Drilling through steel beams is a task that requires precision, the right tools, and an understanding of the material you’re cutting or drilling through. Whether for construction or manufacturing, the ability to efficiently drill through steel can save time and ensure the integrity of the structure the beam will support. Here are three tips for easily drilling through steel beams. Prioritize Safety Preparations Safety should always be your first concern when undertaking any project involving heavy materials and powerful equipment. Before beginning to drill through steel beams, ensure you’re we ..read more

Sheet metal fabricators create durable and precise metal parts for various applications, from automotive to construction. It’s essential to understand the effects cutting and bending can have on raw sheet metal. Get started with our handy guide, “Sheet Metal Fabrication 101: What Is Bend Allowance?” Bend Allowance Explained Bend allowance is a key concept in sheet metal fabrication that refers to the amount of metal that must be added to the total length of your part before bending to achieve the desired dimensions after bending. This calculation is vital because when metal is bent, the outer ..read more

You hear the acronyms all the time, but do you know what they mean? What’s the difference between OEM and ODM manufacturing, anyway? They sound alike, but they aren’t the same. Understanding what these terms mean is significant in product development and production. What Do the Acronyms Stand For? An original equipment manufacturer (OEM) is a company that manufactures components or products that are then purchased and rebranded by another firm. An original design manufacturer (ODM), on the other hand, is a company that designs and manufactures a product that is then branded and sold by another ..read more

Designing sheet metal parts demands precision and foresight. Even with computer-assisted design (CAD), designers can neglect important considerations that make manufacturing difficult or more expensive. Thinking about these mistakes you should avoid when designing sheet metal parts will help designers gain insight necessary to ensure parts will be durable, functional, and, where necessary, visually attractive. Failing To Consider Ductility, Malleability, and Tensile Strength Ductility refers to the ability of a metal to deform under tension, often measured by the extent to which the material c ..read more

Computer numerical control (CNC) machining has revolutionized the manufacturing industry. What are the major benefits of CNC machining? Explore the key advantages of using CNC with metal fabrication machinery. Production Speed One of the most notable benefits of CNC machining is production speed. CNC machines can operate at high speeds and run continuously with minimal downtime for maintenance. Continuous operation reduces production times, allowing manufacturers to meet tight deadlines and high demands without compromising quality. Precision and Accuracy CNC machining offers unparalleled prec ..read more

Sheet metal fabrication is a complex process that involves a variety of techniques and specialized terminology. To help you navigate this field, we’ve put together a guide to five common sheet metal fabrication terms, explained in detail. Tooling: Hard, Soft, and Hybrid Tooling and Die Sets Sheet metal fabrication often involves custom-made die sets that are used to cut, shape, and form metal. Tooling is the process of designing and engineering the tools needed to manufacture a part. There are three main types of tooling: hard, soft, and hybrid. Hard tooling is made from durable materials like ..read more

Air bending and bottom bending are two common techniques used in metal fabrication. Although press brakes with the appropriate tool and die attachments can perform both types of bending, there are distinct differences between the two methods. With air bending versus bottom bending, three key differences affect the quality of the final product. Difference 1: How Deeply the Machine Pushes the Metal Into the Die One of the most significant differences between air bending and bottom bending lies in how far the machine pushes the metal into the die. In air bending, the punch does not push the metal ..read more

Fiber laser cutting machines have revolutionized the manufacturing industry with their precision and efficiency. To operate optimally, they require a gas assist, often provided by an air compressor. Explore why fiber laser cutting machines need air compressors and how those compressors contribute to the machine’s effectiveness. Why Fiber Laser Cutters Use Assist Gases Assist gases play a crucial role in fiber laser cutting. They aid in ejecting molten material from the cut, preventing it from re-solidifying onto the workpiece. Additionally, assist gases shield the optics of the laser head from ..read more

The choice between horizontal and vertical machining can significantly impact the efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness of your metalworking operations. Explore factors that affect your decision regarding when to choose horizontal over vertical machining. Horizontal vs. Vertical Machining Centers Horizontal and vertical metalworking machines are different in exactly the way their names imply: a vertical machine operates vertically, perpendicular to the table. A horizontal machine operates parallel to the table. Horizontal machines excel at jobs involving peripheral or face milling and ar ..read more

Laser cutting machines offer versatility and precision and have become vital tools in many different industries. Take a look at how different industries use laser cutting machines to enhance their manufacturing processes and produce high-quality products. Aerospace Components and Plane Parts The aerospace industry relies heavily on laser cutting machines to produce intricate components and plane parts. The high level of accuracy and precision these machines provide is crucial in an industry where even the smallest mistake can have significant consequences. Auto Manufacturing Automobile manufac ..read more