For general types of metal finishing needs, a general metal finishing company that is locally based and has a good reputation in the industry is a good choice. This is particularly true if you have a small order to place and there are no demanding types of requirements with the job.
However, for a company with specialized metal finishing needs to meet close tolerances and specifications, finding the right metal finishing services to be able to take on the order will be more of a challenge.
The biggest problem for many OEM or prototype developers, particularly in the medical, dental, pharmaceutical, biotech and semi-conductor industries is not finding a metal finishing company, but rather in finding one that can provide all the services required. Asking three simple questions can help to narrow down the field to the best provider based on your needs.
Experience in the Industry
This is an important question to ask because not all companies providing metal finishing services have experience within your given industry. The demands and the requirements for parts in the medical field, particularly with implanted devices, are very different from the requirements for metal coatings in the semi-conductor field.
Asking about specific experience with the type of project you are undertaking is always an essential first question to ask.
Ability to Complete Services In-House
For complex and multi-faceted types of metal finishing services, one company or service may not be able to do everything. This is not a bad sign, in fact, it can show that the company is much focused on producing top quality work as they use partner companies to complete highly specialized types of finishing jobs.
By using a metal finishing company with a network or partnership with highly specialized metal finishers, you can streamline the finishing project. In this way the primary company becomes a project management service, coordinating all services in a logical and effective way.
Certifications
Finally, be sure to ask about certifications. For most specialized industries, ISO 9001:2008 certification is essential as this provides information on the ability of the company to meet or exceed customer expectations.
Additional understanding of any specific standards will also be an essential question to consider. The specific application of the component or part will dictate the appropriate standard. Verifying the company is familiar with the standard, can produce parts to the standard and has experience in working with the standard will also be an essential consideration before making a final selection.
