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Services of an Optimal Metal Stamping Vendor

Choosing a Metal Stamping Vendor

The U.S. manufacturing industry produces almost 20% of the world’s goods and continues to look for innovative technology and techniques. These constant updates means there are many options when choosing products, services, and associated vendors. With this variety of choices, it may seem difficult to differentiate between each company. If you’re searching for a metal stamping vendor, there are four distinct factors to consider.

Question Their Services and Capabilities

As you begin the search for a metal stamping vendor, learn what specific services and capabilities the manufacturer provides. Stamping can be one of many available processes, including coining, progressive stamping, piercing, and shallow draw stamping, so it’s important to understand precisely what services are offered. Additionally, many companies have ancillary services that can reduce delivery time and costs.

When you are talking to metal stamping companies, consider the following questions:

• Do they have the necessary capabilities to meet the requirements of your project?
• What specific services are offered and how might they benefit your company?
• What are their material capabilities?
• Is the company using the most current AutoCAD and Edgecam software?
• What are their testing procedures for material hardness, as well as destructive and non-destructive testing?

Supplier Capacity

You should also think about the overall capacity of the metal stamping vendor. Some suppliers only serve large volume customers, so if you’re a hobbyist or inventor looking for limited production, it may be harder to find a vendor that can meet your needs in an efficient and timely manner.

When investigating supplier capacity, ask the vendors:

• At what capacity do you primarily perform?
• Is my project a good fit for your capacity?

Look for High-Quality Practices

When selecting a vendor, make sure they are committed to the quality of their output. Suppliers who are focused on this will have specific programs in place, such as capacity studies, statistical process control, and quality assurance systems.

To better understand what steps a vendor is taking to ensure quality, ask:

• Do you know the industry standards required for manufacturing my part?
• How often do you perform tooling maintenance?
• What quality assurance measures do you have in place to prevent mistakes or defects?
• How do you test the parts you produce and how do you document your testing?

Delivery Track Record

Once you have found a vendor that meets your quality and capacity expectations, ask about their delivery record. A reputable company will have documentation to show they meet the timeline requirements of their customers.

Questions to ask:

• Do you have documentation that shows you can deliver on time?
• What will you do to ensure on-time delivery if there are disruptions to your supply chain?

A Metal Stamping Vendor for Your Project

American Industrial Company has been serving customers for over 33 years. Our goal isn’t just to meet your metal stamping needs; it’s to exceed your expectations.

To learn more about picking a metal stamping vendor for your project, download our eBook, What to Look for in a Metal Stamping Vendor.

Key Benefits of Working with a U.S. Manufacturer

The old saying “you get what you pay for” still holds true today––particularly when it comes to manufacturing. For those looking to get the best value for their money in a manufactured product, you should look no further than your own backyard. While the allure of cheaper products may be drawing many companies to look abroad for manufacturing partners, there is tremendous advantage in using a domestic-based manufacturer instead––especially when it comes to quality.

There’s a reason American manufacturing has been known for its high quality for more than a century. In the United States, there are many standards and regulations in place to ensure that manufacturers are selling their customers the highest-quality products. American manufacturers are also known for using advanced technologies in high-grade facilities to produce consistent products supported by exceptional customer service.

When working with a manufacturer in the United States, you can rest assured knowing that the workers making your product are working in a safe environment with the proper amount of labor protection. Unlike many other nations, the United States enforces strict labor laws and safety requirements to protect workers operating in potentially hazardous work environments. The United States also has more intellectual property laws in place than many other nations, helping to safeguard your ideas and trade secrets against competing companies.

One of the greatest benefits, however, is the proximity that you’ll have to the manufacturing process. Because your product won’t need to be shipped halfway around the world, you can be sure that it will get to you much sooner­––and at much less cost. With less travel time required, there is also less chance that your product could be damaged during transit or become lost or displaced.

Should an issue arise, the closeness of a U.S. manufacturer means they’ll be able to inform you of the problem much sooner and rectify it before it causes significant delays. If the manufacturer is close enough, you may even be able to visit their facility to see their operations for yourself and weigh in on the finished product before it ships.

Maybe most importantly, working with American manufacturers helps support local companies and provide jobs––providing an overall boost to our domestic economy.

About AIC

At American Industrial Company (AIC), we pride ourselves on being an entirely American-based manufacturer. Our facility is located in the heart of the Midwest in Gurnee, Illinois. It is here that our talented team designs and manufactures all of our parts, ensuring that each product meets the highest of industry standards. Within our facility, we demonstrate an ongoing commitment to providing a safe and comfortable work environment for our team with our current ISO 9001:2015 certification.

We are experienced in providing a number of manufacturing services for our customers with a commitment to satisfaction and quality. We work closely with our clients throughout the entire manufacturing process––from initial design to final product––to ensure that everything we produce not only meets customers’ desired requirements, but exceeds them. Our in-house capabilities include metal stamping, laser cutting, prototyping, design and engineering, tooling services, and other value-added services.

If you’re looking for an American-based manufacturer who offers a large selection of customization options, a full range of in-house capabilities, and a demonstrated commitment to quality and reliability, consider working with AIC.

To learn more about what our team of American manufacturing experts can do for you, download our eBook today!