DEDICATED TO EXCELLENCE: SERVICE • QUALITY • INNOVATION
ESTABLISHED 1953
Last updated July 2025
Partnering with the right sheet metal fabricator is critical to the success of your company if you need fabricated parts.
Sheet metal fabrication is a precise task that requires the right equipment and utmost diligence to get it right. If you’re in the aerospace or telecom industry, you probably understand just how important the right sheet metal fabricator is to the success of your projects.
Unfortunately, finding a good sheet metal shop is easier said than done. Though there are plenty of metal fabricators out there, you’ll find that only a handful meet your expectations.
Your next project requires stellar service and efficient manufacturing. If you’re on the hunt for a metal fabrication company, here are some questions you can ask to ensure you get the right company for the job.
There are countless sheet metal fabrication companies in the United States, and Texas sheet metal shops alone number in the hundreds, at least. You can easily find one by doing a quick online search. However, to find the best match for your project, you may have to do some digging around.
If you don’t want to gamble with your results, here are a few questions to ask a sheet metal fabricator to know whether you’re in the right hands.
For specialty companies like metal fabricators, the number of operational years doesn’t always tell you everything about the company’s relevant experience. What matters more is how many projects like yours they’ve successfully completed. For example, if you have an aerospace project, then you wouldn't want to select a fabricator that isn’t familiar with the requirements of that industry.
Ask the company what other projects they’ve done to gauge their level of experience, and request a portfolio. Most fabrication companies have portfolios, and if the company doesn’t have one, that’s often a red flag.
You can also ask to see previous clients’ testimonials. Don’t trust the online reviews too much, because anyone can write an online review without even dealing with the company in the first place.
A sheet metal fabricator is only as good as its equipment and staff. So ask to see the company’s equipment on a tour, or at least request information and specifications about their machines.
A company with state-of-the-art equipment is more likely to meet your requirements. You should look for new punch presses and lasers, good press brakes that can accommodate your parts, graining equipment that can put a nice finish on the parts, and hardware insertion machines, to name a few.
One often overlooked piece of equipment: precision machines that can cut through thick metal easily. Shops with excellent cutting equipment can more easily satisfy your volume requirements. And don’t overlook specialized equipment like tube laser cutting machines.
Equipment aside, the right sheet metal fabricator should also be well-acquainted with industry-specific metal fabrication techniques. Some companies approach metal fabrication as a refined art—if you can find such a company, then you’ve hit the jackpot.
The company you choose should also have enough skilled labor, machinery, and expertise to handle the material you need, whether that’s copper, brass, aluminum, stainless steel, or mild steel.
If your parts require precision welding services then you want a company that offers both MIG (metal inert gas) and TIG (tungsten inert gas) welding. Robotic welding services can also be ideal for certain types of projects. Compare the capabilities of several potential partners before choosing one.
It’s not enough for a shop to have the latest precision fabrication equipment and machinery. They also need a capable and engaged team to get the most value out of their machines and equipment.
As such, it’s important to ask how the company hires its talent. Ask for a brief explanation of the company’s hiring policies. This should give you a picture of the company’s labor situation and whether they’re a good fit for the project.
A good indicator is if the company’s welders have American Welding Society (AWS) certification—that means that the company has a rigorous hiring policy.
Finding a manufacturing company that can also provide engineering and design services is a big benefit, because it allows you to have the manufacturing experts add value to your products by improving their manufacturability.
Design for manufacturability (DFM) means that the part is designed in a way that will allow it to be manufactured as efficiently as possible. Many engineers understandably focus primarily on function during design, and they may not know the capabilities, strengths and weaknesses of the part’s eventual manufacturer. But a strong manufacturing partner will flag any potential manufacturability issues early in your collaboration, so that your parts are not unnecessarily expensive.
Think of engineering and design services as a bonus rather than a necessity. However, if you find a company that also offers these capabilities, then you will likely save time and money on your project.
Ask if the fabrication company offers other sheet metal services like finishing, or whether you have to find another vendor for that part of the process. If they do, find out whether they do it themselves, or if they outsource for these services. Regardless, working with a company that manages your finishing—whether in-house or third-party—streamlines your overall manufacturing process. It’s the same reason a shop with in-house precision machining services can simplify your project.
You never want to choose a company based solely on the cheapest price, because oftentimes you get what you pay for—the company with the cheapest price may have missed something in their quoting process, which will cost you in the long run. However, while price shouldn’t be your only concern, it is of course an important part of the equation.
You want to establish a good relationship with a manufacturer that you can always count on to provide you with competitive pricing and prompt quotes. That way, you don’t have to send RFQs to multiple vendors on every project and delay your project as you wait for responses.
Finding the right sheet metal fabricator will be easier than ever if you ask these seven questions. As you prepare to make your final decision, remember to compare services between multiple fabrication companies and never let cost be the primary factor in your choice. Otherwise, in most cases, you’ll get what you pay for.
If you need professional and expedient sheet metal fabrication services, request a quote today from All Metals Fabricating!
