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

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

Importance of Traceability in Manufacturing

More and more industries within manufacturing are focusing on compliance and quality, which lead to traceability. As companies expand their businesses internationally in this global economy, more regulatory mandates put commercial pressures and expectations on businesses. In an effort to manage quality, recalls, liability, counterfeit parts, inefficiencies in manufacturing, and cost savings, these regulatory mandates rely on traceability. In other words, traceability acts as a risk-management tool. Continue reading

Quality Control vs. Quality Assurance

One thing that all manufacturing industries have is quality. Whether its a quality system, quality standards, quality department, whether the company is small or large or in industry requires precision or not, there’s always some type of quality involved. Now here’s where people get things confused. Often you hear people talk about ‘QA’ when they really mean ‘QC’ and visa versa. Although both are an integral part of a quality system, there is a distinct difference between quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA). It is also important to note that a successful quality system utilizes both quality assurance and quality control. So let’s get into the differences: Continue reading