If you depend on extruded aluminum products like round or square bar, you want the best materials. Also, it’s important to stay within your operating budget, so you also need an affordable price for your materials. When choosing a supplier, you should be aware of several factors, if you want to stay in business for a long time. Here are some things to look for when you check out aluminum square bar suppliers.
Do They Have What You Need?
When you need a specific type of aluminum can you find it from your main supplier or do you have to look elsewhere? This is a huge consideration because you may not have to time check out new suppliers, especially if you get a rush order or project. Your supplier should carry all the sizes you routinely use and if you need a size they don’t have, they should be able to custom cut it for you.
Quality Materials
It’s important to use the highest quality aluminum square bar, and this means aluminum which is manifold quality. Manifold quality means the material is capable of standing up to the demands placed upon hydraulic manifolds. Look for aluminum bar brands like Kaiser Select manifold bar or ACC-U-BAR by Sapa.
Other Aluminum Materials
Besides high quality aluminum square bar, you may need other materials like wrought aluminum or aluminum plate. Your supplier should also carry selections like cast tool plate and jig plate. This ensures they can fill your needs.
Proximity
If your business is located in the Midwest, it’s best to choose one of the Midwest’s top rated suppliers of aluminum square bar and materials. In fact, you should choose a company with a warehouse as close to your company as possible. One of the biggest cost concerns with metals is shipping and the closer you are, the cheaper freight charges will be.
Custom Extrusions
Do you have special needs for aluminum square bar or other extrusion items? If so, a good aluminum supplier should be able to take care of your needs. This is a great way to increase efficiency and improve service to your customers. Outsourcing specific orders can save you a great deal of man hours and save on the cost of installing additional equipment which may not see regular use.
Longevity
Experience is an important factor to consider. For instance, if you do business with a company with many decades of experience, they are not very likely to suddenly go out of business and leave you high and dry. Plus, you can depend on companies with a long history to be there for you when needed.
