The Difference Between Pneumatic and Hydraulic Press Brakes

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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The 3 Most Common Thermal Cutting Methods

The 3 Most Common Thermal Cutting Methods

Metal fabricators are always looking for ways to enhance efficiency and precision to produce high-quality work. Modern thermal metal cutting methods have opened new opportunities to improve speed and accuracy in metal fabrication and manufacturing while reducing waste. Refresh your knowledge about the three most common thermal cutting methods, their benefits, and how they can positively impact your work. Basics of Thermal Cutting Methods Thermal cutting methods are essential for metalworking professionals due to their ability to cut through different metals [...]

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Why Your Business Should Use CNC Machines

Why Your Business Should Use CNC Machines

The manufacturing industry has come a long way in recent years, and its progress wouldn't be possible without the use of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) technology. As a small manufacturer or a metal fabrication shop owner, it's crucial to keep up with the latest advancements to stay competitive. Learn more about why your business should use CNC machines and how they can positively impact your business. What’s Different About CNC Machines? CNC technology uses computer-controlled machines to perform precision tasks such [...]

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The Benefits of Owning Your Own Manufacturing Equipment

The Benefits of Owning Your Own Manufacturing Equipment

As a small business owner, choosing between leasing equipment, outsourcing work, or investing in your own manufacturing equipment can be a challenge. We’ll discuss the benefits of owning your own manufacturing equipment and how owning, rather than leasing or outsourcing, can positively impact your business. Owning manufacturing equipment means your business has full control over the production process. This can lead to numerous advantages in quality control, efficiency, and even tax considerations. For small business owners, investing in manufacturing equipment [...]

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Ways To Improve Your CNC Plasma Cut Quality

Ways To Improve Your CNC Plasma Cut Quality

Manufacturing precision metal products and enhancing your shop’s efficiency require high-quality cutting equipment. CNC plasma cutters play a prominent role in achieving these goals, and there’s always room for improvement in one’s cutting process. Explore some ways to improve your CNC plasma cut quality to yield better results with maximum efficiency—here are five tips that can lead to better cuts. Mind the Cutting Direction As the cutter moves forward, the plasma arc spins clockwise, creating the squarest cut on the right [...]

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5 Signs You Should Automate Your Manufacturing Equipment

5 Signs You Should Automate Your Manufacturing Equipment

Small to mid-sized manufacturing businesses must evolve to stay competitive in today's rapidly evolving industrial landscape. Consider these five reasons to automate your manufacturing equipment. Automation can increase production volume, improve product consistency, significantly reduce labor costs, and enhance the safety of your operation. Enhancing Safety Employee safety should always be a top priority for any business owner. Automation can minimize the risk of accidents and injuries. For example, by investing in CNC heavy duty press machines, metal fabrication businesses reduce the [...]

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Waterjet Cutting vs. Laser Cutting: A Detailed Comparison

Waterjet Cutting vs. Laser Cutting: A Detailed Comparison

If you’re in the metal fabrication business, deciding on which cutting method to use for your next project can be a daunting task. There are many factors to consider, including cost and efficiency. Understanding the differences between two of the most popular methods—waterjet cutting and laser cutting—can help you make an informed decision. Having a detailed comparison of these two practices can provide clarity about where each stands from a technical perspective. Differences and Similarities Between Waterjet and Laser Cutting Waterjet and [...]

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Tips for Choosing the Right Metal for CNC Machining

Tips for Choosing the Right Metal for CNC Machining

As a metal fabrication shop owner, investing in the latest technologies and methods is good business. One of the most vital aspects of this industry is CNC machining. These tips for choosing the right metals for CNC machining projects will help you make the best use of your equipment. Understanding CNC Machining CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining uses computers to control tools such as lathes, mills, routers, grinders, press brakes, and cutters. CNC technology allows for precise and accurate cutting, bending, [...]

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Ways To Determine the Value of Your Manufacturing Equipment

Ways To Determine the Value of Your Manufacturing Equipment

As a business owner in metal fabrication or manufacturing, you must understand various ways to determine the value of your manufacturing equipment. Knowing the value of your equipment is a critical factor when making important business decisions. Explore three commonly used methods for valuing used manufacturing equipment, including appraisal, income generation, and comparable sales. Appraisal: Seeking Professional Advice A professional appraisal is an excellent way to determine the actual value of manufacturing equipment, such as a pipe laser cutting machine. Here [...]

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