In today’s world, there are specialists for almost everything: from medical specialists to learning specialists and even shrubbery specialists – the world of sheet metal fabrication is no exception. While you can find shops that specialize in many different areas of sheet metal fabrication, that may not necessarily be the best decision for you or the success of your project. Significant savings, not to mention convenience, can be found when utilizing a sheet metal fabricator that offers a one-stop shop for prototyping and product development, fabrication, and inventory management under one roo ..read more

Sheet metal fabrication is a precise art that requires attention to detail, experience, and a deep understanding of the materials and processes involved. At Estes, we’ve seen a myriad of designs come our way, and over the years, we’ve identified some common mistakes that can be avoided to ensure a smoother fabrication process.  Here’s a guide to help you navigate these pitfalls: Avoid These 8 Common Errors in Sheet Metal Fabrication Lack of Clarity in Prints: One of the foundational steps in sheet metal fabrication is having clear and detailed prints. It’s essential to ensure that all ne ..read more

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 with unique characteristics and capabilities, we will only discuss the three main types of press brakes along with the three main types of press brake forming.   How it Works Press brakes perform bends on metal sheets through the use of a punch that forces the metal i ..read more

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, more importantly, their performance when cutting certain materials and thicknesses. This quick primer will help you be more informed on both methods so you can better understand the mechanics of your sheet metal fabrication project and effecti ..read more

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 addition to this, our facility includes an array of fully-automated machines and a complete line of standard fabricating equipment. Although we have a wide variety of capabilities, we like to think of ourselves as “Panel Specia ..read more

If you’re looking to make your own products, you have numerous options regarding the materials that you can use for fabrication. There are many different factors you must consider when determining what material is best for your product, and it is important to find opportunities to streamline your manufacturing processes with the materials you choose. You must evaluate how the material will behave under stress, over time, and when it’s subjected to chemicals or environmental conditions. You must also consider the nature, function, and performance of your project; its end-use will play a large r ..read more

Have you checked out our new Resources website page? As a design and innovation leader in the sheet metal fabrication industry, it’s important for us to make information regarding our services and trends easily accessible for our current and prospective clients. In an effort to share our knowledge and expertise in the industry, we have created a new Resources section on our website. This new page efficiently offers a wide variety of high-quality information and also makes it easy for you to find. Below we discuss the specifics of what you can find on our Resources page.   What You’ll Find ..read more

Competition among manufacturers is stiff, and when you add in the current unpredictability we are facing, it becomes imperative that companies do everything possible to maintain their competitive advantage by focusing on their core competencies. One way to do this is by outsourcing processes, such as metal fabrication, that are not your primary business focus. Successfully outsourcing your metal fabrication creates real value for your company by: Allowing you to focus on innovation Allowing you to provide enhanced capabilities Creating greater efficiencies Providing increased flexibility All ..read more

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 is the ISO? The International Organization for Standardization is an international, independent, non-governmental organization with members from 167 countries. Founded in 1946, its goal is to “share knowledge and develop voluntary, consensus-based, market relevant Inter ..read more

When determining how to cost effectively produce a part, there are numerous options available to designers. At Estes Design and Manufacturing, we value automation as a way to reduce the cost of your part and increase the quality. But when it comes to creating your part blank from the sheet metal, what is the best method? Our automated Max Velocity cell has two different work centers to accomplish this task, each with its own set of benefits. Both have the ability to produce high quality part blanks with feature holes and perimeters, but which is the better choice for your project?   L5 vs ..read more