Aluminum Extrusion Companies – Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing Them

Aluminum extrusion helps in the transformation of aluminum alloy into particular objects that have a cross-sectional profile and can be applied to several uses. The malleability of aluminum makes it possible to machine and cast the metal easily in the aluminum extrusion process. It can also be alloyed with other metals and its products have a high degree of stability and strength.

The many variances of aluminum extrusion make it useful to implement into numerous manufacturing needs. Whether it is for architecture, transportation, or electrical systems, aluminum extrusion has several applications in the world today.   

If you are looking for aluminum extrusion companies that can meet the needs of your business, you need to be careful when choosing one. There are certain factors you should pay close attention to when you’re on the lookout for a capable manufacturer.  

In this guide, you will find out what these factors are, what you need to pay attention to, and how to pick the right manufacturer for your business. Pairing with the right company can make the process easier for you and ensure you have access to high quality products. Pair with the wrong supplier and it could cost your business a significant amount in revenue. Are you curious to know what you should keep in mind when choosing the right aluminum extruder for you? Read on to find out.

How are they priced?

Consider their pricing when making a decision about aluminum extrusion companies. Make sure you do your research before seeing price lists of different companies so that you know what the rates are in the market. This way, you will protect yourself from being overcharged for aluminum extrusion.

Cost effectiveness is important for any business so you need to compare the prices of various extruders and evaluate them based on your needs. A lower initial price can result in greater savings for your business. The aluminum extrusion company that offers the cheapest price in the market isn’t necessarily the best though. You don’t want to end up with poor quality products in an attempt to save some money. Poor quality products will only end up costing you more in the long run.      

You want to make sure you get access to high quality products that are priced reasonably to truly benefit from the deal. So make sure you do your research on the price trends in the market first.

How conveniently are they located?

Why should location still be a factor to consider when living in a tech savvy world? The short answer is that a company that is located in the same region as your business can help you cut on costs associated with shipping and reduce delivery time considerably.

You should also check how accessible the team is when you need them or in the case of issues. Receiving good customer support will help smooth out business processes for you. When the company operates in close proximity to where your business is or in the same region, you won’t have to worry about delays. Such delays may otherwise arise when you’re in different time zones. Being in the same time zone can save your business valuable time and ensure processes flow smoothly. This will ultimately result in higher cost savings and help your business prosper.

Despite having technology to overcome barriers of geographical boundaries, don’t neglect this factor when evaluating suppliers that are right for your business.

What is the quality of the product?

Picture a situation where you find an aluminum extrusion company that seems to have the lowest price list. You end up getting excited and choosing the company only to realize that their products are of low quality. This will be a devastating blow to your bottom line. That’s why you need to take into consideration a lot more than just the price when choosing the right aluminum extruder.

Product quality is an important factor to consider. Only with high quality materials can a high quality product be developed. Poor quality of materials will create products that are also of low quality, affecting your business. So, don’t get ahead of yourself when you see a price list that quotes really low prices. While price is an important consideration because it will affect your budget, there’s more to a product than its price. So be mindful about that when making your decision.   

Can they meet your product requirements?

You should always consider manufacturers that meet the requirements of your product in terms of design diversity as well as materials offered. This could be in the form of a sheet, tube, roll, or even a film form. Different companies may offer different products. The quality of materials used has a huge impact on the quality of the finished product. You want to make sure you choose a company that meets your product requirements so that you get a desirable finished product. Starting off on the wrong foot will quickly escalate to business losses, so find out whether your specific needs can be met by the company.

Can they handle the quantity you need within the time you need?

Just having high quality products isn't enough. You need to be able to rely on the company to meet your needs in terms of quantity and time period. Your business may be of a certain size now, but you may expect that it will grow to be at a certain level in the future. Make sure you take your current as well as future business expansion needs into consideration. Can the company handle the quantities that you need? Can it do so within the deadline you need it by? This is a crucial factor to consider when choosing the right aluminum extrusion company. If a company offers high quality products but can’t keep up with your needs, you need to keep up your search for one that can.

Do they follow necessary standards?

There are certain specified standards and tolerances for aluminum extrusion. Any credible company will ensure that they follow these standards in their operations. Make sure to check these aspects as part of your search process before choosing a particular company to meet your business needs.

You should also ensure that you document the full business relationship so that proper standards are followed. When this is done, the likelihood of misunderstandings are considerably reduced. You will also be in a better position to resolve any disputes that may arise in the future with the proper documentation of the business association.

What equipment or technology do they use?

Aluminum extrusion can involve the use of several types of machines. Three primary aluminum extrusion methods are normally used. The process involves the use of cutting edge equipment and technology to help create the product that matches up to your specifications.

Not all companies use advanced technology and machines in the process of aluminum extrusion. High quality products don’t just depend on the use of high quality materials. They also require advanced technology to be used to achieve the desired results.   

Make sure you evaluate the technology and equipment used by the company before making your decision about which aluminum extrusion company to pick. Poor quality equipment won’t be able to produce the product you desire, no matter how good the material being used is.

Do they offer additional services?

To get the full value for your money, find out whether or not the aluminum extrusion company offers additional services that you can benefit from. Additional and after sales services will depend on the company and the nature of the business relationship. The more help you can get, the better. Always pick a company that also offers additional services as this could save you a lot of trouble in the future. It will also be a more cost effective option for your business to consider.

What is their track record like?

It’s important for you to check the track record of various manufacturers before making your decision about which one to go with. Make sure you get some referrals and recommendations before you decide on the supplier for your business. Even with referrals, you should always look for reviews and check the track record of the company.

Checking their track record will give you access to information about their previous performance. You will get to know about the good and the bad of choosing such a company and can make your decision accordingly.

Companies that are worth choosing will have a high degree of credibility. The easiest way to uncover this information is to ask the companies to provide you with references. If they’re transparent in their dealings with you, you will know that they have nothing to hide. However, if they appear to be lying or hiding something, they probably are. In such situations, you need to be careful about what you may be getting yourself into. Make sure you do your research on the track record of the company before making your decision.

Don’t rush your selection of manufacturers just because you’re in a hurry to get started. This is a big decision and should be given the time it deserves if you want to make the right one. With these key factors in mind, you will be more prepared to look for what your business needs and identify the right manufacturers based on those needs.

A careful selection of aluminum extrusion companies for your business will translate into more efficient and cost effective operations. This will help your business grow in the long run, so make sure you pay attention to the above consideration points when making your decision.

Sourcing Allies is a team of expert China sourcing agents that has helped western customers manufacture and source products from low-cost regions since 2006.

For more on China sourcing visit our website or write to us at info@sourcingallies.com.