This article, originally published in 2018, has been updated with the latest technology. 3D laser welding isn’t exactly new. After all, it’s been used in automotive manufacturing for many years. Outside of the auto plant, however, laser welding (and its potential for savings) is less familiar. When parts made of thin-gauge sheet metal need…
Whatever your sheet metal fabrication project may be, you need confidence that it will be completed quickly, efficiently, and correctly. Outsourcing work overseas is a popular solution, especially in our increasingly globalized world. Technology has created an ever increasing global marketplace, and it’s easy to take for granted how simple things like email and video…
Your reputation with your customers depends in part on the quality of the products you provide to them. So it goes without saying that the work your metal fabricator delivers—whether it is a component or a completed product—becomes a reflection of you. Choosing a sheet metal fabrication partner can be a challenging task. There are…
You have a sheet metal fabrication project to complete. Maybe you’ve done this a hundred times before, or maybe this is your first project order, and you are a little intimidated by where to start. An excellent way to alleviate a lot of stress is to bring your sheet metal fabrication partner in during the…
One of the first steps in getting your sheet metal fabrication project into production is to set a budget and gather quotes from your potential fabrication partners. Before you choose a partner, however, you will want to understand the factors that influence the estimate given to you. There are numerous elements that affect a quote…
3D printing is becoming increasingly popular and uses a process called additive manufacturing, which “uses data computer-aided-design (CAD) software or 3D object scanners to direct hardware to deposit material, layer upon layer, in precise geometric shapes,” (GE.com). This is in contrast with traditional sheet metal fabrication, which uses machining, laser cutting, punching, and other processes…
You have your project plans, you’ve gathered quotes from metal fabricators, and now you’re ready to pick your new supplier. FabShop XYZ catches your eye…their estimate is much lower than the others. Great! Actually, maybe not so great. Cost is an important factor, and finding ways to reduce costs has never been more important as…
In metal fabrication, welding is a central requirement that can be done either manually or automatically. What are the advantages of each method? Is robotic or manual welding the best choice for your project? There are several advantages to robotic welding in a project. Robotic welding is: More efficient: Welding robots are often promoted…
What is an ISO certification in manufacturing? What does it mean for customers of a certified organization? Quality in the sheet metal manufacturing world is crucial not only for safety but also for product durability, cost savings, and supplier reliability. Read on to learn more about ISO and what it means for you! What…
Whether you are a “me-too” provider that offers cheaper versions of products already on the market, or your path to competitive success is through innovation of better products, value engineering can add value to your project and provide numerous benefits. What is Value Engineering? Value engineering is a systematic and organized approach used to…