Sourcing hard to find materials
Every piping procurement professional eventually faces that one challenging RFQ, a material that seems straightforward on document but unexpectedly turns difficult to source. It might be an uncommon alloy grade, an unusual configuration, a special dimension or even a discontinued model.
In such situation conventional sourcing won’t work always and a delay can turn very expensive for the project.
Why materials become difficult to source?
There are various factors to consider, the most common reasons are
- Low demanded material grades
- Exotic alloys
- Obsolete specifications
- Special custom dimensions
- Nonstandard wall thicknesses
- Unusual pressure classes
- Special end connections
- Smaller quantities
- Project-specific modifications
- The first step: understand the exact requirement
Before starting any procurement process, identify and understand the exact requirement. From Delivery to required documentations, Testing, Quantity Material Grades etc.
Even the smallest of difference can completely change the available sourcing options and a specialized supplier like Ferro Pipe and Fittings can identify the material easy with the extensive stock options and the wide spread supplier network along with the knowledge gained by handling special materials on daily basis.
This is particularly valuable for urgent project requirements to avoid and delays and mitigate risks.
Manufacturing & Modifications
If the material cannot be sourced directly from stock, manufacturing will be the option.
Based on the material we can easily identify the available options around the world from stock raw materials to manufacturers who can comply the specifications and delivery requirements.
Depending on the product and specification, we can consider options for quicker delivery by Forging, Machining, Fabricating and Custom Modifying with compliance to technical requirements.
Modifications & Machining is also a solution, sometimes the required material exists but not in the exact configuration. Suitable machining or modification may provide a practical solution as permitted by the applicable specification and project requirements. This includes Flange machining, Bore modifications, Change to End Facing and connections, Special end preparations.
This doesn’t mean you need to compromise on the quality, FerroFPF can offer these services in full compliance to the international standards with full set of documentations, including machining and modification procedures. We have all the procedures documented for quality compliance hard to find materials should never mean hard to document.
FerroFPF focuses on specialized piping grades and hard to find materials including pipes, fittings, flanges, valves and other accessories. Our dedicated service offers materials from stock in same day delivery to quick manufacturing from stock raw materials to semi finished forgings.