There’s nothing wrong with purchasing used metalworking machinery—if there’s nothing wrong with the machine, the dealer that sells it, or the availability of parts and service. These are the major considerations included in what to know before buying used metalworking equipment. (more…)
Workers in manufacturing have been conditioned to fear automation. “Robots are coming to take over our jobs!” is the cry heard in factories and metal fabrication shops that are adding new technology. But in truth, how automation affects metal fabrication doesn’t necessarily mean replacing jobs, just changing them. Making Jobs Easier and Faster Automation, including robotic parts handling and computer-controlled cutting and deburring, makes metalworkers’ lives easier and safer. There’s less direct handling of workpieces and less lifting and hauling. This can [...]
As consumers have seen gas prices soar at the pump, so have industries seen energy costs increase. For small to mid-sized metal fabricating operations, increased energy costs can put a dent in profits as shops devote more resources toward paying for power. Here are three ways to increase energy efficiency in metal fabrication. Conduct An Energy Audit An energy audit can give you the data you need to identify areas that are wasting energy and where you can increase efficiency without [...]
All businesses—whether local, regional, national, or global—faced unprecedented obstacles since early 2020. The metal fabrication industry is no exception. Shops large and small have adapted to overcome a variety of obstacles. While specific issues vary from large to small shops, the five biggest challenges facing the metal fabrication industry affect them all. (more…)
Plasma cutting machines offer unique benefits for metal fabrication. Adding a plasma cutting machine to your shop can improve efficiency and broaden the type of work you can produce. Learn the benefits of plasma cutting machines. Speed Plasma cutting machines cut quickly. They can typically make the same cuts as other machines 5-6 times faster Working quickly reduces the risk of warping and heat deformation. Plasma cutting machines don’t need pre-heating, so there’s no waiting time before getting started on the [...]
Operating a metal fabrication shop requires you to make quick decisions every day. Of course, there are the obvious questions about suppliers, material, inventory, and team members, but there are other considerations you must make regarding the capital equipment you purchase. A fiber laser cutting machine falls into this category. It’s essential to select the right machine with this type of investment. Read on to learn what to consider before purchasing a fiber laser cutting machine. Your Cost Investment Another factor [...]
Laser cutting machines are becoming more essential to metal fabrication shops. They produce precision cuts on almost every material a shop will work with, and these cuts are made by burning, vaporizing, or melting the material. But how exactly do these machines work? Read on to learn more about industrial laser cutting machine design. The Lasers The first and most important part of the laser cutting machine design is the laser assembly. While lasers vary across different models and applications, the [...]
Metal fabrication shops have a lot of different machines to accomplish various tasks. One of the largest machines in any shop is the press brake. It bends and shapes significant pieces of metal needed for heavy-duty manufacturing. Unfortunately, some pieces of metal are too large for these machines. Thankfully, manufacturers have developed tandem press brakes capable of handling these long pieces of metal. Read on to learn more about how tandem press brakes make long sheet metal bending easy. Efficiency [...]
Metal fabrication shops work with types of machines to fabricate different metal parts for their customers. The most common type of equipment you will find in every shop is a press brake. There are numerous types, sizes, and capabilities, as each shop has different production needs. Here’s how to determine the right-size press brake for your needs. What Material Are You Working With? Metal fabrication shops work with various types of metal to bend parts to fit the customers’ job requirements. [...]
