Blog Post

Metal Fabrication Techniques That Increase Overall Value

Dec 28, 2020

The main difference between a standard and custom metal fabrication project is value.

From the initial design to the final delivery, the custom metal fabrication process aims to create durable, quality results with long-term value. Whether you run a commercial, industrial, or agricultural operation, it's important to maximize the value of your purchase by investing in high-quality items that work reliably and are built to last. Regardless of your custom metal fabrication project size or specifications, there are a few techniques that will help produce quality results with lasting value.


Establishing Design Intent

It's critical to clearly establish your preferred design and intent of your project if you want to achieve your desired outcome, which adds and retains the product's value. A custom fabricator can take any plan and flesh it out, creating a detailed design that will accomplish your project's goals and functions. In some cases, it will be necessary to refine and test the design to make sure that each individual component meets the requirements and regulations for the bigger project. Thoroughly planning your project leads to a completely customized, effective, and valuable final product.


Clearly establishing your design intent is especially important for custom metal fabrications such as:


  • Material storage
  • Liquid food storage for specialized conditions, such as containers with the ability to keep their contents at constant temperatures
  • Custom metal pieces that have specific weight requirements


Metal Cutting & Shaping

There are many different metal cutting methods; The specific technique that is used for your project will depend on the type and thickness of the metal that needs to be cut. Some of the most well-known methods to cut metal include:


  • Waterjet cutting, which uses pressurized water to issue precise cuts
  • Laser cutting, which is most often used for delicate materials
  • Plasma tables, which are most often used for carving circular holes or complex shapes out of thick metal


An experienced fabricator can assess the project and decide which methods are best suited to achieve the desired outcome.


In addition to cutting, most metal fabrication work often involves the fabricator to bend, roll, or punch the metal to mold it into the desired shape. By using the correct machinery and the best combination of shaping methods, the overall outcome is more likely to be successful.


Custom Welding & Assembly

Each custom metal fabrication product needs to meet specific project specifications and industry standards.  In addition, quality control steps should be taken to ensure the fabricated piece works properly and effectively. When shipped, the components should be in their most complete form possible to ensure quick assembly upon delivery. These steps can drastically reduce your project's timeline and help to control expenses.


Certified welders are more likely to easily meet industry requirements, which ensures that your final product adheres to all necessary standards. If you have a custom metal fabrication project in mind, be sure to carefully choose your professionals to make sure that your final product is exactly what you want. The right welding professional will communicate closely with you throughout the duration of your project to make sure that your product meets or exceeds your specifications.


Expert Finishing With Value in Mind

The final finishing touches can help extend the life of any custom metal fabrication piece. It is a crucial step to ensure the product is resistant to corrosion, chemicals, and tarnishing. There are many finishing techniques for metal fabrication projects; the option you choose will depend on the piece itself.


  • Metal Bead Blasting: This, along with other surface preparation techniques, prepares the metal surface for paint or other coatings. This allows the finished product to retain its color or finish for as long as possible.
  • Custom Painting: We use controlled paint booths to ensure that the paint dries quickly and hardens as intended.
  • Metal Powder Coating: If your metal product is more detailed, consider this technique to add a more decorative finishing touch.
  • Hot-Dip Galvanizing: This type of finish coats every detail of the metal fabrication to protect it against moisture and help it retain its structural integrity.


By adding to your product's look and level of durability, the proper finishing technique can add a ton of value.


Have a custom metal fabrication project in mind? It's important to work with an experienced machine shop to make sure that you get the high-quality product you need quickly and efficiently! Rely on Midland Waterjet for expert service in the Lubbock, Abilene, and Midland, TX areas. Contact us today to discuss your needs! We look forward to working with you and creating a custom project that suits your needs and boosts value in every way possible.

27 Jan, 2021
Metal fabrication projects that use welding processes will usually experience at least some degree of welding distortion. Distortion in a weld results from the expansion and contraction of the weld metal and base metal during the heating and cooling cycle of the welding process. During the heating and cooling cycle, many factors affect the shrinkage of the metal and lead to distortion, such as physical and mechanical properties that change as heat is applied. Distortion is an issue for multiple reasons, but one of the most critical is the potential of a weld that is not structurally sound. Welding distortions can threaten the structural integrity and/or the aesthetic of a project. Depending on the type and size of the distortion and the material used there are different corrective techniques that can be used to fix weld distortions.
Powder Coating
30 Oct, 2020
Powder coating is a great way to protect your heavy machinery. It’s more durable than a liquid paint finish yet still offers a stylish one. First of all, let’s talk about durability. Powder coating is resistant to scratches, chips, fading, and corrosion. It’s also much more flexible than wet paint, and allows some “give” when it comes to moving and vibrating machine parts. The curing process also protects the metal from rain and heat. The powder coating process is very efficient, as there’s no need to wait for any coat applied to dry. This also means no wasted materials costs. Finally, the powder costs less than paint does and doesn’t take up as much storage space. The quality of the finish is also much better with powder coating than it is with paint, as there’s no chance of running, dripping, or unevenness. Just as with paint colors, there’s an endless selection of colors and finishes available with powder coating to perfectly meet your wants and needs. Both rough and smooth surface textures are available as well. Finally, powder coating is a very environmentally friendly choice. The application process emits virtually no pollution and produces very little waste. The powder coating itself contains no solvents. Anything that isn’t used is collected to be used in the future. If your business is located in the Midland , Abilene or Lubbock, TX and you’re in search of powder coating or any other metal fabrication services, please give us a call to get started. We employ a team of knowledgeable professionals and our machine shop is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We have the experience needed to get the job done and have served hundreds of clients across seven states. Contact us for precise machining and metal fabrication !
Metal Fabrication
By lemaster 01 Oct, 2020
The gist of how metal fabrication works: The process of metal fabrication involves using manual tools and machinery to bend, cut, manipulate, and assemble various raw material to create the desired product. Technically, metal fabrication shops focus on preparation and assembly while machine shops direct their attention mainly at the machining of the parts for functionality. What can be created: Just about anything can be created through the process of metal fabrication. From replacement parts for construction equipment to stairway railings, fabrication experts can make it happen. Some of the raw materials commonly used include plate metal, flat metal, tube stock, welding wire and rods, and castings. Using a combination of materials, custom metal fabrication professionals can create nearly any item or product. Metal fabrication is more than just cutting & welding: The process of metal fabrication includes more than just cutting and welding various metals to create the final product. Other techniques such has brazing, punching, forging, and spinning are also used. Depending on your goals, specialty processes such as casting, chipping, powder coating, and welding can be completed. In addition, electrical or hydraulic processes may be needed. How much is involved in the metal fabrication process: The process of metal fabrication starts with an idea that gets translated into sketches and designs. Your product is specially engineered to suit your needs. Extensive measurements are then made to determine if the project is feasible and the best materials for the job. Once the design is completely executed and the costs are agreed upon, that is when the hands-on metal fabrication work begins. If you're located in the Lubbock, Midland, or Abilene, TX area and are looking for reliable custom metal fabrication services, choose Midland Waterjet! Our technicians have years of knowledge and experience, and are able to design and create the exact product you need. For more information, contact our metal fabrication and machine shop today! We look forward to working with you.
By lemaster 13 Sep, 2018
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