Switching metal fabricators is a risky business, especially when the parts already support an active production line. A new supplier must learn the project, prove the manufacturing process, and begin supplying consistent parts...all without leaving your team short on inventory. But with planning and realistic expectations, you can transfer sheet metal production to a new fabricator (such as AMF) while protecting quality, delivery schedules, and customer commitments.
When Is It Time to Change Sheet Metal Fabricators?
One late shipment doesn't necessarily mean you need a new supplier. Things happen, like machines go down or steel is delayed. Even dependable manufacturers occasionally hit a bump in the road.
A change may be justified when problems become patterns, such as:
- Missed delivery dates
- Recurring quality issues
- Insufficient capacity for your current or projected volume
The earlier you recognize a long-term problem, the more options you have. Waiting until inventory is nearly gone turns a planned production transfer into an emergency—and emergencies rarely arrive with attractive price tags.
How to Transfer Sheet Metal Production in Three Steps
Now that you've established you need a new supplier, we can break the process into three steps to make the switch as easy as possible.
1. Assemble a Complete Package
Your new fabricator needs more than a drawing or part number to kick off a new project. Start by reaching out and supplying the latest print. If you need an NDA signed, be upfront about it.
Something helpful is including information that may not be obvious from the drawing. This includes special handling instructions, surface condition, or approved material substitutions. All this and more affect how the part is manufactured.
2. Protect Inventory During the Handoff
Production shouldn't stop just because the supplier is changing. Before moving the work, determine how much inventory is needed to cover the transition.
You should also build up inventory with your current supplier to make sure you don't run out of material. That depends on usage, lead time, and the part's importance. But don't place so much that you will be overburdened.
For programs containing several parts, work with the new partner to decide which ones should transfer first.
3. Validate the New Process Before Full Production
Even when the drawing is complete, you must prove the new manufacturing process. It starts with a visit to the fabricator's floor. You need to see that they can handle your parts. Looking around a shop can tell you a lot about whether they are the right fabricator for you. Plus, you can talk firsthand with the operators - and knowing people on a first-name basis can help get the job done.
After that, prototypes will verify that dimensions, materials, and other requirements are being met. It also lets the fabricator identify ways to lower costs on your part, saving you money over time. Once the first articles are approved, production can increase according to an agreed schedule.
Avoid Simply Duplicating the Old Process
Just because it was done one way for years doesn't mean it's the best way to do something. On the same token...if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Most likely, you know what has worked and what hasn't. Don't make a carbon copy of things - fill in your new sheet metal fabricator on what worked and what didn't. They will come back to you with suggestions too. This is a partnership, and discussing new ideas can lead to a better experience when fabricating your part.
Communication Keeps the Production Transfer Moving
A supplier transition involves a lot of departments - from purchasing to engineering and everything in between. Everyone should understand what is being transferred, which revision is approved, and when each milestone must be completed.
When things kick off, regular meetings and a clear schedule help with approvals and full production. The fabricator should also provide a project manager who can answer your questions and provide you with regular updates. All this helps keep small issues from becoming expensive surprises.
The hardest part is telling your current supplier. Do it as soon as possible and call them, not just email. They may take it personally, but in the end, if it's best for your business, making the change should be easier to handle.
How Accurate Supports Sheet Metal Production Transfers
Accurate Metal Fabricating works with OEMs that need dependable medium- and high-volume sheet metal production. Our engineering and project management teams can review existing drawings, evaluate manufacturability, and develop a production plan around your quantities, quality requirements, and delivery schedule.
Our capabilities include laser cutting, turret punching, welding, and powder coating. We can also assemble, warehouse, and release finished parts according to an agreed schedule. All this under one roof makes it easy to transfer your next OEM part to us.
Ready to Discuss a Production Transfer?
If your current fabricator is struggling with quality, delivery, or capacity, it may be time to explore another option before those problems reach your production line.
Send us your drawings and estimated volumes. We're happy to take the guesswork out of your supply chain.