The Core Fabrication Capabilities Every Manufacturer Should Look For

In today’s fast-moving industrial economy, manufacturers can’t afford downtime, defects, or delays caused by subpar components. Whether you’re in energy, petrochemicals, construction, or heavy manufacturing, partnering with a metal fabricator that offers comprehensive fabrication capabilities is essential for long-term project success.

At Boardman Inc., we understand that high-quality outcomes start with precision fabrication and reliable service. In this article, we’ll explore the core fabrication capabilities every manufacturer should evaluate when selecting a metal fabrication partner and why cutting corners on capability often costs more in the long run.

Why Fabrication Capabilities Matter

Fabrication capabilities refer to the full range of technical skills, equipment, certifications, and services a fabricator offers from raw material processing to final assembly. The broader and more advanced a fabricator’s capabilities, the better they can serve diverse industries, meet tight tolerances, and handle complex or large-scale projects without outsourcing.

Strong fabrication capabilities mean:

• Greater quality control
• Faster lead times
• Fewer subcontractors
• Better adherence to specs and industry codes
• Cost-effective and scalable solutions

1. Material Handling and Cutting

The foundation of any fabrication project begins with material preparation. Your fabricator should be equipped to handle a wide range of metals carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy steel, and more and be able to cut them accurately to spec.

Key capabilities include:

• CNC plasma or oxy-fuel cutting
• Waterjet or laser cutting (for precision work)
• Plate shearing and saw cutting
• Raw material inventory management

At Boardman Inc., our cutting department is equipped to handle heavy-gauge materials with tight tolerances and minimal waste.

2. Rolling and Forming

Rolling and forming are essential for producing curved or cylindrical components like tanks, pressure vessels, ducts, and shells. A top-tier fabricator will offer large-scale plate rolling and press brake forming to meet both standard and custom geometries.

Key equipment and capabilities:

• Plate rolls up to 3” thick and 12’ wide
• CNC press brakes for high-accuracy bends
• Section rolling for angle, beam, or channel shapes

With in-house forming equipment, Boardman Inc. delivers consistent, repeatable results across high-volume or one-off projects.

3. Welding Expertise

No fabrication operation is complete without expert welding one of the most critical elements in structural integrity. Look for fabricators with certified welders and the ability to perform a wide range of welding processes based on your project’s needs.

Core welding capabilities include:

• SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding)
• GTAW (TIG Welding)
• GMAW (MIG Welding)
• SAW (Submerged Arc Welding)

Boardman Inc. also provides welding in compliance with ASME Section VIII, Division 1 for pressure vessels and other code-compliant applications.

4. Machining and Finishing

Precision components often require secondary operations such as machining and surface treatment. Partnering with a fabrication company that can provide these in-house improves efficiency and quality control.

Capabilities to look for:

• CNC milling and turning
• Drilling and tapping
• Surface preparation (grinding, sandblasting, painting)
• Heat treating or stress relieving

Boardman Inc. can machine large, heavy components in-house and finish them to customer specifications, eliminating the need for third-party vendors.

5. Engineering and Quality Assurance

Even the best fabrication equipment is ineffective without proper engineering and QA support. Reliable fabricators offer design reviews, 3D modeling, and in-depth inspections to catch problems before they reach the field.

Look for capabilities like:

• CAD/CAM integration
• Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) management
• Non-destructive testing (NDT)
• Full traceability and documentation

At Boardman Inc., we follow rigorous QA procedures from quote to final shipment, ensuring each job is code-compliant and inspection-ready.

6. Logistics and Project Management

Finally, fabrication isn’t just about bending and welding metal it’s about managing complex timelines, coordinating deliveries, and keeping clients informed. Strong logistics and project management capabilities can make or break your schedule.

Look for:

• In-house project managers
• Timely communication
• On-time delivery history
• Safe and secure shipment handling

Boardman Inc. offers cradle-to-grave project management, so clients can trust that every phase from raw steel to finished component is handled with precision and professionalism.

Final Thoughts

Your fabrication partner’s capabilities are not just technical checkboxes they are indicators of whether they can truly support your business goals. If you’re planning a large-scale industrial project, fabricating a pressure vessel, or building infrastructure that demands absolute reliability, you need a partner with comprehensive, proven fabrication capabilities.

Boardman Inc. has been delivering advanced custom fabrication solutions to America’s toughest industries for decades. From forming and welding to finishing and delivery, our team is equipped, certified, and ready to deliver.

Looking for a trusted metal fabrication partner?
Contact Boardman Inc. to learn how our full-service fabrication capabilities can help bring your project to life on time and on budget.