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 Z Manufacturing's metal fabrication department
In short, a Metal Fabrication Shop is a value added process that involves the construction of parts and structures from various raw materials. A Metal Fabrication Shop takes your CAD drawings, orders the correct raw materials, cut them to size then machine, cuts, bends, forms and/or welds the project into the correct shape and size. After the appropriate finish is applied the final product it is shipped to its next destination
Typical metal fabrication projects by Z Manufacturing Inc. include; loose parts, structural frames aquariums stands, custom retail displays, equipment and more…
 The raw material has to be cut to size. This is done with a variety of tools. Special band saws designed for cutting metal have hardened blades and a feed mechanism for even cutting. Cut-off saws, also known as cold saws, are similar to miter saws but with a steel cutting disk. Cutting torches can cut very large sections of steel with little effort.
Hydraulic brakes with v-dies are the most common method of forming metal. The cut plate is placed in the press and a v-shaped die is pressed a predetermined distance to bend the plate to the desired angle. Wing brakes and hand powered brakes are sometimes used.
Tube bending machines have specially shaped dies and mandrels to bend tubular sections without kinking them.
Rolling machines are used to form plate steel into a round section.
Z Manufacturing has a variety of machining capability including CNC mills, CNC lathes, Laser Cutters and metal working tools. (Please see the "Services: CNC Machining" Page for more information)
Welding is the main focus of steel Metal Fabrication Shops activity. The formed and machined parts will be assembled and tack welded into place then re-checked for accuracy. A fixture may be used to locate parts for welding if multiple welded parts have been ordered.
The welder then completes welding per the engineering drawings, if welding is detailed or per his own judgment if no welding details are provided.
Special precautions may be needed to prevent warping of the welded parts due to heat. These may include; welding in a staggered fashion, using a stout fixture, covering the welded parts in sand during cooling, and straightening operations.
Straightening of warped steel is done with an Oxy-acetylene torch and is somewhat of an art. Heat is selectively applied to the steel in a slow, linear sweep. The steel will have a net contraction, upon cooling, in the direction of the sweep. A highly skilled welder can remove significant warpage using this technique. (Please see the "Services: Welding" page for more information)
After the welded part has cooled it is generally sand blasted, primed and painted. Any additional manufacturing specified by the customer is then completed. The finished product is then inspected and shipped.
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