Although there are many traditional techniques for cutting and drilling material, many of today’s manufacturers rely on laser cutting for their metal fabrication projects. This advanced technology delivers precision cuts and exceptional repeatability at fast speeds, helping increase productivity and minimize labor costs. Laser cutting provides higher-quality results over many conventional fabrication methods, regardless of the job’s complexity. How Does Laser Cutting Work? Laser cutting systems are compatible with most modern design software. Once the system imports the design data, the laser ..read more

Guide to Powder Coating Finishes Powder coating is the dry process of applying a colored powder, typically for fabricated and metal products. This dry powder method has become the preferred way to coat products instead of wet spray painting. Powder coating works through electrostatic spray deposition (ESD). The spray gun uses an electrostatic charge to help the powder bond to the material. Once the product is coated, it’s moved to a high-temperature curing oven, which lets the powder dry and harden into a durable protective outer layer. Powder coating is an excellent way to make a product ..read more

If you’re a detail-oriented individual with a strong mechanical aptitude and would enjoy working in a manufacturing or construction environment, then becoming a welder could be an ideal career choice. Welders use handheld or remotely controlled equipment to join metal components together. You can also earn a solid living as a welder. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual income for welders as of 2016 was nearly $40,000, while the top 10 percent earned more than $60,000 per year. However, welding demands a unique skill set that requires specialized training. In add ..read more

Metal fabrication is a manufacturing process used to shape metal into parts or end products. Most people think of welding when they hear metal fabrication, but welding is just one process metal fabricators use. We use several techniques to shape sheet metal into a part or good. Though fabricated metal products are common and metal fabrication is a critical part of the manufacturing process, few people understand how the process works. From paper clips to plane parts, it’s used to create a wide variety of products for almost every industry. The United Sta ..read more

The past year has posed significant challenges in the manufacturing industry, creating a skilled labor shortage that has impacted the economy considerably. With over 500,000 employment vacancies still unfilled and no signs of the shortage letting up anytime soon, manufacturing companies have experienced operational bottlenecks that are projected to set the economy back billions in the next decade. It comes as a surprise to many that the labor shortage persists, though the current unemployment rate in the United States is at its highest since the Great Depression. So, why are manufact ..read more

Summit Steel and Manufacturing will host an on-site job fair next Friday, August 13, 2021. We are hiring for the following positions: 2nd Shift Material Handler 2nd Shift Flat Laser Operator 2nd & 3rd Shift CNC Operators 2nd Shift Welders 2nd & 3rd Shift Robot Operators/Setup/Programmers Most of these positions require some experience. Training is available for CNC operators. OUR LOCATION Stop by and submit an application! 1005 Patriot Parkway Reading, PA 19605   View all of our open positions online. VIEW AVAILABLE JOB OPENINGS The post Job Fair – Friday, August 13th appeared f ..read more

As more companies commit to greener practices, manufacturing facilities need to make process changes also. This industry has the potential to significantly impact the planet. The advantages of sustainable manufacturing include: Saving money. Getting tax credits. Gaining positive brand recognition. Contributing to the economy. Though manufacturing may not be seen as a green industry, manufacturing and sustainability work hand in hand in many ways. Here is how to make manufacturing more environmentally friendly. Understand Your Environmental Impact The first step to sustainability is identifyi ..read more

Rapid technology developments substantially impact the manufacturing industry. Though manufacturing technology improves production, operations and processes to make work easier for companies and workers, there are concerns about a machine’s ability to do manufacturing work and deliver precise results.  Although there are pros and cons of automated tech in manufacturing, these advanced technologies have incredible capabilities that can complete nearly any task with ease. Positive Impact of Manufacturing Technology Technology in manufacturing has many positive outcomes. Automation ..read more

The welding industry has been facing a shortage of workers in the last few years, and this will continue in the near future. The American Welding Society predicts a deficit of 400,000 welders by 2024, showing a decreasing number of welders in the U.S. This decrease in demand is due to several different sources, which can be addressed with certain strategies like new educational technology and automated equipment. Let’s take a closer look at the welder shortage and how it’s affecting the way the industry works. What’s Causing the Shortage? There are several reasons for the welder shortage, but ..read more

Machine learning can address some of the age-old challenges that manufacturing companies face, like poor productivity and unprofitable processes. It’s a powerful tool that can help reduce costs, increase efficiency and boost output quality. Of course, knowing what to do with machine learning technology is another issue entirely, and one that can make a big difference in realizing its benefits. Let’s take a look at machine learning and the manufacturing industry as well as the many ways this technology can support your business. Machine Learning in Manufacturing While data may be widespread, k ..read more