Laser cutting is a widely used method in metal fabricating for a variety of reasons. Here are the top five reasons to use laser cutting in metal fabricating:

 

1. Precision and Accuracy

Laser cutting offers exceptional precision and accuracy in metal fabrication. The laser beam is highly focused, allowing for intricate cuts with minimal heat-affected zones. This precision enables the creation of complex designs and fine details, resulting in high-quality finished products.

 

2. Versatility

Laser cutting is a versatile process that can be used on a wide range of metals, including steel, aluminum, stainless steel, copper, and more. It can cut through various thicknesses, from thin sheets to thick plates, making it suitable for diverse applications in industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, and architecture.

 

3. Speed and Efficiency

Laser cutting is a fast and efficient method of metal fabrication. The laser beam can cut through metal quickly, reducing production time and increasing productivity. Additionally, since laser cutting is a non-contact process, it eliminates the need for tooling changes, minimizing downtime and improving overall efficiency.

 

4. Clean and Burr-Free Cuts

Laser cutting produces clean, burr-free cuts, eliminating the need for additional finishing processes. The focused laser beam melts or vaporizes the metal, resulting in smooth edges without burrs, slag, or distortion. This saves time and effort in post-processing, enhancing the overall quality and aesthetics of the fabricated parts.

 

5. Design Flexibility

Laser cutting offers design flexibility, allowing for the production of highly intricate and customized shapes. The use of computer-aided design (CAD) software enables precise control over the cutting process, making it easier to create complex geometries, patterns, and even engraving or etching on the metal surface. This flexibility facilitates innovation, customization, and the realization of unique design concepts.

Overall, laser cutting in metal fabricating provides precision, versatility, speed, clean cuts, and design flexibility, making it a preferred choice for various manufacturing applications.

 

Searching for High-Quality Metal Fabrication? 

If you’re looking for metal fabrication experts to help you engineer and produce precision parts for your needs, contact the team at Amtex Precision Fabrication at 281-489-7042 today!

We deliver! Amtex is a major sheet metal component and assembly fabricator in the Houston area. Our delivery truck runs anywhere within 60 miles of Houston. Take the headache out of sourcing your sheet metal.

Here are three advantages to using a local supplier that delivers orders.

 

1. Free Delivery within 60 miles of Houston for large orders

Amtex Precision’s dedicated delivery truck can be a valuable resource to keep cost down.  Amtex Precision delivers for free with large orders within 60 miles of Houston.

 

2. No need to schedule hot shots or other delivery services

You can take the headache out of scheduling a pickup with a 3rd party delivery service whose schedule you have to work around and that adds additional costs to your project.

 

3. Get your parts faster

Amtex Precision can delivery your parts as soon as they’ve passed quality inspection and have been packaged.  We know how important it is to stay on schedule and we are dedicated to ensuring your parts are received in a timely manner.

 

Searching for High-Quality Metal Fabrication? 

If you’re looking for metal fabrication experts to help you engineer and produce precision parts for your needs, contact the team at Amtex Precision Fabrication at 281-489-7042 today!

Press brakes are standard pieces of machinery in any fabrication shop that are versatile and easy to use allowing fabricators to manufacture a wide array of formed parts such as brackets, enclosures, angles, channels, hat sections, and many other both simple and complex parts.

Here are three benefits to processing your part on a CNC turret punch:

 

1. Flexible and Fast Change Overs

While setting up and operating a press brake is certainly an learned skill, a skilled operator can produce a wide array of parts in a single day.  The press brake setup is based on the material type and thickness as well as the bend angles, so setup can be as quick as 15 – 30 minutes for parts where standard tooling can be used.  This flexibility of a press brake make it perfect for high-mix low-volume orders.

 

2. Complex bending is no problem

Because of the design of the brake brake, it is inherently flexible.  Press brake tooling is what allows a fabricator to form complex parts and features such as hems or large radiuses or even extremely short flanges and other custom features.

 

3. Cost Effective Bending

Press brakes can go as fast as a skilled operator can run parts as well as other tricks such as bending multiple parts at once can be a cost effective way to produce a large run order without the need to invest in a stamping tools.  Many modern press brakes have 4, 5, and 6 axis back gages to ensure repeatability across a large run.  Additionally, press brakes can be a good options for robotics, which ensures virtually unbroken production.

 

Searching for High-Quality Metal Fabrication? 

If you’re looking for metal fabrication experts to help you engineer and produce precision parts for your needs, contact the team at Amtex Precision Fabrication at 281-489-7042 today!

CNC punching is a process whereby sheet metal is processed using tools called punches and dies to create holes, forms, and shapes into a part.
The tools can be round, oblongs, squares, rectangles, and many other shapes, including custom shapes.  The machine essentially operates like a big industrial paper hole puncher, but instead of paper it processes metal, including steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and brass.  The turret stores multiple tools and allows the fabricator to setup the required tools to process the part so that tool changes are minimized or eliminated, thereby increasing the efficiency of the machine and reducing part processing time.

Here are three benefits to processing your part on a CNC turret punch:

 

1. Forms and features

The CNC turret punch machine allows us to process sheet metal with features that a laser cannot process.
These features include items such as:

• Louvers
• Knockouts
• Lances
• Bridges
• Beads
• Taps
• Countersinks
• Special/Custom Forms and features
• Perforated

 

2. Geometrically Perfect Shapes

Because a CNC Turret punch uses hardened steel tools to make the required shape there are no lead-in holes, spatter, or dross.  The punch will give you a perfectly round circle or a perfect square..

 

3. Efficiency and Speed

If your parts have identical shapes, lots of holes, or large run orders, punching is the way to go not only in terms of processing time, but cost effectiveness as well.  Examples include perforated or large parts with mainly standard shaped holes like circles or squares.

 

Searching for High-Quality Metal Fabrication? 

If you’re looking for metal fabrication experts to help you engineer and produce precision parts for your needs, contact the team at Amtex Precision Fabrication at 281-489-7042 today!

Amtex Precision is proud to be awarded ISO 9001:2015 certification, an internationally recognized standard that ensures that our products and services meet the needs of our clients through an effective quality management system.

 

Quality Policy

Amtex Precision is committed to meeting customer requirements and complying with applicable regulatory requirements based on a continually improving quality management system and dedication to customer satisfaction.

 

When did this happen?

The certification from Quality Systems Registrars was obtained January 5, 2023. This certification confirms that Amtex Precision provides quality precision sheet metal fabrication services.  This standard is the most universally accepted standard and Amtex Precision is proud to have this awarded.

 

Amtex Precision Fabrication

At Amtex, we leverage the power of automation to provide our clients with precise, high-end products in a cost-effective manner. If you need precision metal fabrication services, contact Amtex online or call our team at (281) 489-7042 today!

 

Amtex Precision is proud to announce the recent hire of our new V.P. of Manufacturing, Adam Chance.  Adam’s operational background will be a key component to meeting our customers’ requirements and managing our growth.

 

Operations background

Adam comes from a pipe fabricator where he was head of operations and production.  He played a key part in their growth.

 

Military service

Adam is a veteran of the U.S. Navy where he most recently as a flight director on an aircraft carrier.

 

Excellence

Adam has a history of excelling at challenges and  implementing a culture of excellence where all employees are critical to the success of their teams.  Amtex Precision shares the same commitment to excellence and is excited to have Adam as part of our team and look forward to working with him.

 

Amtex Precision Fabrication

At Amtex, we leverage the power of automation to provide our clients with precise, high-end products in a cost-effective manner. If you need precision metal fabrication services, contact Amtex online or call our team at (281) 489-7042 today!

 

Sheet metal bending is a process whereby the end product is a single piece of sheet metal that is no longer flat.  It may have a single bend or multiple bends.  The bend(s) may be different radius’s from sharp 90 degree bends with large 2″ – 12″ radius’s that create a more rounded and softer edge.  Sheet metal fabricators make these bends on machines called press brakes with different types of tooling that allow the specified bend angle and radius to be made.

 

 

There are three basic types of metal bending on a press brake:  Air Bending, Bottom Bending, and Coining.

 

Air Bending

This is the preferred method of bending for most sheet metal fabricators.  It generally requires less machine tonnage to bend the metal and is easier on the tooling.

Air bending is the process of bending metal by the metal is placed between the top punch and the bottom die to form the bend.  It’s called air bending because the metal does not get pushed all the way down to the bottom of the die.

The main disadvantage with air bending is that tight tolerances are difficult to maintain.

 

Bottom Bending

Bottom bending also uses the punch and die, except in this case, the material is pushed all the way to the bottom of the die.  Bottom bending requires more machine tonnage, generates less spring back, and creates tighter tolerance, more accurate angles.

The main disadvantage with bottom bending is that a different bottom die is required for each angle, making the bending process longer.  Additionally, custom tools may be required depending on the shape of the bend.

 

Coining

Coining is the next step in the process that applies maximum tonnage from the punch forcing the material into the bottom die causing permanent deformation along the bend line.  The benefits of coining are maximum accuracy and high precision and spring back is virtually eliminated.

The main disadvantage is the slower processing time resulting in higher costs.

 

 

Amtex Precision Fabrication

At Amtex, we leverage the power of automation to provide our clients with precise, high-end products in a cost-effective manner. If you need precision metal fabrication services, contact Amtex online or call our team at (281) 489-7042 today!

 

Sheet metal tolerances describe the acceptable deviation between features on sheet metal parts to ensure correct and consistent fit in installation or integration.  As requirements for sheet metal components becomes more complex, companies demand tighter and more precise tolerances.  It is also essential to work with a sheet metal fabricator who has expertise in tight tolerance assemblies and components

 

Here are seven ways to improve tolerances to make better sheet metal parts:

 

Critical Information

Always call out information not available on models—datum planes, tolerances (block and critical), material type, finish requirements, hardware specifications, hole tapping, welding requirements, surface requirements, and edge requirements, just to name a few.

 

Standard Tolerances

Although the machinery and tooling will repeat within 0.005″, it is a mistake to simply engineer all mating parts, to be within +/-.005″.  This excess forces additional labor in sorting and inspection.

Tolerances that are too tight result in higher costs and lower productivity.  Correct tolerance will still produce excellent fit and function, with the added benefit of manufacturing efficiency.

 

Hole Size Tolerances

Whether the hole is being laser cut or punched, a general rule of thumb is the hole diameter must be no small than material thickness.  Some high powered fiber lasers have the ability to make holes with diameters smaller than material thickness, but this increases processing time and adds labor to inspection.

 

Hole to Hole Tolerances

Accuracy of the distance from one hole to another is dependent primarily upon the machinery used to process the sheet.  Greater tolerance allowances for this feature allow for easier assembly and fit up as well as reducing potential sheet distortion by holes being too close.

 

Hole to Edge Tolerances

Part profiles are either punched or laser cut just like any other feature.  When adding a hole close to an edge (less than double the material thickness), the edge can be pushed out by the stress of punching the metal.  This edge movement can introduce variables in the accuracy of the hole location in relation to the edge.  There are techniques to minimize this problem, but whenever possible, engineers should allow +/-.010” hole-to-edge. Tolerances
of +/-.005” should be used only when absolutely necessary.

 

Hole to Bend Tolerances

Precision press brakes will position and repeat within the +/- .003” range.  Skilled brake operators are able to load the parts for forming
consistently from bend to bend.  Nevertheless, consideration must be given to the natural variation in material thickness (5%
of nominal thickness), the +/-.005” from the turret press or laser cutting machine, the effects of cosmetic sanding, and the variation introduced by the press brake.  A tolerance of +/-.015” hole-to-bend is functionally reasonable for most applications.  Resort to +/-.010” only when absolutely
necessary.

 

Bend to Bend Tolerances

Considering the variables that affect hole-to-bend tolerances, now multiple material surfaces and thickness are introduced. Whenever possible, engineers should allow +/-.020” bend-to-bend.  Resort to +/.010” only when absolutely necessary.  Increased tolerances need to be applied if going
across multiple bends.

 

Amtex Precision Fabrication

At Amtex, we have dedicated staff performing first article, second article, and final inspections on every job.  This ensures our clients receive the highest quality part that meet or exceed their expectations.  If you need precision metal fabrication services, contact Amtex online or call our team at (281) 489-7042 today!

 

Determining whether it makes sense to outsource your sheet metal fabrication can be a daunting task and there are important questions to answer.  Things to consider include, but no limited to, – estimated annual part(s) volume,  complexity of part(s), what are your current core processes, how experienced in sheet metal is the staff?  These type of questions will be required when choosing whether you send your part(s) out or keep them in-house.

Here are five benefits to outsourcing your sheet metal fabrication:

 

1. Skilled Resources

Access to experienced and skilled sheet metal workers is a benefit that comes with outsourcing.  Companies that specialize in sheet metal fabrication have the staff who see all kinds of different parts day in and day out, so they have a high level of exposure to a lot of different kinds of sheet metal parts.  This experience is especially useful for complex parts where a solution to a similar part has already been developed.  Additionally, finding skilled employees is especially challenging in today’s competitive jobs market.  Outsourcing takes that responsibility off your plate, as well as all of the associated costs of hiring, training, and maintaining employees. 

 

2. Cost-Effective

Outsourcing your sheet metal to a skilled and experienced service provider can help achieve better result in a cost-effective way.  Sheet metal vendors have the infrastructure in place to quickly and efficiently fabricate parts.  Everything from vendors for the raw materials, to investments in modern machinery, to software to maximize material yield is in place to produce quality sheet metal components at competitive prices.

 

3. Flexibility

Having a trusted sheet metal vendor provides additional flexibility to your manufacturing process.  If your estimated annual volume is on the lower side, outsourcing can be a great way to reduce capital expenditure expenses without having the need to invest in expensive equipment.  However, if you process parts in-house, a trusted sheet metal vendor can be used for over flow to keep your production on schedule.

 

4. Core Processes

Having a trusted sheet metal vendor also allows you to focus on your core processes, such as design, engineering, and assembly.  In-house sheet metal fabrication could divert crucial resources away from those core processing.  As a result, your core processes and revenue generating activities may suffer.  Focusing on improving these core processes and revenue generating activities has the potential to increase revenue.

 

5. Enhanced Services

Having a trusted sheet metal vendor also gives you access to additional services, such engineering services, automation, assembly, installation, tool and/or process, and finishing services such as powder coating that can expand what you currently offer to you customers.  They may also have equipment or processes that can improve your part(s) by providing new features, better quality, or reduce price by being more efficient and faster.

 

Searching for High-Quality Metal Fabrication? 

If you’re looking for metal fabrication experts to help you engineer and produce precision parts for your needs, contact the team at Amtex Precision Fabrication at 281-489-7042 today!

Robotic welding was initially developed in the late 1970’s in Japan and found its way to America in the early 1980’s.  Those robotic welders were very specialized and not very common to see.  Today’s robotic welders are quite different from their earlier ancestors, which is a good thing.  As popular as robotic welding has become, manual welding is still quite prevalent.

 

Here are three advantages robotic welding has over manual welding

 

Increased Cycle Times

Increased cycle times translates to more parts per hour.  Depending on the part, a robotic welder can produce up to 3x as many parts per hour as a manual welder.

 

Reduced Lead Times

The increased cycle time of the robotic welder, as discussed above, means parts ship faster.

 

Enhancing Part Quality

Even the most talented welders will weld parts with some variability. While these variations are negligible, robotic technology allows fabricators to enhance the consistency and quality of metal products.

By deploying robotic welding solutions, manufacturers can ensure that customers receive high-quality parts that meet or exceed requested specifications!

 

 

Amtex Precision Fabrication

At Amtex, we leverage the power of automation to provide our clients with precise, high-end products in a cost-effective manner. If you need precision metal fabrication services, contact Amtex online or call our team at (281) 612-5905 today!