Exit

4 Tips for Designing Large, Cost-Effective Components

Large parts are often challenging to fabricate; making cost-effective decisions during the design stage can help to ensure manufacturing success. Sometimes a small change in a design can reduce a project’s cost substantially.

1.    Make Things Easy

Close up of a designers working on a projectEffective design communication begins with clear, legible, and accurate drawings that clearly describe the component. Avoid colors such as yellow, blue, or light gray as they are often difficult to read and do not scan well.

Easy-to-read drawings take the guesswork out of fabricating. As this is often the only thing that the shop has to work with, it is important to make sure your information is clear, so your manufacturer understands all of the details of the part they are creating.

2.    Provide Context

Clearly communicate how you plan to use the final product. Experienced metalworkers will be better equipped to take on your large component fabrication project if they understand the part’s intended use.

All technical drawings and documents should include these details and provide vital information to manufacturers and help them to choose the best equipment for cost-effective fabrication.

3.    Be Consistent

Legibility is important, but drawings and prints must also provide consistent and clear information. In-depth data is more important than exact scale drawings and will ensure the best accuracy.

Every drawing should convey the dimensions and tolerances of the product, with clear labeling that identifies all required materials and finishes.

4.    Be Conscientious

Industrial Laser cutting processing manufacture technology of flat sheet metal steel material with sparksClick on banner below to view more images in theWhen designing large steel components for fabrication projects, consider the processes that your fabricator will be utilizing.

If you’re not sure what processes will be used, like laser cutting, we’ll be happy to talk to you about it. We will gladly work with you towards a solution.

Your Partner in Large Scale Manufacturing

By following these guidelines, your designs will be easily fulfilled to suit all of your application’s requirements. At G.E. Mathis Company, we do our part by maintaining the tooling, equipment, and expertise to complete precision welding fabrication projects of virtually any size.

2012_iso-logo_printWe keep communication lines open, offering advice and information whenever necessary. With over a century in the business, we deliver work that reflects excellence in craftsmanship. You can rest assured that our large scale precision components will meet your specifications.

In addition to being an ISO 9001:2015-certified manufacturer, G.E. Mathis Company can provide the following services:

  • PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) – All Levels
  • FAIR (First Article Inspection Report)
  • Capability Studies (Statistical Process Control)
  • CMRT (Conflict Minerals Reporting Template)

For further information, contact us today or request a quote for your next project.

Manufacturing Top-Quality Long Parts

Tandem Press Brake at G.E. Mathis CompanyHere at G.E. Mathis Company, we pride ourselves on the ability to manufacture a wide range of high-quality components of all shapes and sizes. By staying informed about the latest and greatest manufacturing equipment and processes, we can stay ahead of the competition and do what other manufacturers cannot. One area in which we excel is the fabrication of long parts. This is something that many manufacturers are not capable of doing; our equipment and capabilities offer us a distinct advantage in this market segment.

When making long parts, some manufacturers, due to equipment limitations, may have to fabricate short pieces first. If you want a piece that’s 30 feet long and a manufacturer can only fabricate pieces that are 10 feet long, they would need to form that long part by welding together three different pieces. The problem is that all three of these pieces may not come out exactly the same, leading to the fabrication of a long part with flaws that could greatly lower the quality of the piece.

On the other hand, we’re able to form longer components in just one piece. This is thanks to our lineup of eight precision press brakes that can easily handle lengths of 20 to 48 feet. This means that the customer gets a higher-quality, more consistent part in one piece to the length. The whole long part is completely uniform and our manufacturing process eliminates the middle seam in a formed piece, which allows us to cut down on secondary processes that cost more time and money.

3/8" Strenx-110 formed channels - 24ft longSo when you need uniform, high-quality long parts, come to the experts. We can make all sorts of long parts, like angles, channels, bump formed segments, and cone segments, and we have experience working with a wide range of materials, from carbon, stainless steel, and aluminum, as well as alloy steel.

X

Have Any Questions?

Get In Touch With Our Team >