Whether you’re just starting out in the metal fabrication industry or you’re looking to diversify your production capabilities, there are certain functions that are essential for any metalworking shop. From cutting and forming to welding and deburring, ensuring your machining capabilities include these six essential functions will set you up for success:

1. Cutting

The first step in any metalworking project is cutting large sheets of metal into smaller, more convenient sections. There are many ways to cut metal, and the right function for your shop depends on what products you produce. 

Cut-to-length (CTL) machines take a large coil of rolled metal, unroll it, flatten it, cut sections to a precise length, and stack the sheets into a bundle. 

Shearing machines are kind of like paper cutters, but for metal. They have a guillotine-like blade that descends, cutting the metal sheet to the desired length. Band saws, on the other hand, consist of a sharp-toothed blade that rotates around two pulleys, cutting the metal as the operator feeds it through.

Water jet cutting is exactly what it sounds like. It involves an extremely high-pressure jet of water mixed with an abrasive agent to cut through metal. Unlike CTL or shearing machines, water jets can cut intricate designs and even etch the surface of certain materials.

2. Punching

The next essential function is transforming the plain sheets of metal into the components that will be used in your final products, and punching is a significant part of that process. From embossing logos and creating indentations to punching holes and cutting out individual components, punch presses are versatile machines with many uses. With both hydraulic CNC punch presses and simpler manual options available, you’re sure to find one that meets your manufacturing needs.

 

3. Forming

If your components need to be something other than flat, it’s time for forming. From appliance parts to automotive components, forming machines help you mold flat metal into three-dimensional shapes. 

Forming functions include bending and rolling. Bending machines take pieces of metal and bend them into angles, while rolling machines create curves and cylinders. There are two main types of rolls: plate and angle rolls. Plate rolls are great for bending large pieces of metal, and angle rolls are ideal for narrower widths. 

4. Spot Welding

Attaching two pieces of metal to each other isn’t always as simple as using glue or tape. Spot welding is a quick and efficient way to get the job done, and this function can even be automated. 

Spot welding machines use electrical resistance to bind two overlapping pieces of metal, forming a welding joint. Many fabricators opt for these machines because they minimize fumes and allow you to control how much heat is generated.

5. Deburring

Once all components have been cut, formed, and welded, it’s time for deburring. When metal is cut, there are irregularities, sharp edges, and tiny pieces of metal (burrs) stuck to the surface. Not only does this impact the aesthetics of a product, but it can impact its performance and safety, as well. 

Deburring machines are designed to remove these imperfections, creating a smooth finish. There are many different types of deburring machines available, from manual instruments to robotic tools to mechanical options. Vibratory deburring involves putting metal pieces into a vibrating tub filled with small pellets. The vibration causes the pellets to abrade the metal, rubbing off all the burrs and imperfection and leaving a smooth finished product.

6. Inserting Hardware

While you may be able to insert hardware into your products by hand, hardware insertion machines can perform this function automatically, saving you time and cutting down on mistakes. At Sanson Machinery, we are proud to offer our very own hydraulic insertion press. As a cost-effective alternative to similar machines on the market, the Sanson Inserter provides quality results without breaking the bank. 

Level Up Production Functionality with Sanson Machinery

At Sanson Machinery, we are committed to helping you take your metalworking functionality to the next level with our comprehensive range of machines. Whatever your production needs are — cutting, punching, forming, welding, deburring, and more — we have the tools you need to create exceptional products.

If you’re in the market for metal fabrication machinery, you’re in the right place. Contact us today to get a quote and learn more about how Sanson Machinery can bring your shop to new heights.

In the competitive metal manufacturing industry, speed and efficiency are of utmost importance. Whether you’re a small metalworking shop or a large-scale manufacturing facility, optimizing production times can improve your productivity, save you money in the long run, and give your company a competitive edge. After all, time is money! 

In this blog post, we’ll explore seven effective strategies to help you speed up your production processes and enhance overall efficiency, ensuring you get the most out of your equipment and workforce.

1. Invest in Advanced Machinery

The best way to speed up production in your metal fabrication shop is investing in advanced machinery and high-speed equipment. CNC machines, for example, can drastically reduce production times by offering unparalleled precision and streamlining processes. They use computers to automate a variety of cutting, drilling, and shaping tasks that would take significantly longer to complete manually.

Laser cutting machines are another smart investment. Compared to traditional methods, these machines provide faster, more precise cuts and reduce the need for secondary finishing processes like grinding and deburring, which can speed up production.

2. Implement Automation and Robotics

Automation and robotics are game-changing metal fabrication technologies. By incorporating automated systems and robotic elements into your production processes, you can speed up and streamline repetitive tasks, reduce human error, and maintain consistent quality between products.

For instance, robotic welding systems can perform continuous welds with high precision, which significantly reduces production times and increases throughput. Automated material handling systems are another excellent way to speed up the movement of materials and components through your shop, minimizing downtime and supporting a smooth workflow.

3. Optimize Workflow and Layout

Your shop’s physical layout plays an important role in production efficiency. Optimizing your workflow minimizes the distance that workers and materials need to travel, which reduces bottlenecks and time-consuming journeys. To speed up production, thoroughly analyze your shop’s current layout and identify whether there are any areas that need improvement.

Consider arranging everything in a cellular manufacturing layout, where the equipment and workstations are placed in a sequence that mirrors the production process. This setup reduces transit times and improves coordination and efficiency between the different stages of fabrication.

4. Implement Lean Manufacturing Principles

“Lean manufacturing” is a philosophy that focuses on eliminating waste and improving efficiency. Adopting these principles helps you identify and eliminate activities that don’t add value, streamline and speed up production processes, and enhance overall productivity. 

Key lean manufacturing principles include:

• 5S methodology: The 5S pillars are sort, set in order, shine, standardize, and sustain. This systematic approach provides a methodology for cleaning, organizing, developing, and sustaining a more efficient and productive work environment.
• Value stream mapping: As part of your efforts to optimize your workflow layout, visualize the flow of materials and information to identify and eliminate any inefficiencies.
• Continuous improvement: Empower your employees to suggest and implement incremental changes that improve productivity. Regularly review processes and refine them to adapt to changing demands. 

5. Enhance Employee Training and Skill Development

When employees are trained well, they are more efficient and produce higher-quality products. Invest in ongoing training to keep your staff up-to-date with the latest technologies and best practices. Additionally, cross-training employees in multiple tasks can increase workflow flexibility and reduce downtime caused by absenteeism.

6. Utilize Advanced Software

Cutting-edge software solutions can significantly speed up metal fabrication processes. Computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software streamline processes, reducing errors and improving precision. 

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems can further enhance efficiency by integrating various business processes, providing real-time data and analytics that enable informed decisions and allow you to respond quicker to production issues.

7. Regular Equipment Maintenance

Maintaining your equipment is crucial to avoid frustrating breakdowns and production delays. Stick to a regular preventative maintenance schedule to ensure all your machinery operates optimally. Periodic inspections, lubrication, and part replacements support your equipment’s longevity and help you maintain consistent production speeds.

Speed Up Production With Sanson Machinery

In order to speed up metal fabrication processes, you must adopt a multifaceted approach, combining advanced machinery and automation with lean manufacturing principles and employee education. By implementing these expert strategies, you can increase efficiency and speed while reducing costs.

At Sanson Machinery, we know what it takes to stay competitive in the metal fabrication industry. With our comprehensive selection of advanced machinery, you can take your shop to the next level. Browse our website or come visit us in Mukilteo, Washington, to see what we have to offer!

When working with stainless steel, the finish is just as important as the grade. Stainless steel finishes don’t just affect the appearance of the finished product; they also influence the material’s ability to be cleaned, corrosion resistance, and overall performance in various applications.

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) outlines the standards for each type of stainless steel finish to ensure quality and uniformity. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most common stainless steel finishes and discuss how our cutting-edge metal fabrication equipment can help you achieve them.

Types of Stainless Steel Finishes

Most stainless steel finishes are identified numerically. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular options:

Mill Finishes

The basic finishes that stainless steel sheets and plates receive from the mill are known as mill finishes. Finishes in this group are produced by annealing, pickling, and hot or cold rolling. The most common mill finishes include:

• No. 1: This is a rough, dull surface produced by hot rolling, annealing, and pickling.
• No. 2D: A dull, non-reflective finish achieved by cold rolling, annealing, and pickling.
• No. 2B: This finish is similar to 2B but requires an additional light cold rolling pass, which produces a more reflective surface.

Brushed Finish (No. 4)

The No. 4, with its brushed appearance, is one of the most popular stainless steel finishes. The brushed finish features fine parallel lines, giving the surface a matte sheen. Thanks to its aesthetic appeal and ease of cleaning, brushed stainless steel is commonly used in architectural panels, elevator doors, and kitchen appliances.

Mirror Finish (No. 8)

The highly reflective No. 8 mirror finish provides a smooth, polished appearance. Achieved through extensive polishing and buffing, this finish is ideal for decorative applications, including wall panels, signage, and upscale interiors.

Satin Finish

Similar to a brushed finish, a satin finish has a soft and smooth appearance — just without the fine lines. Its soft, subdued shine makes it suitable for architectural and automotive applications.

Achieving Different Stainless Steel Finishes

Each stainless steel finish requires different equipment and techniques. Investing in the right tools is essential for manufacturing high-quality stainless steel products. At Sanson Machinery, our comprehensive selection of machinery is designed to produce consistent, high-quality finishes that enhance the performance and aesthetics of your finished products.

Stainless steel finishing machines include:

Deburring Machines

Burrs are small imperfections on the edges of metal pieces after they have been cut or machined. Removing these burrs is a crucial step in the finishing process. Deburring machines efficiently smooth out these edges, ensuring an even finish. This step is particularly important for achieving high-quality stainless steel finishes, as burrs can affect the material’s overall appearance and performance.

Grinding Machines

Grinding machines are crucial for achieving a consistent surface finish. For a brushed finish, the stainless steel surface passes through grinding belts with varying grit sizes. Beginning with a coarse grit and progressing to finer grits creates a uniform finish.

Polishing Machines

Polishing machines take the finishing process one step further, using a combination of abrasive compounds and buffing wheels to achieve a mirror finish. The multi-stage process involves the use of progressively finer abrasives to eliminate any surface imperfections and enhance reflectivity.

Finishing Machines

Finishing machines are designed to create specific textures and finishes by using media like ceramic or plastic pellets. For example, to achieve a satin finish, these machines tumble stainless steel parts with a fine media that gently abrades the surface. The result is a soft, even sheen.

Tips for Optimal Finishing

Optimal stainless steel finishing requires patience and attention to detail. For best results, follow these expert tips:

• Material preparation: Begin with a clean, well-prepared surface. Before starting the finishing process, remove any grease, dirt, or oxide layers.
• Consistent technique: To avoid creating unwanted marks or uneven surfaces, use consistent pressure and motion when grinding and polishing.
• Regular maintenance: Prioritize regular maintenance and cleaning to keep your equipment in top condition and experience better performance.
• Quality abrasives: Use high-quality abrasive materials to achieve the best finishes. Inferior products may produce inconsistent finishes and lead to increased wear and tear on your equipment.

Stainless Steel Finishing Equipment at Sanson Machinery

Achieving the perfect stainless steel finish requires the right equipment, quality materials, and expert technique. At Sanson Machinery, we offer a wide range of metal fabrication machinery designed to help you bring your operations to the next level. Whether you’re looking for deburring, grinding, or polishing machines, we have everything you need. 

Contact us today to learn more about our products and get a quote.