In today’s manufacturing environment, we all have a lot on our plate. Therefore, it is even more important to choose the right metal supplier. You need that supplier to meet your needs from a quality, delivery, and competitive perspective.
There are many quality metal distributors to choose from, but understanding the difference comes down to a respect for each other and good communication. In order to be the best supplier, there needs to be a two-way street, and if you expect clear and timely communication from your metal supplier, you must first start by giving them all the information they need.
Include metal specifications on your RFQ
All metals are produced to certain specifications that typically define their chemistry, physical properties requirements, method of production, and even country of origin of the mill producer. Today, a test report, or mill certification will often state the country the alloying elements are mined from as well. Some governments limit producers from supporting countries that conflict with their beliefs. It is always good to include every specification you have, as well as any alternative specifications that can also be used. Giving your supplier all the possible options will allow them to quote you the most competitive price.
Tell them when you need the metal.
As we all struggle with availability of some metals due to both a limited global supply chain and shortage of manufacturing workers, it is important that you are clear from the beginning with your delivery needs. A quality metal supplier will always be honest with you if they are unable to meet your delivery. Sometimes, if the requirement is so large, they may have to split the shipments or tell you they can only supply a given amount of your needs. At Howard Precision Metals, a distributor of Aluminum Plate, bar and extruded products, we pride ourselves on being transparent. We would rather lose an order than lose a customer’s trust by promising a delivery we can’t meet. In addition, there are many logistic challenges facing your metals suppliers today, due to the CDL driver shortages. If material does not arrive to your supplier on time, causing your order to not ship as promised to you, a good supplier will advise you before you even realize it is late.
Specify your required tolerances.
Not all producers of metal are created equal. We are dependent on a global market for most of our metals. Whether Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel, Aluminum, or Red Metals, there is a limited number of producers here in the United States.
Elevated tolerance standards have been set in the US that some foreign producers are not even aware of, so don’t assume you are getting the same tolerances from producer to producer, or metals suppliers. The most important tolerances to understand and communicate are thickness and flatness for rolled or cast Aluminum plate, and straightness, twist, and dimensional tolerances for extruded Aluminum bar. If you do not know what to expect, you can always give your metals supplier your finished dimension after machining along with your typical machining allowance required. In Aluminum there are many producer tolerance specifications that guarantee their product to have a plus side tolerance. That does not guarantee the material will clean up to the nominal dimension, it only guarantees that the dimensions will be plus. If your plate is .001” over the nominal dimension, it is considered plus but does not allow a machinist to attain 100% clean-up to the representative surface. It is important to communicate your required tolerance to your supplier to always insure they meet your needs.
Call out the trade name if specified on your drawing
In the metals industry there are many trade names that the producing mills have branded their products with. Aluminum Cast Tool and Jig Plate is a perfect example. Mic-6 is the grandfather of CT&J Plate. You are likely to see it on blueprints from the 1950s.
The way it is produced is different from other Cast Aluminum Plate products, so if you see it on a blueprint and it does not say “or alternative”, you should call out Mic-6 to your supplier and indicate “Must be Mic-6”. The primary base metal of Mic-6 is a 7000 series alloy, unlike other cast products that are 5000 series. There is a reason that Mic-6 has stood the test of time and is specified still today on many blueprints. It has superior flatness and dimensional stability that allows a machinist to produce extremely tight tolerance parts. When an engineer specifies Mic-6 on a drawing, he is doing it for a reason. So, the next time you see a brand name specified on a blueprint, be sure to put that on your RFQ, so you are sure to get it.
Communicate your packaging and receiving requirements
As manufacturing companies advance, there are requirements that your metals supplier needs to know. Let’s start with packaging. Do you have products that need to be skidded separately to speed up flow at each machine, or possibly at a cell of several machining centers?
Packaging everything separately may cost a little more, but how much time does it save your people? In today’s lean environments, nobody wants to touch parts more than they have to. How about packaging requirements that ensure the surface of your product is protected from damages during shipment, and lastly, make sure your metal supplier is aware of your maximum skid weight and unloading capabilities.
These specifications are typically asked and noted into your metal supplier’s system when you first open an account, but when was the last time you reviewed it with your supplier. There are updates that could be saving your company money or improving your flow.
In any type of business, communication is key to a successful relationship. The topics discussed in this blog may sound simple or overstated, but in today’s fast paced environment, we often forget to include a key piece of information. You are extremely lucky if you have a customer service rep at your metals supplier that you have been working with for years and knows your needs when you forget to include something. However, even an experienced rep should not assume.
Phone calls and emails take time to confirm your required specifications, slowing down the process and adding extra steps. In conclusion, to have a successful relationship with your metal’s supplier, review your RFQ and or purchase order before you send it.
Make sure all the information you need to be met is shared on you PO. At Howard Precision Metals, we take pride in providing our customers with their specified requirements and understanding what it takes to meet their needs. If you need Aluminum Plate, bar, or extruded shapes, saw cut to precise tolerances, Howard is the metals supplier for you.
