Designing and constructing different kinds of structures is challenging work. Depending on the architect’s vision, you might need specially made fittings and designs to be included in the process. Some architectural design projects are so radical that determining suitable materials to use can already be quite the challenge. Not every metal fabrication company can create custom architectural structures that are unique to the customers. For such concerns, VeriForm can be of service. When dealing with an architectural design that needs custom accents or shapes, a metal fabrication company with custom architectural fabrication capabilities will be your best friend.
What is Custom Architectural Fabrication
To start, custom architectural fabrication is when unique metal statues, shapes, sculptures, or accents are created for specific architectural designs. Different industries such as construction require metal projects that differ in design based on the project or customer’s needs. Custom architectural fabrication is meant to create exclusive formations that stand out or may not be something that can be commonly found.
The Custom Architectural Fabrication Process
To make the proper custom metal structure, a metal fabrication company must follow a thoroughly detailed process. The process ensures that the output is precisely what the designer envisioned it to be. Because it’s a custom design, there are no existing molds to use, so it begins at the drawing table. Here’s a quick rundown of the process.
1. Consultation & Estimation:
The first step involves a consultation with specialists from the metal fabrication company and the designer and/or customer. They will then, discuss the project in explicit detail to ensure that the specialist gets a good idea of the designer’s vision. Once the specialists understand what the designer wants, they will then estimate the budget and timeline. If everything is agreeable to both parties, they can move on to the next step.
2. Transforming Idea to Design:
Drawings of the metal project are then generated using design software such as CAD and SolidWorks. This allows computers to understand the design. It allows the design to be used for further processing. This means that the final CAD drawing needs to be exact and approved by both the design team and the specialists.
3. Fabrication:
The next step is taking the CAD drawing, creating the molds if necessary and fabricating the physical structure. The fabrication process includes the following phases:
Laser Cutting – For custom architectural projects, sheet metal must be unrolled, measured, and cut from a larger roll.
Forming – The cut metal is then bent and formed into different shapes and forms.
Joining – The formed metal pieces are then assembled and welded to form the architectural design.
Finishing – Once the ideal shape/design is achieved, the whole project will be given the finishing touches to enhance it.
4. Delivery:
Once a custom metal project is finished, it is either delivered to a designated location or picked up by the designer and team. Depending on the structure and the metal fabrication company, occasional follow-ups and maintenance may be scheduled for the custom architectural fabrication project.
Custom Architectural Design Fabrication
Regardless of the project, finding a good metal fabrication company to help you with your custom architectural fabrication project can be challenging. However, if you need a trusty metal fabrication company in Ontario, Canada, you can contact VeriForm at any time for your custom architectural design needs. VeriForm has over 23 years of experience in transforming ideas into works of art. Visit VeriForm today for a consultation on your next metal fabrication project.
Painting over your metal fabrication projects can improve the results indefinitely. It’s not just meant for aesthetics or a simple colour change. In the case of metals, metal paint serves multiple purposes. If you have noticed, all if not most of the metal structures you see every day is painted over one way or another. Although it definitely makes metal fabrication projects more appealing, it’s not necessary in some cases. It all depends on the purpose of the structure and the metal used. It’s definitely something you should consult with a metal fabrication expert. Now we’ll discuss the importance of painting over metal.
The Importance of Painting Over Metal
There are many reasons why metal structures should be painted. Let’s try to talk about each one.
Protection From the Elements
When your metal projects come out of the foundry and into the wild, it is automatically subjected to Mother Nature’s harshest conditions. Depending on where the piece of metal is located, it will get subjected to heat, snow, rain and other weather conditions. These aspects can take a toll on any metal (some worse than others). Metal paint doubles up as a shield to prevent exposure to the elements. Nowadays, some paint does more than just create a layer of protection from the elements.
Metallic oxides help in turning the metal into an ice-phobic surface that prevents the formation of frost. Also, what colour gets used also plays a part in protecting the subject from elemental exposure. For example, choosing a lighter colour on your metals can help lower the temperature and prevent heat exposure. Extra-white paint is known to reflect up to 98% of the sun’s rays. This can help you save on your HVAC fees for the entirety of the location.
Reduce Corrosion
The worst-case scenario for any metal fabrication project is when the metal corrodes due to external reasons. Corrosion refers to the gradual destruction of materials from chemical or electrochemical reactions caused by certain environments. Steel, for example, can easily rust when the iron particles in the metal get exposed to oxygen and moisture in the air. Corrosion in any form always results in breakage, so you should always find a way to save your metal structures from corroding.
When metal paint is used, it forms a layer of protection that prevents corrosion. It may not be that thick, but it is a dependable layer that prevents outside chemicals from interacting with the steel. Therefore, ensuring your metal projects are more durable in the long run.
For Aesthetic Purposes
Another reason why metal gets painted is for aesthetic purposes. When a piece of metal gets painted, it adds to the structural beauty of a building and adds a bit of colour to the place. Adding metal paint to metal sculptures can also help people distinguish between certain subjects. The colour can also affect the mood of the site. That is why most modern-day buildings with exposed metal parts always consider the colour of the metal during the design phase.
Aesthetic-wise, it also plays a part in contributing to the brand of the company. Picking specific colours from a company logo, for example, will help differentiate between your business and the competition. Choosing specific colours can be a form of symbolism and representation as well.
Consult With VeriForm
Painting metal is more than just a stylistic choice. It offers protection and extends the lifespan of certain metal structures. However, it may need some expertise to pick the right kind of metal paint to use and to paint the metal correctly. It’s your best bet to discuss the details of metal painting with a professional instead of DIY-ing it.
VeriForm is a metal fabrication and processing company based in Ontario, Canada. They are a trusted name in metal parts fabrication, machining, welding, and rolling, with over 24 years of experience in the industry. For all your architectural or manufacturing needs, you can rest assured VeriForm has your best interest in mind. Speak with an expert from VeriForm today for more information.
Sheet metal fabrication is a complicated process that produces significant results. Nonetheless, we see improvements in the technology, the practice, and the science showing no signs of stopping. Today, we consider sheet metal as one of the most essential building materials, especially for the manufacturing industry as well as many other industries. Typically, sheet metal is fabricated from aluminum, nickel, tin, steel, brass, titanium, and even copper. But how important is the metal you choose in sheet metal fabrication? Let’s talk about all of that below.
What is Sheet Metal Fabrication
To simply state, sheet metal fabrication is the process that transforms flat sheets of metal (usually aluminum or steel) into different products or structures such as pipelines, or building parts. The sheet is changed either by punching, cutting, assembling, and/or folding it. Sheet metal might also be bent, cut, or stretched to any shape by burning or cutting the metal. The sheet metal fabrication process employs several tools from saws, cutting torches, and press brakes. These tools are used to transform the sheet metal into whatever form it will take on next. The company VeriForm has an excellent set of tools for sheet metal fabrication, and you can check out their processes along with past projects here.
The Importance of Metal Selection in Sheet Metal Fabrication
The type of metal you use for sheet metal work is significant as it can affect how well it will serve its purpose. That is why picking the type of metal to be used is the first step in any manufacturing process. But why?
There are a few factors that can affect the type of metal a manufacturer will use for production. These can include:
Price
Mechanical attributes
Environmental considerations
Physical properties
Chemical properties
These factors will make it easy for the manufacturer to pick a suitable metal for the job. Different metals react differently when worked on or manipulated, so the choice should be deeply considered. If the manufacturer chooses the wrong metal, the product will fail at the manufacturing phase. This is because the material they choose should retain its physical properties and maintain its strength during the whole process. It will also play a part in how long the structure can stand wear and tear. However, if suitable materials are chosen, you will get a product with a competitive edge thanks to its endurance, quality, mechanical properties, and performance.
Different Metals You Can Use for Metal Fabrication
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a common term to refer to any variety of sheet metal that contains at least 10.5% chromium. However, there are different grades available with other properties. The most common are the ones that are corrosion resistant. Regular, ordinary stainless steel does not need heat to be processed.
Pros
Chromium additive gives it a corrosion-resistant finish.
Solid and durable for everyday use.
Available in a variety of hardness levels, thicknesses, and widths.
Recyclable.
Easily machinable.
Weldable and can be used for riveting or soldering processes.
Cons
Thick welding points may create corrosion points.
Easily chips.
More costly compared to other options.
Requires a lot of polishing and finishing to be presentable.
Spring Steel
Spring steel refers to several high-yield strengths of steel. This includes low-alloy manganese high and medium- carbon steel. Notably, spring steel is most often used in creating springs. The material tends to return to its original shape after load-bearing or twisting.
Pros
High yield strength and does not change shape when compressed or twisted.
The unique ability to be shaped, formed and post heat treated.
Cons
Not suitable for welding.
It might be challenging to work with in a tempered and hardened state.
Overheating can cause the metal to be brittle.
Aluminum
Aluminum is considered to be a pure metal that can easily be alloyed with other materials. It is not magnetic and is not combustible. It’s also a good conductor of electricity. Aluminum is corrosion resistant and is easy to process. Lastly, it is also non-toxic making it perfect for a variety of applications.
Pros
The non-toxic property makes it perfect for food exposure.
Excellent heat conductivity.
Non-combustible and reflective making it perfect for lighting applications.
Corrosion-resistant.
Cons
More expensive than other options
Not as strong as steel
It can affect the taste of food at times.
Contact VeriForm
If you are looking for a trusted name in sheet metal fabrication in Ontario, Canada, VeriForm is your best bet. VeriForm has 24 years of experience in the process of fabrication and continues to provide quality service to all customers. The experts at VeriForm can help you determine the best metal selection for your project and more. They will provide you with the best options based on the needs of your project and produce great lasting results. Choosing the right metal can ultimately reduce your costs and expenses as well as ensure your structure lasts. Visit our website to find out how we can help your next metal fabrication project.
Custom metal fabrication involves creating something out of particular metals with unique and specific requirements outlined by customers in various industries. Whether that’s cutting and bending metal to create certain shapes or welding and bending metal parts together. The vast array of custom metal fabrication tools facilitates the process of achieving accuracy in the design and dimension of various metals – such as carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum to mention a few.
These tools used by fabricators to attain precision and meet desired requirements are used for:
Framing
Laser Cutting
Welding
Punching
Drilling & more
However, one size doesn’t fit all in the metal fabrication process and this is apparent in the variety of metal fabrication tools utilized to get neat cuts and precise dimensions. Some of the tools are; grinder, wire cutters, drill bits, and downdraft cutting tables to list a few. In custom metal fabrication, the era of 2D and 3D modelling through the SolidWorks platform has become a conventional technique commonly used by fabricators.
SolidWorks & Metal Fabrication Accuracy
Machinists and fabricators comprehend the importance of design and accuracy in custom metal fabrication and as such imbibe the use of SolidWorks from the mill to inspection and engraving stages. SolidWorks encompass a 2D model for cutting, milling, turning, inspection, and engraving. The 3D model allows for computerized machine fabrication with cloud-based integration. During the preparatory and development stage, SOLIDWORKS CAD and Finite Element Analysis are imperative to building and virtually testing processes.
SolidWorks Features
The diverse features of Solidworks, especially 2D and 3D modelling, provide ease in sheet metal fabrication and additionally bolsters productivity & profitability. Other SolidWorks features include:
Weldments
Conceptual Design
Large Assembly Design
Mold Design
Configurations
In the aspect of design, the accuracy of the tools reduces leftover scraps and ultimately improves the quality of the end product. However, in other situations, machine accuracy is easily achieved after digital adjustments are made. Top-notch surface finish and punching equipment used in fabrication achieve precise cuts and finishes.
With the virtual design, a fabricator can seamlessly communicate with clients to keep them involved every step of the way. It also allows for smooth and easy adjustment of design; to add new features or make corrections. All of these advantages are useable in the development of custom metal fabrication.
A Cut Above Commitment – VeriForm
VeriFormis an industry-leading fabricating company with in-depth experience in CWB welding, structural pipes, and rolling sheet metal. At VeriForm, we manufacture under the ISO quality system. VeriForm uses platforms and tools like SolidWorks to provide our valued customers with accurate and detailed engineering drawings to ensure we know exactly what you want to satisfy your needs. ContactVeriForm to learn more about our custom metal fabrication tools and processes. Learn more about our innovative fabrication equipment such as the Horizontal Pressbrake and a host of many other state-of-the-art fabrication tools for bending various metals.
“Among the many measures the world can take to wean itself off fossil fuels, few match the benefits of making homes, business, and cares more energy efficient. But financial and psychological barriers have kept individuals, businesses and governments from realizing efficiency’s great potential.” – Jon Luoma
Paul Rak along with his company VeriForm Inc. was recently featured in an article written by Jon Luoma and was published at the Yale School of the Environment. This article shines a light on Paul Rak’s decision and investment towards becoming a more energy-efficient Canadian metal fabrication company. It also touches on subjects such as financial and psychological barriers that have prevented companies from fulfilling the energy efficiency promise.
Since 2006, Paul Rak was inspired to do whatever he can to cut his company’s greenhouse gas emissions. After investing $46,000 in energy efficiency, the company immediately benefited from this decision after a return on investment of $90,000 from reduced energy bills annually. That comes out to approximately 200% return on investments. Since then, VeriForm Inc. has been able to cut energy costs by 58%. They’ve also reduced its greenhouse gas emission by 233 metric tons per year. The Canadian government recognized his efforts and granted Paul Rak a $100,000 award. To learn more about how VeriForm and other companies are taking steps towards a greener future, follow the link below.
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