What affects aluminium fabrication lead times?

Check when the quoted lead time starts

A lead time is useful only when its starting point is clear. Check whether a quoted period begins with order acceptance, approved drawings, confirmed dimensions or the release of materials. Those stages may happen on different dates.

Discuss your required delivery date early and agree the programme for the actual system, quantities and scope being ordered. Tender dates, manufacturing dates and installation dates should be identified separately.

Allow for design information and approval

Manufacturing needs sufficiently complete dimensions and product details. Changes to opening sizes, glazing, hardware or the selected system can require revised information and a review of component orders.

Identify who approves drawings, who confirms the dimensions and when outstanding details will be resolved. An early enquiry can help expose gaps; it does not remove the need for final manufacturing information.

Check materials, glazing and finishes

The finished product relies on several components arriving in time. Profiles, glass, hardware and surface finishes may have different availability, particularly where the specification calls for unusual dimensions, specialist glass or a particular colour.

Ask about these dependencies while the specification is developing. If an alternative is proposed, your design team needs to assess its compatibility and performance before approving the change.

Coordinate delivery and site readiness

Manufacture is one part of the programme. Openings, supporting construction and access need to be ready when the glazing is delivered or installed. Discuss unloading, storage, lifting and the sequence of other trades.

For occupied buildings or phased handovers, identify the working areas and access windows at enquiry stage. Update the team if those arrangements change, even when the products themselves remain the same.

Build a programme around the real decisions

When enquiring with AW, send the current drawings, product requirements and the dates your project needs to meet. We can discuss fabrication and supply alongside the installation arrangements, if included.

Lead times are confirmed for the individual order. Use the following milestones to structure your discussion and identify who is responsible for each one.

• System, glazing, hardware and finish selection
• Final dimensions and drawing approval
• Material procurement and fabrication
• Delivery, site readiness and installation

Prepare your aluminium quotation brief