Adding something as simple as a kitting service to your process can help to solve supply chain issues, improve efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance inventory control in various industries such as automotive, electronics, and aerospace. It can speed your time to market (TTM), often resulting in a higher customer satisfaction rate.

Choosing a Kitting partner is crucial to ensure accurate and timely assembly of components, reducing production delays and errors. It also allows a business to focus on their core operations while outsourcing the time-consuming task of assembling kits.

Key Factors To Consider When Selecting a Kitting Service Provider

Businesses must consider the following factors when choosing a partner for their kitting needs:

1. Quality Control

Your reputation is everything and a proactive approach minimizes the likelihood of substandard products reaching customers, safeguarding the brand reputation and reducing warranty claims. Choosing a reputable kitting provider with stringent quality control processes can identify and rectify defects early in the assembly process. Furthermore, a company committed to quality control will likely have a continuous improvement culture. They regularly review and enhance their processes to identify opportunities for optimization and efficiency gains.

2. Time to Market

Timely delivery of kits ensures that the manufacturing processes stay on schedule. Delays in kit delivery can disrupt production timelines, causing bottlenecks and potentially leading to missed customer orders. Moreover, meeting promised times enhances a company’s reputation and builds customer trust. This can lead to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth recommendations.

3. Experience and Reputation

An experienced kitting provider has likely encountered various challenges and situations in the industry. Their longevity in the field suggests that they have successfully navigated these issues. This gives the business confidence in the partner’s ability to meet its needs. Experience also guarantees a deep knowledge of industry-specific requirements and best practices, which are invaluable in ensuring that the kits are assembled correctly and efficiently.

4. Compliance and Certification

Providers with industry-specific certifications demonstrate a commitment to maintaining high-quality standards. These accolades signal that the company has established processes and procedures to ensure the accuracy and consistency of assembled kits. Additionally, choosing a certified partner reduces the risk associated with defective assemblies.

5. Geographic Location

The distance between the manufacturer’s facilities and the kitting service provider’s location directly affects shipping costs. Greater distance can lead to higher transportation expenses, which can impact the operational budget. Contrarily, having a partner nearby can be beneficial when dealing with urgent orders or unforeseen production challenges.

6. Scalability

Many companies experience fluctuations in demand throughout the year, often due to seasonal variations or market trends. Scalability ensures that the kitting provider can scale production up or down, preventing overstocking during slow periods or bottlenecks every peak season. This agility is also beneficial when the business needs to fulfill customer orders promptly or respond to unexpected demand surges.

7. Technology Integration

Integrated technological advancements enable faster and more efficient order processing. When orders are automatically transmitted to the service provider’s system, they can instantly begin assembly. This reduces lead times and guarantees timely request fulfillment. In addition, automation minimizes the potential for human errors in data entry.

Make Farris Your Trusted Kitting Partner

At Farris, we offer high-quality kitting services tailored to your unique needs and requirements! We delve into the specifics of your supply chain dynamics, ensuring that our solutions align perfectly with your objectives. This analytical approach allows us to identify inefficiencies, streamline processes, and maximize cost-effectiveness.

Contact us or request a consultation now!

Kitting and assembly form a powerful combination for simplified production due to their synergistic efficiency. Kitting’s organized approach ensures that all necessary materials are readily available. This results in an optimized assembly line’s workflow. Meanwhile, the assembly process benefits from the pre-sorted components, accelerating the manufacturing phase and enhancing overall productivity.

This article will explore the kitting and assembly processes, highlighting the reciprocal advantages that each operation brings to the other.

What Are Kitting and Assembly?

Kitting and assembly are fundamental processes in manufacturing that play pivotal roles in optimizing production workflows. Kitting involves strategically grouping and packaging related components or parts required for a specific task. Its primary objective is to streamline material handling, reducing time and effort spent searching for individual elements during assembly.

On the other hand, assembly is a crucial stage where individual components or parts are systematically combined to create a finished product. This process involves carefully integrating pre-prepared elements to ensure a smooth and efficient workflow. Skilled workers or automated systems often follow detailed instructions to assemble the components precisely.

How Kitting Strategies Optimize Assembly

Aside from efficiency in material handling, here are the ways kitting contributes to a more streamlined and sustainable assembly process:

Aligned With Lean Manufacturing Principles

Kitting adheres to lean manufacturing principles by avoiding waste and unnecessary movements. Its organized nature ensures that only essential components are included. This reduces excess inventory, minimizes the risk of overproduction, and contributes to a more sustainable and efficient assembly process.

Cost Savings Through Batch Processing

Batch processing allows manufacturers to get better offers from suppliers by purchasing products in larger quantities and capitalizing on bulk purchase discounts. Storing pre-grouped components in batches also requires less space than storing individual parts separately. This reduces storage costs and promotes a more streamlined and organized warehouse.

Enhanced Employee Productivity

Since kitting provides manufacturers with pre-sorted components, assembly workers can access the necessary materials without extensive searching. It eliminates the disruptions caused by the time-consuming process of locating individual parts, allowing employees to focus on their core responsibilities. This positive work environment can lead to higher motivation and increased productivity.

Faster Setup and Changeover Times

Kitting facilitates quicker setup and changeover between different products or assembly tasks. With components already grouped and easily accessible, transitioning from one assembly project to another becomes a seamless process. This agility is especially valuable in industries where frequent changes in production requirements are common.

Improved Quality Control

One key aspect of how kitting enhances quality control is the pre-verification of components. Before the assembly process begins, each item is carefully inspected and validated to ensure that it meets the required specifications. This rigorous evaluation reduces the possibility of including defective or substandard parts in the final product.

Reduced Errors and Rework

When components are correctly sorted and readily available, the likelihood of assembling a product incorrectly is minimized. This translates to a more efficient and cost-effective production cycle. Rework which can be resource-intensive and time-consuming is substantially reduced, allowing for a smoother progression along the assembly line.

Elevate Your Efficiency With Farris!

At Farris, we believe in more than just providing a service; instead, we strive to become integral to your supply chain strategy! Our analytical approach aims to identify and address inefficiencies within your current processes. This allows us to offer targeted and effective solutions that streamline your operations.

Contact us or request a consultation now!

Click to Expand

Financial optimization encourages businesses to be as efficient and profitable as possible. This is because the cost of inventory, like storing items and other expenditures, might cost more than the initial purchase price. They extend to storage expenses, carrying expenses, shrinkage, obsolescence, and the fee of tying up capital in excess stock.

Understanding every component of inventory expenditures empowers business owners to adopt management techniques such as kitting. It is a strategic practice that bundles together related items or products as a single unit, known as a kit. This allows businesses to pre-assemble goods in a way that aligns with customer demand or specific production requirements.

This article will explore how this approach can reduce the cost of inventory, revolutionize business operations, and ultimately boost profitability.

Roles of Kitting in Inventory Management

Kitting is pivotal in enhancing inventory accuracy by improving data precision and reliability. Through this technique, businesses achieve greater control and visibility over their inventory, reducing discrepancies and improving tracking accuracy. Below are some of the most significant roles of kitting in lowering the cost of inventory:

Streamlining Inventory Processes

Businesses can consolidate their stock and eliminate the need to individually manage multiple stock keeping units (SKUs) by bundling related items into kits. This process simplifies inventory control, allowing for a more streamlined system. In addition, kitting decreases carrying costs associated with excess stock and inventory imbalances.

Optimizing Space Utilization

When individual items are stored separately, they occupy more space due to packaging and the need for single-shelving or bins. Kitting reduces the physical footprint required for storage. By bundling items together, businesses can stack kits more efficiently, utilize vertical space, and minimize wasted areas within the warehouse. This eliminates extra costs for renting larger rooms or more shelves.

Increasing Operational Efficiency

Kitting enhances operational efficiency through optimized order fulfillment processes. With kits readily available, the picking and packaging stages become faster and more efficient. This results in quicker order processing times, enabling businesses to meet customer expectations and reduce lead times. It also lessens the risk of errors or omissions during order fulfillment.

Enhancing Inventory Accuracy

Accurate inventory tracking is crucial in avoiding the pitfalls of overstocking and stockouts. Overstocking ties up valuable financial resources in excess inventory, leading to increased storage expenses, insurance, and the risk of obsolescence. By precisely tracking inventory levels through kitting, companies can better manage their stocks and avoid holding excessive products.

Meanwhile, stockouts occur when demand exceeds available inventory. This can lead to missed sales opportunities and potential customer dissatisfaction. The ability to fulfill orders consistently through kitting helps avoid this issue, reducing the costs for lost sales and negative client experiences.

Promoting Cross-Selling and Upselling

Companies can strategically combine items that complement or are commonly purchased together. This promotional strategy encourages customers to explore and buy additional products they may not have considered otherwise. As a result, the average order value increases, leading to higher revenue generation.

Promoting cross-selling and upselling in inventory management helps prevent slow-moving stocks. Products with lower individual sales volumes or limited demand can be bundled with more popular items, ensuring their inclusion in orders. This approach helps avoid the accumulation of stagnant or obsolete supplies that could result in losses.

Consult With Farris for Optimal Kitting Results!

At Farris, we have the expertise and resources to optimize your operations, increase efficiency, and ultimately enhance customer satisfaction. We recognize that every business has distinct demands and are committed to delivering solutions tailored to your requirements. We will thoroughly analyze your manufacturing process and pinpoint opportunities for significant enhancements through kitting.

Contact us or request a consultation now!

Click to Expand

Full kitting is a process in manufacturing where all the components required for a specific project are organized together in a single kit. It entails creating a comprehensive package containing all the needed parts, tools, and instructions. This helps streamline the assembly or production process by ensuring all necessary items are readily available and easily accessible.

This article will explore the advantages of full kitting and its impact on production efficiency, error reduction, and overall operational effectiveness.

Benefits of Full Kitting

Here are the top advantages of implementing full kitting in production lines:

Customization and Flexibility

Full kitting leverages a common base component set, supplemented with specific configurations as needed. As a result, manufacturers can efficiently adapt to different product variations through the strategic arrangement of components. The production of diverse products becomes seamless, eliminating the need for time-consuming retooling or resource-intensive material adjustments.

Enhanced Efficiency

Complete assembly packages improve workflow efficiency by consolidating all necessary components into one unit. This means that workers spend less time searching for materials, tools, or instructions and more on assembling products. The streamlined process also minimizes downtime and interruptions, allowing for a smoother and faster production cycle.

Faster Turnaround

With all necessary components accessible within organized kits, assembly becomes more efficient. This efficiency allows companies to meet challenging production schedules and promptly address customer demands. In addition, quickly completing tasks translates to enhanced customer satisfaction.

Improved Productivity

The convenience of having the required items readily accessible can lead to improved worker productivity. The result is a more consistent work pace, higher output, and the ability to efficiently fulfill orders. Moreover, quick access to components fosters a sense of confidence among workers, enabling them to concentrate on their tasks.

Optimized Inventory Management

Full kitting enhances inventory management by providing real-time insight into component usage. This helps companies track the consumption of materials accurately, reducing the risk of overstocking or understocking. Additionally, this practice allows for better forecasting of material needs based on the frequency of kit usage, leading to more efficient inventory control.

Reduced Errors

When all components are pre-packaged and arranged, the likelihood of assembly errors is greatly reduced. Workers can adhere to a standardized checklist or process to ensure each step is carried out perfectly. This decreases the possibility of rework, wasted materials, and costly errors, resulting in greater overall product quality.

Streamlined Training

The training process becomes more intuitive and efficient by providing a well-organized package with clearly labeled components. Trainees can easily comprehend the assembly steps, reducing the time needed to familiarize themselves with the production process. This simpler learning curve accelerates the onboarding timeline and equips new hires to achieve proficiency in their tasks at an earlier stage.

Superior Quality Control

Quality control is significantly improved through the use of standardized kits in the manufacturing process. By adhering to an established assembly process, any deviations or anomalies can be swiftly detected and rectified. This meticulous oversight ensures that each product aligns with the desired quality standards before it reaches the end of the production line.

Partner With Farris for Your Kitting Success

At Farris, we are committed to delivering tailored kitting solutions that meet your requirements! We have the expertise and resources to optimize your operations, enhance efficiency, and elevate customer satisfaction. Our approach also includes an in-depth analysis of each operational stage, allowing us to find areas needing significant improvements.

Contact us or request a consultation now!

Click to Expand

On-time delivery of products is essential for maintaining customer satisfaction and retaining a loyal client base. One way to achieve this is by optimizing manufacturing processes, and kitting is a technique that has proven to be highly effective in doing so. Kitting refers to grouping, packaging, and supplying components required for a specific assembly or production process.

This blog will explore how kitting can help optimize manufacturing processes, ultimately improving efficiency and on-time delivery.

Benefits of Kitting in Manufacturing

Here are the 5 most important advantages of integrating kitting into your manufacturing process:

1. Streamlining Material Preparation

Kitting is crucial in simplifying material preparation, as it involves pre-assembling all the necessary components for a particular assembly or production process. This reduces the time spent gathering and organizing materials and minimizes errors during material preparation.

With all essential components conveniently accessible in a kit, workers can dedicate their attention to their tasks. This approach eliminates worries about absent or ill-fitting parts, resulting in a faster and more efficient production process.

2. Optimizing Assembly Line Setups

With the help of kitting, assembly line setups can be optimized to reduce changeover times and increase production flexibility. When kits are prepared in advance, workers can quickly move from one assembly task to another without searching for parts or reorganizing their workstations. This method allows manufacturers to adapt more easily to changing production demands, making it possible to meet tight delivery deadlines.

3. Improving Inventory Management

Kitting minimizes the space required for storing individual components and boosts inventory accuracy and tracking. By implementing this technique, manufacturers gain enhanced control over their stock levels, ensuring the necessary components are available to fulfill orders and avert production delays.

4. Minimizing Production Bottlenecks

Production bottlenecks can occur when there is a lack of coordination between various stages of the manufacturing process. Kitting helps to eliminate these bottlenecks by streamlining material preparation and assembly tasks, thus improving the overall production flow. By identifying and addressing common clogs, manufacturers can increase their production capacity and ensure that products are delivered on time.

5. Enhancing Order Accuracy and Workflow Coordination

Order accuracy is vital in maintaining customer satisfaction and reducing the likelihood of returns or discrepancies. Kitting ensures that the correct components are included in each kit, minimizing the risk of errors during assembly. Furthermore, this method facilitates communication between different departments within a manufacturing facility, promoting better workflow coordination and reducing the chances of mistakes or misunderstandings.

Key Strategies and Best Practices for Implementing Kitting

Seamless integrate kitting into your existing manufacturing system by following the practices below:

Assess the Suitability of Kitting for Your Business

Before implementing kitting, it’s essential to determine whether this approach is suitable for your specific manufacturing processes. Consider factors such as the complexity of your products, the number of components required, and the potential benefits of streamlining material preparation and assembly tasks.

Develop an Effective Process

Once you’ve determined that kitting is a suitable solution for your business, the next step is to develop an efficient kitting process. This includes determining the best way to group and package components, establishing guidelines for assembling kits, and managing inventory.

Train Employees on Standard Procedures

To ensure the success of your kitting strategy, it’s crucial to provide proper training for your workforce. Orient employees about the advantages of kitting and offer practical guidance on assembling and utilizing kits efficiently.

Measure the Success of Your Kitting Process

Finally, remember to regularly evaluate the effectiveness of your procedure. This can be achieved by monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) such as on-time delivery rates, inventory accuracy, and assembly line efficiency. Tracking these metrics will allow you to identify areas for improvement and adjust your processes accordingly.

Maximize the Benefits of Kitting With Farris Consultation

Boost your manufacturing process and on-time delivery using kitting tailored by the Farris! Our expertise in optimizing manufacturing processes helps streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and improve customer satisfaction for businesses in various fields.

Request a consultation with us to discuss your specific needs and receive expert guidance! You may also contact us to learn how our innovative strategies can transform your production line.

Powder coating produces a durable, smooth, and appealing finish for part surfaces and equipment. It is one of many industrial coating methods commonly used by manufacturers to increase the sturdiness and longevity of their manufactured components. While all coating techniques have advantages, powder coating is more effective and favorable in many cases.

This article will dive into what sets powder coating apart from other coating techniques and when to apply it to your project.

Industrial Coating Best Applications

Materials able to withstand 400 °F can be powder coated, including thermoplastics or thermosets. This is one of the reasons manufacturers prefer this method over others.

Powder coating offers the following advantages:

Defense Against Moisture

Powder coating can protect against many environmental stressors, including moisture. It reduces the likelihood of rust and corrosion by keeping moisture from penetrating your metal equipment. Powder coating is the best option for manufacturers who want their equipment to be completely protected.

Fast Application

Liquid finishes such as paint require time to dry and set. This is a significant con for many companies looking to expedite their operations to increase product turnout and revenue. Thus, quickly applying the coating is one of the main advantages of selecting powder coating. This technique also allows easy reapplication to cover spots missed during the first coating layer.

Eco-Friendliness

Several industrial coating types call for using chemicals and solvents that require strict disposal methods to prevent environmental harm. Violating these protocols can result in fees and legal problems for manufacturers. Meanwhile, powder coating is environmentally friendly, allowing businesses to adhere to EPA rules without hassle.

Moreover, powder coatings generate substantially less waste than traditional liquid coatings and hydrographic printing techniques.

Other Industrial Coating Options and Their Applications

Before selecting powder coating for your project, it is crucial to first understand the other types of industrial coatings and how they differ. This will allow you to acknowledge the pros and cons of powder coating and asses how suitable it is for your application.

Painting

Paint coatings are cheaper upfront than powder coating, making them the practical choice for low-volume and non-intricate applications. However, this technique doesn’t offer the durability of powder coating, so it may still cost more money to tend to repairs in the future.

Thermal Spraying

Paint and powder coating are effectively combined in the thermal spray method. When a type of paint is sprayed, a heat source and high-pressure applicator help the paint adhere to the part more effectively. Metals and plastics can both be treated using thermal spray.

Anodizing

In the anodizing process, the aluminum surface is made to oxidize quickly rather than being coated with another substance. The process thickens the metal’s protective natural oxide layer and prevents damage to the core.

Hot Dip Galvanizing

In hot dip galvanizing, the process requires a vessel filled with molten zinc wherein iron or steel will be dipped. Some iron and steel components — such as exposed steel nuts and bolts — can be given a protective layer of zinc, which resists rust and corrosion better than paint or powder coating. However, this may not be the ideal process for large-volume projects.

Phosphating

A comparable substitute for galvanizing is phosphorating. Here, metal components are submerged in an acid bath with metals dissolved in them. The acid encourages the dissolved metals to cling to the part and form a shielding layer.

Farris: Your Trusted Partner for All Industrial Powder Coating Needs

With over 40 years of precision fabrication experience under our belt, we at Farris offer start-to-finish contract manufacturing services that exceed customer expectations. We provide industrial powder coating solutions alongside our fabrication, machining, and prototyping services.

Contact us to request a consultation or to learn more about our industrial coating services.

Click to Expand

Kitting, or the bundling of separate goods or materials into one package, comes in multiple forms. Subscription boxes, for example, utilize kitting to pull together multiple products that then sell in a single package. In manufacturing, kitting refers to a company grouping a collection of items, parts, or materials into one unit, or kit, with its own individual stock-keeping unit (SKU) number. That company then delivers the bundled components to their point of use for assembly prior to final sale.

Material kitting, as this process is commonly known, saves OEMs both time and money because it effectively consolidates shipments of several items that they can now ship as one package. This, in turn, helps with the following:

• Streamlining processes for added efficiency
• Reducing labor costs and fulfillment fees
• Increasing output
• Controlling quality
• Managing inventory and warehousing
• Expediting shipments

Learn more about the various ways in which kitting is advantageous in different sections of the manufacturing industry.

Kitting Improves the Manufacturing Process

For manufacturers, kitting is more than just a cost-reduction strategy; it can actually speed up the manufacturing process. This procedure decreases the overall processing and material handling time by reducing the number of stops in the production line and eliminating touch points. Also, kitting minimizes the risk of error and boosts efficiency as the worker responsible for a product’s assembly has all of the parts at hand that are necessary for the task. By consolidating to reduce the number of individual deliveries, this also helps manufacturers streamline their distribution processes.

Kitting Saves Warehouse Space

Warehousing costs are tied to how much space a product occupies in a facility. Storing a single kit takes up less space compared to storing several products separately, allowing warehouses to optimize their functional facility and shelf space and saving the manufacturers money. As bundled components with a single SKU can be shipped as one item, the predetermined nature of a kit’s contents simplifies calculations on cost predictions. Kitting also makes it easier for warehouse employees to monitor inventory levels because they only have to keep track of one unit rather than several, and workers can carry out kitting ahead of time, meaning that they can effectively get a jump on order fulfillment for greater operational efficiency.

Kitting Helps Manage Inventory

Kitting as an inventory technique allows manufacturers to bundle products and, in doing so, improve their flexibility. Like in warehousing applications, manufacturers can more easily track their inventory, especially if they employ software inventory control. Kitting reduces the number of items in stock, which reduces the SKU numbers in the system. Keeping accurate inventory allows companies to avoid stockouts or backorders and helps to streamline the supply chain, all while reducing labor costs. This method also presents a unique opportunity for manufacturers to increase their product sales. Rather than purchasing a single item, kitting encourages customers to instead purchase a grouping of related products as one unit.

Kitting and Assembly Services at Farris

Ultimately, kitting is beneficial for both businesses and consumers. Businesses can control shipment quality, manage their inventory and warehousing capacity, and save on labor and production costs. Consumers will receive all of their desired components in a single shipment for a positive interaction with your organization.

At Farris, we are dedicated to offering our customers comprehensive services from quality assurance inspections to assembly and distribution to simplify your installation procedures. We will deliver all of the high-quality parts you need, on time and intact, to enhance operational productivity and reduce costs. Contact us today for more information about our range of kitting solutions and assembly services to support your business.

Click to Expand

Before manufacturing a product and bringing it to market, there are multiple steps to take to ensure that it will be a success. After coming up with a concept and completing the first designs on paper, making an initial model, or prototype, will allow manufacturers the chance to evaluate their product idea and make any necessary improvements before placing it into full production. It is important to confirm that the final product will be capable of its expected functionality and to address any concerns prior to manufacturing, when any errors would be costly and time-consuming to fix.

While the prototyping process can be straightforward, a linear journey from concept and prototype to production, the process often requires going back to the design or even product ideation stages with multiple rounds of prototype creation as manufacturers identify unexpected problems. Companies that offer prototyping services can help guide you through the various steps of prototype production, determining solutions, redesigning to accommodate new data, and making suggestions for optimizing your model.

Conceptualizing the Product Idea

New inventions and products all stem from a single first step: the idea. This is often the most challenging part as you not only have to come up with a concept, but you must also figure out how to make it a reality, designing it and manufacturing it with future customers in mind.

Much planning and innovative thought go into idea execution prior to production. You must thoroughly research and consider:

• Any existing competition in the market
• Target audience
• Market value
• Budget versus overall cost of the project
• Manufacturing options

To be successful, the goal of a new project should typically be to solve a problem that many people face. Brainstorm with your design team to figure out what your customers need, how they will use your product, and how it will compare to the competition. Then you can use that information to decide if your product will have a favorable position in the market and be worth manufacturing.

Designing the Prototype

Now that you have a viable concept in mind, you can proceed with designing the product. Begin with a simple drawing or an outline of attributes that you wish for your product’s design to include. Once you have a clear vision for your product, you can then digitize the model with computer-aided design (CAD) software or create a 3D replica of the product. If your computerized model works well in theory and meets all aesthetic requirements, you can move on to producing a physical prototype.

Creating and Testing the Prototype

Creating a working prototype may be the longest part of the prototyping process. Trial and error, adjusting measurements and attributes, and gathering the necessary materials and funds to produce the parts that the project requires may take some time.

Consider how the materials you choose may affect your product. For example, thermoplastic prototypes are a common choice for enhancing function, durability, and stability. Prototyping material options include:

• Metal
• Acrylic
• Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)
• Polycarbonate
• Polyphenyl sulfone
• Nylon
• Wood

Once you have decided on metal prototyping, plastic prototyping, or another method, you can produce and assemble the prototype and begin testing. During this phase, take meticulous notes on functionality, reliability, etc. If there are any problem areas, the design team will work to suggest solutions and modify the prototype accordingly. This may even involve scrapping the current plan and redesigning the product, optimizing it until you are satisfied with the result.

Manufacturing the Finalized Prototype

Achieving prototype success means moving into the last phase of production: manufacturing. Here, you use your marketing data from the ideation stage to decide on the appropriate quantity for your first production run. You will also determine what tooling is necessary and what material will best suit your product’s needs. Finally, your perfected prototype can move into manufacturing as the next step to market.

Comprehensive Prototyping Services From Farris

At Farris, our design engineering experts will guide you through the prototyping process and help you determine the optimal materials, design, and tolerances for your project to adhere to best manufacturing practices and pinpoint cost-saving opportunities in production. With over 40 years of experience, high-tech equipment, and the capability to handle almost any fabrication project, trust Farris to get you from prototype to production quickly and efficiently.

We utilize CNC mills and lathes, MIG and TIG welders, press brakes, injection molding equipment, and more for precision prototype production in metals, plastics, and wood with quick turn times. Our prototyping services include everything from design assistance to assembly and finish treatments for prototypes that allow you to evaluate form and fit as well as function. For more information about our prototyping capabilities, contact us today.

Click to Expand

Metal fabrication is a fundamental skill that dates back to the dawn of civilization. This process of converting raw metal materials into tools, machines, and structures has allowed humans to survive and thrive. Most mechanical and technological advancements pioneered by humankind required metal fabrication, such as hand tools and blades for hunting, machine components for creating vehicles, electronics, and construction materials. Today, metal fabrication remains a crucial part of manufacturing and development across countless industries.

To work a raw metal material into a specific object, metal fabrication shops enlist the services of experts, welders, ironworkers, blacksmiths, boilermakers, and other professionals. They then work on various metals through cutting, bending, and assembling. In addition to these three basic techniques, metal workers also use machining, welding, shearing, and casting to achieve a product.

Common metals for fabrication include gold, iron, aluminum, steel, carbon steel, stainless steel, silver, bronze, brass, copper, and magnesium.

The Beginnings Of Metal Fabrication

Humans have benefited from metal fabrication for centuries. The earliest evidence of metal fabrication dates back to 8700 BCE in the Middle East, where a copper pendant was discovered underground in Northern Iraq. In America, the earliest sign of metal fabrication was back in 4000-5000 BCE when copper mining was documented.

Metal also played a significant role in ancient civilizations. The seven types of metal that early civilizations knew of were identified with seven celestial bodies. Gold was paired with the sun, silver was paired with the moon, mercury was paired with Mercury, copper with Venus, iron with Mars, tin with Jupiter, and lead with Saturn.

As time progressed and humans realized the vital part metal plays in society, these materials became more than just references to celestial bodies. Metals that were primitive back then were worked into jewelry and used for construction. And in the Bronze Age, people started combining different forms of metal to achieve advanced raw material properties. They were melted, integrated, and forged.

Soon after, metals and metal fabrication techniques became prominent and influential. It defined how far ahead a civilization was, as it was used as a symbol for the elites and to create weapons for war.

The Modern Benefits Of Metal Fabrication

Today, metal fabrication is used for a wide array of applications. Aside from hand tools, machines, electronics, and construction, it also benefits the transportation sector, produces intricate jewelry pieces, creates household products, and serves military purposes.

As an industry, metal fabrication is very beneficial for a business as it helps create durable end products and cater to specialized designs. In addition, metal fabricators provide a convenient solution, offer access to skills and advanced methods, allow access to an array of modern equipment, and reduce overhead materials costs. Therefore, it is crucial for businesses to partner up with the right metal fabricators.

Work With Farris For Your Fabrication Needs

Farris Farris Fabrication division is dedicated to providing precision wood, plastic, and metal fabrication services! Our operation is among the leading metal fabrication plants in the United States, and we work with our clients from start to finish.

Having invested in the latest equipment and technology, we have the tools and equipment to complete any metal fabrication projects. In addition, our engineers provide expert engineering advice to ensure the success of your project.

Let us know how we can help you! Get in touch with us today.

On July 23, “Educators in the Workplace” highlighted Farris, located in Cherryville, NC.  The company has been committed to precision fabrication for over 40 years. This rapidly growing company continues to invest in technology and its skilled employees. Farris currently has three Gaston County locations and over 300 employees.

Sponsored by Gaston County Schools and the Gaston Regional Chamber, with support from area businesses, Educators in the Workforce gives educators an opportunity to visit local companies, learn about job opportunities in Gaston County, and take career information back to their schools to share with students.

The educators began their visit with a presentation about all aspects of the manufacturing and full-service capabilities of the company.  After an enlightening session of questions and answers, the guests toured the Cherryville facility to better understand the manufacturing processes of the various divisions. The visit ended with more discussion about what educators could do to help prepare students for successful futures in the workplace and how Farris could work directly with local schools to allow students hands-on opportunities to explore fabrication and manufacturing careers.  Partnerships like this are invaluable for educational and economic development.