How Our Metal Fabrication Shop Supports Expedited Lead Times
At MFP, we understand that many of our customers need their parts as quickly as possible, and we’re equipped to meet those demands with our range of precision sheet metal fabrication services. Our expert team offers expedited options to get projects moving quickly so our customers can deliver them to their customers with impressive speed.
Want to know how MFP’s expedited processes can keep your projects on schedule? Continue reading to learn more.
How Our Expedite Process Works
If you’re facing tight deadlines and need parts quickly, MFP is here to help. Turning around parts in one day (or even the same day) can be challenging due to the various steps involved – from quoting and ordering to programming and nesting. Our team understands the urgency and is equipped to make it happen in many cases.
However, it’s essential to consider that our expedited services are not well-suited for all types of jobs and parts. Here are some factors our team must consider when determining whether or not we can offer same- or next-day delivery to customers:
Complexity
If you have a single part or a straightforward job with minimal operations, such as cutting only or cutting and forming, we are more likely to meet same-day or next-day lead times. The fewer steps required in the fabrication process, the faster our team can deliver your parts.
Material Type
One of MFP’s significant value-adds is our large steel inventory. If you’re requesting parts made from steel and the material is already in stock, we don’t have to wait for shipment from our material suppliers, significantly speeding up the turnaround time.
Automated Processes
MFP can even expedite larger jobs for parts that can be processed using our automated equipment, particularly our fiber optic laser with an automation cell. This equipment significantly reduces handling time between sheets, making it ideal for higher-volume production involving multiple sheets of thinner material. We frequently use this laser-cutting tool for expedited orders when the material specifications align with its capabilities.
Our Capacity
While we’re happy to get parts out to customers as soon as possible, we may not be able to offer next-day delivery if all of our machines are tied up at that moment. So, while your part may be an ideal candidate for our expedited services, we cannot guarantee that we have the available capacity exactly when you need it.
The Most Critical Component: Communication
Open communication with our customers is essential when meeting expedited timelines. We encourage you to contact us early in the process to see how we can accommodate your needs. Whether you need next-day delivery or are aiming for a specific deadline, providing as much information as possible upfront allows us to give you a quote that aligns with your requirements.
Moreover, let us know if you have more flexibility and don’t need your parts within our standard seven-day lead time. This information can help us plan our production schedule efficiently and ensure that we can accommodate other urgent requests as they arise. Additionally, if your timeline allows for extended planning, you can lock in material pricing based on the market rates at the time of your order, potentially reducing costs.
Let MFP Meet Your Expediting Needs
At MFP, we are equipped to handle urgent requests and provide reliable, fast service without compromising on quality. From sheet metal cutting to machining services, we have the equipment and experience to tackle a wide range of projects with agility and expertise. Our Kentucky metal fabrication facilities are fully equipped to support both small custom orders and larger production runs, offering the versatility and responsiveness our customers require.
When your project requires quick turnaround times, keep our team informed about your specific needs. With proper planning and communication, we can help keep your operations running smoothly and efficiently.
Request a quote from MFP today!