Fabrication shops are where raw materials change into handy products. Behind every successful fabrication shop is a set of machines that work together. However, there are several fabrication machine options. So, selecting the truly essential machines among those becomes difficult. Beginning a fabrication setup and finding it tough to decide on the right machines? This guide has solutions to your concerns. In this article, I will explore 6 machines that every fabrication shop needs. So, let’s get started!
6 Essential Machine Tools For Fabrication Shops
Success in fabrication starts with the right tools. Investing in the wrong machines wastes time and money. Which fabrication machines should you invest in? Here are six must-have machine tools for fabrication shops.
1- Hydraulic Press Brakes
This is the first and most important tool if you have a metal fabrication shop. Hydraulic press brakes are machines used to bend and fold metal sheets. But the question arises: how do these machines work? Let me explain it. These machines contain a hydraulic pump, ram, punch, and die. Hydraulic pumps generate the force that moves the ram.
The punch is connected to this ram. However, the die is present at the bed of the press brake. These two tools, punch and die, shape and bend the material. HOW? A Metal sheet is placed between the punch and the die. The ram with a punch moves downward with the help of hydraulic force. This punch pushes the metal piece into a definite size and shape die.
As a result, a required bend is obtained. Press brakes come in various designs. Among those, CNC press brakes are the most advanced type. They work with computer instructions and provide the most accurate results. Press brakes are known for their versatility. This means you can handle a large variety of materials with these machines.
2- Shearing Machines
Shearing machines are specialized cutting tools that precisely cut large metal sheets and plates. The essential components of shearing machines are blades and a back gauge. So, how do these machines cut the metal pieces? Shearing machines have two blades: a movable upper blade and an immovable lower blade.
The metal sheet is placed between these two blades. The upper blade moves downward with the help of the ram and applies shearing force, resulting in a precise, clean, straight cut. However, the back gauge positions the material for each cut. Shearing machines are also versatile in handling several materials and very easy to operate.
3- Ironworker Machine
This is the most essential tool that every fabrication shop must consider. An Ironworker machine is a combination of many tools. HOW? This machine features punches, notchers, and shearing tools. It means you can perform several milling tasks using one setup. This machine is enough to cut, bend, or create notches.
Ironworker machines work with hydraulic systems. Their advanced model also includes a CNC system that operates automatically. You can machine various materials from light to heavy using an ironworker. Moreover, with a single setup, you can also reduce the cost of additional tools. They are also space-saving and efficient for large production volumes.
4- Plate Rolls
Plate rolls help you bend the flat metal sheets into curves. You can obtain complex cylindrical shapes using these machines. Plate rolls come in various types depending on the number of rolls. For example, three-plate rolls, four-plate rolls, and five-plate rolls are most common among those. In all these types, the placement of the rolls varies.
But how do they create a cylindrical shape? The first step is feeding a flat metal sheet between rolls. These rolls rotate along with metal sheets and bend them. However, the operator can adjust the roll position to create specified curves. Most designs of plate rolls use a hydraulic system to run. However, there are still some manual plate rolls.
5- Power Press
Power presses are versatile fabrication tools that perform several tasks. These machines are designed very simple. For example, they contain a frame, die, bed, and flywheel. But this simple setup handles several tasks. It is used for punching, blanking, embossing, and bending. The ram presses the metal piece into the die, creating a definite bend or curve.
Most models of power presses use hydraulic or mechanical power. So they are more energy efficient. Moreover, the manual operating system of these machines makes them less expensive. So, you can easily afford a power press if you have a small-scale production business. However, their new model also includes CNC, which ensures precision and high speed.
6- Laser Cutting Machine
Laser cutting machines are one of the high-end fabrication tools. You cannot operate these machines manually. They come only with a CNC system. So, the precision, speed, and accuracy of laser-cutting machines are incredible. The working principle of these machines is straightforward. For example, they produce a laser beam with high temperatures.
This beam melts and evaporates the specific metal parts. As a result, the desired shape cut is obtained. Based on beam production, laser cutting machines come in three types. Those include CO2, fiber, and crystal laser cutting machines. All these types handle different types of material. Hence, the versatility of cutting machines makes them stand out for many tasks.
Questions fréquemment posées
What is the fabrication procedure?
Fabrication is the process of creating products of different materials. This is not a single-step process but involves several steps. Those steps include designing, cutting, machining, assembly, and finishing. Various tools are used for this process.
What are the three main fabrication techniques?
Three main fabrication techniques involve;
- Cutting: Use of several cutting tools to cut raw material to give definite shapes
- Forming: Process of shaping the material without deformation
- Joining: Combining two or more pieces to create a single structure.
What is tooling in fabrication?
Tooling in fabrication is a set of machines used to machine a material. Several tools are used for fabrication. The essential tools involve molds, dies, cutters, jigs, bending, and assembly tools.
Contact Our Company
We at MIHARMLE company manufacture all of the above fabrication machines. Our products match the requirements of our clients. We offer all models, from manual press brakes to advanced CNC laser cutting machines. Why should you choose us? The answer lies in our product quality. We offer premium-grade fabrication machines with a warranty.
The durability of our products ensures long-term performance. Moreover, we understand that not all fabrication shops are the same. So, we offer customization options on our machines. It helps you tailor the machine according to your needs. We believe in supplying high-quality machines at affordable prices. So, you will find products at different costs that match your budget.
Lastly, we ensure our customers receive continuous support. So, an expert support team is always there to help you with everything from selection to installation. We offer after-sales services. In case of any malfunction or issue, you can contact us. We serve our clients worldwide. Contactez nous no matter which country you want to start the fabrication setup in!