Home > Everything you need to know about Fabrication & Fabrication Vendors in India

Everything you need to know about Fabrication & Fabrication Vendors in India

Introduction:

What is fabrication?

Fabrication is the process of constructing various components using a wide range of materials, including metals, laminates, wood, and other solid materials. Various manufacturing techniques, such as cutting, welding, machining, forming, and forging, are used to create the desired product.

It is a critical process for manufacturers to ensure the production of high-quality, finished products from raw materials or components. Fabrication is a process that uses a range of techniques and equipment to transform raw materials into the desired shape and size. These components are assembled into the final product.

Types of fabrication:

Fabrication can be classified based on location and materials. The process can be performed on-site or in a factory, and the materials used can include metals, laminates, wood, and other solid surfaces.

Some common types include boiler structures, pipe racks, bulk storage tanks, piping, tanks and vessels, PEB (pre-engineered buildings), and machine parts.

Types of Fabrication	Location
Structural Fabrication e.g. Warehouse, Pipe Rack etc.	On-site
Structural Fabrication: e.g. Boiler, Chimney Structure etc.	On-site
Storage Tanks – Bulk Storage, Non-Pressure Vessel, e.g. Grain Silo, Water Reservoirs etc.	On-site
Storage Tanks: Non-bulk Storage, Non-Pressure Vessel, e.g. Overhead Water tank, Chemical Tank etc.	Factory
Pressure Vessels	Factory

Importance of Fabrication for Manufacturing:

Fabrication plays a critical role in manufacturing by enabling them to create custom products that meet specific requirements. It enables manufacturers to produce complex products that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to create using off-the-shelf components

Enables manufacturers to produce high-quality and reliable products that meet specifications.
Ensures consistency and precision in production
Enables customization and flexibility in design
It helps to control costs and improve efficiency in production processes
This can result in improved durability and performance of products
Plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and reliability of products for end-users.

Given our understanding of fabrication and its importance in manufacturing, we can see that many businesses in India rely on fabrication vendors to produce custom-made components or products.

This is where the concept of fabrication as a service comes in.

What is Fabrication as a Service (FaaS)?

Fabrication as a service is a business model where fabricators offer their expertise and equipment to produce custom products for businesses that may not have the necessary resources or expertise to fabricate the components in-house.

What is the difference between fabrication and fabrication as a service?

The main differences between fabrication and FaaS are that:

FaaS is a service-based model that provides access to fabrication capabilities without requiring businesses to have their own equipment or staff.
In contrast, fabrication can be done in-house or outsourced to a conventional fabrication company.
FaaS providers often provide a more hands-off approach. Moreover, businesses that use FaaS can often choose from pre-existing designs and materials, eliminating the need to design and fabricate products from scratch.

While fabrication and FaaS are related concepts, they offer different benefits and approaches to manufacturing.

Benefits of FaaS

FaaS providers offer design, prototyping, and services to customers on demand, allowing businesses to quickly and easily create the products they need without investing in expensive manufacturing equipment or hiring specialized staff.
The FaaS model enables businesses to access a broader range of manufacturing capabilities and expertise than they may have in-house, thereby reducing costs, improving quality, and accelerating production.
FaaS is often used for prototyping, short-run production, and specialty part manufacturing.

Major Tools and Equipment:

CNC machines: Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines are used for precision cutting and shaping of various materials, including metals, plastics, and wood.
Laser cutting machines: These machines use high-powered lasers to cut through materials with high precision and accuracy.
Welding machines: Welding is a common process that joins two or more pieces of metal by heating them to a molten state and fusing them together.
3D printers: 3D printing is a relatively new technique that uses computer-controlled printers to create three-dimensional objects from digital designs.
Plasma cutters: Plasma cutters are used to cut through various materials with high precision.

How Do You Choose a Fabrication Service Vendor?

When it comes to choosing a fabrication service vendor, several key factors should be considered. These factors include overall experience, quality, production capacity, equipment and technology, and safety norms. Venwiz offers valuable insights to help you shortlist vendors more efficiently. These include:

Experience in similar jobs: When selecting a vendor, it’s advisable to look for one with experience working on similar projects to yours. This step helps ensure that they possess the necessary skills and expertise to successfully complete the job to your satisfaction.
Location: When making your choice, it’s important to consider the vendor’s location in relation to your site or project. Opting for a fabricator near you can help reduce transportation costs and lead times.
Turnover: To validate the vendor’s ability to handle the required project turnover, it’s essential to ensure they can procure raw materials, compensate their staff, and cover essential expenses.
Availability of in-house resources: To guarantee that the vendor can complete your project without relying on third-party vendors, it’s important to verify that they have the necessary in-house resources, including equipment, manpower, and materials.
Previous clients: References from previous clients play a pivotal role in building trust and enabling you to assess their satisfaction with the vendor’s work. This assessment encompasses factors such as their ability to meet deadlines and maintain quality standards.