A Swiss Turning Machine, also called a Swiss Style Lathe or Swiss Type machine is a type of turning machine (lathe) capable of producing high production rates in small parts (1.25” diameter and under). They are especially effective in parts that are long and thin given the unique design allowing for

True-Hole Technology® is one of the latest buzzwords circling around the plasma cutting community, but What is it? What does it do? How does it work, and most importantly, how do you know if you need it? In this article we will explain true hole technology and discuss the features and benefits of us

Coping steel beams is an important part of the process of structural fabrication. These cutouts, or notches, are unique to each beam and designed in such a way so beams fit up tightly to each other, even at acute angles. Coping (or notching) of beams is required to make sure beams and columns fit wi

In metal fabrication, metal shearing is a primary process that is found in just about every shop. However, in those shops, metal shearing defects are found just as much. Persistent problems like rough for burred edges, deformed edges, twist, bow or camber on parts are all defects that can be correct

Some Laser Fabrication shops take maintenance of their CO2 or fiber laser cutting machine as seriously as they do their bank account. They know that maintaining their machine correctly provides payback in uptime and performance which in turn, results in better profits. These shops may have a service

Forming on a press brake used to be pretty simple. Take a V-Die in the angle you desire and run the punch into the material forcing it all the way down to the bottom of the die and go just a little more, 10% of the material thickness or so. This overstroke effect was called “coining” and eliminated

In the metalworking industry we use a common term called “Coping” to describe the process of cutting reliefs into parts thus allowing for proper fitting of other sections. The methods we in the steel fabrication business consists of Steel Beam Coping and Tube and Pipe Coping. These cutting methods a

During operation and maintenance of a Fiber Laser Cutting machine, it is important to remember some basic safety precautions as well as some simple things to avoid. Fiber Laser cutting systems are advanced systems of cutting technology used in fabricating shops throughout the world and they require

In the world of metal fabrication, operating a press brake is one of the most important factors to overall fabricating success. Although there are many factors that also play into a fabricators success, proper press brake operation is essential to the goal. A press brake operator should know many th

  In Structural Fabrication an Angle Line is a common piece of equipment that is used to produce segments of angle and bar stock for use as “clips”, “clip angles, “long bracing angles”, “Gusset Plates” and other structural members. Its an important process in a structural fabrication shop as ma

Thinking of starting a Fabrication Shop of your own?  Perhaps you have been a mobile welder or are currently working in a fab shop and know you can do it better. Where do you start? What equipment do you really need, especially when youre on a “start-up” budget. Do you need a press Brake? Shear

Additive Manufacturing (aka 3D Printing) started out as a gimmicky cute toy for prototyping rather useless items for metal fabricators out of low-quality ABS Plastics. However, as the technology in machinery and materials grew so did the usability. 3D Printing has not only  reached the technolo

If your a machine shop and don’t have a 3D printer yet, what on earth are you waiting for?  3D printing is not only affordable, it has become almost a necessity in reducing throughput, increasing profitability and engineering new solutions in complex geometries from your desktop. While there ar

Press Brakes used to be classified by their bending capacity in steel. It was common in years past to have a customer looking for a; ¼” Brake, and although some may still refer to them in that manner, they were wrong then, and they are wrong now. Press brakes are “sized” by tonnage and bed length (o

3D Printing has been in development for many years and the processes used in 3D printing have varied widely. However in the last 25 years the processes of been honed and refined to usable workable systems with advanced CNC controllers, easy to use software systems and a range of materials that prese

Often Fabricators are stuck in a rut of manufacturing. Refraining to upgrade to new or newer technology because they don’t have the work, and yet not being able to get the work because they don’t have the equipment to make the components, or worse, to make the components profitably. As manufacturers

In Plasma and Oxy/Fuel Cutting process there are a variety of “Table Types” that you can choose from. The “Table” is the support surface that you are placing your material onto prior to burning the desired shapes. Choosing the right one is as important as choosing the right power source for your cut

In Fabricating Machinery, Laser Cutting Machines rank higher than any other process for productivity and Return on Investment (ROI). Whether your Fabricating Shop is a Job Shop or a Captive Source for a internal use, a laser cutting system can be the best investment made as it produces parts very ac

If your asking yourself “What is a press brake?” or “How does a Press Brake work?” then this is a great place to start. In this article we describe what a press brake is and the very basics to press brake operation while providing some great links to other articles going further in depth into press