When it comes to outsourcing finishing work, many manufacturers are understandably cautious. After spending time and money to create perfect parts, handing them off to a third party for finishing can feel risky. To the customer, the results of that final stage of production reflect directly on the contract manufacturer; that’s why choosing the right metal finisher is critical.
In this blog, we will explain why it is critical to have a partnership with your metal finishing vendor that is built on trust, and how GMF stands out among the rest.
Why Finishing Can Be Risky
We’ve heard through the grapevine that some shops won’t even bid on jobs that require a finishing step. Perhaps they’ve been told horror stories, or maybe they’ve been burned in the past with damaged parts, quality issues, missed deadlines, or other major mishaps.
Unfortunately, when problems occur at the end of the supply chain, scrap and rework are imminent. And when a finishing vendor makes a mistake, the contract manufacturer is the one who has to face the fallout with the end customer. That’s why working with a metal finisher that doesn’t prioritize quality can scare even the most open-minded manufacturers away from jobs that require such services.
However, we’d like to emphasize something: Not all metal finishers operate the same way.
At Global Metal Finishing, you don’t have to say a prayer and cross your fingers when you send us your parts. We have systems, certifications, and expert teams in place that give our customers confidence.
What Makes GMF One of the Good Ones?
Certifications That Guarantee Quality and Compliance
We are AS9100 certified, ITAR registered, and Nadcap accredited on all of our chemical processes. These accomplishments represent a continuous commitment to quality, consistency, traceability, and compliance that we’ve worked hard to earn and even harder to maintain.
Chemistry That Is Fully Under Our Control
From our aluminum anodizing service to the passivation of stainless steel, every chemical process at GMF is carefully maintained and monitored in our in-house lab. We’re masters of our craft, and our control over our chemistry ensures that every batch is consistent and meets spec.
Flexible and Scalable
We’re still a small company, which means we can pivot quickly. Whether you require a one-off prototype or a high-volume production run, we operate with agility and responsiveness to fit your needs. Our team can move around schedules, adjust shifts, and do whatever it takes to help our customers meet their targets.
True Customer Support
When you call Global Metal Finishing, you’re connecting directly with a human being on the other end who cares about your success. We prioritize upfront and open communication with our customers because we know just how critical it is.
Our team asks the right questions and follows up. We troubleshoot and suggest improvements, especially if you’ve had part failures or issues in the past. We take our partnerships seriously and go above and beyond every time.
Our Advice to Customers: Set Expectations Upfront
Our metal finishing services are highly dependent on preparation and clear communication. That’s why notes on blueprints and POs help us deliver exactly what you need, without surprises.
Additionally, if a part has had issues in the past, let us know. We’ll help diagnose what went wrong and make sure it doesn’t happen again. As we build our “recipe cards” for parts, we make a note of any critical surfaces, tight tolerances, special masking needs, and other quirks that stand out to us. That way, we can produce the same successful outcomes the first time and every time after.
Trust Global Metal Finishing with Your Parts
When you partner with GMF, you’re choosing a metal finisher who understands what’s at stake, and who delivers repeatable, high-quality results. Customers see the difference the very first time, and many of them don’t look back.
The next time you’re evaluating a metal finishing partner, look deeper. Ask about their processes, tour their facilities, and inquire about their certifications. Not all metal finishers are the same, and at GMF, we’re living proof of that.
Request a quote from our metal finishing shop!
