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At VeriForm, we take pride in our next-generation metal fabrication technology, sustainable operations, dedicated team of specialists, and our 20-plus years of exceptional results and customer service.  

However, what makes us especially proud is that we are a North American company serving the machining and metal fabrication needs of clients from coast to coast. We specialize in formed, cut, and welded parts for key national industries like machine building, mining, and forestry. Our 26,000 sq ft. facility in Cambridge, Ontario, is often in operation up to 18 hours a day, producing the parts that help our nation run.

Under the guidance of our President, Paul Rak, we have ongoing dedication and commitment to four key business principles: 

• Product excellence
• Community
• Sustainability
• Education

Product Excellence

VeriForm has adopted many leading-edge technologies that increase product quality while reducing production times and customer costs. One of our core assets is Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining, which uses pre-programmed software to ensure precision in the following processes:

• Countersinking 
• Drilling
• Laser cutting
• Tapping

CNC machining and fabrication technologies provide our customers with several advantages compared to traditional manual methods. By using higher levels of automation, productivity and cost-effectiveness are increased across the board while the likelihood of production errors or workplace accidents goes down. The ability to generate consistently accurate output lets us provide clients across North America with uniform and flawless products.

Community

We believe in giving back to the community that makes our business possible. We have partnered with the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce and key nonprofits like Meals on Wheels and the Food Bank to support the health and independence of local families and work with local businesses to build a stronger sense of community. We are always ready to support new initiatives that make the Waterloo Region a happier, more productive, and safer place to call home.

Sustainability

VeriForm is proud to join global leaders like Nike, Google, and HSBC in managing our environmental footprint. We have committed to making our entire operation carbon neutral, as reflected by the following accomplishments:

• Being the first Waterloo-region manufacturer to reduce our annual CO2 emissions while expanding our business space by 145% and realizing a 76% increase in operating profits. 
• Currently operating on ISO 9000-2015 quality management systems.

Since we achieved the ISO 9000-2015 QMS standard in 2015, our facility has completed over 80 projects aimed at waste reduction and energy use. For one project, we replaced a 20hp screw air compressor with an 8hp Kaeser screw compressor and a 120-gallon storage tank. Verified energy savings are 94%, which represents a yearly reduction of close to 30,000 kilowatt-hours.

Education

At VeriForm, we believe that education is the key to empowering our employees, customers, and the greater community. The opportunity to engage in lifelong learning makes for a stronger society that can make informed choices about its future.

To support this goal, we pay for our employees to take classes that advance their skills. For us, continuous improvement is not a destination, it’s a constant journey, and the investment has paid off. Thanks to the accuracy of the components and parts we produce, our customers have reported significant savings in assembly costs and we are proud to report an on-time delivery rate of over 91%.  

In addition to ongoing professional development for our staff, we provide volunteer services and financial support to the non-profit Suzuki String School of Guelph, so that the children of financially challenged families can attend classes there and benefit from high-quality learning experiences.

We Are Your Metal Fabrication Partner in North America

At VeriForm, we will never stop improving. It keeps us relevant and ensures that we’re always in the best position to contribute to the success of our customers and the community at large. Our drive and commitment to product excellence, community, sustainability, and education have kept us going strong during recessions as well as times of prosperity, and we’re confident that the journey ahead will be even brighter. If you’re interested in learning more about VeriForm, please contact us today.

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.

There are some projects that call for a special finishing touch. A newly opened shopping mall, hospital, or other public building gains social, economic, and cultural value when its unveiling is honoured by a custom fabricated metal statue or sculpture. Heritage buildings and those designed to replicate structures from an earlier era deliver a more authentic experience when their railings, light fixtures, and garden gates are indistinguishable from the originals. 

At VeriForm, we have years of experience in metal fabrication and design for custom architectural projects. We use components like metal bars, rods, sheet metal, wood, and composites to create a sculpture, shape, canopy, or building accent that leaves an unforgettable impression on viewers. You can rely on expert assistance from our skilled team at all stages of your project. 

Benefits of Custom Metal Fabrication and Design

Custom metal projects are built to last. When you work with us at VeriForm, you get a product that is designed and made according to your specifications and will work with a single team that helps you complete the entire process, from manufacturing to installation. We have the ability to produce designs made from multiple materials, including metals, wood, composites, lighting, and glass.

Our custom metal fabrication and design services include:

• CAD design: Our experts are proficient in design software like CAD/CAM and Solidworks™ and can work with an existing drawing or create a new one for your approval.
• Laser cutting: Our CNC laser cutting service is capable of cutting up to ¾” x 80” x 160” with an accuracy of +/- 0.005in, ensuring high accuracy in the outcome.
• Press brake bending: Our brake forming services can bend and shape metal up to 21 feet wide, allowing us to work on projects of higher size and scope.
• Fitting, welding, and assembly: We shape your vision and install it according to your specifications, keeping excellence in mind the entire time.

In addition to custom artwork like statues and sculptures, we create sophisticated and unique architectural elements such as canopies, column covers, corner guards, handrails, and other enhancements to the interior and exterior spaces. No matter what type of project, we work closely with you to achieve the desired effect.

Our Metal Fabrication and Design Portfolio

The scope of our work at VeriForm can be seen in our portfolio, which includes public art, steel canopies, facades, columns, and feature walls. It showcases our ability to serve all markets, from residential and retail to hospitals and hospitality. Recent projects include:

• A 10,000-lb, stainless steel city centre canopy constructed and welded for Depco in the summer of 2015.
• Totem poles laser cut from aluminum and rolled for an awards ceremony in British Columbia. Fabricated in December 2015 for McWood Studios Inc.
• Large steel flowers with rotating petals installed outside the Markham Public Library.
• A 26-foot long canoe made from Corten steel aluminum to prevent the onset of rusting. Fabricated for Lafontaine Iron Werks to commemorate Champlain’s landing in Ontario.
• Organic bullet-shaped parts fabricated from stainless steel and built using rubber and composite material dies to remove any processing marks. These parts were used for a federal government display in Ottawa.
• Six 8 and 10-foot aluminum sheet metal cups cut, rolled, and welded for Masaba Canada to create artistic versions of giant cups after being painted. 

All of the projects featured in our website portfolio were designed for a specific client or purpose and are merely representative of our architectural fabrication expertise. When you work with us, we help you create forms, shapes, and artistic renderings that are as unique as the purpose they are designed for while complimenting their space and their surroundings. Our areas of specialty include:

• Custom contours and shapes
• Intricate natural and mathematical forms
• Rolling structural steel into convex and concave shapes
• Unique metals and finishes such as brass, polished copper, and bare Muntz metal
• Working with non-metals like wood, plastics, and composites 
• Quality industrial coatings like Amercoat
• Insulation for silencing

Contact a Metal Fabrication and Design Expert for Your Next Project!

For over 23 years, VeriForm has earned a reputation for excellence in metal fabrication and customer service. We manufacture under the ISO 9000-2015 quality system and work closely with architects, designers, and project owners to deliver a result that meets your needs and specifications. Our expertise includes all aspects of architectural manufacturing and design, including unique and one-of-a-kind projects. We pride ourselves in our craftsmanship and attention to detail, so please call 519-653-6000 or contact us to discuss your needs.

If you regularly cut aluminum, steel, iron, and similar metals, partnering with a metal fabricator that uses a welding plasma cutting table is a smart investment. By combining modern cutting and welding technology with high-quality performance, these tables can produce results that make your business even more productive and profitable.

How Does Plasma Cutting And Welding Work?

Plasma cutting is an effective method of cutting through materials of varying thickness. It was originally developed in the 1950s to process metals that could not be cut with flame. A plasma cutting system consists of a torch through which high-velocity gas and concentrated electrical currents flow. They generate intense heat, which cuts through electrically conductive materials such as aluminum, steel, stainless steel, copper, and brass, while the gas eliminates molten material from the area of the cut.

While hand torches can generally cut steel sheets that are up to 38 mm thick, you’ll want to use computer numerical control (CNC) plasma cutting technology to cut through denser workpieces. Since plasma cutters create a hot and localized ‘cone’ to cut, they are especially effective if you want to cut and weld sheets in angled or curved shapes.

Advantages of plasma cutting include:

• Cuts up to 10 times faster than oxyfuel
• Fully guarantees automation
• Smoothly cuts through all electrically conductive materials
• Cuts high-alloy aluminum and steel in both medium and large thicknesses
• Cuts through higher-strength structural steel with lower heat input

Plasma welding is an advanced version of the tungsten inert gas welding process. When the gas is superheated, it becomes highly conductive and allows for the transfer of an electric arc. When a gas passes through the arc, it breaks the gas down and forms a plasma stream.

The primary advantage of plasma welding is the degree of control you receive and the higher quality of the finished result. There is better arc control, welds are generally cleaner and smoother and, in smaller heat-affected zones, the welds are stronger and less noticeable.

Benefits of Welding Plasma Cutting Tables

Welding plasma cutting tables are regularly used in manufacturing, construction, automotive restoration and repair, and salvaging applications. Their high-speed performance and precise cutting ability make them compatible with both industrial CNC applications and smaller businesses. 

Their operational advantages include but are not limited to:

• Versatile performance: With a welding plasma cutting table, you can cut and weld diverse kinds of metal. Because it uses an electric arc, it can be used to process any conductive metal. Unlike oxyfuel, plasma can even cut through different types of material stacked on top of each other.
• Superior cut: Plasma cutting delivers clean and quality results compared to other cutting technologies. You can also train new employees how to use it relatively quickly because it uses an automated system to ensure an accurate cut each time. The system control factor makes it easy to use premade templates for simple replication of regular cuts and patterns.
• Rapid cutting speed: Plasma cuts thicker metals twice as fast as oxyfuel. With thinner metals, the speed difference can be up to 12 times faster. The difference in piercing speed is even more striking: for oxyfuel to piece a 15 mm sheet of metal, it has to reach a heat of around 1000C, which can take nearly half a minute. Since plasma doesn’t have to preheat in this manner, it can do the same job in under two seconds.

By investing in a welding plasma cutting table, you are adopting a system that’s safer to operate and cuts metal faster with a lot less waste. With no downtime due to worker injury and the ability to accomplish more in a small amount of time, you can realize cost savings that add up to greater business profitability.

We Are The Metal Fabrication Experts

At VeriForm, we exceed customer expectations by using CNC plasma cutting to deliver their orders on time and with the quality that they’ve come to expect from us. We can cut a broad range of metals and thicknesses, perform a smooth and accurate weld, and accommodate large or small runs. Our fabrication work is 100% guaranteed to your satisfaction. For more information, please contact us today!

VeriForm is a metal fabricator that, for the past 23 years, has been making products for uses as diverse as rail car doors, guidance systems for coast guard ships, energy facilities and telecom towers. These metal parts can be as small as a fingernail or as long as 50 feet.

As with many other companies, the COVID crisis has been a source of stress for VeriForm, some of whose employees are older and therefore more vulnerable to the virus.

“People are worried about making sure that everything is sanitized, that procedures are in place on the shop floor… All of this adds to the stress,” Paul explains to PIVOT. “Several of our senior staff are taking a leave of absence or are working remotely, so there are security issues. If you’re working remotely how does that expose our network here? That’s a huge concern of ours.”

“The stress adds to costs, it wears people down and introduces risk to our facility and to our customers,” he elaborates.

To read the full article click here

What if energy saving could ensure the survival of your business? 14 years ago, Paul Rak, owner of the metal processing…Posted by Pivot on Monday, June 8, 2020

If you recently visited Ottawa, you almost certainly saw ‘Maman,’ a giant egg-carrying spider made of stainless steel, bronze and marble that stands outside the main entrance of the National Gallery of Canada. Designed by French-American artist Louise Bourgeois, the 30’ arachnid is meant to symbolize motherhood and fertility.

Another, equally compelling piece is the Big Toonie in Campbellford, Ontario, a 27’ toonie sculpture constructed to honour Brent Townsend, an internationally renowned wildlife artist who designed the $2 coin. 

During the last few decades, the use of steel and metal for art sculpture has become increasingly common. We see them outside government buildings, schools, shopping centres, and other public structures. Mirror-polished stainless steel sculptures are extremely popular in public art projects due to their flexible fabrication, attractive finishing, and unique ability to resist heat damage and corrosion.

Not only are the results of custom metal sculpture fabrication unique and beautiful, but the malleability, durability, and relative affordability of most metals have resulted in many architects using them to create decorative sculptures for all kinds of design projects. In this blog, we’ll explain how they are fabricated in shops like the one at VeriForm and how you can contact us for your own project.

How Is Custom Metal Sculpture Fabrication Done?

Although the word ‘sculpture’ conjures images of a solitary artist making magic out of a huge block of marble, the custom metal sculpture fabrication process has many moving parts and tends to be a team effort involving architects, engineers, and metal fabrication professionals.

The process begins by styling your steel. Using software with CAD and CAM integration, design professionals create 2D profiles of the various pieces that will eventually form the finished sculpture. Then the appropriate material is selected, with corrosion resistance being an essential element for artwork that will be placed outside. 

Although there are different ways to cut the metal parts for use in a sculpture, computer numerical control (CNC) plasma cutters support greater precision and more accurate results. They are connected to a computer, which is equipped with the above-mentioned design software and directs the plasma torch along the desired toolpath. The cutter uses concentrated electrical currents to cut through electrically conductive metals while high-velocity gas removes the melted material from the area, ensuring a cleaner cut.

Depending on the desired outcome, the cut metal can then be shaped using one or more of the following fabrication technologies.

• Metal bending: The sheet metal is forced between a punch and die by a press brake, which then manipulates both tools to bend the metal into an angle.
• Plate rolling: The metal is passed through rolls to uniformly reduce its thickness.
• Structural roll bending: Using pre-made dies that can be changed according to the desired dimension and shape, this process involves passing the steel through a rolling mill to shape or bend it.

Once all pieces of the sculpture have been completed, they are welded at their connection points to maximize their strength. Some designers prefer to keep the welds visible as a rough and earthy aesthetic touch but if the goal is a smooth surface, the next step is to grind and sand down the weld area until it blends in with the surrounding metal, followed by a thorough polishing treatment that adds a final layer of beauty to the finished piece.

If properly fabricated, metal sculptures will stand the test of time in practically all weather conditions. If you are an architect, your project will achieve the best results if you work with a custom metal fabricator with the insights and experience needed to transform a functional material like metal into a beautiful work of art. 

We Are The Metal Fabrication Experts

At VeriForm, our metal forming capabilities include custom metal sculpture fabrication for architects and other design professionals. By skillful application of rolling, twisting, and welding processes, we create custom shapes that are precisely matched to your specifications and do justice to your original artistic vision. 

We have worked on many sculptures and can handle projects that call for the following:

• Natural and mathematical forms
• Custom contours and shapes
• Convex and concave shapes.

To discuss your design fabrication needs, please call 519-653-6000 or contact us for a no-obligation quote.

Metal folding is a process in which a machine bends (or folds) metal in order to achieve an intended form. Today, thanks to precise and efficient technologies like CNC folding, metal can be formed into a variety of shapes for both industrial and household uses.

The Origins Of Metal Folding

Sheet metal folding machines started appearing in the U.S market during the 1990s. The technology, which had been used in Europe for years, was adopted by the roofing and structural fabrication markets first, but soon made its way into industrial and precision manufacturing applications. 

Today, metal folding occurs when a press brake forces sheet metal between an upper tool called a punch and a lower component called a die. The press brake then manipulates these two parts to apply the bending force that gives the finished product its shape. When the process is controlled by Computer Numerical Control (CNC) technology, it enables greater and repeatable precision while folding metal of varying thicknesses.

The Benefits of CNC Folding

The CNC folding technology uses computer-based programming that saves a lot of time, especially on more complex parts and components. Once programming is complete, all facility employees have to do is feeding and unloading work: there is no need for any manual bending. Even if a part has multiple folds, all necessary bending and shaping can be completed in one operation, with an accuracy that can rarely be matched by manual handling.

At VeriForm, we have over 20 years of experience in metal folding fabrication. Our 20-foot CNC machine is fast, efficient, and delivers output that perfectly matches client specifications. Used for a wide range of industries, its reliable operation and precise results make CNC folding a natural solution for practically all folding projects. For more information about what this technology can do for your next project, please contact us today.

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines have come a long way since their first appearance during the 1940s and 1950s. These early versions used punched or perforated paper tape technology to store data, and eventually transitioned to the first analog and then digital computer processing. 

Today, CNC is one of two leading methods (the other being 3D printing) to create prototypes from a digital file. It uses computers to automate machine tools like mills, grinders, and lathes by carrying out pre-programmed command sequences. The output is so precisely shaped and efficiently delivered that CNC machining is now a core process in manufacturing, defence, aerospace, and similar domains.

The Advantages of CNC Machining in Your Workspace

To illustrate how amazing CNC machining is, have a look at the advantages and benefits it can deliver to production-based workplaces.

• No prototypes needed. The software that drives CNC machining is so advanced that expensive prototypes are not necessary. Using the software, you can finalize your concepts before cutting begins.
• Automatic quality output.  CNC machines are designed and programmed to deliver quality output, as they mostly eliminate the risk of human error. Conventional machining, on the other hand, can take years of training to achieve similar precision in results.
• Easy product replication. If you repeatedly produce the same piece, CNC machines enable your production line to replicate it over and over without reducing quality. While conventional machining works for custom pieces, CNC makes more sense for items that are in demand.
• Less labour-intensive. Unlike conventional machinery, which requires expertise and multiple personnel to use, CNC machining represents a substantial reduction in your labour costs because the process is automated.
• Boost production. CNC machining boosts production because it efficiently builds products that conventional machinery cannot master so easily. In addition, the software is easy to update: a simple download can increase machine functionality.

There are few limitations associated with today’s amazing CNC machining technology, which is one of the many reasons why it is becoming a mainstream feature in a growing range of industries. It amplifies the speed at which your facility can manufacture products, and improves the precision and efficiency of many production processes.

At VeriForm, our 20-foot long CNC machining centre supports multiple workstations, ensuring reliable uptime and high productivity. Supported machining operations include plasma cutting, drilling, tapping, milling, and other processes that go into forming essential parts and components. To learn more about how our CNC machining services can make a huge difference in the quality and volume of product output, contact us today!