Buyers of forging stock face the challenge of sourcing high-quality materials at competitive prices that meet the specific requirements of their industry. In this article, we highlight the eight most important criteria that buyers should consider when selecting forging stock, based on an interview with Emil Hamzic, Head of Internal Sales at Breitenfeld Edelstahl AG.
The quality of the steel is crucial for the performance and longevity of the end products. At Breitenfeld Edelstahl AG, materials are produced according to strict standards such as EN 9100, ISO 9001 and specific requirements for pressure vessels, marine and other industries. Customers usually send their specifications, which are then checked by a feasibility study in the quality department.
Compliance with mechanical properties, such as tensile strength and toughness, is ensured by predefined workflows. These processes are clearly defined and make it possible to produce the steel bar exactly according to the customer's requirements.
The chemical composition is another important factor. Breitenfeld Edelstahl AG adapts this to the customer's specific requirements in order to guarantee optimum mechanical properties. This is possible because the company can make flexible adjustments to the composition.
The surface quality is ensured by special testing procedures. Customers can choose between milled or raw surfaces, depending on the requirements and specification.
Price plays a decisive role in the purchasing decision. At Breitenfeld Edelstahl AG, price accounts for around 40-60% of the decision, followed by certifications and delivery time. The company strives to offer competitive pricing by minimizing steps in the process.
In addition to the pure material price, additional costs such as transportation and customs duties are also relevant. Breitenfeld generally offers free delivery, but specific costs such as tolls must be invoiced separately.
Punctual deliveries are of great importance to many customers, especially if further processing steps are required in our own plant. Breitenfeld Edelstahl AG regularly invests in optimizing production processes in order to shorten delivery times and maximize plant utilization.
The company has built a reputation for flexibility in delivery times, which in some cases has led to significant business successes, such as the rapid delivery of "triple-melt batches" within 14 weeks.
The reputation of Breitenfeld Edelstahl AG is an important factor in customers' decisions to work with the company. Delivery reliability is a key aspect that is regularly reviewed and optimized.
Certifications such as ISO 9001 are a must for many customers and play a decisive role in the selection of suppliers.
Customers expect Breitenfeld Edelstahl AG to fully understand and comply with their specifications. The company offers comprehensive technical support, particularly in the adaptation of chemical analyses or in the event of complaints.
Professional and solution-oriented complaints management is crucial for a long-term customer relationship. Breitenfeld Edelstahl AG attaches great importance to solving problems quickly and supporting customers even in difficult situations.
Transport costs are included in the price in most cases, yet Breitenfeld takes care to minimize transport times through groupage transports and optimized time slots.
Packaging is done according to the customer's wishes, whereby special requirements, such as transport boxes or special packaging regulations, can be met.
Sustainability is of growing importance to many customers. Breitenfeld Edelstahl AG implements various measures, such as the use of a closed water cycle in production and the use of CO2 for cooling water neutralization, to minimize the environmental impact.
By bundling orders and maximizing furnace utilization in heat treatment, both the environment and production costs are protected.
The ability to adapt to new technologies and market requirements is of great importance to customers. Breitenfeld Edelstahl AG continuously invests in new equipment and technologies to meet growing demands.
Recent innovations include the use of an electric arc furnace and the implementation of "Green Steel" technologies to reduce the CO2 footprint.
Choosing the right forging material is a complex decision that is influenced by numerous factors. Breitenfeld Edelstahl AG supports its customers with high quality standards, flexible customization and comprehensive technical support. By responding to the specific needs of its customers and continuously investing in new technologies, the company has established itself as a reliable partner in the steel industry.