The Ludwick process:
Custom metal fabrication for bespoke environments

Custom metal fabrication is not a simple thing. It encompasses multiple processes that need to be executed precisely to get the best results.

To deliver the best customer service and high-quality parts, a manufacturer first must understand your requirements, expectations, and intentions (REI) for the part you hope to market. Likewise, it’s also imperative that you understand the manufacturer’s capabilities, reputation, and the distinct ways they can benefit you. By fostering this transparency from the beginning of your project, it becomes much easier to work together as a team and tackle any challenges that arise throughout. Read on to learn how the sheet metal fabrication process at Ludwick Precision results in exceptional quality parts for you.

Here are some key questions that we must ask to make sure that we can give you the optimal solution.

What features or surface finishes do you need?
How soon do you expect to have completed parts in hand?
What applications will this part fulfil?
What is your budget?

The custom metal fabrication process

1

Mutual understanding
Before initiating any project together, we first seek to gain an understanding of you as a client. This involves getting an insight into your current situation, understand the way your business operates, take a look at your requirements and establish your expectations and intentions for the product to be produced. We will contact you on a regular basis as well as schedule onsite visits to understand your requirements.

In return, you, as the client, are also expected to understand Ludwick, evaluate our capabilities, the benefits we offer, and our reputation in the industry.
2

Budgeting, pricing, and timeline
Before we proceed with the production of custom metal fabrication, we must agree on the budget for the sheet metal fabrication process. We will produce a quotation with a breakdown of the requirements. We will also look at the final pricing, prototypes, design involvement, and development. Additionally, pricing for design input, prototypes, and batch quantities will be agreed upon before the start of the production.

To set the expectations for delivery, we will generate a timeline that includes the submission of quotes, design input, manufacturing of prototypes, and batch delivery. The project must be deemed within our capability and the budgets and timescales agreed upon for milestones like quoting, prototyping, designing, and manufacturing – only then we can proceed.
3

Designing
Custom metal fabrication at Ludwick Precision is simplified in a multitude of ways. Our expertise in the field allows for a holistic approach that involves end-to-end design and product consulting. Our test facility, known as our Fast Build Prototype Service, allows us to rapidly fabricate prototypes and efficiently eliminate delays, which in turn also let us refine and modify your product’s design at a moment’s notice. We will work deliberately with you and stay in constant communication during the design phase to make sure that your project meets your specifications and requirements.

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4

Prototype manufacturing
Once initial designs are agreed upon by both parties, we can proceed to prototype manufacturing. In most cases, several iterations of the part get made during the prototyping phase. Iterative alterations are incorporated to account for changes in manufacturing processes or part application requirements. During each iteration, we will show you 3D models of your part and give you the prototype samples for all iterations. Also during this phase, you can access our online customer portal which allows you to view the progress of your project anytime and anywhere. Transparency at every stage of your project assures that you are quickly notified of any issues or changes that occur.

Product consultancy and prototyping
5

Finalisation of design and batch creation
When an iteration of your design is deemed acceptable, we can finally work together to finalise the design. We will hash out any issues encountered during the prototype manufacturing phase and touch up the design to again make sure that the part meets your requirements. Once both parties agree on the final design, we then proceed to batch creation and production according to the agreed budget and timeline. We can also give another quote for higher volumes, if necessary.
6

Continuing relationship management
After the initial design, prototyping, and production runs are completed, communication lines will remain open. In part, of course, our continued communication is intended to assure you of a smooth production run and to discuss any issues that arise. We will also stay in touch to establish future requirements or to discuss new, potential bespoke metal fabrication projects for the future.