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Metal fabrication is a comprehensive process that involves transforming raw metal materials into finished products. This process includes several techniques such as cutting, bending, and assembling, and is essential across various industries. Understanding the nuances of metal fabrication can help appreciate its significance in modern manufacturing and construction.

As the backbone of manufacturing and construction, metal fabrication’s significance cannot be overstated. This process ensures that structures are safe, durable, and capable of withstanding various stresses and environmental conditions. From towering skyscrapers to delicate medical devices, the precision and expertise involved in metal fabrication are what bring these structures to life.

Understanding Metal Fabrication

Metal Fabrication Definition: Metal fabrication is the act of constructing machines and structures from raw metal materials. This process encompasses various techniques including cutting, bending, and assembling, often facilitated by advanced machinery and skilled labor.

Types of Metal Fabrication Processes

  1. Cutting: This fundamental process involves slicing metal sheets into desired shapes and sizes. Traditional methods like sawing have evolved into modern techniques such as laser cutting, waterjet cutting, and plasma arc cutting, which offer precision and efficiency​.
  2. Drawing: Drawing involves pulling metal through a die to reduce its diameter, often used to create wires. This can be done at room temperature (cold drawing) or at elevated temperatures to ease the process.
  3. Folding: Folding manipulates metal to bend at specific angles, commonly using a brake press. This process is crucial for shaping sheet metal into desired forms​.
  4. Forging: One of the oldest fabrication techniques, forging shapes metal using compressive forces. This can be done at various temperatures, including cold, warm, and hot forging, depending on the metal and desired properties​.
  5. Extrusion: This process forces metal through a die to create objects with a fixed cross-sectional profile, such as pipes and tubes. Extrusion can be performed hot or cold, each method suited to different metals and end uses​.
  6. Casting: Metal casting involves pouring molten metal into a mold to achieve a specific shape. This versatile process is ideal for creating complex geometries and is widely used in manufacturing​.
  7. Welding: Welding joins two metal pieces by melting their edges and fusing them together. Various welding techniques, such as arc welding and gas tungsten arc welding, are employed based on the material and application.
  8. Stamping: Stamping involves placing metal sheets between dies and applying high pressure to shape the metal. This process combines punching, bending, and other operations to form parts with precision​.

Each of these processes plays a crucial role in metal fabrication. Cutting is often the first step, creating manageable pieces from large sheets or bars of metal. Bending follows, shaping these pieces into forms that can be assembled into more complex structures. Welding ensures these parts are securely joined, while machining refines the shapes and dimensions. Finally, assembling brings all the parts together into a cohesive whole.

Metal Fabrication

Structural Metal Fabrication

Structural metal fabrication focuses on creating components for buildings and other large structures. This includes beams, columns, and girders that form the backbone of construction projects. The strength and durability of these fabricated pieces are crucial for the safety and integrity of the structures they support.

In structural metal fabrication, precision and strength are paramount. Beams and columns must be capable of supporting immense loads, often under challenging conditions. The fabrication process involves stringent quality control measures to ensure that every piece meets the necessary standards. This includes rigorous testing for strength, durability, and resistance to environmental factors such as corrosion.

Commercial Metal Fabrication

Commercial metal fabrication involves producing metal parts and products for various commercial applications. This can range from retail fixtures and furniture to components used in the service industry. Precision and quality are paramount in commercial metal fabrication, ensuring that the final products meet the required standards and specifications.

In commercial applications, aesthetics can be as important as functionality. Retail fixtures, for example, must not only be sturdy and functional but also visually appealing. This demands a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail in the fabrication process. Additionally, commercial metal products often need to meet specific regulatory standards, requiring meticulous documentation and quality control.

Custom Metal Fabrication

Custom metal fabrication is tailored to meet specific needs and requirements. It involves creating unique metal parts and structures that are not available off the shelf. This process is highly flexible, allowing for a wide range of designs and applications. Custom metal fabrication is often used in specialized industries where standard components won’t suffice.

The customization process begins with a detailed design phase, where engineers and designers collaborate to create bespoke solutions. This might involve unique shapes, sizes, or materials to meet specific requirements. Custom fabrication often employs advanced techniques such as CNC machining or 3D printing to achieve the desired results. This approach allows for a high degree of precision and flexibility, catering to unique and complex needs.

How Different Metals Are Fabricated

Different metals require different fabrication techniques. For example, steel is often cut with plasma or laser cutters, while aluminum may be machined or bent using specific tools to avoid cracking. Understanding the properties of each metal is crucial for selecting the appropriate fabrication methods.

Steel, known for its strength and durability, is a staple in construction and manufacturing. Its fabrication often involves high-temperature processes like welding and plasma cutting. Aluminum, on the other hand, is lighter and more malleable, making it suitable for applications where weight is a concern. Fabricating aluminum requires lower temperatures to prevent warping and cracking, and it is often machined to precise specifications.

How Does Custom Metal Fabrication Work?

Custom metal fabrication begins with a detailed design phase, where engineers and designers work together to create precise plans and specifications. These designs are then translated into physical products using various fabrication techniques. The process often involves iterative testing and adjustments to ensure the final product meets all requirements.

The initial design phase is critical, involving detailed discussions and planning to ensure that the final product meets the client’s needs. Advanced software tools are often used to create detailed models and simulations. Once the design is finalized, the fabrication process begins, using techniques like CNC machining, laser cutting, and welding. Throughout the process, quality control measures are implemented to ensure the final product meets all specifications.

Why You Should Outsource Metal Fabrication

Outsourcing metal fabrication can offer several advantages. Specialized fabrication companies have the expertise, equipment, and resources to handle complex projects efficiently. This can lead to cost savings, higher quality products, and faster turnaround times. Additionally, outsourcing allows businesses to focus on their core competencies while leaving the fabrication work to the experts.

By outsourcing metal fabrication, businesses can leverage the expertise and advanced equipment of specialized firms. This can lead to significant cost savings, as there is no need to invest in expensive machinery or training. Moreover, specialized fabricators often have established quality control processes, ensuring that the final products meet all necessary standards. This approach also allows businesses to focus on their core operations, improving overall efficiency and productivity.

Techniques in Metal Fabrication

Metal fabrication employs a variety of techniques to achieve precise results. Some advanced methods include:

  • Laser Cutting: Provides high precision and is ideal for intricate designs.
  • CNC Machining: Uses computer numerical control to automate the fabrication process, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
  • Water Jet Cutting: Uses high-pressure water mixed with abrasive materials to cut metal without generating heat.

Industries Relying on Metal Fabrication

Numerous industries depend on metal fabrication for their operations. These include:

  • Construction: For beams, columns, and other structural components.
  • Automotive: For frames, body parts, and engine components.
  • Aerospace: For aircraft frames, landing gear, and other critical parts.
  • Manufacturing: For machinery, tools, and equipment.

The Evolution of Metal Fabrication

Metal fabrication has evolved significantly over the years. From ancient blacksmithing techniques to modern CNC machining, the field has continually adapted to new technologies and materials. Today’s fabricators use advanced software and machinery to achieve unprecedented levels of precision and efficiency.

The evolution of metal fabrication is marked by significant technological advancements. Ancient blacksmiths used hammers and anvils to shape metal, relying on skill and experience. The industrial revolution brought about new machinery and techniques, such as steam hammers and rolling mills. In the modern era, digital technology has revolutionized the field. CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines and CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software allow for precise control and complex designs, transforming metal fabrication into a high-tech industry.

Conclusion

Metal fabrication is a dynamic and indispensable part of modern industry. From the towering skyscrapers that define our cities to the intricate components that power our technology, the impact of metal fabrication is all around us. Understanding this process not only highlights its importance but also underscores the remarkable skills and technologies that make it possible. Whether you’re in construction, manufacturing, or any other industry, metal fabrication is a cornerstone of progress and innovation.

How can we make your next project high-quality, efficient and customized to meet your needs?

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Maintenance operations can be a significant challenge for companies, especially when operating a tight budget. Maintenance managers responsible for manufacturing or warehouse operations must balance the responsibilities of keeping the equipment running smoothly and efficiently, minimizing downtime, and keeping costs under control. While it may seem daunting to achieve all these goals simultaneously, there are strategies that can be implemented.

Maintenance operations are a crucial aspect of any business, and failure to manage them effectively can have costly consequences. For instance, equipment breakdowns and unplanned downtime can significantly impact productivity, leading to lost revenue and increased expenses. On the other hand, performing excessive maintenance can also be expensive, and unnecessary maintenance can drain resources that could be used elsewhere in the business. Maintenance managers must strike a balance between minimizing downtime, reducing costs, and optimizing equipment performance.

Develop a Comprehensive Maintenance Plan

To effectively manage maintenance operations, companies must develop a comprehensive maintenance plan that outlines the maintenance requirements for each piece of equipment, establishes a regular maintenance schedule, and identifies the necessary resources for completing the maintenance tasks. A comprehensive maintenance plan can help companies save time and money by reducing the risk of unexpected equipment breakdowns and minimizing downtime. Additionally, it can help companies extend the life of their equipment and improve overall performance. A well-executed maintenance plan can also help companies prioritize maintenance tasks and allocate resources more efficiently, reducing the risk of overspending or wasting valuable resources.

A comprehensive maintenance plan should include the following elements:

  1. List of equipment: Identify all the equipment that requires maintenance, including its specifications, age, and condition.

  2. Maintenance schedule: Establish a regular maintenance schedule for each piece of equipment based on manufacturer recommendations, usage patterns, and environmental factors.

  3. Maintenance tasks: Identify the specific maintenance tasks required for each piece of equipment, including inspections, cleaning, lubrication, and repair/replacement of parts.

  4. Maintenance procedures: Develop procedures for each maintenance task, including instructions for completing the task, safety precautions, and the necessary tools and materials.

  5. Maintenance personnel: Identify the personnel responsible for completing each maintenance task, including their roles and responsibilities, training requirements, and scheduling.

  6. Maintenance records: Keep accurate records of all maintenance activities, including the date, time, task, personnel, and equipment involved. These records can help track equipment performance, identify recurring issues, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

  7. Budget: Develop a budget for maintenance activities, including the costs of materials, labor, and outside services. Regularly review the budget to ensure that maintenance costs are in line with business objectives and adjust as needed.

  8. Continuous improvement: Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of the maintenance plan and look for opportunities to improve equipment performance, reduce costs, and increase efficiency. This can involve using new technologies, implementing best practices, and soliciting feedback from maintenance personnel and equipment operators.

Prioritize Maintenance Tasks

As a maintenance manager, you must prioritize maintenance tasks based on their importance and urgency. Some tasks, such as safety inspections, must be performed regularly and take priority over other maintenance that can wait. Prioritizing maintenance tasks allows you to focus on the critical aspects of equipment maintenance while still managing costs.

Optimize Equipment Performance

Optimizing equipment performance is another strategy for balancing maintenance operations. Regular equipment maintenance can help identify and fix potential issues before they cause significant problems. Performing upgrades and retrofits can help improve equipment efficiency and reduce maintenance costs in the long run.

Balancing maintenance operations on tight budgets can be a challenge. However, by developing a comprehensive maintenance plan, prioritizing maintenance tasks, and optimizing equipment performance, maintenance managers can minimize downtime, reduce costs, and improve equipment performance. Following these tips and considerations ensures smooth and efficient operations management.

Don’t let maintenance operations hold your business back.

At Yarbrough Industries, we offer a range of services to support your maintenance management needs. Learn how we can help you achieve your maintenance goals while staying within budget.

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Laser Cutting For Sheet Metal Fabrication

There are many different methods that metal fabricators use to cut metal, but laser cutting is one of the most advanced techniques. A laser cutter’s ability to make precise cuts at speeds unmatched by other flat sheet cutting methods makes it one of the best sheet metal fabrication choices. There are several benefits to this method of cutting, including:

Competitive Pricing

Laser cutting is a highly automated process, making labor costs minimal when compared to hand-operated machinery. Since costs associated with sheet metal fabrication include labor, operation and machine expenses, this is an important factor to consider. The operating costs and machine costs are fairly average compared to other cutting techniques.

Generally, companies will find that outsourcing laser cutting for their sheet metal fabrication is the most effective option for most projects. Laser-cutting machines can be quite expensive, and most companies find that it is easier and less expensive to outsource this aspect of their fabrication process. 

One of the great things about laser cutters is that there are no dull or worn blades to worry about, making die changeovers a thing of the past. This also means that by placing larger orders, you can reduce costs tremendously, as the automated system does the mapping and planning for each additional piece. 

Although laser cutting isn’t the cheapest cutting technology available, it’s more than affordable for most projects. It has some major benefits over other cutting forms, such as water jet cutting or hand cutting processes.

Unrivaled Speed, Efficiency & Automation

A laser cutting machine can move as quickly as 1,000 holes per minute. Of course, the exact speed will vary depending on the tolerances and intricacy of the parts.

CNC controls typically run laser cutting. The formulas entered into the computer mean each part and product is identically fabricated, leading to fewer defects per batch.

Quality Precision

Laser cutting can create tiny cuts at tight tolerances. However, that’s the tradeoff: the more precision you want, the slower the laser will move. Yet, this highly detailed capability is unique to laser cutting. So, laser cutting is the only type of cutting that will get the job done well if you require intricate cuts.

Beyond that, all laser-cut edges and curves are smooth, sharp, and clean, which means there is very little, if any, burring because the laser melts rather than physically cuts the metal.

The only thing to consider is if your project requires very thick sheets of metal – thicker metals affect the cut’s quality, and a laser will leave some dross (melted metal scum) behind on thick metals. Aside from this dross, there is little to no clean-up involved in the majority of laser cutting projects.

Versatility

The combination of cost, speed, automation, and precision makes laser cutting a great choice for any size product or project. This makes many routine tasks/projects easy, including prototypes, industrial orders, delicate designs, and larger cutouts. Lasers are capable of making holes, slots, tabs, and other cut fabrications with no interruption of the cutting process. The incredible precision allows for tight tolerances on intricately detailed designs. If your project doesn’t require tight tolerances, the laser can move quickly and produce parts at incredible speeds. This makes laser cutting a fantastic choice for a wide spectrum of projects.

Yarbrough Industries is proud to offer laser cutting services for your next fabrication product. We can fabricate any order, whether it includes prototypes, components, or final assemblies. We adhere to the belief that high-quality results can only be achieved through the use of high-quality equipment. Laser cutting offers the ability to cut through various materials and thicknesses at high speeds, producing extremely precise and accurate cuts.

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Metal Fabrication Basics

Metal fabrication is a small part of the metal manufacturing industry. There are many different types of manufacturing processes, including:

  • Forging
  • Smelting
  • Blacksmithing
  • Casting
  • Stamping
  • Painting
  • Roll Forming
  • Heat Treating
  • Structural Fabrication
  • Machining
  • Metal Fabrication

As you can imagine, the wide variety involved in metal manufacturing can be overwhelming. Metal fabrication, by itself, has many subcategories and niches that would be impossible to comprehensively list. Some different categories of metal fabrication you might encounter are heavy industrial plate metal, light industrial sheet metal, heavy structural steel, and light structural steel fabrication.  

Heavy Industrial Plate Metal Fabrication

This type of fabrication might include enormous plate steel, sometimes 1”-4” thick (even heavier) and fabrication processes like plasma cutting, rolling, welding, heat treating, and finishing. Finished products that involve heavy industrial plate metal fabrication might include mining equipment, pressure vessels, and tanks.

Light Industrial Sheet Metal Fabrication

This type could include smaller weighted metal-like materials ranging from 1/32” – 1/2” and fabrication processes like Laser Cutting, Brake Forming, Welding, Anodizing, and Painting. The products produced using this type of fabrication might be Computer Enclosures, Cases, and OEM Parts.

Heavy Structural Steel Fabrication

These fabrication processes are done with sawing cutting, plasma cutting, drilling, welding, sandblasting, and painting. This process deals with structural iron and beams that weigh several hundred pounds or more per foot. You can see the results of heavy structural steel fabrication, check out skyscrapers, large bridges and tunnel supports. 

Light Structural Steel Fabrication

This can include structural tube, angle and beams that weigh less than a hundred pounds per foot.  Fabrication processes would typically be similar to heavy structural steel processes, but the products created would be Small Buildings, Small Bridges, Platforms, and Supports.

Metal Fabrication Versus Machining

Metal fabrication is a term that typically refers to manufacturing that includes cutting, forming, rolling, sawing and welding metal. However, it is not to be confused with machining. There is a bit of crossover with the two, but machining usually includes more detailed work such as milling, lathing, routing, and polishing and is typically a part of the manufacturing industry. 

In addition, fabrication usually works with manufacturing tolerances at .010” – .030” whereas machining works with tolerances all the way down to .005” (and even smaller in many cases). 

Advancements in Metal Fabrication

Metal fabrication, like all manufacturing industries, has transformed over the years as technology has become more advanced. This began with the Computer Numerically Controlled, CNC, machines. These types of machines, combined with Computer Aided Drafting, CAD, revolutionized the metal fabrication industry.

Prior to the invention of CNC and CAD, hand layouts and calculator math were the tools used by craftsmen to layout and calculate fabricated parts. Machines had manual gauges that would be fine-tuned by hand as the technician moved stops, dialed back gauges and tweaked settings.

However, those days are long gone and programs are now generated automatically from CAD drawings and sent, via computer and code, directly to the various machines. Lasers can cut metal like butter, brake forming machines can tell you which order to sequence your bends and robotic welders can weld endless amounts of wire throughout the night. Metal fabrication is still an enormous part of everyday life and most of us see it, or use it, without even knowing as much. Light rail transit cars, automobiles, snowblowers, electrical panels, guardrails, signs, etc. Metal fabrication is everywhere!

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Why You Should Hire A Local Machine Shop

machine-repair

When you need to hire a machine shop, it’s important to work with someone you can trust to get the job done right the first time. Working with a local company makes this much more likely. But why?

A local machine shop offers several advantages. When you are weighing your options, consider the following benefits of working with someone in your own backyard and what you should look for when doing so:

    • You can be more specific: Clear communication and detailed specifics are essential to getting the end result you desire. Being able to deliver this information in person allows you to make sure your parameters are accurately conveyed and your machine shop understands exactly what you need. You can specify the tolerances needed and work with the local company to achieve accurate measurements and optimal results. 
    • You can make roughness smooth: An important aspect of your project is determining the desired roughness of the surface. Do you want smooth components, with a very polished surface? This depends greatly on the functionality of the parts. A local professional can explain how the roughness will affect the performance of your equipment and work with you to decide what roughness is best for your project.
    • You can choose wisely: The materials you use for your manufacturing affect the final durability and performance. It also greatly affects the cost of production. Your local machine shop will review your options with you and let you personally examine various materials to determine which is best. You may even be able to look at similar products the shop has made in the past to make an informed comparison.
    • You can enjoy savings: A local shop can save you both time and money. Enjoy a smaller budget by saving on delivery costs. Complete your project faster by cutting out delivery wait times. By working with someone local, you won’t be wondering where your parts are in transit or when the project will be completed.
    • You can be involved: When you work with a local machine shop, you can be actively involved in the manufacturing process. This will provide peace of mind and a better overall experience with production.
    • You can complete the process: Once the machine shop has designed and manufactured your piece, they can also install it. It is typically easier for the same professionals who created the part to also perform the installation. Working with someone local makes this possible.
    • You can help your community: Obviously, we all want to do what we can to ensure that the community we live in is becoming better every year. Working with a local business helps your own community and you know that they will provide reliable, timely service to keep their reputation spotless.

Shop local with Yarbrough Industries! You’ll enjoy the advantages of working with a local machine shop right here in the heart of the Ozarks while receiving the best quality from some of the top professionals in the industry. Reach out to us today with any questions or to get started on your next project.

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Tips To Improve Manufacturing Efficiency

Every manufacturer dreams of ways to increase productivity, reduce costs, and maximize profits. Every one of those goals can be achieved by increasing efficiency at your manufacturing plant.

Although there is a common idea that increasing efficiency means cutting costs as much as possible, that isn’t always the case. Cutting corners often contributes to a reduction in product quality. However, there are several things any company can do to improve efficiency out in the plant without sacrificing the quality of your products. Check out these methods you can implement to improve efficiency at your manufacturing plant.

1. Evaluation

The first step in any progress is to evaluate and determine what is working or what isn’t. Obviously, you will have a hard time identifying areas that need improvement if you don’t first examine your current workflow. Three main areas can typically determine what changes are needed in your workflow:

Labor

  • Do your employees have the skills to perform the tasks they need to do efficiently and effectively?
  • Have they been achieving your determined objectives?
  • What is the time cost to complete certain jobs?
  • Are there any potential ways to speed up completion time?

Processes

Once you’ve analyzed your labor needs, it’s good to investigate if your processes are the most efficient. This process involves finding out whether the stages in your production typically go as planned. More importantly, looking at your processes can help you discover where the pain points and bottlenecks prevent you from being as efficient as possible. 

Equipment and Technology

The third area you need to evaluate is your equipment and technology. Does all your equipment work properly? Is your technology the most optimal for your current business needs? How easily can you make changes to production? Is there anything you can do to increase efficiency through technology? (Pallet Dispensers are a great investment for this.)

Let’s explore a little more in-depth ways to use your evaluation to improve efficiency in your industry. 

2. Labor

In manufacturing as well as other industries, employee training is an essential and ongoing process. Obviously, training employees on new equipment and technology is the best way to ensure you are enhancing your value in them. Employee training is also an excellent retention tactic because every employee wants to have the opportunity to develop their abilities and reach their full potential. 

That’s why it is important not to limit training and education to only the equipment and technology. Your manufacturing business process will run more smoothly if everyone can understand the company’s policies and the right way to communicate with each other.

3. Processes

Streamlining your processes and ensuring that you are effectively organized can gain you an incredible amount of efficiency. The organization is the key to an efficient workspace. Pay attention to your manufacturing plant, the layout, the spaces for workers and heavy equipment to get in and out, and how each area is used.

A few things you need to check:

  • Are all the tools easy to find?
  • Are staff able to easily pick up all the raw materials or finished goods?
  • Is the packing and shipping area close to where the finished goods are placed?
  • Are the forklifts able to easily move around your manufacturing plant?

Another area to look at when evaluating processes is how much material waste you have. One of the biggest issues and most expensive areas in manufacturing plants is material waste. Here are some ways to reduce it:

  • Decrease materials while packing your products.
  • Recycle, or if you can’t do it yourself, resell the scraps to a recycling center.
  • Utilize all available materials for creating new products

Supply chain management is another zone that is often forgotten when looking at ways to improve efficiency, but it can make an incredible difference. There is no easier way to improve efficiency than automating your business processes. Supply chain management is one of the most important segments in the manufacturing business. However, if the process is still run manually, then optimized efficiency will be difficult to achieve. With sophisticated supply chain management software, you can automate various processes, from tracking inventory across multiple manufacturing plants, setting up inventory levels, ordering raw materials to suppliers, to shipping orders to customers.

4. Equipment

You can have the very best employees, but if your equipment is outdated or doesn’t work properly, it will be a challenge to improve your workplace efficiency. Therefore, it is crucial to invest in modern equipment that allows your processes to run better. Advanced equipment also helps you reduce costs for repairing damage and increasing the productivity of your employees. There are also options for equipment that specifically address efficiency hang-ups, like pallet dispensers.

Obviously, having efficient, modern equipment is a huge way to improve efficiency, but it is also important to keep it maintained. Some equipment may still be used for a longer period of time if treated properly. The new equipment also needs to be maintained so that it can be used to the fullest.  And as you already know, maintaining equipment is far cheaper than replacing it. So, never wait to care for a piece of equipment until it is damaged. A better idea is to conduct preventive maintenance according to the type of equipment regularly. 

Yarbrough Industries is here to help you with that maintenance on hydraulic equipment and more. Contact Us today to see how we can help your company operate more efficiently.

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This industry moves fast, but you can move even faster if you’re up to date on trends, technical developments, and best practices. The Yarbrough Industries blog is a go-to source for valuable, timely and detailed information. Sign up to ensure that you don’t miss a single post.

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Saving Money On Metal Fabrication

In every area of life, we are all looking for ways to save money, cut costs, and squeeze out every penny when it comes to our budget. No matter if it’s a trip to the grocery store, buying a car, or looking to repurpose an abandoned warehouse for something new, we all want the best quality at the best price possible. There are situations where the best price isn’t necessarily the lowest, but knowing the difference will give you the confidence you need to make an informed decision.

This is especially true when it comes to metal fabrication. Although there may not be coupons or weekly ads to compare prices, when you begin getting the bids for a job, it becomes a heavy task to sift through the facts and figures to try to ensure you are hiring the right fabricator or welder for the job. Every job has many different factors that have to be considered, but typically the bid’s total dollar amount is one of the most things you can look at.

When you are getting ready to request bids on an upcoming project, here are a few tips that can help keep estimates low and lead times short. Keep in mind, these are suggestions and you can alter each of them to fit your specifications and needs at any particular time.

Provide shop-ready drawings.

By providing your own drawings, you can eliminate the engineering process that many fabrication companies spend additional money on while forming their estimated bid.

Provide a completion date. 

Every fabrication company has a different workload based on multiple factors. This means that your desired delivery date will impact their bid price and ability to fit the project into their schedule.

Provide addresses and contacts.

It is not uncommon for fabricators to do a majority of the work on-site, which can help shorten lead times considerably. By having this information upfront, you allow each metal shop to determine a closer estimate of their costs based on the specifications of the job site.

Provide load specifications if possible. 

These include specs for tension, environmental loads, equipment limitations or restrictions, or even equipment cut sheets. This can provide them with valuable information on how they will be pricing your bid and if they will need to custom order anything.

Provide engineering drawings

Provide engineering drawings or basic arrangement drawings if possible. Once again, these small things allow estimators to have a clearer picture of the project in its entirety. That enables them to provide a more realistic bid total. Plus, their bid total won’t need to include costs related to this prep work.

Provide any plans and profiles available.

To reiterate for the third time, the more information you can provide prior to getting the bid, the more realistic and accurate that bid will be.

If you are ever in doubt about what you should provide, always err on the side of too much. Communication is key to more precise bids and the more detail you include, the closer to a factual total you will end up with. As an interested customer, the more information you can provide upfront, the better.

Another thing it is important to remember when you are considering a fabrication job is that if you need to make any major changes to these pre-stated specifications AFTER a job begins, it can extend the completion date out beyond the deadline and tack on extra costs that weren’t accounted for in the contingency figures. By being prepared in advance and knowing what you want from the start, your metal fabricator can actually get to work and complete the project as efficiently as possible.

Need to Request for Quote from Yarbrough Industries? Contact us anytime!

Get direct access to industry-leading content

This industry moves fast, but you can move even faster if you’re up to date on trends, technical developments, and best practices. The Yarbrough Industries blog is a go-to source for valuable, timely and detailed information. Sign up to ensure that you don’t miss a single post.

Tags:

fabrication, metal fabrication, metal fabrication shop, metal projects, metalwork

Preventing Rust And Corrosion

Anytime there is metal involved in a project, there is a possibility of rust. This can present a challenge to the appearance of the project and the piece’s overall structural integrity. When iron is exposed to oxygen through air or water, rust and corrosion may take hold. There are a few ways to combat rust, but it is best to prevent it from forming in the first place.

Ways to Prevent Rust

Here are a few suggestions for how you can work to keep rust and corrosion from destroying your project.

Use Rust and Corrosion Resistant Alloys


Certain metals, such as stainless steel, are naturally resistant to rust because of their chemical makeup. For example, stainless steels have chromium added to them. The chromium combines with oxygen to form a passive layer that protects the steel from corrosion. What’s really great about this protective layer is that it can fix itself if damaged. However, this does not mean that stainless steel is completely impervious to corrosion, as exposure to extreme environments (such as saltwater) can still cause stainless steel to corrode. Before you begin a project, it is important to weigh your options regarding what metals and materials you will use and how they interact with the given environment in which they will exist.

Another option is to use weathering steel, also known as “COR-TEN” steel. This steel contains various alloys such as chromium, nickel, copper, and phosphorus that create a protective patina that can greatly reduce the corrosion rate.

Intelligent Design


Aside from choosing a corrosion-resistant metal, a lot can be accomplished to combat rust through smart design. No matter the structure you are creating, limit the number of cavities and crevices in which water could easily collect. It is better to weld joints than to bolt them together as water can penetrate the spaces underneath bolts and washers and eventually cause them to fail. It would help if you also prioritized making all spaces open to making future maintenance as easy as possible, so rust can be addressed as soon as it is discovered.

Paint


Painting is a great, low-cost way to protect against rust. The paint forms a protective barrier between the metal and corrosive elements. Oil-based paints are the best choice if you try to prevent water and oxygen from penetrating the metal and causing corrosion. Keep in mind that you will have to monitor the quality of the paint regularly. As soon as the paint chips or becomes damaged, the metal underneath will become more susceptible to corrosion.

Powder Coating


Another great option to protect your piece is to have it powder coated. This is when applying a dry powder via spraying and then heating it, so it forms a thin, protective film.

At Yarbrough Industries, we have experts to help you through the process to ensure your project lasts.

Make sure to contact us about any metal fabrication and machining questions you may have!

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This industry moves fast, but you can move even faster if you’re up to date on trends, technical developments, and best practices. The Yarbrough Industries blog is a go-to source for valuable, timely and detailed information. Sign up to ensure that you don’t miss a single post.

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fabrication, metal fabrication, metal projects, powder coating, Preventing rust, stainless steel

New Cincinnati Press Brake

Yarbrough Industries had a new Cincinnati press brake “flown in” to provide even higher quality bent parts at competitive prices.  This new machine is the perfect complement to their laser, water jet, welding and other fabrication equipment.  Now is a great time to contact Yarbrough for a quote on your parts or assemblies.

Get direct access to industry-leading content

This industry moves fast, but you can move even faster if you’re up to date on trends, technical developments, and best practices. The Yarbrough Industries blog is a go-to source for valuable, timely and detailed information. Sign up to ensure that you don’t miss a single post.

Tags:

featured, metal fabrication shop, metal projects, metalwork, Yarbrough Industries

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