In most cases, you can purchase original or aftermarket parts for your equipment. However, some circumstances will necessitate ordering new components from a specialist machinery fabricator. For instance, you might not find replacement components for sale if the equipment model is no longer in circulation or if you want to modify the implement for other purposes. Unfortunately, this option is often expensive and can affect your profit margins. Here are some considerations to help you manage the cost of the equipment parts fabrication project.

Choose the Right Material

The cost of purchasing the material for fabricating the equipment part contributes considerably to the cumulative project expenses. In addition, materials which are harder to manipulate during manufacturing will attract higher fabrication fees. Therefore, you should inquire about the materials that are appropriate for your parts and evaluate these cost factors before ordering your commodities. For example, the common material which is used in fabrication of equipment components is steel. It is cheaper to use galvanised steel for the project instead of stainless steel. The former is cheaper because it has no chromium, but the coating will prevent corrosion. Moreover, the low carbon alloying content makes the material more malleable.

Consider Finishing Options

Finishes are important in enhancing the aesthetic value of components and providing protection against the elements. However, complex finishes are often unnecessary for commercial equipment, so you can reduce your project costs by choosing basic options. Basically, if you are using carbon steel which is vulnerable to corrosion, you can simply request a plain galvanised coating for the part. If you want a coloured component, consider applying an industrial-grade pate or epoxy after delivery of the machine part. When using high-quality metals like stainless steel or structural grade aluminium, you can choose ground or polished finishes. Typically, the processes involve scrubbing off imperfections from the surfaces and creating a uniform texture without applying extra treatments.

Custom vs. Stock Design

Finally, you should consider the design aspects of your new equipment part. If you are looking for a common component that is no longer available, you might find that your fabricator has a stock design. However, if you want a unique item for your operation, you will need to order a singular custom part. The latter is more expensive, so you should choose stock equipment part designs where possible. 

For more information, talk to an industrial machinery products specialist in your area.