332313: Plate Work Manufacturing

What this code covers

Census defines 332313 as plants that make fabricated plate work by cutting, punching, bending, shaping, and welding metal plate they buy from a mill or service center. The plate is heavier than sheet, and the output is usually a welded assembly rather than a formed panel.

Defense and aerospace buyers use this code for machine bases, skids, weldments that get finish machined, armor and ballistic plate assemblies, hoppers and chutes, blast deflectors, ship structural pieces, and heavy brackets. Many plate shops also do the burning, beveling, and stress relief before a machine shop takes over. Structural frames belong in 332312 and heavy gauge tanks have their own code.

What federal buyers typically ask for

Shipyards, Army depots and arsenals, Navy fleet readiness centers, and NASA centers post most of the plate work you will see. DLA posts some under the land and maritime supply chains for weldment spares. The work is usually build-to-print with a drawing package and a welding specification.

Welding drives the quality terms. Expect welder and procedure qualification to a named code, weld inspection records, and for naval work a specific fabrication and inspection document set. Mill certs for each heat, dimensional inspection, and a certificate of conformance are standard. Armor plate carries its own material specifications, and DFARS specialty metals applies to steel and titanium in weapon system items. Some drawings are export controlled.

Small business set-asides are common for spares and small weldments. Larger shipyard and depot jobs often go unrestricted, but many still land with small fabricators.