4 Key Factors to Look for in a Metal Fabrication Firm

Construction of skyscrapers or manufacturing aircrafts and other heavy machinery is no easy work. Architects, engineers, contractors and manufactures with great insights and experience are needed to carry these jobs. A key component common across all these processes is use of metal fabrication. Metal fabrication is a process that includes the manipulation of metals into desired shapes to make customised products.

Thanks to the advancement in technology, the process of sheet metal fabrication has been simplified to a great extent. However, without expertise in fabrication designing and understanding how metals react to different external factors, the process can fail completely. The process of metal fabrication starts with prototype designing. Once the designs are final, metal is measured, cut, bent, sheared and soldered into desired shapes, all under the expertise of skilled technicians. These processes include measurement in proportions, cutting, bending, forging, and punching of the metal sheets. By welding and other techniques, these parts are assembled into desired structures.

Many sheet metal fabrication service providers promise to deliver excellent services, however not all live up to the expectations. One should select a vendor from the market by keeping the following factors in mind.

Customised Service

An ideal metal fabrication vendor is capable of offering its clients right solutions despite the initial scope of requirements. Be it the sub-assembly of stamped and sheet metal parts or the mechanical and electrical assembly of the parts, all should be provided under metal fabrication service.

Customised metal products made of aluminium, zinc plated steel, stainless steel etc., with appropriate corrosion-resistance processes like zinc coating, galvanizing, plating and powder coated finishing must be provided by a metal fabrication vendor to have its clients covered on all their requirements.

Capabilities

In today’s challenging environment some critical technical and mechanical capabilities a firm must possess are: Laser cutting, sheet metal stamping, fastener insertion, metal pressing, tool making for metal stamping and CNC (Computer Numerical Control) sheet metal punching and folding machines for more accurate and cost and time effective solutions.

The workforce must be well qualified, equipped and trained to tackle with the challenges that metal fabrication industry introduces.

Efficient Prototype Designing

Prototype designing plays a vital role in deciding the overall manufacturing cost. An efficient prototype can help save costs significantly while a poor design can double up the costs and efforts applied, resulting in no or little profit. In sheet metal fabrication industries, working teams should be handy with complex engineering tactics to improve the prototype designs.

Cost Effective Solution

A cost effective solution, satisfying the needs of the client is an example of a reliable and personalized vendor service. Standard procedures, modern machinery, innovative approach towards prototype designing and optimised selection of metals are the factors that enable a vendor to provide a cost-effective solution. These are the factors that enable a firm to provide a cost effective solution.

To find a reliable vendor, manufactures can leverage the internet. However, manufacturers should do their research before committing a job to a vendor. In addition to that, there are industry trade shows and conferences that manufacturers attend to choose among the leading metal fabrication service providers in the market.

LogiMAT is one such trade fair. From 25th to 27th of February, 2014, it is organizing its 12th International Trade Fair for Distribution, where many leading metal fabrication vendors like P&A International will be exhibiting their products and achievements to attract clients’ attention towards their services.

By following these tips and clearly defining requirements, one can easily find their vendor of choice - through either the internet or such tradeshows.

Understanding Metal Fabrication

Metal fabrication begins with manipulating the metal sheets into desired shapes in accordance to the prototype design. Parts obtained are then joined into the required structures by welding and to protect them from corrosion different techniques are applied. Two common processes used in fabrication include forming and cutting. Specialized skills and expertise are needed for the job. P&A International is a leading name in metal fabrication industry. To learn more log on to http://www.pa-international.com/products/metal-fabrication-china

5 Traits of a Reliable Aluminium Extrusion Manufacturer

Aluminium is a highly tensile, lightweight, high strength metal that is now being used extensively across industries. By using aluminium in the form of extrusion - the process of extracting aluminium into shapes and casts - the metal can be used for multiple purposes across industries. There are many manufacturers offering extrusions to companies worldwide, and below are 5 must have traits of a premier extrusion manufacturer.

1. Deep knowledge of extrusion process

A manufacturer must have thorough knowledge of all the metals and processes involved in different kinds of extrusion. Mainly, there are two types of extrusion - Cold Extrusion & Hot Extrusion. A manufacturer must be aware about the implementations of these procedures.

2. Availability of latest automation machinery

The quality of extrusion, among other things, is also dependent on the extrusion machinery used. Today, there are automated machineries available that remove the guesswork from the process, giving high quality output. Also, there is single chamber, double chamber and multiple chamber machinery available. If you need custom aluminium extrusion, ensure that your vendor has multiple chamber machinery.

3. Understanding of extrusion design

Design plays a major role in ensuring the quality of extrusion. Right design can not only improve the finish of the final output but can also reduce the amount of alloy used in the extrusion. Even if you plan to provide the design yourself, vendor’s extrusion engineers should be able to guide you in getting the most ergonomic designs done.

4. In depth information of metals and alloys

Extrusion manufacturer should have a good understanding of how metals and alloys work. Not only should a manufacturer be able to give the aluminium specifications most suited for the extrusion, he should be able to guide the client on use of metals also. For example, aluminium 6061 is one of the most preferred aluminum alloys when manufacturing automotive parts and AA 6063 is commonly used in architecture. Use of right alloy can significantly improve the utility of the extrusion.

5. Excellent customer service

Similar to other industries, customer service plays a key role in aluminium extrusion business too He should be able to understand the customers’ requirements and create extrusions, which offer maximum utility. Choosing established international manufacturers like P&A International helps companies get the extrusion quality they are looking for at affordable prices.

 Getting the right extrusion manufacturer is not only imperative for saving costs but also for putting the extrusion to maximum use.

Understanding Aluminium Die Casting

Aluminium casts are lightweight & strong and therefore used extensively across industries. The process includes putting molten aluminium in alloy steel molds or die and then extracting it once it takes shape of the die. Specialized skills and expertise are required to get the work done. A leading producer of aluminium die casts is P&A International. To learn more Log on to http://www.pa-international.com.au/

Fundamentals of Aluminium Extrusion

Aluminium is a sliver white metal found in abundance in earth’s crust. Properties like high strength, light weight, corrosion resistance and cheap price make it one of the most in-demand metal in industrial world.

What Aluminium Extrusion means?

However, it’s not aluminium but aluminium extrusion that are most useful in the industrial world. The definition of aluminum extrusion in wikipedia is:

A process used to create objects of a fixed, cross-sectional profile. The two main advantages of this process over other manufacturing processes are its ability to create very complex cross-sections and work with materials that are brittle, because the material only encounters compressive and shear stresses. It also forms finished parts with an excellent surface finish. Compared to steel, Aluminium has one third density and rigidity; thus, it bends more easily into various shapes without compromising on strength and stability.

Aluminium Extrusion Process

The process of aluminium extrusion begins with the designing of the die cast. A well designed die cast can provide high quality extrusion, maximize its utility and minimize usage of raw material. Die cast engineers and company designers should ideally work together to come up with most ergonomic designs.

The next step after die casting is extrusion, which is done either by using hot chamber or cold chamber process.

In hot chamber extrusion, preheated material is loaded in the chamber where die cast is already placed. To push the material out of the die, pressure is applied. For prevention of formation of oxides in extrusion, liquid nitrogen is added.

In cold chamber extrusion material is kept at room temperature. Again for pushing out material external pressure is applied. Compared to hot chamber extrusion, cold chamber extrusion provides a faster and stronger extrusion along with better surface finish.

After extrusion is carried out and material is cooled down (in case of hot chamber process), it is cut into desired lengths.

Finally, hardening and ageing of aluminium is carried out by heating it in ageing ovens.

Benefits of Aluminium Extrusions

As there are no welded joints, the extrusions are strong and thus easier to move around. This also makes the assembly of extrusions simple and straight forward. In addition, there is smooth surface finish and the design looks attractive. The extrusions have multiple usages in automotive, retail, construction, display, stage setting, marquees and many other sectors.

Vendors of Aluminium Extrusion

Today, many companies across the world make aluminium extrusions. Manufacturers having specialized skills must be preferred. A well-designed die cast can reduce its cost and increase utility of extrusion. In addition, using right combination of alloys increases utility and improves productivity of machinery where it is placed.

In fact, China is coming up as a major hub for aluminium extrusion manufacturers. Many known names in extrusion like P&A International have set up their advanced facilities of aluminium extrusions and die casting in China to provide services all over the world. Having a set up in China ensures that they have lower total cost of ownership, allowing them to sell their high quality products at affordable rates.

Aluminium extrusion is nothing short of revolution in the way machinery works. All that one needs to ensure is that extrusion vendor they choose has the requisite expertise.

Hallmarks of Exceptional Quality Aluminium Extrusions

The demand of aluminium extrusions in various industries is high. However, not all vendors are experienced to provide great quality extrusions. 4 signs of a great extrusions are quality of raw material used, uniformity of metal thickness, adequate streamlining of junction points and smooth surface finish. More complex the cross section, more expertise is required to maintain the quality. One vendor that has the skill, the team, and the experience to provide high quality extrusions is P&A International. For more information log on to http://www.pa-international.com/products/diecasting-extrusions-china