Custom Fabrication

by Marcy Marro | June 1, 2022 12:00 am

Some fabricators, such as East Coast Metal Systems[1] (ECMS) in Triadelphia, W.Va., fabricate a variety of products, including gutters, downsprouts, coping, edge metal, flashings, chimney caps, louvers and sunshades, cornices and fascia, soffit, curbs and even subframing and finials and spires, in addition to metal roofing and wall products.

However, other fabricators, such as Fabricated Products Group[2] (FPG), Frankfort, Ill., specialize in the design, engineering and manufacturing of premium architectural systems and components. FPG fabricates sunshades, architectural grilles, garage screening, expanded mesh systems, thermal z girts and miscellaneous metal. Dan Shields, president of (FPG), says, “The versatility and breadth of products allows us to remain engaged with our clients to make sure we are there to help in any way possible.”

Custom Products

Offering a variety of product options allow fabricators to meet the needs of the architects and designers that they work with. “We take the architect’s vision and design and customize it to meet that need,” says John Trifonoff, vice president, ECMS.

“Our job is to simplify the construction process, whether it’s an architect looking for a capable company to place in project specifications, a general contractor looking for a subcontractor, an installer looking for a fabricator, or a fabricator looking for an installer,” Trifonoff adds. “Not only do we offer fully customizable flashings and accessories in a wide range of colors, finishes, thicknesses and textures, but we offer services that can be tailored to specific project goals and needs.”

Working with a fabricator should start earlier in the design process rather than later, which as Shields notes, allows for a more thorough approach to the building enclosure system as a whole. “We feel so strongly about that, we even offer free design assist to architectural firms,” he says. “The earlier on in the process, the better chance we can help with transitional details, economy of scale issues, material selection versus supply chain constraints, etc.”

Steve Kerr, director of operations at ECMS, says to truly utilize the company’s full potential, starting from the beginning of the design process can increase the project’s profitability and reduce labor costs and time on the project. “Starting from the beginning of the design process, we can walk them through the steps needed for specific metals or when bending metal a certain way. ECMS has the knowledge to walk architects and contractors through those processes and help make the project more efficient.”

One-Stop Solution

FPG focuses on machinging custom, customer-specific designed parts for various industries, specializing in components and systems for building enclosure and glazing contractors throughout the United States. “We position ourselves as the manufacturer that can be the easy button for a project,” Shields explains. “Many custom items are needed to achieve performance or structural integrity, and we do not compromise with standard systems.”

Being able to fabricate more than just metal wall and roof panels makes East Coast more versatile for the needs of each project, and as Trifonoff says, “A benefit to fabricating different products is being able to go to one fabricator for multiple disciplines.”

Additionaly, “Customizing products to manage the product’s efficiency best reduces labor and field costs and still meets the design’s expectations,” Kerr adds. “The ability to go to one fabricator to get all their metal needs helps keep the project within the budget to achieve the architect’s vision.”

Source URL: https://www.metalarchitecture.com/articles/custom-fabrication/

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