7 Benefits of Stainless Steel for Custom Metal Fabrication
What do a refrigerator door and a high-rise have in common? Material. They may both be stainless steel. Stainless steel fabricators produce components for cookware, home appliances, surgical tools, medical implants, bridges, and automotive bodies. Many of our most memorable landmarks are also made of stainless steel—take the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, The Bean […]
Behind Your Estimate: 5 Influences on Custom Metal Fabrication Costs
Whether you’re an automotive, aerospace or consumer goods part supplier, you work with other manufacturers to create a final product—one made up of numerous components. New products or enhanced designs require newly fabricated parts. Before starting a project, you need to know how much custom metal fabrication costs. How do fabrication shops come up with […]
Welding Shielding Gases: Why are Gas Shields Necessary in Welding?
Weld areas need protection from contaminants in the air. Atmospheric gases like oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen and water vapor can impair welds and cause oxidation. All types of arc welding require a shielding gas, whether you’re practicing GMAW (MIG welding) to join thicker materials or GTAW (TIG welding) to fuse thin metals. Welding shielding gases influence […]
The Difference Between Hot Rolled and Cold Rolled Steel
Steel is one of the most popular metals used today. Its strength and durability make it an excellent, cost-effective choice for construction, manufacturing and more. While steel is tough, it’s also flexible and versatile, allowing you to cut and form it into the shape you need. What is steel used for? Take a closer look […]
Get the Best Finish: Powder Coating Types & Materials
Forget wet paint. Try a dry finish. Powder coatings are excellent choices for that final film of color, texture or protection. According to the Powder Coating Institute, powder coating is a more economical and environmentally friendly alternative to liquid paint, and it’s been around since the 1960s. Compared to liquid paint, powder coat finishes are […]
Welding with Robots: Capabilities & Benefits of Robotic Welding
In 1962, General Motors was the first to add a welding robot to a production line. Though robotic welding came on the scene in the mid-twentieth century, it didn’t take off until the 1980s as more and more automotive manufacturers started using the technology for vehicle bodywork. Today, manufacturers across industries employ welding robots to […]
Properties of Metals: Choosing A Type of Metal for Fabrication
The material chosen for a fabrication project affects if it will function as expected. Every metal has properties that determine how it can be processed. Selecting the right metal ensures that component parts can handle their environment and end use. Other factors like finishing processes, the size of the product and the project’s estimated cost […]
How to Obtain An Accurate Fabrication Quote
Before you begin a custom metal fabrication project, you need to know how much the order will cost. You’ll need an estimate on the materials and labor. An accurate fabrication quote can be hard to obtain on a five-minute phone call or quick email, especially if you don’t have all the details of your project […]
Powder Coating 101: How Does It Work?
Powder coating is often the last step in manufacturing processes. It gives the final part or product a color, texture or protective layer. Many component parts and end products have a custom powder-coated finish. Appliances, furniture, tools, wheelchairs, car parts and fencing are a few examples. Powder coating spans industries because of its ability to […]
