When to Bring a Fabricator into Your Product Design Process

Faythe Hawley
4 days ago
2 min read

If you’re developing a product that includes metal components, the best time to bring in a fabricator isn’t at the end—it’s at the beginning.

Early collaboration with your metal fabrication partner can reduce costs, prevent design mistakes, and make the entire process more efficient.

Why Involve a Fabricator Early?

Too often, companies finalize designs without fabrication input only to face delays, redesigns, or unexpected costs during production.

Bringing a fabricator in early can help you:

Design smarter parts
Optimize material selection
Improve manufacturability
Get accurate quotes faster
Shorten your time to market

Where a Fabricator Adds the Most Value

1. During Concept Development

Even at the sketch or CAD stage, a fabricator can guide you on feasibility, materials, and processes.

2. During Prototyping

Need a proof-of-concept or functional prototype? A fabricator can help you build it and improve it at the same time.

3. Material Selection

Aluminum? Carbon steel? Stainless? Your fabricator can suggest materials that balance performance, cost, and availability.

4. Tolerance Optimization

Overly tight tolerances = unnecessary machining = higher costs. A fabricator will help you hit the sweet spot for fit and function.

5. Production Planning

They’ll also prepare for full-scale production: tooling, welding jigs, finishes, and more... saving time and improving consistency.

Signs You Waited Too Long to Involve a Fabricator

You’re getting "no quote" responses from vendors
Quotes are higher than expected
Drawings look good but don’t translate to production
Parts fail or need redesign after prototyping

Don’t Design in a Vacuum—Design with Your Fabricator

Think of your metal fabricator as a problem-solving partner, not just a vendor. The earlier they’re involved, the more value they bring to your project.

Ready to Collaborate?

If you're working on a project that involves metal fabrication, let’s talk. Our team at Hawley Services Inc can review your design early, offer feedback, and help you avoid costly pitfalls down the line.