Since the conception of Abrasive Waterjet Cutting the process of material cutting has been utilized not only in 2D (Flat Sheet) applications but also in 3D (5-Axis) applications. In the past 15 years the application of 5-Axis has devolved back into the flat sheet cutting realm of waterjets where ent

What is a Water Recycling/Closed Loop system? A Water Recycling System, or rather, a Closed Looped System for an abrasive waterjet cutting machine is a system that recycles the cutting water from the waterjet cutting process providing for zero discharge of wastewater. These systems are contained se

This argument is probably as old as the pump technology itself; ‘Which is better an Intensifier style or a Direct Drive Pump?’ While Intensifier pumps are used by far more waterjet manufacturers, one cannot ignore the benefits and simplicity of the direct-drive design, and while there are manufact

When you have made a decision to purchase a waterjet cutting machine you should be prepared in advance for a successful arrival and installation. These 4 simple steps can help ensure your successful arrival and delivery of your new (or new to you) waterjet cutting system. Step 1 - SpaceSeemingly si

WATERJET START UPSFor years I helped many shops get started or add capacity to their shape cutting needs through waterjet. Waterjet Cutting Systems where the viable ‘go-to’ technology of the early 1990’s as the process presented unlimited capability in shape cutting metals, had no limitations on wha

When selling used machinery online it is vital that clean clear quality photographs and video are taken. Initially the only way to convey value and condition is through the photos you supply to advertise and describe your machine. Believe it or not, buyers “buy” photos before the look any further in

At Southern Fabricating Machinery Sales we get our fair share of all types of equipment used in machine and fabrication shops including equipment used for material handling such as Overhead, Gantry and Jib Cranes and even Forklifts too. When offering this equipment, its important for us to know as m

During the operation of a press brake you will soon realize that bending metals is anything but exact.  There are many factors related to press brake bending and an accurate part on a press brake that can vary from tooling to material springback. Newer machine systems have made great strides in

There are two main types of press brake designs available; Down-Acting and Up-Acting machines. Deciding on a design is usually mader based on your experience with one or the other previously. However there are some unique advantages and disadvantages of each design that should be taken into consider

Oxy-Fuel cutting is one of the most basic forms of shape cutting sheets of metal. Alongside Laser, Punching, Waterjet and Plasma is is one of the most versatile and cost of effective methods as well as one of the earliest forms of shape cutting has been burning metals. This process, which has been a

For many years we as manufacturers, distributors and OEM’s of laser cutting systems were taught that Power (KW) IS Capacity & Speed. We had the data to prove that increasing your wattage on a machine increased your speed and thus throughput. While all of this was true, it only applied to th

For many years the standard in sheet metal forming has been the press brake. Originally conceived as a mechanically flywheel driven machine it has evolved much like other technologies over the years. As early as the 1950’s Hydraulics were used to drive the press brakes ram thereby increasing the for

In metal cutting and fabrication shops around the country we take one if the simplest tools for granted;The Bandsaw. While it’s one of the first machines added to a fabricator’s shop, it also can be one of the best or frustrating assets a shop can have. Selecting the right saw, right from the start,

You may have the opportunity to manufacture parts that require ferrous or non-ferrous metals. So, what is the difference? Basically, ferrous metals contain iron while non-ferrous metals do not. Let’s get into it a little more. Ferrous metals go way back in time. Archaeologist have excavated items ma

Different applications in sawing created a need for different saw designs. From the simple vertical band saw came the horizontal band saw. As material increased in size and weight material handling systems were added and a type of saw became a family of saws. Whether your sawing plate or a Structura

Cold saws are some of the most misunderstood machines in shops today. Easily dismissed as “Chop saws” these machines have progressed over the years to become precise, productive part producing machines integral to the success of machine and fabrication shops worldwide.  While more a machining p

As we stated in a previous blog article, shipping machinery can be a complicated and detailed process. However, if you follow a few simple rules, you can save yourself and your company thousands of dollars while protecting your new investment. There are nine basic things you need to get togethe

Depending on the type of equipment you’re moving, there are many different equipment options to choose from when shipping machinery. From box trailers to flatbeds, your trucking broker or trucking company has a wide selection of tools to help make your machinery move smooth, safe and affordable

Many Fabrication Shops around the country have started with little more than a Welder and a Bandsaw, but these shops also possessed the drive to grow their metal fabrication business. Young start up shops then added a Metal Shear and Press Brake to their capabilities in order to better cut

Shearing is one of the oldest metal working process available and is usually the first process and machine that is used when manufacturing fabricated parts. All shears are rated on their capability to cut steel and should be selected according to the capacity required as related to steel.