What is the importance of value-added dervices in pipe and tube? When it comes to streamlining your operations and keeping your expenses in check, choosing the right distributor can make all the difference when it comes to the competitive landscape of the pipe and tube industry. The advantages of working with a distributor that offers both raw materials and services for pipe and tube needs are discussed in this article.
The Benefits of Value-Added Services in Pipe and Tube
As part of value-added services in the pipe and tube industry, distributors offer a range of additional services that go beyond simply offering random lengths of material. In order to save time, money, and resources, these services are designed to add value to products, improve their functionality, or meet the specific needs of customers. There are several benefits to partnering with a supplier who offers more than simply fulfilling your orders:
Reduced waste
Opting for value-added services like cutting can help you get the most out of your materials, as you will only be purchasing exactly what is needed. This not only cuts down on scrap and inventory but also reduces overspending, saving both time and money. What’s more, getting your supply partner to handle tasks such as cutting means that any issues with material length are not your responsibility.
Convenience
When you source your materials, you don’t want to communicate with several companies just to meet all your desired needs. Therefore, partnering with a supplier who offers value-added services simplifies the procurement process. You will have a single point of contact at American Piping who will handle all aspects of your order from quotation to delivery. You can also avoid having to acquire and maintain your own equipment, resources, and labor by working with a one-stop shop.
Your supplier will handle the additional processes that are required to meet your needs, such as cutting, threading, or coating pipes and tubes. Providing these services allows American Piping to streamline your operations and reduce costs, leading to your business’ success overall.
Customization
Every project or purchase comes with a unique set of specifications. Having a supply partner that can cater to your specific needs can help eliminate extra processing or handling, saving you both time and money. Your material arrives ready for immediate use, leading to more efficient operations, since your material can be fixed lengths, machined ends, special coatings, or finishes tailored to your project’s needs.
Improved Performance
Prefabrication value-added services such as coating and painting help maximize the performance and/or durability of pipe and tube products for a variety of applications. Depending on the environment, specialized coatings or finishes may be required. For instance, applying a suitable coating to these products can protect them from corrosion, significantly increasing their lifespan. By selecting a supply partner that provides custom coatings and finishes, you will be able to save time and money while avoiding having to involve a third party company in your project. This helps ensure an easier, more cost effective solution for you and your crew!
Quality Assurance
Without confidence in how your pipe or tube will perform, you can’t afford to receive it. In order to ensure that pipe and tube products meet industry-specific quality and performance standards, providers can offer raw materials as well as additional testing and inspection services. You can be confident that you will receive consistent, high-quality products with quality control measures in place, which reduces downtime and costly failures. You can rest assured that your projects are built on reliable and trusted materials when you work with American Piping, which is ISO 9001 certified.
Value-Added Services in Pipe and Tube More Than Just Pipe and Tube
As customers, we understand the importance of having a supplier that goes beyond just supplying raw materials. In addition to providing top-quality pipe and tube products, IBC also offers a comprehensive suite of value-added services to help you optimize your projects from the beginning to the end.
Cutting
Each length of pipe or tube we cut marked to meet your specific requirements, and we adhere to strict ISO quality standards at our yards. To deliver pipe and tube to your exact specifications, we use a variety of cutting methods, including band saws, miter saws, and torch cutters. This saves your crew time and money because you only pay for the length you need.
Beveling
Using cutting-edge machine and flame beveling equipment in our Houston and Chicago facilities, our yard staff prepares pipe for welding so your crew doesn’t have to. Let us eliminate that extra shop time and handling, so you can focus on your core business.
Profiling
Using our Vernon Pipe Cutting Machine, American Piping can profile pipe according to your custom drawing. The Vernon software program converts drawings into computer designs that IBC can use to make custom parts. Whether you need saddle cut ends for structural purposes or pressure vessel shells ready for fabrication, we can help you reduce your production costs.
Threading
American Piping keeps threaded pipe in stock to facilitate urgent needs. We also offer steel pipe threading and coupling services for a variety of sizes not commonly found in stock.
Testing
We offer a full range of testing services in-house or through approved laboratories to ensure that your pipe or tube meets specific performance and quality standards. These tests include:
- Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
- Charpy Impact Testing
- Hydro-Testing
- Positive Material Testing (PMI)
- X-Ray/Magnetic Particle (MP)
- ABS and DNV Compliance Testing
- Liquid Dye Penetrant,
- Chemical Analysis, Mechanical Testing, and Hardness Testing
- Protective Coatings
Our comprehensive surface preparation and coating services enhance the performance and extend the lifetime of your pipe and tube, protecting your material from corrosion and improving aesthetic appearance.
Available services include:
- Exterior and interior cleaning and blasting per SSPC standards
- Pickling & oiling to remove impurities
- Application of FBE and ARO protective coatings
- Customer specific primer or paint system requirements
- Galvanizing pipe according to ASTM A123
- Value-Added Services for Your Specific Needs
With IBC Metal Group’s value-added services, your pipe and tube projects will be more efficient, cost-effective, and successful. With us as your trusted partner, you get access to a comprehensive range of services that go beyond your ordinary supplier, ensuring you get the material you need. Let an IBC expert help you make your job easier and your business more profitable and efficient by connecting with an expert!
Contact with IBC Metal Group Today!
