S&W Metal Products combines comprehensive steel fabricating capabilities to provide our customers with a one-stop-shop solution. We also integrate a long list of post-production services and supply chain management strategies which are equally as important to the success of your overall project.
Essentially, at S&W, we go above and beyond fabricating metal products. Our end-to-end manufacturing services include complete product development assistance which allows us to optimize your project for manufacturability.
Consultation for Product Development and Design for Manufacturability
The first step in getting your custom metal fabrication is design consultation. We collaborate closely with your engineers or designers to outline the project scope, product specifications, and additional requirements.
- Material Selection – We fabricate many different metals (e.g. steel, aluminum, and stainless) depending on the product’s intended use, as well as requirements in weight, strength, and final cost.
- Functionality and Aesthetics – Of course, the product design must meet all functional requirements (e.g., durability, flexibility, resistance to environmental factors) while also achieving the desired aesthetic qualities. We can help you optimize your product designs so that no compromises are made in performance or appearance.
- Technical Drawings – We work with your technical drawings using various computer-aided design (CAD) software to create 3D models to help visualize the final product, potentially further optimizing the design.
- Feasibility and Budget – Backed by decades of combined experience, our engineers review whether the design is feasible with the available technology and within budget constraints.
The Custom Prototyping Process
After your design is finalized, many of S&W’s projects require a prototyping phase before transitioning to production. The prototyping process creates samples of the final product to validate the design and functionality while ensuring all specifications are met.
- Rapid Prototyping – Advanced CNC technologies help us create accurate prototypes for review with minimal lead times. Our rapid prototyping services provide quick turnaround to fast-track your path to production while also facilitating iterative prototype development for design optimization.
- Functional Testing – The prototype allows the customer to test for mechanical performance, fit, and other functional criteria to confirm that the design is sound and satisfies all requirements.
- Design Modifications – Any issues identified during testing are addressed, and adjustments are made to the original design if needed. For some projects, this will be an iterative process necessitating multiple prototyping phases.
Fabricating the End Product
Once the prototype is approved, the full-scale fabrication process begins. This stage involves cutting, forming, welding and assembling raw materials into the final product.
A more in-depth look at S&W’s comprehensive metal fabrication services – The Steel Fabrication Process: From Raw Materials to High-Strength Structural Products.
Continuous Quality Control
Of course, ongoing quality assurance is crucial to every step of the fabrication process. S&W’s
ISO 9001-2015 quality control system includes detailed inspection of products and testing when necessary. We confirm precision, consistency, and functionality of the end product in numerous aspects, including:
- Dimensional Inspection – The finished product’s dimensions are checked against the technical drawings to ensure accuracy.
- Visual Inspection – Surfaces are examined for any cosmetic flaws, such as scratches, blemishes, or irregularities in the finish.
- Compliance Check – The product is checked for adherence to any relevant industry standards, regulatory requirements, as well as in meeting all customer specifications.
Our quality control department is strategically located throughout our facility. Skilled personnel conduct and assist with all manner of first piece, in process, and final inspections.
In addition to managing the company’s ISO program, the quality department drives continuous improvement by working with all departments to create work instructions and other templates to establish and maintain production standards.
Quality American Manufacturing Services Since 1946
More than a company, S&W Metal Products is your partner. We fabricate custom metal products for industries including industrial, construction, defense, transportation, furniture, firefighting, and beyond.