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It can be true in any industry, the more complex the component, the more expensive the price. We find this to be the case in metal forming parts including stamping and sheet metal fabrication. Often a part is designed with unnecessary dimensions and tolerance.

The impact on steel, stainless, copper and aluminum material cost increases are affecting companies throughout the supply chain. Shortages are consistent across all forms: coil, bar, rod, tube and sheet. This month, material suppliers are implementing price increases as well as surcharges.

Here at R&M, we’ll be the first to tell you we’re not the lowest cost metal fabricator, and we don’t want to be. We do our best to keep prices low for our customers, and in order for us to deliver high-quality components, we have to invest in ways that bring value to our customers.

The vendors you work with have an impact on your business. Whether that impact is positive or negative depends on a few factors, including each vendor’s dedication to quality. And, like any relationship, things can start going south before you start to realize it. Here are five metal manufacturing vendor red flags to watch out for.

Whether you’re talking about parts or tools, a properly dimensioned print can mean the difference between success and failure. And if the dimensioning isn’t compatible with a part’s real-world function, following a tool print’s specifications isn’t going to give you a great result. Here’s what you need to know about dimensioning a print.

Getting to know the sheet metal manufacturing industry can be a bit of a confusing process. There are a lot of terms and processes that come naturally to those of us who’ve been in the industry a long time. But, for those of you who are just getting started, this little glossary should help.