency – making it a perfect fit for higher volumes of repeated work.

Robotic Welding Capabilities for High Volumes

Another major asset we have on the shop floor is our robotic welder. This equipment is ideal for high-production runs, allowing us to handle larger quantities more productively.

Our robotic welding capabilities are most effective in larger volume projects where the investment in necessary fixtures is fully justified. While creating the fixtures for robotic welders can be a significant upfront expense, this cost is distributed across larger production runs. This makes robotic welding a highly cost-effective solution for high-volume projects, ensuring optimal efficiency.

Why MFP Is Equipped for Repeat Work

At MFP, our equipment and processes are designed to accommodate repeat work seamlessly. Here are some of the key features that enable us to excel in this area:

Our CNC Press Brake

Once programmed for a specific part, our CNC press brake can consistently produce thousands of parts with minimal manual intervention, making it a critical piece of equipment for high-volume, repeatable work. 

Large Quantities of Material On-Hand

Our setup allows us to keep material on hand for clients with repeat orders, ensuring we start production without delays. We also have access to a large steel inventory, further aiding our ability to handle repeat work efficiently. 

Versatility in Production

While we excel in high-volume production, we also have the flexibility to take on smaller, more custom orders. Our team can do it all:

• Custom, small batches: Our skilled team and advanced equipment can handle intricate, custom orders with precision. 
• High-volume production: Our automated processes and high-capacity machines ensure efficiency and consistency for repeatable work.

Metal Fabrication Professionals is an ideal partner for customers seeking large production runs and repeat work. Whether you need custom parts in small batches or high volumes, MFP has the equipment, expertise, and dedication to deliver exceptional results.

Request a quote from MFP to get started.

In our industry, achieving precision is the ultimate goal. But what happens when precision comes at a higher-than-necessary cost?

Understanding the difference between machining and fabrication tolerances is crucial for ensuring cost-effective and efficient production processes. Allow us to shed light on the nuances of machining and fabrication tolerances and reveal how to ensure your parts are the best value for your necessary end use.

Machining Tolerances vs. Fabrication Tolerances

One of the primary sources of confusion for customers involves understanding the difference between machining and fabrication tolerances. Here are the notable distinctions:

Machining Tolerances

Tighter tolerances often translate to higher precision and accuracy in machining. These tolerances typically require specialized equipment, meticulous setup, and skilled operators. As a result, parts with tight machining tolerances tend to be more expensive to produce due to the increased complexity and precision involved. 

Fabrication Tolerances

Fabrication tolerances, however, are often more lenient, as there is more variability associated with metal fabrication processes like bending, forming, and welding. While precise dimensional control is still essential in fabrication, factors such as material behavior, welding distortion, and assembly requirements influence the allowable tolerances for fabricated parts.

The Pitfalls of Overtoleranced Parts

Because this distinction is not always clear, customers may inadvertently specify tolerances far tighter than what their project actually requires. Often, engineers want to exercise caution – they figure it’s better to have an over-toleranced component than one that doesn’t meet the nominal. However, applying too-tight tolerances to parts can be detrimental. Here’s how:

• Higher costs: Over-tolerancing parts can significantly inflate costs, leading to overpriced quotes. Many of our customers experience sticker shock before contacting MFP for clarification, only to learn that loosening their tolerances can cut their costs in half without impacting the quality of the end product. 
• Missed opportunities: When customers request extremely tight tolerances in their request for quote, there’s a good chance contract manufacturers may no-quote the part because they don’t want to take on the risk of a scrap or rework involved with such close precision. 

How to Bridge the Gap Between Precision and Affordability

Meeting quality standards while ensuring cost efficiency is certainly a balancing act. However, putting the following strategies into practice makes it possible.

Consider the Component’s Intended Application

When determining the tolerancing requirements of each part, it’s crucial to align tolerances with the part’s end use. Rather than designing the most perfect part possible, customers should aim for tolerances that meet the functional requirements of their parts. That way, they can ensure cost-effective solutions without compromising quality or reliability.

Provide Accurate Information Upfront, When Possible

Ultimately, the goal is to avoid unnecessary expenses by providing accurate and comprehensive information upfront. Customers who provide detailed specifications and understand the capabilities of manufacturing equipment are more likely to receive competitive quotes that accurately reflect their needs.

Establish Clear Communication with a Trusted Supplier

Customers can secure competitive pricing and efficient manufacturing solutions by understanding the intricacies of machining and fabrication tolerances and providing precise specifications.

The Metal Fabrication Professionals team is happy to demonstrate the capabilities of different manufacturing processes and the associated costs so they can make informed decisions that balance precision with cost-effectiveness. Our personalized approach to fabrication and machining services offers customers the resources they need to bridge the gap between affordability and precision.

Request a quote to partner with our expert team.

At Metal Fabrication Professionals, quality isn’t just a one-off step toward the end of our process — it’s a guiding principle woven into every facet of our operations. From the moment raw materials arrive to the final inspection, our rigorous quality control processes ensure that each part meets the highest standards.

Let’s delve into the critical aspects of our quality control framework and understand why they matter to the MFP team and OEMs that partner with us. 

Material Inspection

When materials arrive at our facility, the MFP team gets to work, meticulously scrutinizing every sheet. We check for imperfections such as scratches, rust, or gouges that could compromise the integrity of the final product. Our highly skilled personnel conduct visual inspections, paying attention to easily overlooked details such as mill stamps and surfaces vulnerable to damage caused by material handling. 

We go the extra mile to ensure protective coatings, such as onion paper and vinyl-coated components, remain intact. Additionally, our team utilizes a “white glove treatment” for high-polish jobs requiring special handling.

The Metal Fabrication Professionals team sets high standards from the outset so we can mitigate the risk of defects and ensure all materials are prepped for production.

Dimensional Accuracy

Dimensional checks guarantee precision in our output. Whether it’s basic measurements using tape measures or intricate tolerances requiring calipers and micrometers, we leave no room for error. Our operators are equipped to detect deviations from programmed specifications, promptly addressing anomalies to maintain integrity throughout our machining services. This proactive approach enhances efficiency and minimizes rework.

Visual Inspection from Operators

Our operators are on the frontline throughout production, ensuring quality during machining and fabrication. Conducting visual checks at each stage, they scrutinize the integrity of parts, flagging any deviations from standards and specifications.

Quality Control by Welders

Like our operators, MFP’s welders inspect parts during the process. However, this group adheres to extra stringent protocols that include meticulous documentation of their work and ensuring welds meet precise specifications. Documentation of our welding services tracks the following:

• Who handled welding
• What time the welder completed their work
• What time inspection occurred 
• The weld size and width
• The part’s dimensional requirements and its adherence to the specified tolerance
• The presence of porosities, undercutting, or cold-lapping

This hands-on approach fosters a culture of excellence where every team member is invested in delivering superior results.

Final Quality Control

Before any product leaves our facilities, our dedicated QC department undergoes a comprehensive final inspection. Every aspect, from surface finish to welding integrity, is scrutinized against stringent criteria. If the piece meets all requirements, it will be prepared for shipping. If our QC team identifies any discrepancies, the part is reworked or rejected. If the latter occurs, the process starts over again, beginning with material selection and inspection.

Exceeding Customer Expectations through High-Quality Machining Services

At Metal Fabrication Professionals, quality assurance isn’t just about meeting customer expectations – it’s about surpassing them. Our personalized approach to quality control ensures that every part we produce is defect-free and crafted with precision. By investing in rigorous processes and fostering a culture of excellence, we deliver value that goes far beyond compliance. Our customers can trust that when they request a quote from MFP, they’re not just getting what they asked for – they’re getting a superior product backed by a commitment to quality.

Here’s a common choice that many OEMs have to make:

• Do they want to work with a larger-scale metal fabrication shop with the diverse services they need?
• Or do they want to partner with a small shop that has fewer capabilities but offers invaluable one-on-one personalization?

Customers don’t have to make this choice when opting to work with Metal Fabrication Professionals. We offer the advanced equipment and capabilities of a large precision machine shop. However, we also give customers a personalized experience that is rare for our size.

Let’s explore how MFP provides a personalized experience for customers from start to finish.

Direct Line of Communication

One of the cornerstones of our personalized approach is our commitment to maintaining a direct line of communication with each of our customers. When you call MFP, you won’t be greeted by a robotic voice running you through an automated menu or passed around to various departments. We understand the frustration of trying to convey your needs to a different person whenever you contact a contract manufacturer. Or, even more irritating, being left on hold for an indefinite amount of time.

At Metal Fabrication Professionals, we eliminate this frustration by ensuring that you have a direct line to a team member who will work closely with your project from inception to delivery.

Single Point of Contact

When you contact us, not only will you reach us directly, but you will be in touch with our single point of contact. Anytime you have a question or concern, you will always speak with the same person: Mike McNeese, our dedicated operations manager. From RFQ to final delivery, Mike is there every step of the way, ensuring that production progresses smoothly.

By consolidating communication and decision-making into one dedicated individual, we streamline the process and minimize the risk of miscommunication or confusion. With Mike overseeing production and actively involved in every aspect of your project, you can trust that your needs are prioritized and addressed with great care and attention to detail. 

Willingness to Work with Customers to Find Solutions

Every project is unique. That’s why we’re committed to working closely with our customers to find solutions that meet their needs. Whether adjusting to budget constraints, accommodating tight deadlines, or adapting to evolving project requirements, we’re willing to go the extra mile to ensure satisfaction.

Unlike some fabrication shops that take a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach, we are not set in stone in what we’re providing. We’re not here to dictate terms to you; we’re here to work with you as a partner, leveraging our expertise and resources to deliver results that suit customers’ unique goals and requirements.

Contact Personnel Overseeing Production

In addition to providing direct communication and personalized service, Mike, our skilled operations manager, also plays a crucial role in overseeing production. Throughout the day, he can be found on the shop floor, closely monitoring each facet of the precision metal fabrication process. While he is not the one physically fabricating the parts, Mike’s presence on the floor allows him to oversee tasks visually, stay on top of processes, and address any concerns promptly.

In addition, Mike actively supports our QC team to verify quality. A part’s drawing doesn’t always tell a complete story, but Mike’s rapport with the customer provides context and clarification that yields the most precise and accurate results.

Our Red Wrap Guarantee

Something unique to Metal Fabrication Professionals is our Red Wrap Guarantee, our accountability initiative that focuses on producing high-quality parts with great efficiency. 

The MFP team offers individualized attention to each customer to produce parts that meet their exact specifications. When customers receive shipments with our signature red skid, they trust the attention to detail and quality control that went into producing their components.

Large Shop Benefits with Small Shop Personalization at Metal Fabrication Professionals

Our ability to combine the resources and capabilities of a large manufacturer with the personalized service and attention to detail of a smaller shop sets MFP apart. While we have access to state-of-the-art equipment, a highly skilled workforce, and ample on-hand material inventory, we also understand the value of forging strong relationships with our customers and providing them with the individualized attention they deserve.

When you partner with Metal Fabrication Professionals, you can reap the benefits of our extensive one-stop manufacturing solutions and a close-knit, personalized correspondence you wouldn’t expect from a shop of our size. You can trust that your needs will be heard, your questions will be answered, and your components will be fabricated and handled with the utmost care.

Request a quote to experience the difference that personalized service and direct communication can make for your next project.

Our massive 250,000-square-foot facility houses approximately $2 million of steel at all times. Here are some of the most popular types of steel we use at MFP:

At MFP, we understand how crucial it is for our customers to receive parts as soon as possible. Every day saved makes a significant difference in meeting customer needs and maintaining a steady production schedule. Any kind of delay has negative repercussions on the final delivery date.

To ensure we are always ready to go when a customer requests a quote, the Metal Fabrication Professionals team has access to a substantial on-hand steel supply. With varieties ranging from common to rare, MFP is equipped to handle precision metal fabrication services with speed and responsiveness.

We’ll walk you through our considerable steel inventory and how it can support your precision sheet metal fabrication services. 

MFP’s On-Hand Steel Inventory

• Mild steel: From 16 gauge to 3-3.5” 
• 304 stainless steel: 16 gauge to ¾”
• 316 stainless steel: 16 gauge to ¾”
• A variety of others – contact us to learn the types and sizes 

The Benefits of Our Steel Inventory

Having a steel supply readily available at all times in our sheet metal shop offers us the ability to benefit our customers in the following ways:

• Significant time savings
• Reliability and protection against supply chain disruptions

Time Savings

When a metal fabrication shop has to order steel, the fastest they can get it is the following day but lead times on steel are typically two to three days. And when it’s not your run-of-the-mill size, it could take much longer than that. That means one day (if you’re lucky) to a week added to your lead times.

This is not the case for Metal Fabrication Professionals. Our vast supply of steel grants us the flexibility to get started on an order as soon as we receive it. The sooner we can begin processing, the shorter your lead times will be on all fabrication and machining services.

Consistent Access to Steel

With many types and sizes of steel in-house, MFP is not vulnerable to supply chain disruptions in the sheet metal industry. We bulk buy our steel ahead of time so our customers don’t have to wait.

At a time when steel was difficult to come by, we had over 300 sheets on hand in our sheet metal shop to support customers’ requests. Lead times for seven-gauge material were as high as 10 to 14 days at one point. But thanks to our supply, our service wasn’t impacted and we were able to get parts out to customers without delay.

MFP Delivers Successful Outcomes by Working Proactively and Strategically

When our customers order from MFP, they can count on…

• Our Red Wrap Guarantee, MFP’s policy that ensures high-quality parts are delivered with care.
• A partnership with a one-stop shop that will gladly facilitate production from request to shipping and everything in between.
• Short lead times as a result of our substantial stock of material.

The Metal Fabrication Professionals team is eager to offer solutions to customers to help them shorten their lead times. Our access to a large steel inventory is a major way we can offer time savings.

Request a quote to streamline production with a proactive sheet metal shop.

To meet our customers’ demand for high-volume production as well as their accuracy and quality standards, Metal Fabrication Professionals made a strategic investment in state-of-the-art robotic welding equipment. This upgrade to our welding services enables our customers in the mass production of identical components.

If you’d like to find out more details about our robotic welding equipment, feel free to contact us. In the meantime, let’s explore MFP’s top-notch welding capabilities.

Robotic Welding vs. Manual Welding

Metal Fabrication Professionals offers both manual and robotic welding, and each has its own ideal uses. Manual welding, performed by our highly skilled team, provides exceptional quality in low- and medium-volume production. Though manual processes are invaluable, robotic welding offers unique benefits that expand and diversify our welding capabilities.

Greater Speed

One of the primary advantages of robotic welding is speed. While initial setup takes longer for robotic welding, as the machinist must program the machine, the equipment can run nonstop once set up. The output rate for robotic welding far exceeds what a human operator can achieve through manual processes, as machines do not require breaks or shift changes. This makes robotic welding ideal for high-volume production jobs that call for speed and efficiency.

Consistency and Repeatability

Another significant value-add of robotic welding is its ability to maintain consistent weld parameters across a large volume of parts. Once the robotic system is programmed, it can produce the same weld repeatedly. Repeatability is crucial for demanding industries that require consistency in component dimensions and weld quality.

Additionally, removing manual human operations eliminates variability, ensuring that each weld is executed with identical precision and accuracy.

Higher Quality

The precision achieved through programmed robotic movements results in superior welds. This caliber of quality is often challenging to achieve consistently with manual welding, where the potential for human error is inevitable.

As our welders program the machines, they carefully provide weld parameters that yield fewer imperfections such as porosity or incomplete fusion. The result is highly precise, defect-free components that meet tolerance requirements and industry standards.

Robotic Welding at Metal Fabrication Professionals

MFP’s investment in state-of-the-art robotic welding technology allows us to exceed our customers’ expectations regarding lead time and quality.

High-Volume Production

Because robotic welders run efficiently following the initial setup, they’re ideal for producing high volumes of parts in the thousands.

Material Diversity

We handle a variety of materials in our metal fabrication services, and our welding services are no different. While we primarily handle stainless steel in our robotic welding work, we can also handle carbon steel and aluminum. MFP’s material versatility helps us weld components for a variety of industries and applications. 

Large-Sized Components

MFP can weld parts of all sizes, but our robotic welder enables us to manage sizable components. When our massive welding robot is in action, it’s truly a sight to see.

Metal Fabrication Professionals’ strategic investment in robotic welding demonstrates our commitment to delivering excellent outcomes in precision metal fabrication. The benefits of speed, consistency, repeatability and quality associated with our automated welding capabilities leverage us as a forward-thinking partner in high-volume manufacturing.

Request a quote from MFP to experience the quality results and repeatability of automated welding solutions.