Vibratory finishing is a popular method that can achieve a range of finishes for your parts, from deburring to polishing and radiusing. The decision between subcontracting this process or investing in vibratory finishing equipment can be a difficult one, as each option has its own set of pros and cons. In this post, we'll look at the key factors that you should consider when deciding between subcontracting and buying vibratory finishing equipment.
Cost: One of the primary factors to consider when deciding between subcontracting and buying equipment is cost. Subcontracting the process can be a more cost-effective solution in the short term, as you won't need to make a large upfront investment in equipment. However, if you need to process a high volume of parts on a regular basis, buying your own equipment may be a more cost-effective solution in the long term.
Lead Time: Subcontracting can result in long lead times, which can impact your production schedule. If you need to process parts quickly, you may be better off investing in your own equipment. However, with a fast turnaround as standard from PDJ Vibro, subcontracting may still be a viable option for you.
Expertise: When it comes to vibratory finishing, you can either subcontract the process to a company with decades of experience or invest in your own equipment and develop your own expertise. By choosing to subcontract to a company like PDJ Vibro, you can take advantage of their decades of experience and expertise in the industry, ensuring that your parts are processed to the highest standards. PDJ Vibro's professional and knowledgeable staff are dedicated to delivering the best results for their clients and their state-of-the-art sub-contract service is testament to this commitment. With the company's extensive knowledge and experience in component finishing, you can trust that your parts are in safe hands. By investing in your own equipment, you have the opportunity to develop and expand your own knowledge and expertise, allowing you to effectively operate and get the most out of your vibratory finishing equipment
Customisation: With subcontracting, you may have limited options for customising your vibratory finishing process. However, PDJ Vibro provides free part sample processing as part of their subcontracting service, allowing you to see the results and make any necessary adjustments. On the other hand, investing in your own vibratory finishing equipment gives you complete control over the process and the flexibility to make changes as needed to meet your specific requirements. And if you choose to purchase a machine from PDJ Vibro, our experts will work with you to ensure the equipment meets your needs and is set up for optimal results.
Quality Assurance: When subcontracting your vibratory finishing, the quality control measures of the subcontracting company become a factor to consider. However, at PDJ Vibro, we pride ourselves on providing the highest level of quality control to ensure that your parts are finished to your exact specifications. On the other hand, if you invest in your own equipment, you'll have complete control over the quality of the process and the ability to make any necessary changes in real-time.
Volume: Volume is an important factor to consider when deciding between subcontracting and buying vibratory finishing equipment. If you are processing a high volume of parts, investing in your own equipment may be a more cost-effective solution in the long term. This is because the cost per part processed can be lower when using your own equipment, especially when processing a large volume. Additionally, having your own equipment gives you complete control over the processing of your parts, which can be important if you have tight production schedules or specific quality requirements. On the other hand, if you only need to process a small volume of parts, subcontracting may be a more suitable option as it can save you the upfront cost of buying equipment. The subcontracting company will also handle the maintenance and storage of the equipment, which can be a considerable advantage for those with limited space.
When deciding between subcontracting and buying vibratory finishing equipment, it's important to consider the cost, lead time, expertise, customisation, quality control, and volume of parts that you need to process. Each option has its own set of pros and cons, so it's important to weigh them carefully and make an informed decision based on your specific needs. If you're still unsure, call PDJ Vibro on 01908 648757 for advice and guidance or read more about our subcontracting service.
