Metal stamping is the creation of complex patterns in metal through stamping machines. This is industrial-grade machinery and requires proper handling because the patterns are pretty delicate.
The metal stamping sheets are provided to suppliers by metal sheet fabrication companies. Some metal stamping suppliers are also involved in metal sheet fabrication. Once the metal is stamped in the required format, you receive a shipment from the supplier.
If you are looking for a supplier that can produce precision metal stamping goods, it is better that you choose one who also creates metal sheets from raw metal. This will reduce your charges of the sheets and ensure that you get products delivered to your warehouse on time.
If you are choosing a metal stamping supplier for your business, here is a list of things you should consider so that you don’t have to worry about things later on.
For any client, quality, price, and delivery matter the most. Almost every supplier promises these, but only a few can deliver on their promises. So, instead of wasting time and money, it is best to ensure that the supplier you are choosing will deliver on his promise.
Interviewing Your Precision Metal Stampings Supplier
Just like a prospective employee, you should also interview your precision metal stampings suppliers. This interview should include a set of questions that will make sure that the supplier you are choosing has the right expertise, material, certificates, and experience to get the job done.
We have mentioned a list of points that we believe will be relevant for your interview. Each point focuses on how you can find the best supplier by assessing their capacity.
- Quality Standard Certifications
Is your supplier certified? There are certain standards for metal stamping suppliers that include International Organization Standardization (ISO) certificate, International Automotive Task Force (IATF), and many more depending on the industry they are working with.
It is better to find a supplier that holds one as it will guarantee a quality product.
2. Capacity to Deliver On Time
Does the supplier you are choosing have the capacity to deliver precision metal stamping products to you within the designated time? It will depend on the skills of its employees, their expertise, the raw material it gets.
It is better to ascertain this by asking this question. Ask them about the number of clients they are serving. Or, you can give them a small order and check if they deliver on time.
3. Company Reputation
A simple Google search tells you about the reputation of the company. If it is delivering orders on time, has the right pricing available, and doesn’t make false promises, you can be sure about its reputation.
It is always better to choose a supplier that has a factory within your area. It will also help you save costs in transportation charges and improve business efficiency.
4. Industry Experience
Top manufacturers have years of experience in precision metal stamping. So, before settling for a single one, make sure to check which company is offering the best precision metal stamping service for the right price.
Choose a company that has been providing parts to the automotive, construction, or aerospace industry.
5. OKRs & ROI Measurement
While it is not necessary, it would be better if you research about the management of that company. If the company comes under an enterprise umbrella, then that is a plus. Most enterprises have strict policies, and this will ensure that your products always get delivered on time.
However, if it is a solo company, then find out their objectives, and the type of clients they work with. You will be in a better position if their performance measurement goals align with yours.
6. Workforce Training
Does your precision stamping supplier provide regular workforce training to its employees? This is a question that many suppliers won’t answer. Most suppliers have contractual workers, and they are not bound by law to provide the training.
If your supplier is training their employees, they will be well-trained and supervised. Moreover, trained workers make fewer mistakes that could hurt your product line. It also leads to a good turnover.
Bottom-line
These are all the important considerations you must factor in before choosing a metal stamping supplier. It will save you from any loss that you might incur if you opt for a sub-standard supplier.
Once you have locked in the supplier, do visit their factory for an on-site inspection. It is always better to assess the supplier on many fronts, including their expertise and experience before making a decision.
However, if you still want more satisfaction, you can ask the employer about the value addition they are offering. Even if you wouldn’t go the extra mile, the checks in this list are enough to guarantee that you will end up choosing the best supplier in the business.
