When you pay for professional services of any kind, it’s important to be confident that you’re in good hands. That goes for everything from getting a haircut to partnering with a machine shop for complex machined parts.
At Wagner Machine, we know confidence, like trust, is earned. And we’re committed to being the shop that you’re fully confident can get you the parts you need when you need them.
How We Build Customer Confidence at Wagner Machine
Here are six ways we inspire customer confidence at our precision machine shop:
1. Clear processes
We clearly define the system we use to make each part, including specific machining operations, outside processes, assembly steps, inspection requirements, and more. For critical parts, we often discuss manufacturing options with our customers to help them make the best decision for their overall project.
We can provide this information during the quoting process. Everyone on our sales team at Wagner Machine were machinists before they began quoting. Even so, we see some crazy parts. If they aren’t 100% certain about something, they will get a machinist or two involved to review the part in more detail.
2. Manufacturing options
Because we offer many advanced capabilities in-house, we’re not incentivized to sell one service over another. We have the opportunity to customize our manufacturing approach for each project, weighing the pros and cons of different options such as:
- Machining a complex turn/mill part on a lathe with live tooling so that we can complete turning and milling operations on one machine vs. running separate lathe and mill ops to reduce overall cycle time for parts with complex milled features.
- Machining a small diameter part on a lathe vs. a Swiss screw machine depending on raw material availability, part complexity, and length to diameter ratio.
- 3-axis vs. 5-axis machining for parts with complex geometries. We have high-speed and automated options for both 3-axis and 5-axis, so we will recommend the best process based on part quantity, complexity, and tolerance requirements.
In most cases, our recommendations are determined by the part’s functionality. We’ll advise you on the best option from our perspective to help you make the best decision.
3. Honest and detailed feedback
While we pride ourselves on making the impossible possible, we’re always transparent about what we can and can’t do. Many shops will straight up no-quote customers when they aren’t certain they can meet their specifications, but that’s not our style.
If there is a tolerance that we’re not 100% sure we can hold AND verify, we’ll talk to you about it or provide detailed notes on your quote indicating the tolerance we are certain can be achieved. We will offer suggestions and be clear about what we can guarantee as well as expected outcomes.
Our customers appreciate this approach because they always know that what they see is what they’re going to get—when Wagner Machine tells you we can make your part to spec, you can be confident that we mean it.
4. Proactive communication
Our goal is always to get parts right the first time, which involves proactive communication from the moment customers request a quote.
Models and prints ostensibly communicate design intent, but small details can inevitably fall through the cracks unless someone picks up on them. In this case, that someone is us!
It’s our standard to ask questions during the quoting process so that customers get the part they truly want with no surprises. For example, if we think certain features might create a blending issue, we’ll run that by you for approval.
We maintain steady communication throughout the duration of a project, keeping you updated on the status of your order from start to finish.
5. Investments in technology
Innovation in manufacturing is exciting to us! We’re always looking for the best technology to expand our capabilities and improve our services.
We use modern machining equipment capable of holding the tightest tolerances and achieving the most consistent parts. Our advanced CAM software helps us generate efficient programs to ensure part consistency and keep costs down. Automation enables us to scale any project from prototype to high volume production.
And as a digital shop, we’re fully prepared to keep your data safe. We prioritize cybersecurity so that customers can be confident their sensitive information is protected.
6. Track record of success
We have a track record of taking on the complex machined parts that other shops avoid and delivering superior results.
As someone wise once said, “Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.” We’re not interested in making parts that are “good enough.” When we work with you, we’re committed to getting every last detail right with no surprises. And we can prove it, too. We maintain comprehensive records and documentation including material and plating certs, heat treat specifications, and inspection documentation. If you need something specific, just ask!
We’re honored to have many repeat customers who come back to us again and again because they know we can get the job done—whatever it is. If you haven’t worked with us before, allow us to earn your trust and confidence. We won’t let you down. Request a quote today!