At US Metal Crafters, we believe smart automation isn’t just the future of fabrication—it’s the standard we live by every day. Robotic welding has transformed modern metalworking with its speed, accuracy, and scalability. But the real power of robotic welding emerges when paired with a critical piece of equipment we trust on our floor: the headstock/tailstock welding positioner.
These systems don’t just hold a part in place—as the video shows, they rotate it with exact precision, giving our robotic arms optimal access to every seam, on even the largest or most intricate components. When our robotic welders and programmable positioners work in sync, the results speak for themselves.
What Are Headstock/Tailstock Positioners, and Why Do They Matter?
A headstock/tailstock positioner is a two-axis system designed to hold and rotate a part during welding. The motorized headstock drives rotation, while the tailstock stabilizes the far end—essential when working with long, oversized, or heavy components.
Unlike static fixtures, these are intelligent, programmable tools. At US Metal Crafters, we don’t just hit “start”—we engineer a coordinated welding process where both robot and positioner move in perfect rhythm. The outcome? Faster cycle times, tighter welds, and consistently high quality.
Programming in Sync = Real Efficiency
Our team uses advanced 3D simulations and offline programming to model and optimize each weld path before production begins. We define every motion—rotation angles, torch positions, weld speeds—well in advance. Real-time adjustments using teach pendants ensure smooth execution on the floor.
By leveraging integrated controls like the Yaskawa YRC1000 (read that blog post here) we enable seamless communication between the robotic arm and the positioner. From first spark to final bead, every movement is deliberate, repeatable, and optimized for throughput.
Real-World Results in American Metal Fabrication
We’re proud to bring this high-performance automation to a range of industries and part types, including:
Heavy equipment: boom arms, structural weldments, and undercarriage frames
Data center infrastructure: high-precision enclosures, heat exchange housings
Infrastructure and construction: pipe weldments, steel support assemblies
These aren’t small parts—they’re industrial-grade, mission-critical components. Our automated robotic welding systems with synchronized positioners deliver the performance our partners count on:
Faster production
Cleaner, more consistent welds
Lower labor and material costs
Smarter Welding Happens Here
At US Metal Crafters, we don’t just weld—we engineer every weld with purpose, precision, and pride. Robotic welding alone is powerful. Add a synchronized headstock/tailstock positioner, and you’ve got a next-level fabrication solution designed for high-complexity work at scale.
And this isn’t a concept. It’s our reality. These systems are active on our shop floor every day, helping us deliver tight tolerances, fast turnarounds, and American-made quality across every project.
In industrial manufacturing, finish isn’t just about looks—it’s about longevity, protection, and value. At US Metal Crafters, we don’t believe in half-finished work. That’s why we offer in-house powder coating as part of our fully integrated metal fabrication operation. It’s one more way we keep your supply chain tight, efficient, and built to perform.
Why Powder Coating Makes a Difference
Powder coating isn’t new—but it’s never been more essential. According to the Powder Coating Institute, this finish delivers a durable, high-performance coating that resists corrosion, abrasion, and chemical exposure better than traditional paint. Plus, with no VOCs, it’s a more sustainable choice—something more and more manufacturers are prioritizing.
For companies producing agricultural equipment, industrial enclosures, heavy machinery, or even commercial appliances, powder-coated components mean:
Lower maintenance costs
Longer product life
Fewer warranty claims
Cleaner, more consistent appearance across production runs
In short: your parts last longer, perform better, and look sharp doing it.
Total Control, All Under One Roof
At US Metal Crafters, we don’t farm out finishing. We handle powder coating right here in our Archdale, NC facility—just like everything else we do. That gives us complete control over quality, scheduling, and integration with upstream fabrication processes like:
Bringing it all together in one shop means you get exactly what you spec, delivered when you need it. No middlemen. No excuses.
Quality Isn’t Optional—It’s Standard
We know your reputation depends on the parts you source. That’s why every job we run is backed by:
A four-stage quality check, from operator to general manager
3D inspection and material verification tools
Real-time KPI tracking for full transparency
When your components roll off our line and into the field, you can count on performance that holds up—and a finish that stands the test of time.
The US Metal Crafters Advantage
USMC integrates powder coating into a vertically aligned metal fabrication process that includes:
Laser cutting with ±0.005 inches tolerance
Precision bending and forming
Welding (manual and robotic)
Assembly and quality inspection
By keeping powder coating in-house, we eliminate the delays and inconsistencies associated with outsourcing. This ensures better coordination, tighter process control, and shorter lead times.
Let’s Talk Production-Ready Powder Coating
If you’re looking for a metal fabrication partner who can cut it, coat it, and get it to you on time, US Metal Crafters is ready to roll. From short-run prototypes to high-volume production, we’re equipped to handle your toughest specs with the consistency today’s manufacturers demand.
Based in Archdale, NC
Serving OEMs and manufacturers across the Southeast and beyond
American-made. On time. Built to spec.
At US Metal Crafters, we believe great fabrication is a balance of innovation and craftsmanship.
One of the biggest ways we’re raising the bar? Robotic welding.
By integrating robotics into our process, we deliver precise, repeatable welds for a wide range of applications—without compromising the attention to detail our customers expect.
Why Robotic Welding Changes the Game Manufacturing today demands precision, speed, and reliability. Robotic welding helps us meet those expectations by delivering:
Flawless, Repeatable Welds
Robots don’t tire. Every weld is performed exactly as programmed—ensuring consistent quality and minimizing rework.
Less Waste, More Efficiency
Robotic welding helping us maximize material use and lower costs.
Accuracy for Complex Welds
When tolerances are tight or designs are intricate, robotic welders excel. Their ability to follow detailed paths ensures high-precision welds, even on challenging geometries.
Smart Scaling Without Compromising Quality Robotic welding isn’t about replacing skilled welders—it’s about enhancing production capacity. By automating repetitive welds, we free up our experts to focus on more specialized, high-skill projects.
These benefits are especially crucial in heavy machinery, data centers, and infrastructure, where durability and precision are non-negotiable.
The YRC1000: Elevating Our Welding Capabilities We’ve recently expanded our welding lineup with the Yaskawa YRC1000 , a high-performance robotic welder controller that takes our precision to the next level.
Faster cycle times with high-speed processing
Advanced motion control for tight-tolerance welds
Multi-robot compatibility for future scalability
Paired with our team of expert welders, the YRC1000 allows us to tackle everything from simple repeat welds to intricate, multi-step projects—all while maintaining the highest level of quality.
Check Out Our Laser Cutting Capabilities Robotic welding is just one part of our end-to-end fabrication solutions. Laser cutting brings even more precision and efficiency to the table.
Get our free eBook:“Welcome to the World of Laser Cutting” and learn:
How laser cutting works
Fiber vs. CO₂ lasers
Real-world applications
Download now and explore how laser cutting can elevate your production process!
Complete Fabrication Solutions—All Under One Roof
At US Metal Crafters, robotic welding is just one piece of our full-service fabrication capabilities. We handle everything in-house, from laser cutting and metal forming to powder coating and assembly—all backed by rigorous quality control to ensure top-tier results every time.
Imagine a tool so precise that it can cut metal like a hot knife through butter, but without the mess or questionable safety of using an actual hot knife. Meet fiber laser cutting—the superhero of metal fabrication services. At US Metal Crafters, we’ve mastered this technology, helping you bring your designs to life with speed, precision, and a whole lot of cool factor.
What Exactly is Fiber Laser Cutting?
Think of a fiber laser as a high-powered stream of concentrated light that not only cuts metal, but slices it with style. This process utilizes optical fibers to amplify and focus the laser beam, generating enough energy to cut through various materials such as steel, aluminum, and even those challenging reflective metals (we see you, brass and copper).
In other words, it’s like wielding a lightsaber, but in a controlled, industrial way that doesn’t involve stormtroopers.
Why Fiber Lasers Rock the Metal Fabrication World
If you’re wondering why fiber lasers are the MVP of cutting technology, let’s break it down:
1. Precision that Wows
Fiber lasers don’t just cut—they sculpt. They create clean, sharp edges without the burrs or distortions you might get from traditional cutting methods. Your parts come out looking like a million bucks (even though you didn’t spend that much).
2. Speed is the Name of the Game
Working under a tight deadline? No problem. Fiber lasers work faster than other cutting methods, reducing turnaround times without compromising on quality. It’s a win-win.
3. Versatility for Days
From intricate designs to thick materials, fiber lasers can handle it all. Whether you’re creating a one-off prototype or handling a massive production run, this technology has your back.
4. Eco-Friendly Cutting
No harmful chemicals, reduced waste, and efficient energy use. Fiber lasers represent a sustainable choice for modern manufacturing. Mother Nature approves.
How We Use Fiber Lasers at US Metal Crafters
At US Metal Crafters, our fiber laser cutting services are all about making your job easier. Here’s how we stand out:
• Customizable Solutions: Need precision for a custom part? Our lasers can effortlessly manage complex geometries, without burrs or ragged edges.
• Diverse Material Capabilities: Whether it’s stainless steel, aluminum, or reflective metals, we have the tools to cut them cleanly.
• Consistent Quality: Every cut is as precise as the last, no matter how big or small your order.
We also integrate our fiber laser cutting with other in-house services like welding, forming, and powder coating to provide a complete end-to-end solution. It’s like a one-stop shop for all your metal fabrication dreams.
Why Choose US Metal Crafters?
Sure, other places provide fiber laser cutting, but not all heroes wear capes—some wear welding masks. At US Metal Crafters, we combine decades of expertise with a commitment to quality and on-time delivery. Plus, we’re really fun to work with—who else can make cutting metal a good time?
Let’s Make Magic Together
Whether you have a large project or just a wild idea, our fiber laser cutting services are here to make it a reality. Send us a message, give us a call, or feel free to stop by if you’re in the area. We guarantee precision, quality, and maybe even a dad joke or two.
Ready to cut to the chase? Contact us today and let’s get started!
Most metal shops these days outsource parts or even up to half of projects to a third party, delaying the project and wasting your time. One-stop metal shops are great for multiple reasons: you know where your products are, it makes turnaround time faster, you have better quality assurance, and better customer service. Not to mention, we are American-made and American-owned.
At US Metal Crafters, we specialize in custom metal fabrication and part assembly for virtually any application. Precision and quality are at the heart of everything we do. We use only the highest-quality tools and equipment operated by expert laborers. They take pride in their work and focus on even the smallest details to create tailored solutions for any project.
In addition to our skilled welding staff, we use a robotic welder for increased precision on jobs where consistency is critical. Having all of these tools under one roof decreases turnaround time, making sure you have what you need when you need it.
Our in-house fabrication equipment includes:
A state-of-the-art Robotic Welder
Five (5) tube benders handling up to 3 feet of tubing
Six (6) press brakes handling up to 12 feet and 177 tons
A wet paint line
A paint booth for extra large pieces
Optional powder coating conveyor belt for medium to large projects
Our experienced team can tackle a wide range of projects. Whether you’re working on smaller jobs or fielding large, complex, custom orders, we handle it all with our dedication to quality and signature customer service. We fabricate tubing and work with most materials, including hot-rolled steel, cold-rolled steel, hot-rolled pickled in oil steel (HRPO), stainless steel, aluminum, and copper. No matter the project’s requirements, we’re equipped to bring your vision to life, and with samples available upon request, you can be sure you’re getting exactly what you need.
Fabrication Techniques
Our fabrication services include spot, electric, MIG and TIG welding, press brake forming, and tube bending. Our tool and die capabilities include design, manufacturing, and maintenance.
Fabrication Processes
Our fabrication process includes a range of cutting, bending, and assembly techniques to make sure we get the job done right every time. We use everything from sawing and shearing to advanced numerically controlled cutting, including lasers, mill bits, and torches for cutting metal. When it comes to bending, we rely on methods like hammering, press brakes for precise metal shaping, and CNC-controlled back gauges to help ensure each bend is perfectly positioned. Finally, we assemble the pieces using various methods like welding, adhesive binding, rivets, threaded fasteners, and crimped seams, so every part is joined securely and built to last.
Need help with your fabrication project? Our experienced team is ready to help. Contact us today.
At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, America realized just how much the dependence on overseas manufacturing comes at a high cost. With the recently imposed tariffs on Chinese imports and manufacturing cost changes, many Americans have suffered from delayed shipping and difficult product sourcing on account of relying on imported goods.
THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IMPACTED THE GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN AND FRACTURED RELATIONS IN USA AND CHINA.
The pandemic caused a huge breakdown in the supply chain and fractured relations between USA and China. This made it difficult for companies to produce products, and to know whether these products were deemed essential or not. To add to this obstacle, shipping products to warehouses and customers proved to be an issue. Because of transport cost and delays, manufacturers had to order much larger volumes at once to fill complete containers and to keep their manufacturing running. It is not unusual for companies to order a six- or 12-month supply at once.
Due to transport costs and shipping delays, companies realized that domestic products had fewer supply chain issues and the customers they serve were less effected. This realization led to the re-ignited interest in domestic products. To which, according to the 2017 Reuters survey, “70 percent of Americans think it is “very important” or “somewhat important” to buy U.S.-made products”.
Here at US Metal Crafters, we have always believed in the value of American made products and manufacturing. We believe American made products are the priority, and companies who invest in domestic products experience fewer supply chain disruptions allowing their customers to feel little effects.
And if a company can obtain the product geographically closer at a competitive price, there is an advantage. The products arrive in the consumer’s hands faster and design changes are implemented faster based off demand.
We give the customers something to rely on with American-made metal fabrication and place importance on “American made” for our brand. By doing this, we are constantly ensuring that our products are quality, reliable, traceable, and dependable.
Quality Assurance
Americans perceive quality as extrinsically valuable, and we, as Americans, want products we can trust. Purchasing American-made products means purchasing a product that is “naturally better” at doing the job. Companies have full control over the manufacturing process from materials used to constructing the product. The total oversight of the manufacturing process creates a quality product that cannot be matched by outsourcing.
As customers demand tighter tolerances, better consistency, and higher overall quality in their components, sheet metal fabricators must invest in more advanced control tools and technologies for their operations to remain competitive. Quality assurance is an essential part of US Metal Crafters’ operating process. US Metal Crafters employs computer-controlled manufacturing and inspection systems, and we are fully committed to ensuring the quality of our products and processes. As part of this commitment, we have implemented the use of InspecVision’s Opti-Scan 3D—to verify our finished components meet all applicable customer and industry standards.
Reliability
Products are easier to re-stock if made in America because manufacturers do not have to rely on long shipping times and costly rates. Shipping in a container from Europe or China can add months to the delivery time. Over the last 5-6 years, the cost to bring a container in from Europe has risen from around $5,000 to closer to $25,000. And they must pay upfront. With a US vendor, they can often order on a month-by-month basis.
A big part of the equation for customers is delivery. At US Metal Crafters, we know that making the product is only one part of manufacturing, and lead time is a factor in managing complex supply chains.
Traceability
Should there ever be a concern, we can trace back to the source and figure out a fix quickly. As an American manufacturer, US Metal Crafters finds it easier to maintain relationships throughout the supply chain and provide an incredible guarantee on all projects.
It’s easier to stand behind American-made products, and the “American made” label creates value by representing American values such as: work ethic, freedom, and strife to be the best.
American businesses and workers are the backbone of our nation, and keeping manufacturing here helps maintain our economic independence. So, when you buy or support American-made products, you are supporting the recovery of manufacturing, which yields economic and job recovery.
If the pandemic has taught us anything, it is that American made is valuable and matters. And US Metal Crafters will continue to create value in American-made manufacturing and metal fabrication through quality, reliability, and traceability.
If American-made also matters to you, contact us to learn more about the benefits of American metal fabrication and manufacturing.
As the Marketing Manager at US Metal Crafters, Meghan Caulder is learning everything to know about metal fabrication. Self-ascribed google search addict and chronic researcher; she’s discovering the art of metal crafting one click at a time. Follow along on her journey as she forges her way into the manufacturing world.
Selecting the right manufacturer for your needs can seem like an overwhelming task. There are so many options and sources for information- decision fatigue is real!
Being in the marketing field, I’m always curious to know how customers find us and what led them to select US Metal Crafters or any of their other suppliers. Breaking down the key decision-making factors helps to hone in on what you truly need in a supplier and simplify your selection process.
Our customers have consistently mentioned 5 key elements that helped them in their decision-making process.
So, we’ve created a quick checklist of the 5 most important questions to ask yourself to make your selection process a breeze!
The first page of the checklist is an example of how a Purchaser might answer the checklist, while the second page is blank for your use.
Having a clear picture of your project requirements at the start of your search will help quickly narrow down a list of potential manufacturers. We recommend referencing the quick checklist to develop a complete picture of essential project requirements.
Below are the 5 key elements that Purchasers consider during their decision-making process and how they help you ensure you are selecting a manufacturer that is the best fit for your needs.
1. What Capabilities & Qualifications Does My Project Require?
First, asking yourself the question, “what capabilities and qualifications does my project require?” will keep you from spending time speaking with manufacturers that won’t be able to meet your needs.
Having this understanding will also ensure you are prepared for your initial discovery conversations.
2. Just How Important Is Location, Location, Location?
Just how important is the location of your manufacturer? There are a lot of factors to consider here.
Partnering with a domestic manufacturer offers a wide range of benefits:
Consumer Perception. Often products manufactured in the US are considered more trustworthy and of higher quality to consumers.
Quality Control. Having insight into your manufactures operations can provide peace of mind and better control over quality. With a US manufacturer, you can visit more easily and frequently.
Simplified Logistics. In today’s world, simplifying your logistics is key- customs, container costs, time zones, language barriers, and shutdowns can all run the risk of creating a logistical nightmare. Having a US-based manufacturer eases your supply chain risk with shipments being a few days truck away or even closer!
3. Is The Equipment & Technology I Need Available?
While it might seem like a no-brainer and perhaps redundant, understanding the technology in place can help determine if the project will be cost-effective. It also says a lot about how the manufacturer plans to evolve.
Understanding if the manufacturer is willing to continue to invest in new processes and machinery lets you know if they are looking to craft a partnership or looking for work. It’s a great qualifying question and a quick way to “dig deeper.”
4. How Much Insight Will I Have Into The Process- Transparency?
Another critical question to ask yourself is how much insight do you need into the process? For example, do you need insight into how the company arrived at their pricing, or production updates, or communication about shipping, or only delivery confirmation?
It is easier to have a transparent partnership with a US-based manufacturer due to the ability to visit frequently and not run into communication barriers such as language and operating multiple timezones apart. Having an open and transparent partnership starts as early as the first sales call through quoting to delivery- so ask yourself this question early.
5. What Is The Quality Assurance Process & Commitment To Delivery?
As any good purchaser knows, quality and delivery are a must. So how can you ensure on-time delivery and quality are a part of what you are purchasing? A great way to ask is, “how do you handle late orders or quality issues?” This will help you understand how a company would handle a worst-case scenario and how they prioritize delivery and quality.
American-owned and operated US Metal Crafters provides quality metal fabrication and finishing services, including stamping, laser cutting, fabrication, assembly, powder coating, and tool & die from our facility in Archdale, North Carolina. To learn more about the US Metal Crafters difference and our “Incredible Guarantee” contact us today
Contact us to learn more about the US difference.
As the Marketing Manager at US Metal Crafters, Meredith Barnes is fully immersing herself in all things metal. Self-ascribed google search addict and chronic researcher; she’s discovering the world of metal crafting one Latte at a time. Follow along on her journey to metal here.
US Metal Crafters serves a wide range of metal component requirements, from design to production and finishing, all under one roof. One of the services we offer that is growing in demand is powder coating. Since this has become such an in-demand service for our clients in various industries such as agriculture, HVAC, automotive, construction, home appliance, outdoor equipment, and more, we want to take an opportunity to talk more about it in this blog.
What is Powder Coating?
Powder coating is a dry finishing process that is rapidly becoming more popular in the industrial finishing market. During the powder coating process, we apply a free-flowing polymer resin powder to the surface of the component. It is then cured to form a smooth, hard coating that is both protective and decorative, depending on the exact powder formulation used.
While powder coating services can be used for many types of materials, the most common application we see at US Metal Crafters is for metal parts, tubes, and products. Powder coating is an excellent alternative for coating components that are difficult to cover using traditional liquid coating methods. Other benefits include:
High durability and scratch resistance, leading to lower maintenance requirements
Color flexibility, when outward appearance is a high priority
Good resistance to wear for outdoor and industrial applications
Consistent thickness and coverage, even in hard-to-reach areas
Environmental friendliness — excess powder can be reused to eliminate waste
Cost-effectiveness over the long run due to the minimized need for re-application
How Does Powder Coating Work?
Here at US Metal Crafters, we take great care in ensuring a high-quality finish from our powder coating services. Key steps in this process include:
Preparation. Our skilled craftsmen carefully prepare the workpiece for the powder finish application. We clean, rinse, and dry the component to remove any contaminants, so the powder will adhere and coat properly. Our wash booth is EPA-compliant and recycles the water supply.
Application. Once the surface is prepared, we typically apply the powder material via an electrostatic spray deposition, which causes the powder to adhere to the electrically grounded surface. We may also use a fluidized bed, where the component is preheated and then dipped into a bed of charged and fluidized powder.
Curing. The final step is curing the piece in our Heraeus PLC Infrared Gas Catalytic Powder Coating Oven. The powder fuses with the surface to create a hardened outer coating. Our curing process is up to three times faster than conventional convection ovens, allowing us to drastically reduce turnaround time for client powder coating projects.
A particular benefit of our Heraeus coating oven is that it features both perpendicular and angular heating panels, which means that we have a unique ability to accommodate angular and hard-to-target parts. The oven’s perpendicular panels first provide even heat to the part. As the part reaches the angular panels of the oven, they then target the hard-to-reach areas. It is rare for a powder coating oven to have both panel types – the US Metal Crafters team is able to support our customers with diverse powder coating requirements.
Choose Powder Coating Services at US Metal Crafters
As a specialist in metal fabrication and metal forming, US Metal Crafters brings our diverse expertise and superior service to all powder coating projects. Our in-house facilities remove third-party delays and ensure on-time delivery of parts; our design-to-delivery capabilities ensure parts that meet even the most stringent specifications. We have a full spectrum of standard powder coatings available and can provide custom coatings in a matter of just days.
With over 120,000 square feet of space, US Metal Crafters provides powder coating services for components varying in complexity. Our in-house powder coating services are just one facet of our vast fabrication, assembly, and finishing services, allowing us to serve clients of all sizes and from all industries with timely delivery and high-quality results. Contact us today or find your local US Metal Crafters representative to learn more about professional powder coating.
Valentine’s Day is a time to recognize the perfect partner in your life. So we thought, why not take a moment to celebrate the match of Laser Cutting + Press Brake forming. So what makes this such a good match? Fast, efficient, & clean laser cutting + automated press brake bending means we can manufacturer parts faster with more accuracy and provide an often cheaper alternative to Roll Forming. Don’t worry Roll Forming still has its own perfect match!
A World of Difference- Laser Cutting + Press Brake:
In early 2019, we purchased a 3-kW Mazak Optiplex Champion 3015 fiber laser cutting machine and a SafanDarley 100T electric press brake. We choose to invest in this technology because we knew how well they would complement each other in the shop for years to come.
In fact, it was such a great match that within 6 months we purchased another 8-kw Mazak fiber laser through our distributor, Capital Machine Technologies.
8kw Mazak Fiber Laser at USMC
Press Brake Keeping Pace:
Even with the laser cutting speed of our two Mazak Fiber Lasers, the SafanDarley press brake can keep up with the bending work. General Manager Mike Hansen describes just how the press brake is able to keep up: “When we have the parts that are coming off the laser as fast as they’re coming off, we need something that can do multiple bends on them very quickly. The press brake with fully automated gauging can do this,” Hansen said. “We’re not having a bunch of downtime or setting up multiple machines to run multiple bends, and we do it much more efficiently because everything is computerized. It also allows us to bend with a lot more accuracy.”
Shaun Reiff, of Capital Machine Technologies, describes how the SafanDarley press brake utilizes state of the art technology to handle multiple detailed bends:
“Bending jobs are created with an offline software package called AutoPOL. The brake uses this data to illuminate the LED lights on the upper and lower tool clamping system. These LED lights, part of the brake’s Smart Tool Locator, indicate precisely where on the press brake the tools need to be loaded in the machine to run every job.
When the job is ready for the press brake, all the operator has to do is call it up, load the appropriate tools, and form the part. The process of loading a program, loading the tools, and running a part that meets quality specs typically can be done in less than five minutes.”
SafanDarley Press Brake Operator
By having machinery that is both user-friendly and technically advanced we have been able to serve the growing customer demand for laser cutting and press brake work and can easily accommodate additional shifts to ensure we deliver on-time with accuracy.
Automating Manufacturing:
The addition of this modern fabricating equipment has set us up to get parts out the door on-time and according to specs. As a supplier to OEMs, we often have long receptive runs of parts and components spanning throughout the year. “The great thing about the laser and the press brake is once the files are in there, you only need to create the program once,” Hansen said. “If it’s a repetitive part, you can just call it up and hit go.” Once we have done one run of a part the next run can be processed even faster.
Our President, Steve McDaniel & General Manager, Mike Hansen- Another “Perfect Match!”
Contact us to learn more about this perfect match.
As the Marketing Manager at US Metal Crafters, Meredith Barnes is fully immersing herself in all things metal. Self-ascribed google search addict and chronic researcher; she’s discovering the world of metal crafting one Latte at a time. Follow along on her journey to metal here.
Over the past two years at US Metal Crafters I have witnessed our continued commitment to invest in our facility and processes so that we can offer a full metal crafting solution under one roof. As an OEM supplier, many of the parts and components that we produce require specialty finishing. To ensure quality and on-time delivery we added Powder Coating to our service line in-house to better serve our customer needs. There are a number of benefits to utilizing powder coating and a seemingly endless number of potential applications.
WHY USE POWDER COATING?
Powder Coating is used across many industries and is an important part of modern-day manufacturing. Powder coating creates a durable finish that prevents scratches, chipping and corrosions. With the variety of color options and finish types, powder coating is used in many industries where the cosmetic appearance is important. Industries that frequently use powder coating include automotive, aerospace, marine, furniture, medical devices, appliances, pharmaceutical, construction, and more
Powder Coating Oven
CLEANING- A CRITICAL STEP IN POWDER COATING:
A critical step in the powder coating process is the cleaning of the metal surface you are about to powder coat. If the surface is not properly cleaned it will cause uneven application or it could completely prevent the powder from sticking to the metal. Typically metal parts and components are cleaned through blasting, washing, or wiping.
Blasting allows rust, scale, and rough welds to be smoothed out so that the service is more adhesive.
Wiping with solvent cleans the surface of oils and other contaminants but it is a less preferred cleaning option. It is inefficient as the cleaning rag becoming saturated with the oil that you are trying to remove recontaminating the surface. Have you ever been cleaning a counter and feel like you are just spreading the mess around? Well, that is exactly why this is not a preferred cleaning options.
Washing with detergent is the most efficient way to remove oils and contaminants from the surface providing a clean adhesive surface.
Once the cleaning process is complete a pretreatment step can also be completed to further enhance the adhesiveness of the metal surface and to prevent corrosion. This can be done through chemical etching, phosphating, or Zirconium. How you select a pretreatment is based on how the part or component will be utilized. If it is a cosmetic application the adhesion property of the metal is critical but if the part will need to withstand outdoor elements preventing corrosion will be more important.
AN ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND CHOICE:
Powder Coating is growing in popularity not only due to its durability but because of its added environmental benefits. The powder coating process is more environmentally friendly than traditional painting because there is minimal waste throughout the cleaning and application. Powder Coating wash booths operate through a loss system recycling the water supply. Additionally, powder coat waste can also be reused when the finished color is not a factor. Another benefit of selecting powder coating is no harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds) can be found in powder coat unlike in traditional paints.
At US Metal Crafters we are able to serve all your powder coating and additional metal fabricating needs all under one roof. See our powder coating process in action below.
Contact us to learn more about our Powder Coating service.
As the Marketing Manager at US Metal Crafters, Meredith Barnes is fully immersing herself in all things metal. Self-ascribed google search addict and chronic researcher; she’s discovering the world of metal crafting one Latte at a time. Follow along on her journey to metal here.
