What To Know Before You Start Cutting Steel

What To Know Before You Start Cutting Steel

What To Know Before You Start Cutting Steel

In the world of metal fabrication, steel cutting is a common yet complex task. It requires an in-depth understanding of materials, precision in execution, and a keen awareness of safety. Review what to know before you start cutting steel. This post will serve as a valuable resource for professional metal fabricators and fabrication shop owners. Know What Type and Thickness of Steel You're Cutting Steel comes in various types and thicknesses, each presenting its unique set of challenges. For instance, stainless [...]

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Which Type of Metal Roofing Will Last the Longest?

Which Type of Metal Roofing Will Last the Longest?

The durability of a roof is a critical consideration when choosing materials for a new construction or renovation project. Metal roofing has become a popular choice due to its longevity, but not all metal roofs are created equal; some are more resilient than others. Which type of metal roofing will last the longest? Copper Roofing Copper is one of the oldest metal roofing materials, and it is renowned for its durability. A well-maintained copper roof can last for over a century. [...]

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What Is the Bend Radius for Sheet Metal?

What Is the Bend Radius for Sheet Metal?

Metal fabrication requires precise measurements and specifications. One question that must be answered before starting any work involving creating angled or curved products is, “What is the bend radius for sheet metal?” Bend Radius Defined The bend radius is the radius of the arc created after bending the sheet metal. It can be measured from either the inside or the outside of the bend. If the radius is too small, the metal could crack, break, or deform, ruining the product. The [...]

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How To Choose the Right Metal for Your Fabrication Project

How To Choose the Right Metal for Your Fabrication Project

Learning how to choose the right metal for your fabrication project is essential to get your desired results. This is especially important when you must choose from many options with unique properties. Various metals work better for different applications based on their characteristics. Consider the following factors when selecting metal for your fabrication or manufacturing design. What Metal Product Are You Making and How Will It Be Used? Before considering which metal to use, it's essential to understand the product you're [...]

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What You Should Know About Working With Aluminum

What You Should Know About Working With Aluminum

Aluminum, a versatile and widely used metal, offers numerous benefits to metal fabrication shops. However, working with aluminum requires understanding its unique properties and safety precautions. Here’s what you should know about working with aluminum. Weight vs. Strength Aluminum stands out for its impressive strength-to-weight ratio. Despite being one-third the weight of steel, it can reach high levels of strength when alloyed with other elements. This lightweight yet robust nature makes aluminum ideal for applications where weight reduction is crucial, such [...]

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What Is the Maximum Thickness a Fiber Laser Can Cut?

What Is the Maximum Thickness a Fiber Laser Can Cut?

Fiber lasers are becoming increasingly popular in the manufacturing industry for their precision, power, and speed when cutting materials. But what is the maximum thickness a fiber laser can cut? There is some confusion about the materials a fiber laser cutter can penetrate and how deep they can cut. Here, we clear up some confusion about a fiber laser cutter’s capabilities. Refresher on How a Fiber Laser Cutting Machine Works A fiber laser cutting machine uses a fiber-optic cable to deliver [...]

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How To Choose the Right Welding Machine for Your Business

How To Choose the Right Welding Machine for Your Business

If you want your metal fabrication shop to expand and offer more services, you must consider investing in welding technology. However, selecting the right welding machine can be difficult and time-consuming. To make it easier for you, we’ve compiled this guide on how to choose the right welding machine for your business. Factors to consider include space constraints and budget restrictions, as well as knowing what type of welds you plan on doing for materials of various types and [...]

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3 Top Tools Sheet Metal Roofing Businesses Should Use

3 Top Tools Sheet Metal Roofing Businesses Should Use

The sheet metal roofing industry is a dynamic and competitive field. To stay ahead of the game, roofing businesses need to utilize the best tools available. These tools not only enhance productivity but also ensure precision and high-quality results. Here are the top three tools that every sheet metal roofing business should use in their operations. Sheet Metal Shears Sheet metal shears are an essential tool for cutting metal roofing materials. They provide clean, straight cuts with minimal distortion, ensuring the [...]

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The Difference Between Pneumatic and Hydraulic Press Brakes

The Difference Between Pneumatic and Hydraulic Press Brakes

Press brakes are the workhorses of metal fabrication shops. With various options available, it's important to understand the difference between pneumatic and hydraulic press brakes. Weighing their benefits and drawbacks will help you make an informed decision on which type is best for the jobs in your shop. Pneumatic Press Brakes Pneumatic press brakes use compressed air to generate the force needed for bending sheet metal. They consist of a system of air cylinders and valves that pressurize air or another [...]

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How To Keep Your Metal Fabrication Shop OSHA Compliant

How To Keep Your Metal Fabrication Shop OSHA Compliant

Some workplaces maintain a culture that regards OSHA-required safety standards as nuisances and examples of regulatory overreach. Don’t allow those ideas to influence your shop’s culture. Safety starts at the top, where leadership demonstrates a commitment to worker safety and maintaining a shop that puts employee health and safety first. Knowing how to keep your metal fabrication shop OSHA-compliant and modeling a culture of safety will reduce the risk of costly worker injuries and production downtime, and help your shop [...]

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