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how to prevent delays in aluminium profile manufacturing

Delays are totally undesirable when you order for aluminum profiles. They could cause increase in costs and lead to other bottlenecks that can delay an important project. That is why you need to know how to avoid these delays and ensure that you always receive your aluminum profiles on schedule. Here are some of the ways to prevent unwanted delays in production and delivery.

Make Sure the Design Works

No matter how brilliant an idea is, it is important to test it properly before you make an order for mass production. Custom extruded aluminum profile designs need to be thoroughly tested before they are sent in for production. If there are issues with the profile, it will cause the lead time to increase and this could have serious financial implications. Where possible it is good to produce a prototype first with a 3D printer or similar technology to reduce the cost of delays that could occur in future. A prototype can easily reveal potential flaws that can be corrected before a production run.

Avoid Seasonal Trends and Maintenance Shut Down Times

Manufacturers of aluminum profiles need to shut down their factories for routine maintenance at certain times of the year. When you order for your profiles around this time, you should expect some delays. Orders will be back logged and there could be other orders waiting to be completed ahead of yours. The easiest way to avoid this is to order for your aluminum extrusion long before the routine maintenance period. You may also order for products that have already being produced and are available in stock. It is important to contact your supplier in advance if you want to make a custom order.

Reduce the Number of Extra Machining or Extrusion Operations

Any time you add more operations to the normal extrusion production process, you will increase the lead time. Such operations include finishing and fabrication. In cases where machines that can speed up the process are available, it may not cause a major delay but when the profiles have to be handled manually or processed individually, there will definitely be some delay.

To avoid or minimize delays you can do some of the finishing operations at your factory or you can get another supplier or machine shop to help you to complete the process. You can also decide to use the same supplier to handle the finishing, machining, fabrication and any other services to cut down on the lead time.

Find a Supplier that is Reliable

If you are experiencing delays in the delivery of your aluminum profiles, you need to apply some of these tips to reduce delay. But if your supplier has always delayed the delivery date for your order, you may need to find a more reliable supplier like us.

A reliable supplier will be able to handle all your manufacturing needs and reduce the complexity of the process. You will enjoy adequate support from design to packaging and shipping. This will make the process more efficient and reduce the cost of procuring your aluminum profiles.