How Our Process is Different
Metal fabrication isn’t just about cutting and welding. It’s about building products that make it to market on time, on budget, and at the quality you expect. At FabWest, our process is designed to prevent surprises, reduce errors, and keep your project moving forward — so you can trust the result every step of the way.
Quoting — Clear, Transparent Estimates
Many shops bid low to win the job, then tack on costs later. We believe in realistic, upfront quoting. You’ll know exactly what to expect before production begins, with no hidden charges or moving targets.
Planning — Setting Projects Up for Success
Rushed jobs without proper planning create bottlenecks. FabWest builds schedules based on real capacity and clear milestones. Our planning team makes sure materials, programming, and labor are aligned before your project moves forward.
CAD & CAD Inspection — Designs That Work in Reality
Mistakes at the design stage cause costly rework later. Our engineers review CAD files for manufacturability, catching issues before they become production problems. This upfront investment saves time, money, and frustration.
Programming — Accuracy from the Start
Precision starts with accurate machine programming. We ensure your specifications are correctly translated into production code so cutting, forming, and welding happen right the first time.
Purchasing — Materials on Hand, On Time
Delays often come from missing or late materials. Our purchasing team secures the right metals, coatings, and components early in the process, so your job doesn’t stall waiting for supplies.
Pre-Process Checklists — No Steps Overlooked
Skipping setup details is how mistakes creep in. We use structured pre-process checklists to confirm tooling, materials, and drawings are all aligned — ensuring production starts smooth.
Cutting — Precision Meets Efficiency
Laser or plasma, cutting is the foundation of your part. Our operators run high-precision equipment and double-check specs before moving pieces down the line. That means fewer recuts and faster turnaround.
Forming — Bends Done Right
Incorrect bends waste material and time. Our forming specialists ensure every angle matches design requirements, with QA checks at this stage to confirm accuracy.
Deburring — Finishing from the Inside Out
Sharp edges and burrs cause safety and assembly issues. Every part passes through deburring to ensure clean, smooth edges — ready for welding or finishing.
Welding — Strength That Lasts
Welding isn’t just joining metal; it’s about long-term durability. Our certified welders follow strict processes for consistency and strength, with inspections at each weld stage.
Mechanical Assembly — Products Ready for Market
Fabrication doesn’t end with cut and weld. Many projects require hardware installation, fasteners, or riveted components — and FabWest handles them all in-house. Instead of managing multiple vendors, you get a product that’s fully assembled, tested, and ready to go to market.
- Hardware installation, riveting, and fastening completed in-house
- Reduced supply chain complexity — fewer vendors to manage
- Market-ready products that move seamlessly from our shop to your customer
Finishing — The Last Step to a Complete Product
A great product deserves a great finish. FabWest offers in-house finishing options including powder coating, plating, and silk-screening, so your parts don’t have to leave the shop mid-process. The result: consistent quality, shorter timelines, and a true one-stop shop for your fabrication needs.
- Powder coating, plating, and silk-screening under one roof
- Seamless handoff from fabrication to finishing
- Professional appearance that matches the durability of the build
Final Inspection — Nothing Leaves Without Approval
We don’t assume quality; we verify it. Before packaging, every part undergoes a final inspection against your drawings and specs. If it’s not right, it doesn’t ship.
Packaging — Protecting Your Investment
Products can be perfect in the shop but damaged in transit. FabWest packages each order to protect your parts from the shop floor to your loading dock.
QA Throughout — Quality at Every Stage
Quality isn’t a single step; it’s woven into the process. From CAD inspection to final packaging, FabWest’s QA protocols ensure your product is correct at every stage.
From quote to final delivery, FabWest’s process is built for trust, quality, and accountability.