What to Look for When Choosing a Custom Valve Manufacturer

Custom valves play an important role in manufacturing processes. They differ to standard valves because they are specifically designed and manufactured to fulfil particular needs.

Standard valves can be bought from a variety of sources and are generally widely available so there are always alternative suppliers. Custom valves, however, are sourced from a specific supplier and finding an alternative will be difficult. So, it’s important you make the right choice first time.

The Importance of the Right Partner

We rely on valves to ensure the safe and efficient movement of gases and liquids. Valves that don’t work correctly can result in:

• Inefficiencies in operations that can cause wastage, reduced productivity and increased costs
• Dangerous pressure build-ups or leaks that can be hazardous, especially in industries such as oil refining or chemical processing
• More frequent repairs and replacements that cause increased maintenance costs and greater downtime.

These issues are likely to be even more significant when you use custom valves, since these are generally installed in critical processes where reliability is essential. So you really need to have a custom valve manufacturer as a partner that you can rely on to provide the service you need.

Experience and Expertise

Since custom valves are designed for a specific application, it’s important that the supplier has experience of the industry. That means the supplier will be better able to understand the challenges of the application and may have overcome them previously.

An established custom valve supplier may well have experience in different industries such as oil and gas, HVAC systems, water treatment and pharmaceuticals, or may specialise in certain areas. Ensure the experience covers your sector and is broad enough to include various types of application.

Although custom valves are individually designed for particular uses, the supplier needs experience in various types. These include ball valves and gate valves that turn flows on and off, globe valves that regulate flows, butterfly valves that isolate sections of pipe and pressure relief valves that are necessary for safety in pressurised systems.

Engineering and Design Capabilities

Standard valves may not meet the demands of your application so you need to be sure your chosen supplier is capable of designing and manufacturing a valve that will fully satisfy those demands. A supplier that is innovative and uses the latest techniques and materials is preferable but the main consideration is that you can trust them to do what you want.

Many companies will supply standard valves but the production of custom models requires a different approach. The manufacturer needs to be able to understand your needs and translate them quickly into a workable design, and then into a usable product. They need to be flexible in their approach, able to produce prototypes for testing or volume products once approved, and to do it promptly, reliably and cost-effectively.

Manufacturing Capabilities and Quality Control

The manufacturer must have the capacity and capability to produce large-scale or low volume custom orders. They must be able to do this quickly, dependably and on time so you are not held up by delays.

Advanced equipment and modern facilities that are well organised and efficient are signs that the manufacturer can meet your needs in a reliable manner. A wide range of valves produced for other customers will also demonstrate capabilities.

A vital part of the service is producing high quality valves that will operate reliably and efficiently. Ensure the manufacturer has established quality control procedures, especially a quality management system with ISO 9001 certification, so you know procedures are followed.

Customer Support and Collaboration

To achieve the level of performance you want from your valves, and to do it consistently, you need to work closely with the manufacturer. A spirit of partnership and collaboration is necessary so you can achieve your aims together.

The supplier needs to have a knowledgeable and experienced team that is able to understand your application and its challenges, and is able to supply custom valves that do exactly what is required of them. It also needs to be able to ship those valves to you securely and on time so your operation is not delayed.

Once the valves are supplied, that’s not the end because you want a supplier you can rely on long-term. The company must provide help and guidance, on-going support, repairs, maintenance, resolution of problems and the ready availability of spare parts. A long-term and trusting relationship is essential.

Material Sourcing and Supply Chain Reliability

Although the contractual relationship is between you and the manufacturer, there are other companies involved and you must be sure of the solidity of arrangements. If the manufacturer runs out of materials, the process will stop.

The dependability of the supply chain may be crucial to your business. The manufacturer should maintain adequate stock of materials and have easy access to new supplies. All your suppliers are an integral part of your operation so you need to be sure they can respond quickly and have reliable partners all the way down the supply chain.

Pricing Structure and Value Proposition

Custom valves cost more to buy than standard versions but can offer substantial cost savings over their life. Although the price you pay is important, the total cost of ownership over the valve’s life is more meaningful so consider maintenance, downtime, energy efficiency and the life of the product.

Also important is that the supplier is totally transparent with a clear pricing structure and no hidden costs. You want to be sure the product offers good value, and reliability and efficiency will help to provide that.

Reputation and References

The dependability of the manufacturer will often result from their experience and expertise. A well-established supplier is more likely to understand your industry and its problems, and be able to address them properly.

Look for a manufacturer with a good reputation and that provides warranties. Read independent reviews, references and satisfy yourself of the manufacturer’s dependability. When liaising with the company, you should get an idea of its operating methods and decide if you can work with its people. Trust is everything.

Compliance and Safety Record

One of the main tasks of a custom valve is to prevent leaks and accidents, preserving worker safety. Be sure that the manufacturer complies fully with safety standards and has a good safety record.

Compliance is essential to avoid legal penalties but safety standards that prevent leaks and pressure build-up are also crucial. Accidents will endanger employees, disrupt operations, damage your company’s reputation and incur severe financial penalties, and high quality custom valves will help to avoid all that.

We can help you comply and operate efficiently. Get in touch to find out what we can do for you.