Frequently Asked Questions
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Does Arsco support specialty fabrication beyond building products?
Yes. In addition to our core product lines, Arsco also supports select specialty fabrication needs, including electro-mechanical chassis, scientific and laboratory testing equipment, AI server chassis, and sound attenuators.
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Do you give to charity?
Yes. Arsco supports charitable causes on an ongoing basis, including monthly donations to The Children’s Rescue to help remove children from slavery situations, and to Compassion to support a child’s education abroad.
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How do I get started with Arsco on a new project or replacement need?
You can get started by using our Contact Us form, calling us at 513-385-0555 and selecting 4200 for Sales, or emailing info@arscometals.com.
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Can Arsco handle the full process from design and fabrication through delivery and installation?
Absolutely. We can support the full process from concept development and field verification through engineering, fabrication, delivery, and installation. In many cases, this approach provides the best coordination and overall project outcome.
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Why choose a custom-fit Arsco solution instead of a lower-cost off-the-shelf product?
In some cases, a standard product may be suitable. However, many applications require a solution that fits the actual field conditions, building systems, and safety requirements of the space. Arsco designs, fabricates, and supports its products in-house from concept through installation, which helps improve fit, function, and accountability. We are proud to design and manufacture our products in the United States, and as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned business, we take pride in delivering dependable, purpose-built solutions.
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Do you offer standard products, custom products, or both?
Both. We offer proven standard product types, and we regularly customize them to fit project-specific conditions, dimensions, and safety requirements.
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Can Arsco help us choose the right product if we know the problem but not the exact solution?
Yes. That is one of our specialties. Many customers come to us with a challenge rather than a fully defined product, and we work with them to identify the best solution for the application, environment, and budget.
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How do Arsco products help protect occupants, staff, and building equipment?
Our behavioral health safety products are designed with OMH guidelines in mind and built for durability in demanding environments. They help protect occupants and staff by reducing or eliminating ligature points and limiting unauthorized access to building systems and equipment. They also help protect the equipment itself, which can reduce damage, extend service life, and lower long-term replacement costs.
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What types of products does Arsco offer across behavioral health, corrections, renovation, and specialty applications?
Arsco offers both standard product platforms and custom-fabricated solutions tailored to adjacent construction, operational needs, and environmental conditions. Our HVAC enclosure lines include fan coil, PTAC, heat pump, induction unit, radiant heat, VRF/cassette, and finned tube enclosures. We also provide thermostat, speaker and alarm, television, fire extinguisher, message and artwork, grille, medical gas outlet box, medical gas valve box, lighting, access panel, phone, storage, and modular locker enclosures, along with other specialty metal products.
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Can you work from our drawings only, or can Arsco help engineer the solution?
Both. We can work directly from your drawings, or we can help develop the solution based on field conditions, application needs, and project goals.
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Do you offer design-assist support for difficult existing conditions or custom applications?
Absolutely. We welcome design-assist involvement early in the project, especially when existing conditions or custom requirements could affect scope, pricing, or performance.
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What details should we include in the drawings and specifications to avoid scope gaps during bidding and fabrication?
We recommend calling out the product model, material type and gauge, dimensions, finish requirements, and any critical tolerances or field conditions that could affect fabrication or installation.
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Can your standard product designs be modified to match project-specific dimensions, finish requirements, or design intent?
Yes. We can modify our designs to match project-specific requirements, provided the requested changes do not compromise safety, durability, or product performance.
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What is the difference between a standard enclosure and one designed for behavioral health or correctional use?
Behavioral health and correctional enclosures are specifically designed to reduce ligature points and improve safety while still allowing the enclosed equipment to operate properly without interference.
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What makes Arsco’s behavioral health and ligature-resistant products appropriate for high-risk environments?
Our behavioral health products are designed with OMH guidelines in mind and developed to reduce ligature opportunities while maintaining function, durability, and serviceability.
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How do you handle deposits, terms, and project changes once work begins?
Our order process is straightforward. Depending on the size and scope of the project, we may require an initial deposit, followed by engineering drawings for approval, then additional release requirements before fabrication begins. Payment terms and change management are determined by project scope and contract requirements.
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Do you ship nationwide, and how are products packaged to reduce freight damage?
Yes, we ship nationwide. Products are packaged in-house based on size, finish, and freight method. Higher-value or more damage-sensitive projects may ship via dedicated truck to reduce risk and liability.
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What are the biggest drivers of price on a custom metal project?
The biggest pricing drivers are typically product type, quantity, size, complexity, finish requirements, and installation scope.
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Can Arsco install its own products, and how do you handle scheduling, phasing, and access on active job sites?
Yes. We prefer to measure and install our products when the scope allows, but we can also make installation straightforward for others. Scheduling is coordinated after drawings, finishes, and key project details are approved so fabrication and installation can align with the project schedule and contractual requirements.
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Do you provide shop drawings, submittals, and coordination support during preconstruction?
Yes. We can provide shop drawings, submittals, and coordination support based on the level of detail required for the project.
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Can Arsco support both new construction and renovation projects with irregular field conditions?
Yes. We support both new construction and renovation work, including projects with challenging or irregular existing conditions.
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What is the typical lead time from approved drawings to fabrication, shipping, and installation?
Lead time depends on current backlog, product type, project size, and approval timing. Once drawings are approved and the job is released to production, standard project quantities are often fabricated in less than six weeks.
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What does Arsco need at bid time versus what can be finalized after award?
The more information you can provide at bid time, the better. However, in many cases we can begin with photos, approximate dimensions, quantities, and the project location, then finalize the remaining details after award.
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Can you customize dimensions, cutouts, access points, and attachment methods for our job conditions?
Yes. We regularly customize dimensions, cutouts, access details, and attachment methods to match project-specific conditions.
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Can Arsco provide fabrication only, or can you also handle field verification and installation?
We can provide fabrication only, or we can support a full turnkey scope that includes field verification and installation. The level of service is based on the customer’s preference and project needs.
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Do your products arrive ready to install, or should we expect field modification on site?
Our goal is to provide products that are ready to install without field modification. If site conditions change or critical information is omitted during the quoting and engineering process, modifications may occasionally be necessary.
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Can your products be built around existing HVAC, plumbing, and electrical conflicts in renovation work?
Yes. This is one of our specialties. We can fabricate around existing field conditions or develop a solution from drawings and submittal information when field conditions are still being finalized.
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What information do you need from us to quote enclosures, covers, sills, or custom metal products accurately?
The best starting point is plans, specifications, a takeoff if available, your measurements, and one or two photos of the area. Basic dimensions such as length, height, and depth are especially helpful.
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Can Arsco field measure and fabricate products to fit actual duct, pipe, fin tube, radiator, and equipment conditions?
Yes. In many cases, we prefer to field measure our specialty products to help ensure the best fit and reduce installation issues. Site conditions and project requirements will determine when field measurement is recommended.
