Background on Custom Production Sheet Metal Fabrication

September 9, 2020 10:10 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

Industry requires machinery. That machinery contains numerous components. Manufacturers build the machines you need. Unfortunately, large-scale manufacturers don’t customize these machines or their components to work for your specific applications. If you’d like to improve the efficiency of your machinery, research your options for a company specializing in custom sheet metal fabrication in Umatilla County, OR, such as NW Metal Fabricators Inc.

What is sheet metal fabrication?

This vague term applies to various processes employed to create parts from sheet metal. The processes used vary depending on the order. A shop equipped for custom production sheet metal fabrication in Umatilla County, OR can put out as many custom-fabricated components as you need.

Why sheet metal?

Too often, people assume sheet metal doesn’t have the qualities to withstand thousands of uses over multiple years. In fact, there’s a number of sheet metal varieties available, including steel, aluminum, copper and brass. Depending on the role the fabricated component plays in the overall machine, you’ll want to review the different strength, conductivity, weight and corrosion resistance of every sheet metal option. Don’t hesitate to ask the fabrication shop you’ve hired for recommendations.

The sheet metal fabrication process

No two machine parts are the same. That means the fabrication process varies from order to order. It all begins with blanking. The blank piece of sheet metal goes through a turret press to punch out the part’s shape. Next, cutting with a laser cutter or waterjet cutter further shapes the sheet metal.

To further customize the exact component, equipment such as press brakes, folding machines and stamping units form and bend the metal. While some parts do not require assembly after bending and forming, others do. This assembly can include welding, riveting, hardware insertion or adhesive applications. There’s a number of methods for finishing this type of order, such as anodizing, plating, powder coating or painting.

Why should I invest in sheet metal fabrication?

Of course, you can replace broken parts on the equipment at work in your business with stock pieces. However, there’s several benefits to investing in custom sheet metal fabrication in Umatilla County, OR.

Fabricated components are designed to function in an exact capacity, and operate more efficiently than standardized versions. They withstand the specific stress caused by the application. Thus, fabricated parts increase employee efficiency since technicians waste less time changing out damaged pieces.

Finding quality sheet metal fabricators

To make your investment worthwhile, you want to partner with a business that’s maintained a sterling reputation for many years. Speak to companies about the team they employ, the machinery in their shop and their background with different sheet metals. Inquire about previous projects that might be similar to yours. See if bulk pricing options are available.

It’s worth researching metal fabrication shops that specialize in your specific industry. For example, NW Metal Fabricators, Inc. has more than 100 years of experience customizing components for food processing and other industries. If you have questions about production sheet metal fabrication in Umatilla County, OR, get in touch with us now.

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