When launching a new product or scaling production, many OEMs face a critical question: custom metal fabrication vs standard parts—what’s the right approach? Choosing the best fit can impact your project timeline, cost, and performance. In this post, we’ll break down the differences and help you determine which option aligns best with your goals.
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What Is Standard Metal Fabrication?
Standard metal fabrication refers to using off-the-shelf parts or universally sized components. These parts are easy to source, cost-effective, and ideal for applications where flexibility and uniqueness are not required. Many manufacturers turn to standard solutions for projects with tight budgets or repetitive product builds.
For example, using standard brackets or panels in industrial enclosures can reduce lead times significantly.
What Is Custom Metal Fabrication?
Custom metal fabrication, on the other hand, is tailored to meet unique specifications. Whether you need complex geometries, non-standard materials, or precise tolerances, custom fabrication gives you complete control over fit, form, and function.
Custom work is often the right choice for high-performance industries like aerospace, energy, or medical devices, where precision is critical.
Custom Metal Fabrication vs Standard: How to Decide
Here are a few things to consider when choosing between standard and custom:
|
Consideration |
Standard Fabrication |
Custom Fabrication |
|---|---|---|
|
Cost |
Lower |
Higher (initially) |
|
Lead Time |
Faster |
Slower (design time) |
|
Fit & Function |
May require workarounds |
Designed for exact specs |
|
Flexibility |
Limited |
Fully customizable |
|
Volume |
Ideal for high volume |
Great for low/med volumes or specialty builds |
As a general rule, choose custom metal fabrication when precision, uniqueness, or integration is required—and go standard when speed and cost are the priority.
Which Is Best for You?
The best solution depends on your industry, budget, and performance needs. Many OEMs find success by blending both approaches—using standard components where possible and adding custom elements where it matters most.
At MSI, we help clients determine the most efficient and cost-effective solution. Whether you’re looking for standard part integration or a fully custom metal build, our in-house equipment and experienced team are ready to deliver.
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