The Fabricator is the metal fabricator's go-to guide to insight, analysis, technology, and products.
“Everything around them is welded.” On the latest episode of the podcast, Max Ceron, director of CWB Group, discusses inspiring and educating the next generation of welders.
🔗Episode linked in the comments.
Canadian Fabricating & Welding | FABTECH Canada
⚙ “Stay in the trade.” Max Ceron, director of CWB Group, discusses how career development in the workforce leads to a healthier economy. It’s all in the latest episode of The Fabricator Podcast.
Link in comments to listen.
CWB Group Canadian Fabricating & Welding FABTECH FABTECH Canada
Two-time Indy 500 winner Takuma Sato drove No. 75, from Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL), at the iconic race held the Sunday before Memorial Day, a weekend when the sheet metal industry gained some significant exposure. AMADA AMERICA, INC. was his car’s primary sponsor.
A century ago, race cars with sheet metal bodies raced around the track’s original surface, paved with bricks, hence “The Brickyard” moniker. Today, just a narrow strip of bricks remains at the finish line, and carbon fiber has largely replaced sheet metal on the cars.
But as Raymond Seach, a mechanic at RLL who manages the CNC shop, explained, some critical sheet metal parts do remain.
“IndyCar is a spec series,” Seach told Senior Editor Tim Heston, who was on hand for the Indy 500, “so there’s a recipe we follow. But we are able to modify certain components, to make them our own.”
For example, Seach fabricated a new heel rest made of 0.040-in.-thick 6061-T4 aluminum, a temper that gave enough strength and yet still could be formed accurately and without cracking.
“The heel rest goes in front of the wheel,” Seach added, “and that’s the last place you want excess weight.”
Two-time Indy 500 winner Takuma Sato drove No. 75 at the iconic race held the Sunday before Memorial Day, a weekend when the sheet metal industry gained some significant exposure. AMADA was his car’s primary sponsor.
In his latest blog post, Senior Editor Tim Heston writes how fabricators are tapping into AI’s potential, using it to automate presentations and seeing how it can help with strategic planning. And they’re just getting started.
“We’re seeing the best use cases for AI coming out of the front end. We had a lot of interest, and we made the choice to cultivate that interest," Mike McManus of Kapco Metal Stamping told Heston.
"People are meeting, and they’re now starting to use tools inside and outside of work. In fact, one way to really learn about these tools is by using them outside of your day-to-day work.”
Listen to the lates episode of the Next-Gen Metal Fab podcast with Tim and Caleb Chamberlain of OSH Cut: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7telUo8la4YIbwjCvjhnSl?si=6db11d10e03942b1
Fabricators are tapping into AI’s potential, using it to automate presentations and seeing how it can help with strategic planning. And they’re just getting started.
In his latest blog, press brake guru Steven D. Benson answers questions from readers about bend allowances, bend deductions, k-factors, and V-groove bending.
Check it out: https://www.thefabricator.com/thefabricator/blog/bending/defining-basic-terms-in-sheet-metal-bending
And learn more about his press brake course with Fabricators & Manufacturers Association: https://www.fmamfg.org/training/certificates/precision-press-brake
Press brake guru Steve Benson answers questions about bend allowances, bend deductions, k-factors, and V-groove bending.
Access this free webinar to learn about the different types of airborne dusts produced in metalworking, the importance of improving air quality, and the best filtration options for your facility. Watch now: https://bit.ly/3Lvb6dL
Metal fabricators have more choices than ever to cut thick plate.
But given the considerable investment needed for high-powered laser cutting machines, a tried-and-true technology like oxyfuel cutting is showing no signs of being banished from the shop floor, writes Dan Davis.
“From large fab shops to small fab operations to those guys working out of the back of a truck, oxyfuel cutting is still prevalent,” says John Henderson of ESAB North America.
ESAB Welding & Cutting GmbH
Metal fabricators have more choices than ever to cut thick plate. With that said, oxyfuel cutting still remains a popular technology for the job.
Wishing everyone a safe and happy July 4th holiday! 🎇
Customer service is a critical aspect to any small business. Nick Martin gets honest about the the challenges and rewards of working with customers at Barnes Metalcrafters and its sister e-commerce business, Mountains2Metal.
"I’ll go ahead and throw this out there: The best and worst part about running an e-commerce business like ours is the people."
Nick Martin explains the challenges and rewards of working with customers at Barnes Metalcrafters and its sister e-commerce business, Mountains2Metal.
"Where is a space?" Desirée Guzmán of Chicago Women in Trades (CWIT) talks about the opportunities that CWIT granted to her and how it set her on a path for a career in the trades.
👉🔗Link in comments.
If Derek Hammer knows anything about business, it’s that being the dependable one pays—especially when everyone else seems to have given up.
The owner of Hammer MetalWerks in Indianapolis, actually runs four businesses, three of which primarily serve the TV and film industries.
And for small business owners like Hammer, being a dependable service provider means offering fast and accurate quotes to customers.
“I know from running this other business that if you want to grow the business and be successful, and you want to take a vacation, you have to find ways to push work down to people that you hire to help you," he says.
Tempus Tools
Quoting software made especially for laser cutting helps mitigate time away from all the other tasks small metal fabrication shop owners have to do.
"We’re 1/15th of their size." On this week’s episode of The Fabricator Podcast, Matt Brunner of Manitowoc, Wis.-based Brunner Fabrication LLC discusses how his shop of less than 10 employees efficiently pushes out high-volume work.
👉 🔗Link in comments
TRUMPF Inc.
⚙🧠 "Small business thinking." Matt Brunner of Manitowoc, Wis.-based Brunner Fabrication LLC joined the podcast to talk about what it took to start and grow (but not too much) his sheet metal fab business.
👉🔗 Link in comments.
TRUMPF Inc.
Discover WeldPro 360LRW: Elevate your welding game with its 28ft reach, 192° rotation, and wireless control. Say goodbye to inefficiencies!
British engineering student Jasper Mallinson at the Royal College of Art and Imperial College London has designed and built a wearable CNC machine that offers a glimpse into the future of the trades.
Mallinson calls his device the Mecha-morphis, Josh Welton writes in his latest blog.
"I wanted to lean into the idea of a universal making machine, something ultimately flexible that could be used with almost any tool and augment almost any making process," says Mallinson.
Brown Dog Welding
British engineering student Jasper Mallinson has designed and built a wearable CNC machine that offers a glimpse into the future of the trades.
The Fabricator Webinar Series is hosting the free webinar 'Managing Dangerous Dusts from Metalworking' on June 26th. Sign up today: https://bit.ly/4bmh3UQ
We are pleased to announce that Dane Manufacturing has been recognized for the 8th time on The Fabricator's prestigious Fab 40 list!
We sat down with our President, Mike Lisle, to discuss what continued placement on the means for our team and our valued customers.
👉 https://www.danemfg.com/blog/interview-president-mike-lisle-talks-about-danes-8th-fab-40-award
For Maysteel Industries LLC, automation isn’t just about robotic cells and automated tool changes. Another important element is software, especially platforms that facilitate communication and analysis throughout its five locations across North America, writes Tim Heston.
“If we want to grow business, we not only need to be flexible and agile but also scalable," says Kevin Matkin, Maysteel CEO. "Technology gives us a chance to do that.”
It's helped the fabricator broaden its services and also earn a spot on the FAB 40 for the third year in a row.
Check out the rest of the 2024 FAB 40: https://www.thefabricator.com/fab40
Maysteel Industries taps into software that helps automate the flow of information, including productivity and on-time delivery metrics for its five facilities across the country. That has helped the fabricator broaden its services and earn a spot on the FAB 40 for the third year in a row.
Welcome to Automation Talk, a video series that tackles the why, what, and how of automation in precision metal fabrication.
Owner Resource Group's purchase of Standard Iron & Wire Works in January 2022 wasn't your standard strip and flip acquisition.
Tim Heston writes how investors have helped an already successful metal fabrication company grow, which has landed the Minnesota fabricator at No. 17 on the 2024 FAB 40 list.
"They’ve been very supportive,” says CEO Brian Hazelton, “not just organically, but looking to see how we can grow with the right acquisition. A good match has to make financial sense, but from a cultural standpoint, we’re looking for companies that follow servant leadership models. If you don’t have a good cultural match, it’s very hard to get [the combined] organization pulling in the right direction.”
Check out the rest of the 2024 FAB 40: https://www.thefabricator.com/fab40
Owner Resource Group purchased Standard IronandWire Works in January 2022. Far from a strip and flip, investors are helping an already successful metal fabrication company grow, which has landed the Minnesota fabricator at No. 17 on the 2024 FAB 40 list.
In his latest blog, Josh Welton highlights Nigerian engineering professor Kabir Abu Bilal, who earns more income as a weekend welder than he does teaching full time at Ahmadu Bello University.
"Remarkably, Abu Bilal has developed and expanded his welding enterprise, taking on ten apprentices (ages 12 to 20), all while ascending the ranks within the university faculty. A skilled trades education shows its true importance when you consider that graduating from university is hardly a surefire way to post-grad employment."
According to Stutern's Nigeria Graduate Report, more than 40% of graduates fail to get a job in Nigeria, Africa's most populous country.
"The year-long apprenticeship opportunity offered by Abu Bilal sets up new welders with the skills and knowledge to launch their own businesses."
Brown Dog Welding
Josh Welton highlights Nigerian engineering professor Kabir Abu Bilal, who earns more income as a weekend welder than he does teaching full time at Ahmadu Bello University.
WARDJET’s Apex 60 is a compact 5-Axis solution that cuts up to 60° without a reduction in the 2D work area.
Ever wonder if you have what it takes to tap into your creative side and fabricate something artistic out of metal? Accomplished metal artists Tom Patsis of COLD HARD ART, Luis Varela-Rico, and Michael Bennett all pondered this at one point or another.
The Welder Editor Rafael Guerrero spoke with the three artists who shared tips and advice for beginner metal artists, those aspiring to become artists, and those curious about the process of turning metal into art.
Three artists weigh in on what new metal artists should have at their disposal for that first project and share advice on what they’ve learned along the way.
Experts reveal that starting a continuous improvement campaign in the welding department isn't as hard as a metal fabrication shop might think.
Jason Becker from and as well as Brian Engelhardt and Brad Opperman from (No. 13 on the 2024 FAB 40), weigh in.
👨🏭👉 Tap the link in our bio to read the full article.
It's officially FAB 40 season. And the companies on the 2024 list exemplify an industry adept to change, writes Senior Editor Tim Heston.
On the surface, most metal fabricating companies are producing parts and assemblies, just as they have for years. But underneath, some significant changes are afoot.
Stay posted as we highlight some of the movers and shakers on this year's FAB 40 over the next couple of weeks.
4️⃣0️⃣ Check out the 2024 list: https://www.thefabricator.com/fab40
On the surface, most metal fabricating companies are producing parts and assemblies, just as they have for years. But underneath, some significant changes are afoot. The 2024 FAB 40 list exemplifies that.
Whether you realize it or not, metal shapes everything around us. Tune into the Fabricator Podcast for conversations about the business of making things out of metal. Link in comments.
Nick Martin of Barnes Metalcrafters makes a dent in his summer to-do list by designing and fabricating a metal birdhouse holder. 🐦👨🏭👇
"I’ve had three birdhouses sitting in my garage collecting dust for quite a while, and after moving them around again and again, I finally decided to do something about it. Since I work in a metal shop, why not make something out of metal to hang the birdhouses on?"
Nick Martin makes a dent in his summer to-do list by fabricating a metal birdhouse holder.
The White House is considering excluding some Chinese metal fabricating equipment from any new tariffs, reports Stephen Barlas.
"This is something metal fabricators in the U.S., serving many important industrial sectors, like automotive, structural steel, or any other sector, should be watching. The long list of manufacturing equipment up for exclusion includes a number of tariff classifications that are ostensibly important to U.S. steel fabricators."
The White House is considering excluding some Chinese metal fabricating equipment from any new tariffs.
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“If you surround yourself with creative people it’s gonna up your creative game.” Ryan Fielding of Ringbrothers joins Dan and Josh on this episode of The Fabricator podcast and talks about how the people around you influence your work. 👉 Check out the newest episode: https://spoti.fi/48GP69L Miller Welders | Brown Dog Welding | The SEMA Show #thefabricatorpodcast #businesspodcast #welding #millerwelders #sema #welder #weldernation #millerelectric #weldlife #millerwelds #weldaddicts #metalfabrication #skilledtrades #weld #fabrication #metalworking #aftermarket #semabuild #rollsroyce #mustang #dodgecharger #ringbrothers
“Each one should get better than the last.” On this week’s episode, in partnership with @millerwelders, Ryan Fielding of @ringbrothers joins Dan and @welderassassin to talk SEMA builds, including a 1961 Rolls-Royce called Paramount. 👉 Tap the link in our bio to get the full episode and check out more from The Fabricator Podcast.
“Each one should get better than the last.” On this week’s episode of The Fabricator Podcast, in partnership with Miller Welders, Ryan Fielding of Ringbrothers joins Dan and Josh to talk The SEMA Show builds, including a 1961 Rolls-Royce called Paramount. 👉 Check out the newest episode: https://spoti.fi/48GP69L Brown Dog Welding | Rolls-Royce Motor Cars | Dodge | Ford Mustang #thefabricatorpodcast #businesspodcast #welding #millerwelders #sema #welder #weldernation #millerelectric #weldlife #millerwelds #weldaddicts #metalfabrication #skilledtrades #weld #fabrication #metalworking #aftermarket #semabuild #rollsroyce #mustang #dodgecharger #ringbrothers
Maximize uptime and combat the skilled labor shortage with this amazing digital tool that can achieve ROI in less than a year.
And we're finally back with a new episode of The Fabricator Podcast tomorrow. As we continue our partnership with @millerwelders, Ryan Fielding (@ryanparagon) of @ringbrothers joins us to talk @semashow builds, his career path in the trades, learning to weld at 8 years old, and his stunt-performig grandfather. Episode drops tomorrow. Tap the link in our bio to follow us on your favorite platform.
Tom Patsis of @coldhardart talks to @welderassassin about the different materials he uses to make trophies and how his competitive nature pushes him to create his best work. Tap the link in our bio to get the full episode .
Where do you start with a career in the trades? Andy Weyenberg of @millerwelders , Dan Davis, and @welderassassin sit down at @semashow to talk about rethinking pathways for those interested in welding and metal fabrication. Tap the link in our bio to get the full episode.
Where do you start with a career in the trades? Andy Weyenberg of Miller Welders, Dan Davis, and Josh Welton sit down at The SEMA Show to talk about rethinking pathways for those interested in welding and metal fabrication. 👉 Check out this episode of The Fabricator Podcast: https://spoti.fi/47aKJBY Brown Dog Welding #thefabricatorpodcast #businesspodcast #welding #millerwelders #sema #welder #motorsports #weldernation #millerelectric #weldlife #motorsportswelding #millerwelds #weldaddicts #metalfabrication #skilledtrades #weld #fabrication #metalworking #trades #welder #fabricator #metalwork #manufacturingpodcast #businesspodcast #aftermarket
It’s been a great year. Thanks to everyone who joined us on The Fabricator Podcast in 2023! 👉 Tap the link in bio to listen.
Builders are rockstars now.” Andy Weyenberg of @millerwelders motorsports division and Josh Welton chat about the evolution of the aftermarket and car fabrication industries at @semashow. 👉 Tap the link in our bio to get the full episode.
“Builders are rockstars now.” Andy Weyenberg of Miller Welders motorsports division and Josh Welton (Brown Dog Welding) chat about the evolution of the aftermarket and car fabrication industries at The SEMA Show. 👉 Check out the newest episode of The Fabricator Podcast: https://spoti.fi/47aKJBY #thefabricatorpodcast #businesspodcast #welding #millerwelders #sema #welder #motorsports #weldernation #millerelectric #weldlife #motorsportswelding #millerwelds #weldaddicts #metalfabrication #skilledtrades #weld #fabrication #metalworking #weldingtipsandtricks #metalwork #manufacturingpodcast #businesspodcast #aftermarket
“I don’t build show cars. I build go cars.” On this week’s episode of The Fabricator Podcast, in partnership with @millerwelders at @semashow, Andy Weyenberg of Miller’s motorsports division joins Dan and Josh (@welderassassin) to nerd out over all things welding in the aftermarket and performance racing industries. 👉 Tap the link in our bio to get the full episode.
“I don’t build show cars. I build go cars.” On this week’s episode of The Fabricator Podcast, in partnership with Miller Welders at The SEMA Show, Andy Weyenberg of Miller’s motorsports division joins Dan and Josh to nerd out over all things welding in the aftermarket and performance racing industries. 👉 Check out the newest episode: https://spoti.fi/47aKJBY Brown Dog Welding #thefabricatorpodcast #businesspodcast #welding #millerwelders #sema #welder #motorsports #weldernation #millerelectric #weldlife #motorsportswelding #millerwelds #weldaddicts #metalfabrication #skilledtrades #weld #fabrication #metalworking #weldingtipsandtricks #metalwork #manufacturingpodcast #businesspodcast #aftermarket
We're back this week with another episode of The Fabricator Podcast. This time, we kick off a run of four episodes with @millerwelders, who partnered with us to record episodes at @semashow. First up, Dan and Josh chat with Andy Weyenberg of Miller's motorsports division and host of Real Garage with Andy. The full episode drops tomorrow. 👉🔗 Tap the link in our bio to follow us on your favorite podcast platform. #thefabricatorpodcast #welding #millerwelders #sema #welder #motorsports #weldernation #millerelectric #weldlife #motorsportswelding #millerwelds #weldaddicts #metalfabrication #skilledtrades #weld #fabrication #metalworking #weldingtipsandtricks #metalwork #👨🏭 #🏎
⚒️ 👊 Hand tools shaped like hands? On our latest episode, we talk about these cool line fist hammers from a German toolmaker @made_by_the_metalist 👉 Check out The Fabricator Podcast. Link in our bio.
🕖 🤝 “How much is my time worth?” On this week’s episode, Rob and Anthony DiVito of @ircustoms talk about knowing when to outsource as a small business and finding trusted partners like @precisiontubelaser and @trumpfinc North America. 👉💥 Tap the link in our bio to find the full episode.
Rob and Anthony DiVito of IRcustom are back on The Fabricator Podcast. This time, they brought something with them. 👉 Check out the newest episode on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3RuMwNS #thefabricatorpodcast #metalfabrication #welding #metalfab #welder #fabrication #metalworking #metalwork #skilledtrades #fabshop #jobshop #metalforming #furniture #furnituredesign #officefurniture #furnituremaking #furnitureart #3dprinting #outsourcing #smallbusiness #design #additivemanufacturing #smallbusinessowner #bendingmetal
Rob and Anthony DiVito of @ircustoms are back on The Fabricator Podcast. This time, they brought something with them ... 👉 Tap the link in our bio to get the full episode.
Brothers Rob and Anthony DiVito and co-founders of @ircustoms return to The Fabricator Podcast this week to update us on small business ownership, knowing when to outsource, pricing jobs, 3D-printing, and more. Oh yeah, they also delivered an awesome custom coffee table for our studio. The new episode drops tomorrow. Stay tuned. Tap the link in our bio to check out the podcast and follow us of your favorite platform. #thefabricatorpodcast #customfabrication #smallbusiness #metalworking #pricing #additivemanufacturing #3dprinting #welding #fabrication #metalfabrication #customfurniture #officefurniture #ircustom #entrepreneurship #metalfab #welder #buildingfurniture
On the latest episode of The Fabricator Podcast, Architectural Elements founder Joe Clark expresses the importance the role video production plays in growing the understanding of not only his business, but the metalworking industry as a whole. 👉 Check out the newest episode on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/47Dak7P Online Metals #thefabricatorpodcast #metalfabrication #welding #metalfab #welder #fabrication #metalworking #metalwork #skilledtrades #fabshop #jobshop #metal #fabtech #workingwithmetal #welder #architect #sculpture #architecture #construction #landscapearchitecture #pacificnorthwest #metalart #structuralengineering #customfabrication
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