The year was 2010, and nobody knew how this new ‘3D laser welder’ would revolutionize the welding world. That is nobody except for people like Jay Reddick, Estes’ Laser Welding Development Manager. After 18 months of self-training and R&D, Jay and his team figured out the best way to utilize and integrate the laser welder…
At Estes, product development is a passion and an art form. From conceptual design to prototyping and manufacturing a final product, all stages require innovation, engineering expertise, and highly-specialized automation. Meticulous attention to detail is essential for any medical product design and manufacturing success. It’s been over six years since Dr. Babak Hassid, aka Dr.…
Product development, prototyping, and fabrication of medical devices are critical processes that entail rigorous planning, design, and testing to ensure the safety and efficacy of the products. Given the significant impact on patients’ health, it is imperative that these products are reliable and meet stringent regulatory standards. At Estes, one of our keys to success…
In the vast, ever-evolving world of architectural design, architectural panels have become increasingly prominent, offering diverse opportunities for aesthetics, performance, and sustainability. This article answers some of the most frequently asked questions about architectural panels, from materials and functionality to customization and environmental impact. 1. What materials are available for architectural panels? Architectural panels…
“It goes without saying that no company, small or large, can win over the long run without energized employees who believe in the mission and understand how to achieve it.” Jack Welch, former CEO and chairman of General Electric Indianapolis Star Names Estes Design & Manufacturing a Winner of the Central Indiana Top Workplaces…
Press brakes (or brake presses) are some of the most common machines used by sheet metal fabricators and have been the go-to bending machines for many years. Press brakes are powerful machines that are capable of forming both simple and complex parts. While there are dozens of different press brakes in various sizes and each…
Laser-cutting technology has revolutionized the manufacturing industry, providing unparalleled precision and efficiency in cutting a wide range of materials in sheet metal manufacturing. One such material that has gained popularity in recent years is vinyl-coated stainless steel. This unique product combines the durability and strength of stainless steel with the versatility and aesthetics of vinyl…
While polymers and plastics have started to be more widely used in medical product designs and applications, metals and specifically sheet metal fabrication are still highly beneficial to the medical industry. Metals serve as the building blocks to many of the life-saving medical devices and equipment doctors, nurses, and patients rely on every day and…
There are two major laser cutting systems on the market today used in sheet metal fabrication: CO2 and fiber laser cutting technology. With much discussion in manufacturing circles on which cutting technology is the better method, there are several notable differences between CO2 and fiber laser cutting technology when it comes to their capabilities and,…
This article, originally published in 2020, has been updated with the latest information. Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) – an engineering methodology that reduces time-to-market and total production costs by prioritizing ease of manufacturing and efficiency in assembly – is an essential component of any lean manufacturing strategy. When designing for sheet metal fabrication,…