Metal Fabrication Blog

When most people think of careers in precision sheet metal fabrication and manufacturing, they tend to focus on positions like machinist or welder. But there are many jobs that have nothing to do with machine operation or physically fabricating end products in some way. In the past, we’ve discussed the impact and importance of positions … Continue reading “Metal Fabrication Careers: Quality Control (QC)”

Article Revised August 23rd, 2022 If you remember your high school chemistry class, you may recall that the symbol for iron on the periodic table is Fe. This is an abbreviation of the Latin word for iron, Ferrum, and the word from which we ultimately get the term “ferrous.” When comparing ferrous and non-ferrous metals, the key … Continue reading “Ferrous vs Non-Ferrous Metals: What’s the Difference?”

  Metal fabrication, in some form, has existed for centuries — even millennia, depending on the definition being used. There is an incredible history and plenty of intriguing information and stories available. Last week, we began our list of fabrication fun facts, and during our research, found more than a single blog could easily hold. … Continue reading “More Fun with Metal Fabrication Facts”

Article Revised July 31st, 2022 Metal fabrication has existed for centuries in one form or another, even millennia depending on the definition being used. It has an incredible history, and there are plenty of intriguing stories available if you really want to dig deep. While it’s easy for us fabricators to get excited about just … Continue reading “Metal Fabrication Fun Facts: Part One”

If you are in the metal fabrication industry, and especially if you are a welder, The Fabricator’s Josh Welton is definitely someone you should be following. His articles almost always put a personal touch on welding by focusing on personal stories or covering areas of human interest. One of Josh’s most recent articles featured an … Continue reading “Women in Welding: Tiffany Orff”

There are a number of factors that can impact the cost of metal fabrication. At EVS Metal, we take into consideration a wide variety of potential influences before we make a decision on the best processes for any given project. Below, we’ll take a look at two of the most important elements we analyze before … Continue reading “Metal Fabrication: 2 Important Tips for Keeping Costs Low”

Another great piece by The Fabricator’s Editor-in-Chief, Dan Davis. In it, he discusses his belief that more honesty is necessary when talking about career opportunities in manufacturing. Why? It’s apparently a common theme in hiring that as manufacturing employers try and woo new employees, that they may exaggerate the facts about careers, which is, in … Continue reading “Is the Skills Gap in Metal Fabrication Hiring Real?”

Article Revised August 30th, 2022 Last week, we detailed the advantages of press braking, comparing it to roll forming as a metal fabrication bending process. Although they have little in common, other than the process category, both are important and have many uses. More than anything, choosing one over the other depends mainly on the … Continue reading “Roll Forming as a Bending Process in a Metal Fabrication Environment”

Article Revised August 28th, 2022 Press braking and roll forming are both types of metal bending and forming, but though they both fall under the same basic process type, they have little else in common. While both are important, each has distinct advantages and disadvantages, and their appropriate use depends on the end product being fabricated. … Continue reading “What is the Difference Between Press Braking and Roll Forming?”

Over the last fifteen years, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have been consolidating. This has created an increased (and still-increasing) demand for quality contract manufacturers and fabricators. What’s the difference between an OEM and a contract manufacturer? The term “OEM” can have several definitions.  In general, it’s considered to be a company that produces finished parts … Continue reading “Why Should OEMs Outsource to Contract Manufacturers and Fabricators?”