You spent the time, money, and resources to open your own metal fabrication shop. Now the fun part begins: time to run it. To create the best business and to optimize the work, there are five different ways to ensure that your fab shop thrives.

1. Invest in Advanced Machinery

It’s always going to be a good idea to select the best quality items for any business. But especially when operating heavy machinery, you want to be sure that you have products that are durable and will last your business a long time. A good strategy is to invest in modern technology, like fiber laser cutting or automated press brakes to improve the quality of your products and the safety of your shop. Finding a company with quality machinery, like Sanson Machinery Group, will help you to obtain the highest quality tools.

2. Implement Lean Manufacturing

Another way to optimize your shop is through lean manufacturing, which is based on the principle of eliminating waste through continuous improvement. This helps efficiency of the process, while maintaining smooth work flow and customer satisfaction. Identify if there are any unregulated areas that could be costing you, like transportation, overproduction, waiting, overprocessing, defects, excess inventory, or unused talent. By continually working to improve the process of production and quickly deliver quality products, you increase customer loyalty, improve business, and decrease production costs.

3. Prioritize Regular Maintenance

Nothing will stop production faster than a broken machine. Not only does broken equipment risk harm and the safety of fabricators, but it also can result in expensive repairs and loss of money from production. To prevent problems like this, ensure you stay on top of the maintenance by training your employees to identify and flag any machinery concerns and hire professionals to regularly look at the machines. Professional maintenance is more likely to identify bigger problems that can otherwise slip notice. It’s vital to your business to stay on top of the quality and health of your equipment.

4. Enhance Employee Training

Since your business is based on selling quality products, optimize your shop by prioritizing the training of your employees. They should not only know basic workshop procedures and safety, but be able to confidently and consistently handle the equipment. Dedicate ample training time to ensure they know each machine’s function and safety and emergency protocol. They should also all have the right certifications to comply with OSHA standards and other requirements.

You can also improve business by cross-training to minimize costs while still maintaining quality work. For instance, putting more experienced employees together with new hires will allow for the new employees to have on-the-job training experience and have an expert nearby in case of questions or emergencies. Having employees with experience and expertise leads to a safe work environment and quality production.

5. Optimize Material Handling

Handling the materials in your fabrication shop in the optimal way makes the most of the materials, streamlines production, and maintains an organized workshop. Set up your shop in a way that makes sense for flow of production and prioritizes safety and organization. Designate specific storage areas for materials with correct labeling to minimize waste and optimize efficiency. Using smart ways to transport materials, like overhead cranes or hydraulic lifts, can also positively impact the layout of the workshop and keep floors clean and clear. If your workshop is laid out in the best way, this keeps the space clean and functional.

Since your fabrication shop is your place of business, it is best to dedicate thought and energy to improve and optimize the space and work. Having good quality materials, processes, employees, and space will all help your fab shop thrive and flourish. Reach out to Sanson Machinery Group to help get the machinery you need to run the best fabrication business.

Don’t run with scissors! Don’t touch the stove when it’s hot! Safety rules like these are deeply ingrained in us from a young age and serve to keep us safe in risky situations. At Sanson Machinery, we want to do our part to keep you safe while using our quality equipment. Being properly prepared and informed is one of the key parts to get the best experience with our machines.

Our plate roll machinery is an important piece of equipment, ensuring that pieces of metal can be pressed into the right shape and angle for a variety of projects and needs. While working with a plate roll, there are some standard procedures that should be followed for the highest quality pieces and the safest results. The operator should know the following checklists when operating the machinery: general, pre-rolling, during rolling, and post-rolling safety.

General Safety

Like with any piece of equipment, there are some general safety rules that should be followed at all times.

1. Proper equipment training: Everyone who works with the plate roll equipment should have full knowledge and training on its unique features before working on the machinery.
2. Proper attire: Any loose clothing or fabric can be extremely hazardous when operating the machinery. Taking care of basic wardrobe adjustments – closed-toed shoes, hair tied back, etc. – as well as wearing PPE (personal protective equipment), such as goggles and hearing protection, keeps the operator safe.
3. Maintained workspace: Keeping both the workspace near the equipment and the walkways and exits clean, clear, and organized will help prevent any accidents during usage of the plate rolls and minimize hazards.
4. Tend the machine: Operators should check the machine before use, inspecting for any potential problems that could lead to accidents. If an accident or malfunction occurs, it should be reported immediately so that servicing can make the machine work properly.

Now let’s consider the safety checklist right before operation.

Pre-Rolling Safety

Before beginning work with the plate rolls, going through these safety measures first is essential for keeping the process safe from the onset.

1. Check for abnormalities in the machine.
2. Fasten any screws or caps and make sure the safety guards are in place. Nothing should be loose.
3. Check the brakes and make sure the emergency stops are working properly.
4. Make necessary adjustments depending on your project needs.
5. Don’t overload the machine.

Doing a brief, but thorough, examination of the equipment before usage can make a big difference in minimizing hazards. One should always go into the project being familiar with not only the specific settings required for the material and usage, but the emergency tools in case of an accident. This helps to protect against harming oneself and risking breaking or ruining the machine.

Plate Roll Safety

Similarly to the pre-rolling inspection, maintaining a watchful eye and staying attentive throughout the procedure will keep the process safe. Always check and be aware of the following.

1. Ensure the machine is stable.
2. Check that there is either enough pressure or an extra margin of material at the end of the plate. This prevents the plate from falling after rolling is completeMaintain the correct distance from the workpiece (never stand on the workpiece!).
3. Keep hands and clothes safely away from the rolls.
4. Feed the machine evenly without force.
5. Stop the machine immediately if there are any unusual noises.

While the machine is being actively used, it is of the utmost importance that the operator is aware of the status of the machine. Once the metal has been rolled to the desired curvature, there are a few more steps that should be followed to complete the safety procedure.

Post-Rolling Safety

Though the majority of the work is done, leaving the machine correctly is essential for maintaining a safe work environment.

1. Turn the machine off completely and disconnect from power.
2. Return the machine to its designated stopping place.
3. Safely remove the rolled material from the machine.

Once the machine has been turned off and returned to the correct location, the plate roll machine is in a position to be safely used by the next operator.

Quality Plate Rolls from Sanson Machinery

Though there are many ways that operating plate rolls can be dangerous and lead to harm, staying knowledgeable on how to use the equipment, what to look out for, and what one needs to do pre-, during, and post-rolling will ensure that the process is safe.

In whatever project you are working on, we at Sanson Machinery Group want to help you have the best and safest experience. We offer machines at the highest quality and have specialists who are available to help you and answer any questions to keep you feeling supported and prepared.