CAMM Metals Blog

Aluminum and steel are pillars of the metal manufacturing industry. Both aluminum and steel are synthetic alloys; in other words, they don’t appear in nature and must be created using other basic elements. Aluminum must go through ha few phases before it appears like the shiny silver metal that you’re familiar with. The base ingredient of aluminum is a mineral called bauxite, which is mined primarily in tropical areas. The bauxite is ground into a thick paste called alumina, which is then smelted with molten cryolite and shocked with electricity. The ions separate, and the residual liquid cools and becomes aluminum.

Finishing is the final step in preparing metal products for use, a crucial component  for any metal fabrication project. Finishing helps to make products more resistant to corrosion, while providing higher electrical, chemical or tarnish resistance.

Beyond that, finishing adds additional durability and makes metal surfaces look their best. For most projects, a product’s finish is determined by its intended use. This post will provide a brief overview of the different types of metal finishing, while offering several factors to consider when choosing a finishing method.

Fabricated metal products are very common, however, few people understand how the metal fabrication process works. In fact, many people think of welding when they hear metal fabrication, despite the fact that welding is only one process that metal fabricators use. This post will examine several different factors of metal fabrication to help educate you before the next situation when you need to rely on the services of a metal fabrication company

So, what exactly is metal fabrication?

Simply put, Metal fabrication is a manufacturing process used to shape metal into parts or end products. CAMM Metals uses a wide variety of techniques to shape sheet metal into a part or good. Many metal fabricators use sheet metal, which can be up to .25 inches thick. Fabricators then convert this sheet metal into products or tools. We cut, fold, or shape metal to create the finished part.

Although metal fabrication can be used to mass produce products, it can also be used to create large runs of customized fabricated metal products. These projects typically include the design and fabrication of customized metal parts to fit a businesses’ needs. We’ve covered some of our custom projects in the past, like a custom fuel pump test stand and a custom beer tank (insert links).

Adhering to the guidelines associated with design for manufacturing (DFM) ensures that a sheet metal design flows through the processes without issues. This ultimately helps to improve lead times and lowers the overall project cost. Fortunately, there are numerous techniques you can use to increase the chances your sheet metal part is ready for manufacturing.

If you’re searching for a metal fabrication company to help complete your latest project, it’s essential that you understand how to acquire an accurate estimate.

If you’re saddled with a vague understanding of your project, it’s possible that you could get burned on an estimate. Whether you’re seeking to hire a team for a small done-in-a-day welding project or a nuanced and lengthy metal fabrication project, steer clear of these common misconceptions to get the most accurate estimate.

All laser cutting processes have their own inherent advantages and disadvantages, but it appears that the benefits of fiber laser cutting machines far outweigh that of any of the other processes. It’s one of the newest forms of laser cutting, as it’s only picked up traction in the last couple decades or so. However, the benefits that fiber laser cutting machines provide, which we will discuss below, have been quickly realized by metal fabricators all over the country. Fiber laser cutting machines can easily and seamlessly adapt between industries for a huge range of applications. Continue reading to learn more about the other benefits of these powerful machines.

There’s a wide variety of metal fabrication projects that require welded parts. We understand that welding is a crucial aspect of the manufacturing process, but with so many different methods, it can be hard to understand the difference or determine which method is best.

Many people ask, “What’s the difference between MIG and TIG welding?” The two processes do have some aspects in common. Both processes use electrical arcs to produce heat and join metallic objects and both processes incorporate an inert gas mixture to prevent corrosion of welding electrode. Whether you’re unfamiliar or just need a quick review, read on for the differences between MIG welding and TIG welding. 

 All too often, it can be quite tempting to send your initial parts drawings to a metal fabrication company for a quick estimate to get the ball rolling on your next project. Perhaps you are seeking to gain a general idea on what your project might cost or you are facing a deadline and need to get something for your customer to review.

It’s crucial to recognize that the accuracy of your fabrication project estimate is only as accurate as the drawings you provide. For an accurate estimate, it’s critical that you provide as much information as you can. This blog post will explore why it's important to provide a fabrication company with detailed parts drawings and specifications when seeking a quote for your fabrication project.

Opting to outsource your custom metal fabrication project means that you don’t have to worry about investing in costly equipment or maintaining a workforce who can produce your materials. Outsourcing can dramatically decrease your costs in these areas, however there are many secondary reasons to consider outsourcing with a reputable metal fabricator.  This blog post provides an overview of three common reasons why companies typically outsource their metal fabrication projects.

Laser cutting offers clear and tangible advantages over traditional manufacturing processes. Laser cutting’s combination of highly focused energy and pressure allows for operators to cut on a much smaller and narrower area of material, with significantly reduced heat waste and scrap levels. Because of its highly precise and compact area of impact, laser cutting allows for the creation of complex geometrical shapes with smoother edges and cleaner-cut finishes.

For these reasons, laser cutting has become a renowned manufacturing method for automotive, aerospace, and metalworking projects.

Continue reading for a more in-depth examination of the unique benefits associated with laser cutting.