Stitch Welding vs. Seam Welding

Many engineers and welders find themselves confused with the difference between stitch welding and seam welding since they are often used interchangeably, but there is a definite difference between the two types of welds. In the welding fabrication world, it is important to distinguish the two because both welds are have different strength properties and are used for different purposes. Below are photos of each type of weld and a description describing the two. Continue reading

Deviations and Exceptions

At Vista Industrial Products, we always fabricate to print. If a part cannot be fabricated to print, we note deviations during the quote process and list them as exceptions and or conditions on the quote letter. This means we can fabricate to print with some approval of these exceptions; otherwise, we will no bid. These exceptions are also known as deviations after approval. We review prints thoroughly by confirming all materials are available. This includes material types, hardware and finishes to keep things simple. This is basic information has to be defined to allow for any company to quote.

A common mistake is calling out the correct material type. For a Formed Aluminum Sheet Metal Part, an example of this mistake is calling 6061-T6 as the material type. This material will always crack and some engineers do not know this. We would by default deviate from this material and provide the following exception.

“Quoting this part using Al 5052-H32.”

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Why Kanban…

By: Adele Samudio

September 14, 2020

To produce only what is needed, when it is needed and in the amount needed.” Taiichi Ohno

Kanban is known to be an effective methodology to Just-In-Time Production (JIT) and is practiced by many manufacturers worldwide. It is a pull system tool that works to reduce costs, to reduce inventory, and to improve efficiency on the production floor.

Since the inception of this method more and more companies are saving money by producing product for live orders and not anticipated orders; creating a lean-manufacturing practice. As everything, there are advantages and disadvantages of this methodology as briefly listed below.

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How to Properly Annotate Part Marking on a Drawing

Types of Part Marking

There are many types of part marking available depending of the functionality, durability, and longevity of the marking. Here are some types of part marking that are most commonly used:

  • Ink Stamping: Often used for simple markings of letters and numbers using one or two colors like part numbers, manufacturing date, cage codes, serial numbers, etc.
  • Silkscreen: Often used for with an artwork file that can be used with multiple colors for fonts, images, words, and designs link logos, aesthetic design, functionality identification, warning identification, etc.
  • Laser cutting: Often used for a permanent marking and contemporary design like logos, and esthetic design.
  • Emboss: Often used for a more permanent marking with an aesthetic appeal like logo design and part numbers.
  • Laser etch: Often used for more durability for a marking that is to be more permanent, but also has a different type of aesthetics since it’s etched in the metal.

Part marking can be used for part identification, logos, aesthetic design, functionality identification, warning identification, and more. No matter the reason for the part marking, it is crucial to have the part marking information properly annotated on the drawings. Continue reading