If you’re starting a metal fabrication shop, you’ll want to offer a wide array of services that relate to fabrication, machining, and welding and which require specialized fabrication machinery. Thankfully, you can purchase quality used machinery from leading brands, so you can save money on your initial startup costs. While each shop will require its own selection of fabrication machines, there are some that all metal fabrication shops should consider having. Here are six options.
1. A Metal Shearing System
One of the simplest but most needed pieces of equipment in a fabrication shop is a metal shearing system. With it, you can quickly cut up large sheets of steel or trim parts to your specific requirements. You’re sure to be working with plate or steel sheets in your fabrication shop, so having a metal shearing system is a must-have item.
2. An Ironworker
You can perform a wide array of operations quickly and efficiently with an ironworker. The multi-functional machine is indispensable when it comes to things like forming, notching, punching, and bending. Ironworkers are robust tools that every fabrication shop should have.
3. Press Brakes
Press brakes are ideal for startups with small budgets. The machines can bend your pieces into boxes, panels, and many other components with ease. You can use press brakes with a wide variety of materials, including sheet metal, aluminum, steel, stainless steel, and brass. You won’t regret getting an old brake machine that is in full working order.
4. A Plate Rolling Machine
If you want to engage in plate rolling, you need to have a plate rolling machine. The robust fabrication machines enable you to transform flat sheet metal into cylindrical objects of your desired length and diameter. There are lots of types of plate rolling machines available, from initial pinch ones to four-rollers, so you’ll need to compare different ones to find the right plate rolling machine for your requirements.
5. A Waterjet Cutter
As a startup, you’ll want to make sure you purchase machinery that is cost-effective. Well, a waterjet cutter, which cuts and shapes metal, is one of the most cost-effective and flexible pieces of equipment you can get. Waterjet cutters can be used with a wide array of materials, including copper, stainless steel, carbon steel, titanium, brass, aluminum, and even glass and plastics. The best thing about a waterjet cutter is, unlike other machines, it uses high pressure with water and an abrasive to deliver unparalleled accuracy and precision with no hazardous waste.
6. A Laser System
If you want to etch in complex shapes or simply achieve high cutting precision, you should consider getting a laser system for your startup fabrication shop. Laser systems utilize thermal energy to remove material from a workpiece via vaporizing it through an intense heat that’s powered by a laser. With a laser system, you can achieve high-quality and accurate surface finishes. In fact, the finish is so good from a laser system, that you won’t usually need to do any reworking at all. If you’re planning on taking on projects that require zero errors but high throughput, a laser system is a necessity.
Things to Consider
The type of machinery you get will determine the types of services you can offer and the quality of your products. So, you need to consider the capabilities of any equipment you’re thinking of purchasing. The kind of fabrication machines you select need to be able to handle the types of services you intend to offer, and you need to consider the value and convenience that the machinery will provide. Carefully consider the type of services you intend to offer and what machinery will be best for achieving quality results, and you’ll be much better positioned to choose the right fabrication machinery option for your startup shop.