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…
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,…
People often ask, what exactly does Estes Design and Manufacturing make? Our elevator pitch to this question is usually, “Whatever you want us to make.” While our capabilities aren’t endless, our suite of services includes traditional metal fabrication, 3D laser welding, product development and prototyping, as well as inventory management and cost reduction services. In…
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…