Sheet metal fabrication and ironwork may sound synonymous or interchangeable terms, but they are not. Each of this requires a unique skill set, materials, and equipment. The similarity is that both of these are metal fabrication techniques and comprise a variety of metals and machinery. Fabricating a metal implies cutting, bending, rolling, deburring, sawing, or more to give it a certain shape and size and use it in assembling a component. So, it is more functional in nature. Ironwork includes making railings, bridges, bank vaults, and other constructions of iron. Hence, this is more structural in nature. Be it sheet metal fabrication or ironwork, right kind of tools and equipment… Read More
Continue ReadingHow Laser Cutting Works?
Laser cutting, which is a thermal based non-contact process, is one of the widely established processes to cut or engrave a wide range of materials such as metals, plastic and wood, among others. The technique is one of the fastest cutting process available that assures a high degree of precision and accuracy without causing deterioration on your material. Laser cutting allows creating complex geometrical shapes, small holes, and beveled parts without generating heat compared to other thermal cutting processes. This non-contact process is highly accurate, yields excellent cut quality, with a reduced chance of material warpage. Although a widely popular technique, most of us are not aware of the working… Read More
Continue Reading4 Beneficial Features of Woodward Fab’s Box and Pan Brakes
Box and pan brakes are gaining popularity in the metalworking industry because it is used in the complex sheet metal bending. This equipment is also known as finger brakes and can be used to form boxes, pans and other similar objects effectively. Due to their rising significance, there are several types of this equipment to choose from different manufacturers. Woodward Fab is one of the industry-leading manufacturers of box and pan brakes. These equipment are designed to bend hard metals such as aluminum, stainless steel, and alloys with high tensile strength. There is a misconception that box and pan brakes are tough to handle if you are using it for… Read More
Continue ReadingComparison between Nibblers and Shear Tools
Metalworking is one of the most complex industries due to the severity of the production processes involved. Those who regularly work with heavy gauge metal sheets perform several processes in order to get the metal to the required specifications for further forming. Amongst such several operations, cutting of sheet metal plays a significant role. There are several tools available for sheet metal cutting that help you do the job at a faster rate, whilst allowing you to produce clean cuts by reducing the workpiece damage and the risk of injury. This post discusses the most commonly used sheet metal cutting tools, i.e., nibblers and shears. Read on to know a… Read More
Continue Reading5 Significant Welding Tools You Need for an Accurate and Safe Welding
Welding is the most common and the critical operations employed in every sheet metal fabrication shop to join metal pieces together as per the specifications. Unlike the past, several tools available simplify the welding process and gives you the expected results quickly. In the last post, we had a discussion on a few such welder tools that are commonly used in the welding sector. This post discusses another 5 important welding tools. 5 Popular tools used in welding Invest in the right welding tools and equipment that give you faster results. Following are the list of welding tools that help augment the quality of your welding processes. MIG Welder: Metal… Read More
Continue ReadingTop 4 Sheet Metal Industry Trends
The sheet metal fabrication is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. Although considered traditional in its approach, still it has experienced the influx of emerging technologies. Earlier manual tools were mainly used for sheet metal fabrication processes such as cutting, machining, welding, as well as the assembly of the final product. However, today many of these tools are replaced by advanced and effortless versions. The growth of the sheet metal fabrication industry is fueled by two factors – improved supply chain practices, and technology advancements. After reading all these, you might be intrigued to know about the major trends in the sheet metal industry. Isn’t it? If… Read More
Continue ReadingHow to Use Slip Rollers
Sheet metal of varying sizes, shapes, and specifications is used to produce parts/components for applications across several industrial sectors. However, in order to form sheet metal to the required specifications, the support of several equipment and tools is inevitable. One such tool that is a must-have in all the sheet metal fabrication shops is a slip roller. What are these tools? These compact and user-friendly machines are designed to form sheet metal into curved panels or cylinders. They are built to withstand years of rolling at maximum capacity. In this post, we will discuss the working of slip rollers along with listing a few features. How does a Slip Roller… Read More
Continue ReadingPotential Hazards Associated with Sheet Metal Bending Brakes
A press brake is one of the popular machines used for sheet metal bending including bottom bending and air bending. A work-piece is clamped between a punch and a die to create a pre-determined bend. These sheet metal brakes are well-known for their versatility, ease-of-use, minimal maintenance, durability, and dependability. However, the tool must be operated carefully, as negligence leads to unforeseen accidents and injuries to people involved. The post, thus aims to familiarize you with some of the potential hazards associated with press brakes and solutions to protect yourself from those dangers. 6 Common Hazards Caused by Press Bakes The following are the commonly heard hazards caused when operating… Read More
Continue ReadingWorking with Sheet Metal? Know These Safety Guidelines
Sheet metal is a thin sheet of metal, which is widely used in a wide range of metalworking applications. Its property to bend, and being formed into a variety of shapes is one of the reasons for its increasing popularity in many industries. To bend, or cut a sheet metal requires using different machines or equipment, and so the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) advises to take into account many safety and health issues. What are the different safety considerations that one must follow, while working with sheet metals? Are you interested to know? Well, the following post is aimed at giving out some safety tips for those… Read More
Continue ReadingHow to use Woodward Fab Shrinker/Stretcher Metal Forming Tool?
Shrinker/stretcher, which consists of two dies (one for stretching material, while the other to shrink material) is designed to form desired curves on a piece of metal. This wonderful metal forming tool provides the convenience of having both Shrinker and Stretcher set up in the same tool. Available in several models, the tools can be used to form 18 gauge mild steel or up to 16 gauge aluminum. This metalworking tool is provided by several manufacturers and in diverse specifications. However, the shrinker/stretcher tool from Woodward Fab have gained extreme popularity in the recent years. Do you want to know how they work? What are the different types of shrinker/stretcher… Read More
Continue ReadingWoodward Fab’s Step-by-step Guide to Assembling the Manual Pipe & Tube Bending Machine
In manufacturing or metalworking industries, pipe and tube bender equipment are required to achieve precise wrinkle-free bends. You can set the required angle of bending by a particular setting in this equipment. In order to use this equipment efficiently, you need to ensure that proper installation and assembly of the equipment is done. Woodward Fab is one of the leading and experienced manufacturers of various metalworking tools and equipment. One such equipment from the company is the WFB2 manual tube and pipe bending equipment. This post will help you understand step-by-step how to assemble this equipment. We have also embedded a video below for your reference, and to help you… Read More
Continue ReadingAchieve Astounding Results with Woodward Fab Metal Fabrication Equipment
Woodward Fab is the trusted source for a wide range of metal fabrication equipment that are known for their quality craftsmanship and optimum performance. With the high-quality equipment, you can execute several simple to complex metal fabrication tasks easily and safely. Their range of sheet metal fabrication tools is made to perform to the highest standards even in the harsh industrial environments. Product Offerings of Woodward Fab Under the category of metal fabrication equipment, Woodward Fab manufacturers and sells the following equipment: English Wheels: Also known as wheeling machine, this metal fabrication tool allows producing different types of curves in sheet metal. This simple and easy-to-use machine helps shape metals… Read More
Continue ReadingHow to use Woodward Fab 3-in-1 Sheet Metal Machine?
It is essential to have sheet metal components of varied specifications for a wide range of applications across several industries. Unlike in the past, several automated machines are employed to create fascinating shapes accurately as per specification from sheet metal. One such innovative equipment that does three sheet metal forming tasks such as bend, roll, and shear all at once is 3 in 1 machine. Woodward Fab offers these technology-driven 3-in-1 machines that are specially built with heavier components and machined to closer tolerances. Are you intrigued to know how do they work? The post discusses the same. How to Operate a Woodward Fab 3-in-1 Machine? With this machine at… Read More
Continue ReadingWoodward Fab’s Wide-ranging Metal Fabrication Equipment
Metal fabrication is a process in which a metal is cut, bent, and made into different structures. Now, in order to carry out this process, one needs to have all the necessary machinery and equipment. In other words, metal fabrication process is only possible, when a company has a well-equipped machine shop with all the required equipment. There are several manufacturers of these equipment in the US. However, when it comes to manufacturing good quality machinery, there are very few manufacturers. Now let us discuss the different Woodward Fab’s equipment from the above video. What are the Various Types of Equipment for Metal Fabrication Available at Woodward Fab? At Woodward… Read More
Continue ReadingMachines Used & Techniques Implemented for Sheet Metal Fabrication Process
Sheet metal fabrication is one of the most widely carried out manufacturing process, today. It is basically the process of shaping a sheet metal to get the desired part. This is done by removing the material or deforming it. Sheet metal is a special type of material with extreme flexibility. It can be bent, cut, or stretched to form different shapes. In order to do this, a wide range of machines are used, and different techniques are implemented. Are you interested to know what these machines and techniques are? If so, then read the following post, which explains in detail, all the different types of machines and techniques used for… Read More
Continue ReadingSafety Tips for Sheet Metal Fabrication
Metal fabrication is the process of creating metal structures by cutting, assembling, grinding, and bending metal sheets. Various types of hand tools and machines are used during the metal fabrication process. These tools and machines are precision designed to offer desired results. Hence, it is important to take safety into consideration while working on metal fabrication projects. Many injuries in the sheet metal fabrication industry is a result of carelessness. Severe injuries can occur due to improper handling of tool or machines or other reasons. These injuries can be easily controlled by adopting various safety measures. What are they? Read the post to find answers. It discusses four important safety… Read More
Continue ReadingWhy is Crazy Larry’s Secret Lube Popular in the Metalworking Industry?
Lubrication is a major concern and an important requirement in metal working facilities, where cutting is involved. Why? This is because, these components help reduce the friction between moving surfaces, as well as increase the cutting speed, and improve the dimensional accuracy. There is an abundance in variety, when it comes to the lubricants. Crazy Larry’s Secret Lube is one such lubricant, which has immense popularity in the recent years. What makes it popular? Where is it used? To get answers to these questions, please read the following post. Why is the Crazy Larry’s Secret Lube Preferred in the Metalworking Industries? The lubricant to be used in the said industry… Read More
Continue ReadingHow to Use a Pipe Bender Effectively? – Part II
In the previous post, we discussed the first 4 steps involved in the pipe bending process. In this installment, we will be discussing the final 4 steps of the process. Read on to know more. Step-by-Step Working of a Pipe Bender We are almost there, with only a few steps remaining in bending the pipe effectively. Here are the final steps, which will take you towards the end of the process of pipe bending. Step 6: Checking the Pipe Alignment Remember the markings that you did in the step #3? These markings have their significance in this step. Use these markings to adjust the pipe in such a way that… Read More
Continue ReadingHow to Use a Pipe Bender Effectively? – Part I
Bending a pipe might sound simple, however, in reality, it is a very intricate process. If not done properly, it can bend the pipe in a wrong way. So, in order to bend a pipe properly, certain steps are required to be followed. What are these steps? The steps are described in two part posts. Step-by-Step Working of a Pipe Bender The following are the steps you need to follow, while using the pipe bender effectively for better results: Step 1: Die Installation This is the first step in the whole bending process. To begin with, determine the size of the pipe to be bended, and then select the… Read More
Continue ReadingHow to Choose Between Sheet Metal Fabricated and Ironwork Equipment?
Although sheet metal fabrication and ironworks seem similar, there is a list of fundamental differences between the two. Before you choose between sheet metal fabricated and ironwork equipment, it is important to keep in mind your needs. While sheet metal fabrication is more functional, ironwork is more structural. Both the techniques demand different machinery, equipment, skill sets and raw materials. So, how do you know what’s the best option for you? In this post, we will try to help you with more information so that your choices become easier. Sheet Metal Fabricated and Ironwork Equipment: The Difference Let us take you through a few features of sheet metal fabricated products… Read More
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