News

Quantity Without Sacrifice

As fabrication shops aim for consistent or increased production, quality always needs to be a top priority.

A Safe Shop

There is no shortage of industries that have a need for metal fabrication services. Whether the demand is coming from construction, architecture or other key market, metal fabrication plays a significant role. In order to meet the needs of such a variety of industries, fabrication shops must use machings properly and practice good techiniques to keep production strong.

Providing Shades and Solutions That Overcome Supply Chain Challenges

When construction companies and architects started adding sunshades to buildings, they were installed to provide an added dimension to the flat surface of a building, enhancing its overall aesthetic. Both standard and custom sunshades can add color, dimension, and character to the building enclosure.

The Evolution of Sunshades

A few decades ago, custom metal sunshades started consistently showing up in architectural design as a unique approach to a flat wall by adding metal, color, dimension and texture to the exterior of the building. A welcomed byproduct of adding these items to the façade is the perceived benefit of providing a shading element to the building, blocking the sunlight and reducing the solar heat gain thus providing a more comfortable environment for the occupants.

Fabrication Machines: What Architects Needs to Know

Fabrication machines take metal via cutting, bending and assembling processes and turn it into a part that fulfills an architect’s creativity. Because there are so many metal forming processes, there is an equally large number of fabrication machines available to facilitate architects’ designs.

Before striking the First Arc

The work you do before striking the first arc can have a monumental effect on the scope of a project and the integrity of the metal. Whether the process begins with crafting project plans and organizing materials or inspecting and cleaning the material, this prep work should be completed before welding begins.

4 preweld actions welders should take before striking arc

Rule No 1: Be Safe

Whether a fabrication shop has been around for 100 years or just 100 days, safety needs to be at the forefront 24×7. Establishing the proper safety plan and protocols can not only keep employees safe, but can also keep business moving.

The Components of Maintaining a Strong Saw Operation

In the fabrication world, saw operations are critical. Whether using a compound miter saw, a radial arm saw or a table saw, it is imperative for a fabrication shop to ensure its equipment is in pristine condition for both quality and safety purposes.

On Point: Fabricating sunshades requires attention to details and a problem solving mindset

There’s a big difference between a design on paper and a design that works. Collaborating with an experienced custom fabricator can help architects understand the capabilities and limitations of a design early in the process, eliminating waste later on.

Matter of Choice

Over time, science has guided best practices for the welding process. It works to reduce waste, increase profitability and build better bonds. In other words, these studies have delivered an understanding of which metals and materials work better with less waste and more efficiency.

The Metal Fabricators Directory

Trend Publishing Metals Group (TPMG) introduces The Metal Fabricators Directory, metalworking’s first and only print/digital annual sourcebook of metal fabricators by state in the United States. For those of you in the industry already familiar with our annual Metals Directory of Equipment, Materials, Consumables and Services, published each June, The Metal Fabricators Directory now gives U.S. metal fabricators the opportunity to be sourced throughout the year by providing their company details as well as processing capabilities/services to a print and digital audience of over 128,000 metal service centers, OEM/end users and other fabricators.

A fabricator’s take on improving saw operations

The sawing operation is important in some parts of the fabrication world because it is usually the first step in nearly all projects. Whether they are using a compound miter sawm a radial arm saw, or a table saw, most shops turns to saw because it is the easiest way to bring material to the desired length and typically the most efficient wat to cut material.

A fabricator provides tips on improving saw operations

The sawing operation is important in some parts of the fabrication world because it is usually the first step in nearly all projects. Whether they are using a compound miter saw, a radial arm saw, or a table saw, most shops turn to the saw because it is the easiest way to bring material to the desired length and typically the most efficient way to cut material.

Plan Ahead

Before a welder strikes that first arc, there are a few critical items to address. As seasoned welders know, following proper pro-weld procedures has a monumental impact on the outcome of a project and the integrity of the metal. Whether crafting project plans, inspecting and cleaning the material, or construction template jigs, pre-weld activities must be complete before fully diving into a project.

The Benifits of Sunshades for the Building Enclosure

At the time of inception, sunshades were created and installed to provide an added dimension to the flat surface of a building, enhancing its overall aesthetic. However, over the years, more valuable benefits for sunshades have been discovered. Specifically, sunshades are an integral factor in enhancing not only the aesthetic of a building, but also its efficiency and sustainability.

Custom Advice

In the fabrication business, there are two main types of shops from which a customer can choose. The fist is a mass-production fabricator that makes thousand of the same type of product. The second is a custom shop that works on unique projects, creating new processes and plans for each customer’s design.

Two Certified Welders Who Work for a Midwest Custom Fabricator

A high-quality weld is o critical element in fabrication regardless of its role in the final product. For a weld to be considered “high quality,” it must meet the requirements concerning strength, appearance, and a uni-form dimension according to the print. If any of these three factors isn’t up to par, the weld could fail. Concerning the required strength,

FABRICATED PRODUCTS GROUP

Get to know fellow NGA member Fabricated Products Group, with locations in both Frankfort, Illinois and St. Louis, Missouri. The company’s keys to success, according to president Dan Shields, include focusing on relationships rather than projects, taking care of employees, and always seeking to improve processes.
COMPANY OVERVIEW
Leadership: Daniel Shields, president

FABRICATED PRODUCTS GROUP

The economy falters as the COVID-19 pandemic stymies growth but, not to be undone

July 2020 – As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the ripple effect on the metals sector emanates throughout the supply chain. Fabricators of varying sizes are coping with the new normal by allocating some personnel to work from home, adjusting lines of communication to keep operations running smoothly, coping with declines in revenue, all while planning for the future.

Parking Garage Screening is Moving Full Speed Ahead

A trend emerging in recent years in metal design is the adoption and application of garage cladding systems and screening. As architects adopt the process into their designs, it has become clear that the adherence to the concept of cohesion is important to both the entire building campus visibility and thematic intent. This trend has brought about several new types of garage screens and cladding systems

Parking Garage Screening is Moving Full Speed Ahead

Fabricated Products Group announces new leadership team

Fabricated Products Group (FPG), Frankfort, Ill., a custom fabricator and machine job shop specializing in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of architectural systems and components, has named Dan Shields as president, Russell Enzenbacher as senior manufacturing engineer, and Mark Worrell as senior project manager.

Fabricated Products Group announces new leadership team

May 14, 2019 – Fabricated Products Group, Frankfort, Illinois, a custom fabricator and machine job shop, acquires new leadership team, Dan Shields as president, Russell Enzenbacher as senior manufacturing engineer and Mark Worrell as senior project manager.

Fabricated Products Group announces new leadership team

Fabricated Products Group Opens Headquarters in Greater Chicago Area

Fabricated Products Group (FPG), a custom fabricator and machine job shop, has opened a new headquarters in the greater Chicago area. FPG specializes in the design, engineering and manufacturing of architectural systems and components. FPG is a subsidiary of MHS Legacy Group, a diversified national holding corporation carrying a broad spectrum of commercial and industrial companies with roots dating back to 1895.

Taking Steps to Ensure Quality in Fabricated Products

There are several highly important aspects to consider when working in the fabrication industry. This includes quality of the products, timeliness and cost efficiency, all while maintaining a safe environment for work both in the fab shop and in the field. To hit those marks, the fabricator must ensure that the products get to the customer in proper form and ready to install.

Taking Steps to Ensure Quality in Fabricated Products