Explain what the assembly must do
Provide the current drawings, relevant specifications, material requirements and critical assembly features. Clarify the required welding and inspection criteria rather than relying on a broad reference to European quality.
The supplier needs to understand the component and application well enough to identify technical questions before manufacture.
Review capability for the actual work
Discuss component size, handling, fit-up, fixtures and control of distortion. Review the proposed welding processes and the qualification or procedure documentation required for the application.
Our team brings welding equipment and supplier assessment experience to these discussions, supporting review of the factory’s organisation and process controls.
Plan inspection with the right people
Specify dimensional checks and the required weld examinations, including personnel and reporting requirements. Inspection methods and coverage follow the agreed specification; they should not be improvised when the assembly is ready to ship.
Remember the operations around welding
Machining, heat treatment, surface preparation and coating may be handled by other facilities. Clarify the manufacturing sequence and how the supplier manages transfer, identification and acceptance between operations.
Compare the quotations consistently
A fabrication price can include different assumptions about material, preparation, fixtures, examination, coating and transport. Record these assumptions and clarify exclusions before comparing totals.
A sample or first assembly review can help confirm the route before repeat production, depending on the size, cost and requirements of the work.