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

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

Tube Laser Cutting

Amada F0M2RI 3015

             Amada F0M2RI 3015

We have recently invested in a laser cutting system with rotary index, which allows us to laser cut all types of metal tubing of various sizes and shapes. Due to our ongoing demands of our customers who were looking for a more efficient and economical way to cut and add special features to tubing, we bought an Amada F0M2RI 3015 laser. Here are some specifications of our new laser and all the neat tricks it can do: Continue reading

Chemical Film vs. Anodize

It’s been a while since we’ve posted, so we figured we would give you a post relative to what we have seen recently in manufacturing. For some reason, we have been seeing a lot of engineers who are calling out the incorrect finish for their parts, and we want to help set the issue straight! Simply put, chemical film (also known as chromate conversion, yellow iridite, or alodine) and anodize are NOT the same thing. Most people assume that they may have similarities, that they can be used interchangeably, but this is not the case for most instances. So let’s take a close look at what each finish is and when you should use them. But first, I’d like to point out and say that although we are a metal fabricator, we actually have an in-house metal finishing shop as well as a sister metal finishing company, and have knowledge on when and when not to use each of these finishes. Continue reading

San Diego Business Journal’s Manufacturing Awards 2015

We are proud to announce that Vista Industrial Products, Inc. was a finalist in the “Large Company” Category for the San Diego Business Journal’s Manufacturing Awards 2015! This is an honorary award given that we were a finalist out of all sorts of manufacturers within the San Diego area and even Mexico! Some of the manufacturers include those within our metal fabrication industry, and others like the medical, pharmaceutical, beer brewing, and many more! The award was based upon “Celebrating Regional Excellence”…sounds so fancy!

Here are some photos from the award ceremony: Continue reading