Custom Fabrication vs. Machine Shops: Anderson Dahlen Does Both

Understanding the Difference: Fabrication vs. Machine Shops

One of the most common questions from prospective customers is: “Are you a machine shop or a fabricator?” The truth is, Anderson Dahlen (ADI) is both and so much more.

While traditional machine shops specialize in machining for precise, standalone parts, fabricators handle a wider range of manufacturing processes, including welding, sheet metal work, and assembly. ADI integrates both capabilities under one roof, making it a one-stop solution for companies that require complex, custom-built equipment.

For industries like food processing, pharmaceuticals, vacuum technology, and industrial manufacturing, this full-service approach reduces complexity, improves quality control, and ultimately saves time and money.

What is a Machine Shop?

A machine shop focuses primarily on CNC machining, turning, and milling to produce individual parts with precision. These shops manufacture components such as:

• Custom metal parts for machinery
• Bolts, brackets, and fasteners
• Precision components for aerospace, medical, and industrial applications

However, a traditional machine shop does not assemble components into finished products or provide large-scale fabrication capabilities.

What is a Fabricator?

A fabrication shop offers a broader set of capabilities, including:

• Sheet metal cutting and forming
• Structural steel cutting and forming
• Pipe and tube fabrication
• Welding and metal joining
• Electrical wiring harnesses and control systems
• Assembly of complete systems or machines

Fabricators combine parts into complete assemblies, ensuring that finished products are ready for installation and operation.

How Anderson Dahlen Integrates Fabrication & Machining

A One-Stop Manufacturing Solution

Unlike standalone machine shops or fabrication houses, Anderson Dahlen provides end-to-end manufacturing services, allowing customers to:

• Source all components from a single vendor instead of multiple suppliers.
• Ensure seamless quality control across every production phase.
• Reduce lead times with in-house capabilities.
• Streamline project management with a single point of contact.

Which Industries Benefit the Most?

ADI’s integrated approach is ideal for companies that need custom-built equipment rather than just individual components. Key industries include:

Food Processing Custom conveyors, processing equipment, mixers, and ingredient handling systems.

Pharmaceutical & Biotech Precision tanks, sanitary processing equipment, and contamination-free manufacturing solutions.

Vacuum & Industrial Applications High-precision vacuum chambers, industrial ovens, and specialized enclosures.

A cheese manufacturer looking for a customized processing line traditionally sources different components—tanks, augers, mixing equipment—from multiple vendors. With ADI, they can get the entire system fabricated, assembled, and quality-tested in one place.

The Advantages of ADI’s Integrated Approach

1. Enhanced Quality Control

Anderson Dahlen has a dedicated quality control team that ensures every product meets the highest standards.

• Material Test Reports (MTRs) document metal quality.
• Full inspection reports track precision at every production stage.
• Advanced metrology equipment (CMM, laser tracking) ensures accuracy.
• Certified processes comply with industry regulations for food, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications.

Some customers purchase raw materials directly from ADI just for the certified documentation—a testament to the company’s meticulous quality standards.

2. Efficiency & Cost Savings

Working with one supplier instead of multiple vendors reduces:

• Supply chain complexity
• Production delays due to outsourcing
• Hidden costs of managing multiple suppliers

A 30-week build at ADI might take 40–50 weeks if outsourced to multiple vendors, due to supplier delays and additional inspection time.

3. Streamlined Communication & Project Management

With Anderson Dahlen, customers have a single point of contact for their entire project.

• Direct access to engineers and quality control teams
• Consistent project oversight
• Reduced miscommunication between multiple vendors

One of our valued customers partnered with ADI specifically to simplify their supply chain and improve quality control—rather than sourcing multiple parts separately.

Final Thoughts: Why ADI is the Right Choice for Custom Fabrication & Machining

When choosing a manufacturing partner, quality, efficiency, and expertise matter. With full-service fabrication and machining, Anderson Dahlen offers:

• A seamless, single-source manufacturing process
• Unmatched quality control and compliance standards
• Time and cost savings with faster project completion
• Custom engineering solutions tailored to each industry

Looking for a manufacturing partner that does it all? Contact Anderson Dahlen today to discuss your next project.