An Overview of Tandem Press Brakes | What You Need To Know

An Overview of Tandem Press Brakes | What You Need To Know

An Overview of Tandem Press Brakes | What You Need To Know

A large press brake is not the only way to bend a large-sized part. Press brakes can be coupled to work in tandem, thus increasing productivity and throughput. Any shop evaluating its need for a tandem press brake should understand how they work, their proper applications, and the material handling options available to increase productivity. This overview of tandem press brakes will inform you whether two press brakes are better than one large press brake. How Does a Tandem Brake [...]

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Different Ways Press Brakes Apply Force

Different Ways Press Brakes Apply Force

Press brakes are a vital piece of metal forming equipment found in many manufacturing shops. Press brakes apply tons of force to shape solid metal objects into desired shapes. The most common application is to bend sheet metal at a certain angle. Press brake forming technology has undergone many changes. When you're in the market for a press brake, it helps to know how these pieces of machinery work and how one model differs from another. Let's look at [...]

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Why Beam Coping Is Important in Structural Steel Fabrication

Why Beam Coping Is Important in Structural Steel Fabrication

It is vital to know why beam coping is important in the fabrication industry. Coping steel beams has been an important part of the process of sheet metal fabrication for many years. Cutouts are unique to each beam and designed so that beams fit together tightly and with precision—even at acute angles. Coping of beams is necessary to make sure they line up without interference. Coping Manually In the old days, beam coping was done by hand, laying out the reliefs [...]

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Ways To Reduce Production Time in Metal Fabrication Shops

Ways To Reduce Production Time in Metal Fabrication Shops

Clients of metal fabricators often need their order as soon as possible. So, metal fabricators are always looking for ways to reduce production time and deliver the best product in the shortest time frame. This increases the need to crank out the maximum amount of projects. For these reasons, fabricators are always looking for ways to optimize their processes for greater efficiency to reduce lead times. Read these ways to reduce production time in metal fabrication shops for some [...]

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How to Get the Most Out of Your Aging Machinery

How to Get the Most Out of Your Aging Machinery

Machinery—just like plasma cutting systems, shears, water jets, and other metal fabrication equipment—requires constant maintenance to keep it in good working shape. Poorly maintained machinery runs inefficiently. Breakdowns and downtime are expensive, and safety is always a consideration. Keeping your machinery running well is imperative to a smooth-running operation. Learn how to get the most out of your aging machinery in this guide to preventing machine breakdown due to longevity and maintenance issues. Stay on Top of Training for Machinery [...]

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Types of Plasma Cutter Gases and Their Benefits

Types of Plasma Cutter Gases and Their Benefits

When doing research, an operator or owner could be faced with a dizzying array of gas options. Many fabricators choose a plasma cutting system with dual gas or multi-gas capabilities. This means that a variety of plasma and shield gases can be used for various applications. A plasma torch is simply a highly charged ion that blazes through electrically charged bases such as metal plates. A plasma welding machine uses different kinds of gases to tear through metals. The plasma [...]

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In-Depth Look at How Hydraulic Press Brakes Work

In-Depth Look at How Hydraulic Press Brakes Work

A hydraulic press brake is an essential piece of equipment in industries relating to sheet metal fabrication. There are two popular types in the sheet metal fabrication community: the manual press brakes and the press brakes operating on hydraulic power. Hydraulic press brakes are the safest and more controllable than a mechanical brake. They generally allow for multiple speed settings. Hydraulic also allows for more precision bends, providing greater control when inching down and getting set for a job. Another advantage [...]

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An Overview of the Structural Steel Fabrication Process

An Overview of the Structural Steel Fabrication Process

Average Joes don’t understand how detailed metal fabrication is. Many people think we just cut a few things and, bam, the final project is complete. This idea couldn’t be further from the truth. The process is actually much more complicated than you may think. So, read this overview of the structural steel fabrication process so you can develop a deeper appreciation for the field. Cutting Fabricators start each project by cutting the materials. Luckily, the field of metal fabrication has come [...]

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An Overview of the Fiber Laser Cutting Process

An Overview of the Fiber Laser Cutting Process

Fiber laser cutting machines are among the most significant advancements in the metalworking industry. The machines are over 100 times more powerful than their carbon dioxide counterparts. Also, the devices are much more efficient and can create more cuts in less time. This begs the question, why wouldn’t a shop owner buy a fiber laser cutting machine? Ahead, we present an overview of the fiber laser cutting process for supervisors who need a little more convincing. What Is a Fiber [...]

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Real-World Roll Forming Applications

Real-World Roll Forming Applications

As fabricators, we see our work everywhere. Every time we step foot in a car, we wonder if one of our colleagues was the one who put it together. Well, this sentiment may also be true for angle roll forming. Here are real-world roll forming applications that everyone should know. Perhaps once you realize how common these devices are, you’ll develop a fonder appreciation for metal fabrication. Automobiles and Trains Metal fabricators are the magicians of the automotive field. Without our [...]

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