Get the Best Finish: Powder Coating Types & Materials

Metal going into a powder coating line and being coated yellow.

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

Robotic welding in action at Metaltech.

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

Finished fabricated metal components.

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

View of Metaltech's shop floor in Lebanon, MO.

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?

Two people powder coating parts in the booth.

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 […]