Metal fabrication technology consists of multiple techniques that shape the materials and/or connect them to create a single part. These processes, which take place at a dedicated facility, use forming, cutting, or joining (welding) to fabricate custom structures instead of assembling a group of ready-made parts.
Below is a list of metal fabrication technologies commonly used to create parts for a wide range of industries.
This manufacturing process uses ductile materials like sheet metals. To shape it into an angle, a press brake forces the metal between an upper punch and lower die, which work together to exert a bending force.
With rolling, the metal is passed through rolls to evenly reduce its thickness. It is used to create cones, cylinders, and curved parts. The rolls are ground so that the center of the metal is thicker than the edging, offsetting possible deflection.
Machining is an umbrella term that covers different processes in which computer-controlled tools (otherwise known as Computer Numerical Control, or CNC, technology) cut and shape raw materials. Common machining operations include
Drilling: Using a drill bit to create holes in a metal piece.
Countersinking: Sinking screw heads into the metal surface instead of letting them protrude.
Laser cutting: High-accuracy cutting of metal, plasma, and other materials.
Tapping: Adds internal threading so that fasteners can connect parts more effectively.
Milling: Uses a rotating cutter to remove metal chips.
Boring: Creates circular holes in a workpiece.
Not all fabrication shops offer all of these services at a single location, making it necessary for customers to locate multiple providers. VeriForm is an exception: at our 26,000-square-foot facility in Cambridge, Ontario, we fabricate custom orders for sectors that include machine building, mining, and forestry. We use the ISO 9000-2015 quality system, so when you work with us, you are guaranteed results that meet the highest quality standards. We’re ready to serve your metal fabrication needs, so contact us today!
While hand-held plasma torches can do an effective job when you’re cutting smaller shapes from steel plates, most metal fabrication jobs call for an accuracy and edge quality that a manual approach can’t achieve, making computer numerical control (CNC) plasma cutting the best solution.
Fusion 360 is a product development and design software with CAD and CAM integration that produces high-quality finished parts. It can work with any 2D profile to create and send a G-code to a plasma cutting table, so the torch can move in the desired toolpath.
How Does Fusion 360 Plasma Cutting Work?
The process consists of two tools: the plasma cutter and the computer. The cutting tool receives direction from the computer, which is equipped with the Fusion 360 software. The operator can create detailed and precise templates of the part that needs to be cut before using the program to relay all necessary information to the cutter.
Plasma cutting itself takes a different approach: instead of using mechanical tools like drill bits and saw blades, it uses a focused stream of electricity delivered through ionized gas (plasma) to cut the metal. The plasma’s high velocity also removes any molten metal from the cutting area, resulting in a smooth completion.
Unlike oxy-fuel cutting, plasma cutters can work with non-ferrous materials that are impervious to oxidation, such as stainless steel and aluminum. The cutter uses an electrical impulse to melt the metal, enabling it to cut through any material that can conduct electrical impulses.
Fusion 360 plasma cutting supports a degree of accuracy that would be challenging for a human operator to achieve. In addition, the same specifications can be used to create multiple parts in a fraction of the time it would take to complete a manual job. Faster production cycles, limited opportunity for error, and superior results have made Fusion 360 a mainstay in several industries, from fabrication to manufacturing and heavy industry. At VeriForm, we use the latest metal fabrication technology, including Fusion 360 plasma cutting, to accurately cut a wide range of materials at varying thicknesses. With over 20 years of experience, we have the knowledge and expertise to deliver the results you need. For more information, please contact us.
As we, at VeriForm Inc. and Caliber Tech Corp., are monitoring the ever-changing climate of the pandemic, including communications following Government guidelines, we would like to inform you of our efforts to manage and combat the Covid-19 virus situation. Effective as of March 9th, 2020, VeriForm Inc. and Caliber Tech Corp. put into place the following preventative measures in our facility.
Firstly, any employee who chooses to travel via a commercial airline or cruise ship is required to remain at home for 14 days upon their return. Furthermore, any employees showing signs of illness will not be allowed to return to work until medical clearance is obtained. We have trained our staff on understanding the 3 key symptoms of difficulty breathing, coughing and fever to ensure staff quarantine themselves should any staff experience Covid-19 symptoms. Social distancing, staggered lunchroom breaks, sanitizing work areas and other procedures are in full effect to help us minimize any chance of transmitting or being infected with the virus.
Secondly, we are working closely with our employees and drivers to ensure frequent hand washing and proper hygienic measures are followed. Sanitation of all high-touch surfaces in our office, workshop and break room are being carried out throughout the day including machinery, instruments, appliances, tools etc.
Thirdly, we have temporarily suspended any unnecessary face to face visits/meetings with customers and vendors.
We are doing everything we can to protect our workforce and minimize any disruptions to our manufacturing process. Thus far, both our plant and our raw material supply chain remain unaffected and, at this time, our lead times remain relatively stable.
The health and safety of our team, families, customers, and communities continue to be our highest priority moving forward, and we will do everything we can to respond to the current events while continuing to maintain exceptional service.
“CNC” stands for “Computer Numerical Control,” which occurs when a computer converts a design, produced by CAD software, into numbers. The numbers are viewed as coordinates, providing the computer with the ability to control the cutting and shaping of the material. This precise technology is incorporated into various machines including CNC lathe Machines.
A lathe is a machine that rotates a workpiece on a spindle to cut away excess material and produce a symmetrical object. A CNC lathe machine operates with CNC systems, allowing a machinist to program the machine to make difficult cuts on tough materials in order efficiently to produce high-quality pieces.
What Is It Used For?
A CNC lathe is typically used to produce round shapes which have both an inside diameter (ID) and outside diameter (OD). A wide assortment of materials could be machined with this tool depending on their individual applications within their respective industries. Some of the most common fields that CNC lathes are used in include oil & gas, aerospace, automotive, medical, mining and ship construction. Typical parts that are made include shift knobs, pulleys, hubs, bushings, shafts and flywheels.
Modern day CNC lathes have tools within them that can work in multiple axis’. They may include both an x and y axis along with a second turret and/or a spindle which allows for a wider variety of milling, drilling and tapping applications. This translates to a more effective production process because it eliminates the need to transfer the part to a different machine for a second process.
What Are the Benefits of Using a CNC Lathe Machine?
These modern machines offer a much simpler way of setting and operating the machine in comparison to its traditional counterpart. CNC lathe machines have:
Highly powerful axis drives
Feedback control to monitor and adjust the tool position for optimal accuracy
Increased precision
Higher operating speeds.
The ability to replicate and repeat a cut/shape
Once the machine has been properly set it can continuously function for long periods of time under the occasional supervision of an operator.
VeriForm is equipped with numerous CNC lathe machines and we can produce a wide variety of shapes, cuts, pieces and parts. Our equipment is innovative and our trained and experienced operators pride themselves on their high-quality, precise and consistent work. Contact VeriForm today to learn more about how we can help you.
On February 18th, 2020, VeriForm was recognized with the Less Carbon Offsets Certificate for requiring and retiring a combined total of 72.60 tonnes of CO2e to offset general emissions.
VeriForm has reduced its Greenhouse Gas Emissions from 2006 levels of 262 tonnes to less than 70 tonnes in 2019. This improvement was made despite more than doubling our building size by 128% from 11,400 square feet to 26,000 square feet. And our productivity has more than tripled to the point that we now produce more than 300% greater sales per kilowatt-hour today than in 2006-2008. VeriForm has also increased the workforce size by nearly 40% and increased wages through this period above the cost of living while providing more specialized services to higher-end accounts. It goes to show that sustainability improves the bottom line and protects this planet that we live in and work on, and, it makes working at VeriForm more fun. Our new slogan might need to change to “See the good in our metal fabricating.”
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