In all areas of construction, fabrication, and OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) processes, having the right suppliers for your specific materials need is important. Not every supplier is the right match for each company, so being critical and knowing basic information about the suppliers under consideration makes good business sense.
If you are looking for new aluminum plate suppliers, comparing cost and shipping rates will be a requirement. However, taking the time to consider at least three other things about the suppliers will help in finding the right distributor for the job.
What is the Source of the Aluminum?
Some aluminum plate suppliers buy from a wide range of aluminum sources. This could include metal distribution centers, aluminum manufacturers, and mills or from other suppliers or providers.
Without a consistent source of aluminum, it is very likely you will find a different quality of aluminum plate in the order. This may be acceptable for some applications but it highly precise fabrication or manufacturing needs it will be a problem.
Do They Specialize in Aluminum?
Working with aluminum plate suppliers that specialize in aluminum instead of as a general metal alloy supplier is also a very smart decision. This allows for greater quality control, a better understanding of the product and also a greater source of customer support if there are questions or technical considerations for a job.
Delivery and Inventory
For a small company only needing an order of a few aluminum plates of one of the common grades on-hand inventory and order turnaround time may not be a deciding factor. On the other hand, OEMs, fabricators, and manufacturers with a high volume need in aluminum plate will need to consider the on-hand inventory of the supplier and the ability to deliver on time and in the quantities required.
