High-precision custom metal fabrication solutions are crafted to offer exceptional products that meet today’s metalwork needs. From laser cutting and metal bending to robotic welding, automation has proven to improve quality and speed while reducing the cost of metal fabrication in today’s world.

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In a nutshell, as demand shifts, products and parts evolve and labour markets change in the era of the fourth Industrial Revolution, automated high-precision custom metal or sheet metal fabrication has become a no-brainer due to its inherent flexibility.

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In this post, we are going to rely on AMP (Automated Metal Processing)’s award-winning expertise and experience to unravel the details of high-precision custom metal fabrication and find out what is in it for you! 

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What Is custom metal fabrication?

Simply put, custom metal fabrication is a manufacturing process used to assemble, bend and cut metal into parts or end products. Inherent in this definition are customizability and precision, which should ultimately achieve every manufacturer’s goals: reducing waste, increasing productivity and cutting costs.

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AMP’s service delivery is centred on offering client-customised products that address and solve client-specific challenges. To achieve this, AMP follows a 3-phase process shown below to deliver four solutions: computer numerical control (CNC), laser cutting, metal bending and robotic welding.

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Custom Metal Fabrication Process

1. Project Design Phase

AMP uses customer or client requirements as specifications for fabrication projects. We work hand in hand with clients to determine the types of metal that will be used and the finishing process required to attain their desired result. So, whether you present us with a completed design that needs reshaping, a prototype or written requirements, AMP will tailor solutions to solve your specific challenge. We work with numerous metals, including the most common materials:

• Steel (including cold and hot-rolled carbon steel and stainless steel)
• Aluminum
• Copper
• Magnesium

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2. Part Fabrication Phase

This is where the cutting and shaping of metal components from the design phase takes place. AMP adopts a CNC computer-aided machining process which ensures improved accuracy, efficiency and productivity. Depending on the project, we may use different fabrication tools like laser cutting, metal bending or robotic welding.

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3. Assembly and Finishing

The final step involves assembling the various fabricated pieces to produce the final product and applying finishing techniques like deburring and powder coating to ensure proper functionality and presentability.

So, let's take a look at the range of customer-driven solutions offered by AMP

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Precision Custom Metal Fabrication Solutions Offered

1. CNC

Computer numerical control (CNC) machines have changed the face of metal fabrication in today’s era of industry 4.0. CNC machines are controlled by an input that is executed via code or CAD software.

CNC laser cutting offers many advantages over other means of cutting. It is accurate, leaving extremely small or no deviation. It also provides high repeatability and flexibility, and requires less labour which translates into financial gains.

At AMP, the benefits of computer-aided machining can be summarised as including improved accuracy, efficiency, productivity and safety. This translates into:

• Higher quality product
• Faster outputs
• Less waste
• And ultimately – cost savings
  

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2. LASER CUTTING

Laser cutters are the perfect means of handling plate and tube metal materials with the significant advantage of a complete CNC controlled operation. This combination leads to greater efficiency and increased productivity.

‍Other benefits of metal laser cutting include:

• Exceptional detailing
• Ability to cut complex shapes with incredible accuracy
• Tabbing and slotting, engineered part design support

Ideally suited for cutting high carbon or abrasion resistant steel, laser cutting can often produce such a clean finish that there is no need for secondary machining operations. The laser cutting solution offered by AMP therefore helps surmount the challenges associated with shearing or hard metal machining.

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Metal Laser Cutting Specifications

AMP has the most advanced and modern laser cutting machine in Western Canada. A touchscreen control panel with a graphic user interface allows us to program your specifications to high-tolerance accuracies so we are able to give you freedom of choice. Our metal laser cutting specifications include:

• General tolerances of 0.004” to ½”; 1/2" thick and above; 0.008” as a guide.
• Sheet metal up to 5’ x 10’ in size (for both machines)
• Trumpf TruLaser (5,000 watts), which cuts mild steel to 1” thick, stainless steel to 3/4" thick and aluminum to 1/2” thick
• Amada (4,000 watts), which cuts mild steel to 1” thick, stainless steel to 3/8” thick (no aluminum) and has tube cutting capabilities and
• Capabilities of tabbing, slotting and more

Note that we can use your drawings or work with you to provide design and drafting expertise and guidance during the project design phase to accurately align with your business needs.

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3. SHEET METAL BENDING

Bending is one of the most common sheet metal fabrication operations used to deform metal sheets into the desired angular shapes. Also known as press braking, flanging, die bending, folding and edging, this is done through the application of force on a workpiece. At AMP, we are able to provide our customers with laser cutting and metal bending thanks to our CNC press brake, which takes the pieces we laser cut and precision-bends them for assembly.

Specifically, we use the Durma AD-S press brake plate bending machine which offers uncompromising precision and reliability as a result of its wide assortment of material handling accessories and back gauge configurations.

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What you get with AMP’s advanced brake services for metal bending

• Stage or progressive metal bending
• Slight bends to deep sectioned 4-sided boxes
• Capabilities of sheering, punching, coining, embossing, flanging, dimpling, etc.
• Automatic bend sequence calculation and collision detection for improved efficiency
• Controller 3D visualisation for enhanced accuracy
• Feasibility studies and production prep which save you time and money

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After many years of experience supported by our CNC press brake methodology, we are confident that we offer the best sheet metal bending in the industry. So don’t hesitate to contact us to implement this technology into your production process.

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4. ROBOTIC WELDING

Robotic welding represents a cornerstone of the contemporary manufacturing industry because of the quality output such systems offer in short cycle times. In the production environment, robotic welding systems are often employed within an entirely robotised system which is represented by manipulators and a robotic welding system. At AMP, automated welding complements our laser cutting services to deliver important advantages for your business. 

Advantages of Robotic Welding

• It is time-saving simply because certain applications, such as moving the welding torch from one seam to another within one workplace, take less time than other welding techniques.

• Robotic welding conserves materials by eliminating the pitfalls of manual welding applications. The accuracy of robotic systems results in less wasted material and time. The systems conserve energy by running consistently and avoiding any unnecessary start-ups.

• Robotic welding systems deliver enhanced efficiency as robots can operate on a 24-hour shift and at quicker speeds, allowing for higher output efficiency.

So, if your metal fabrication projects require the flexibility and precision that a robotic arm can offer in hard-to-reach spots, AMP can assist you to set a new standard.

Going from ‘I Need’ to ‘I Need More’

AMP’s customer-first approach and dedication to quality and consistent innovation has led to many happy returning customers. Our ‘customer-determined’ approach results in customers who are not only satisfied but also delighted to return for more.

Our ordering process is very easy; simply start by filling in our ‘Request a Quote’ form. 

How much does custom metalwork cost?

The cost heavily depends on the size of the project, the cost of materials and other peripheral costs from prep work, but generally the single most important cost factor is the amount of time it takes to create the piece. So, with AMP’s time-saving CNC-driven technology, you are sure to get highly competitive pricing. 

 Key Takeaways

When it comes to high-precision custom metal fabrication solutions in today’s era of the fourth Industrial Revolution, automation has clearly become a no-brainer due to its inherent benefits, the main ones being cost savings and waste reduction. It has also become even more crucial to get a reliable and constantly innovating partner in the production of brackets, mechanisms, holders, enclosures and every other metal part and component who can ensure that you obtain the full benefits of automated custom metal fabrication. 

This is where AMP comes in as a key player in today’s fabrication industry with valuable years of experience in the use of advanced technologies such as the CNC press brake methodology accompanied by a ‘customer-determined’ approach that is designed to fulfil your business needs.

To find out more about our state-of-the-art equipment and our commitment to providing the highest quality products and services, contact us for a quote.

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