4 Things to Look for in a Modern Machine Shop

Whether you are looking for an expert to rebuild an engine or a technician to craft custom parts for your startup, finding the right machine shop can be difficult. If you want to get the most for your money and make sure the parts you create will last, you need to do your homework and choose a machine shop with the equipment, the expertise and the ability to understand and respond to your needs. Here are four tips on how to find the best machine shop for your needs.

#1. Organization

It is important to visit the machine shop in person and make your own assessments. You can tell a lot about the professionalism and commitment to quality of the machine shop owners and staff by simply observing the operations. It is not unusual for a working machine shop to appear a bit cluttered, but the staff should have no problem finding the parts they need or quickly locating a specific order. You should stay away from a shop that seems chaotic and lacks proper organization.

#2. Up-To-Date Technology

Machine shop technology has come a long way in the past couple of decades, but many shops are stuck in the past, using the same old techniques and equipment that was outdated many years ago In order to produce the best results, a modern machine shop should have the most advanced tools and technology. The machinery is the heart of any machine shop, and even the most experienced workers will not be able to craft precision parts using outdated or shoddy equipment.

#3. Maintenance

While having state-of-the-art equipment is critical for any machine shop, it is not enough to ensure quality service. Maintenance is just as important, and your in-person visit should include an examination of the machines to assess their condition. Check that the equipment appears to be clean and well maintained, not dusty or dirty?

If the work you need completed includes precision machining or the creation of delicate parts, you should ask the shop owners for their maintenance records and other relevant documents pertaining to their regular machine upkeep. Regular calibration can make a world of difference in giving you the best results. Whether you are rebuilding a racing engine or crafting vital photochemical etched parts for medical industry products, it’s imperative that your selected vendor employs experienced machine operators that perform routine maintenance checks and proper recalibration when needed.

#4. Transparency

Never be afraid to ask the owners or employees questions about the machining company you’re considering. After all, you are the customer, and they should be making you comfortable doing business with them. A machine shop owner who is unwilling to answer all of your questions, gives you the run-around, or doesn’t have the proper level of knowledge to respond to your inquiries is unlikely to be cooperative and tactful should something go wrong. Because of the cost and time investment common with machining projects, you really only get one chance to select the most qualified vendor. Choosing incorrectly can result in major ramifications for your business.

The machine shop vendor you choose will be greatly influenced by the type of work you need done. Rebuilding an engine, creating custom parts, or mass production of critical product components will all require completely different machinery methods. Follow these four tips and do your due diligence to research and hire the best possible shop for the best outcome. If you are unsure of where you should start, begin by contacting a manufacturing consultant that can point you in the right direction by providing trusted advice and support.