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VeriForm Metal Fabrication Guide
Do you need a metal sculpture that turns heads and emphasizes its surroundings? Or perhaps you need parts or other custom fabrication work specific to your industry? At Veriform, our experience and state-of-the-art equipment enable us to offer the highest quality fabrication services for a wide spectrum of projects, from one-of-a-kind architectural centrepieces to large-scale production runs of routine parts and components.
Instead of using ready-made parts to assemble custom metal structures, we use innovative and efficient cutting, bending, and welding machinery at our 26,000 square-foot facility in Cambridge, Ontario. In this blog, we present a metal fabrication guide that details the main processes we employ for our customers, most of which are CNC-driven.
What is CNC machining?
CNC machining refers to fabrication machines that are directed by computers programmed with G-code, which controls process features like coordination, location, feed rate, and speed. When customers provide us with a 2D or 3D CAD drawing, it is translated into computer code and programmed into the software, which directs the machinery. The output is consistent and produced at a speed that manual fabrication would be hard-pressed to replicate.
CNC Hi-Resolution Plasma Cutting
Plasma cutting uses a combination of gases to carry out the cutting process. High-resolution plasma is the latest in this cutting technology: directed by a program like Fusion 360, the plasma arc is forced through a small nozzle to create cleaner edges. Modern hi-resolution plasma machines can cut carbon steel up to 76mm thick and, thanks to their automation capability, deliver quality results quickly and efficiently.
CNC Laser Cutting
Unlike plasma cutting, which uses gases, CNC laser cutting uses a laser beam to cut and shape workpieces. It has several advantages over flame or waterjet cutting methods, including a reduced heat-affected zone and lower power requirements. CNC lasers can accurately and affordably cut a wide range of materials, even non-metallic ones that cannot usually be cut by plasma or flame processes. At Veriform, our laser cutting service cuts up to ¾in x 80in x 160in with accuracy of +/- 0.005in.
CNC Punch/Laser
Our CNC punch/laser machine delivers the benefits of both punch and laser processing in a compact footprint, dispensing with the need for standalone machines. By combining a high-efficiency laser with a punching press for creating holes or indent forms, this unit makes sheet metal fabrication much easier. It also reduces run time by eliminating additional processes and optimizes material handling.
CNC Bending – Forming
At Veriform, we offer CNC metal bending and forming services that use hydraulic press brakes, detailed tooling, and comprehensive CAD/CAM capabilities. The press brake forces sheet metal between a punch and die and applies a bending force that can shape and form workpieces up to 21 feet. Our detailed selection of bending tools can handle everything from the most basic to the most complex bends for your project.
CNC Shearing
We use CNC shearing to cut sheet metal to size out of roll stock and other types of larger stock. When a force is applied perpendicular to the material, it yields and breaks. This process is typically used as the first step in preparing metal stock for stamping processes or getting smaller blanks ready for presses.
Welding
Not all of the processes in our metal fabrication guide are directed by computer! At Veriform, we only employ welders who are CWB CSA W47.1 and W59 certified and retain an experienced welding engineer to make sure that each project is in precise accord with customer specifications. Available methods include:
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
- Gas Metal Arc Welding
- Pulsed Gas Metal Arc Welding
All long, large, or complex parts are welded on our leading-edge Demmeler Bluco fabrication tables, which enable greater precision in the final result.
Rolling
With metal rolling, the stock is passed through rolls to uniformly flatten it out. Our Italian metal rolling machines consistently deliver precise results when used for metal rolling, sheet metal rolling, and structural rolling. We can handle workpieces up to 10 feet wide, and have over 20 years of experience in producing:
- Cylinders and cylinder segments
- Concentric and eccentric cones
- Helixes
- Curved parts
Have Questions About Our Metal Fabrication Guide?
At VeriForm, our capabilities encompass a range of metal fabrication technologies. We have over 23 years of experience in manufacturing metal components, parts, and fully assembled products, and pledge to give all customers a positive fabrication experience from beginning to end. For more information or to discuss your latest project, call 519-653-6000 or contact us online.
