Called upon for proficiency and reliability with Large Component Fabrication
Metal Fabrication Services
Founded in 1985, Trade Tech is a full-service machine shop offering a broad selection of manufacturing services, including precision CNC machining, large machining, and metal fabrication services. By leveraging quality materials and advanced fabrication techniques, our team meets a wide range of fabricated metal parts needs.
What Is Metal Fabrication?
Metal fabrication is an umbrella term for the various processes employed to produce finished products and structures from raw metal materials. The fabrication methods used during a project depend on the part and production specifications and can range from bending and cutting to welding and assembly.
Overview of Fabrication Methods Available at Trade Tech
Our expert team is skilled in a number of metal fabrication methods, including the following:
- Welding/weldments. Trade Tech can fabricate your large weldments with excellent squareness and dimensional accuracy utilizing our 40′ precision fixture tables. We can weld in position on multi-axis welding positioners to ensure the best weld quality and can certify our processes and operators to any code required. Some regular code-compliant welding processes done frequently at Trade Tech Include AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code, AWS D1.6 Stainless Welding Code, AWS D14.1 Welding Code for Industrial and Mill Cranes.
- Horizontal and vertical sawing. Sawing is a simple, reliable, and versatile process, qualities which make it one of the most commonly utilized metal fabrication methods. Depending on the part and production specifications we may recommend vertical, horizontal or miter sawing. We can also section large ring forgings with a cross-section up to 22”.
- Five-axis abrasive waterjet cutting. Abrasive waterjet cutting is a highly versatile metal fabrication method used to cut virtually all types of material, including brittle materials such as ceramic or tempered glass. During these operations, a high-pressure (up to 90,000 psi) stream of water aimed at the workpiece produces smooth and precise cuts.
- Bending (outsourced service). As its name suggests, bending utilizes machines—such as folders, press brakes, and panel benders—to bend sheet metal. The most common type of bending machinery is the press brake, which utilizes clamps to hold sheet metal in place as it is bent into the desired shape. Trade Tech regularly partners with companies with a variety of the largest plate bending capabilities.
- Rolling (outsourced service). Rolling is highly beneficial because it can produce complex components that may not be possible with other fabrication methods. The process is mainly used when working with long, slender metal parts. Most fabrication shops perform these operations at the beginning of the metalworking project. Trade Tech has experience contracting with companies with a variety of the largest plate rolling capabilities.
Materials Worked
For the above metal fabrication services, we accommodate the following materials:
- Ferrous metal. In ferrous metals, such as cast iron or carbon steel makes up a large percentage of the material composition. While the characteristics these metals demonstrate can vary depending on their alloying elements, they all generally exhibit high strength, durability, and material hardness.
- Steel plate. Steel plates are strong, durable, and can withstand extreme temperatures, making them ideal for use in the manufacture of products and structures exposed to harsh operating and environmental conditions. Examples of typical uses for this material include construction, marine, military, and pressure vessel applications.
- Structural steel. Structural steel has a carbon content of up to 2.1%, resulting in high strength and ductility. It is generally used for building and construction projects in the form of I-beams, Z-shapes, and rods.
- SuperAlloys. Superalloys and “Exotic Metals” include Titanium, Inconel, Hastelloy®, and others including high chromium and nickel stainless steels.
Additional Metal Fabrication Services at Trade Tech
At Trade Tech, we maintain a wide range of metal fabrication capabilities—including waterjet cutting, MIG and TIG welding, fitting, sawing, fixturing, and positioning—to fit any customer need. In addition to these services, we also provide numerous value-added secondary services via our local partners and vendors to facilitate the development and delivery of fully finished parts and products.
Our secondary services include:
- Blasting
- Laser cutting
- Painting
- Plasma cutting
- Plate processing
- Stress relief and other heat treatments
For all of these services, we offer capabilities for parts ranging from small and lightweight to large and heavy. We regularly work with plate thicknesses greater than two inches and can handle parts up to 25 tons in weight and weld pieces up to 60 feet in length.
Contact Trade Tech Today for Your Metal Fabrication Needs
Trade Tech is an ISO 9001 compliant metal fabrication service provider. We specialize in prototyping, specialty production, and low volume runs of large and heavy components (up to 25 tons in weight) with part tolerances within £1/8 inch. Our material size capabilities are:
- For waterjet cutting: 158 inches (length) x 6 feet 6 inches (width)
- For saw cutting: 60 feet (length) x 20 inches (width)
- For weldments: 60 feet (length) x 14 feet (width)
With these services, we serve the following industries:
- Aerospace
- Construction
- Defense and military
- Engineering
- Expander tools
- Forestry
- Forging plants
- Industrial
- Marine
- Mining
- Mold and die casting
- Nuclear
- Oil and gas
- Rock crushing
- Spin tools
- Tanneries
- Wind energy generation
For additional information about our metal fabrication capabilities, contact us today. To partner with us on your next project, request a quote. The design file formats we accept are AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and PDF.
Metal Fabrication Specifications
- General Capabilities
Large Components
Heavy Components
- Fabrication Method
5 Axis Abrasive Waterjet Cutting
Horizontal & Vertical Sawing
Welding – WeldmentsBending*
Rolling*
- Materials
Ferrous Metal Rubber
Steel Plate Plastic
Structural Steel
- Material Thickness
Any
- Length
Up to 158″ Waterjet Cutting
Up to 60ft. for Saw CuttingUp to 60 ft. for Weldments
- Width
Up to 6′ 6″ Waterjet Cutting
Up to 20 in. for Saw Cutting
Up to 14 ft. for Weldments
- Weight
25 ton Capacity Cranes
- Height
20 ft. Under Hook Clearance
- Tolerance (+/-)
Within ⅛ in.
- Production Volume
Specialty Production Shop
Prototype
Low Volume
- Typical Lead Times
Quoted on Job by Job Basis
Emergency/Rush Services Available
Additional Information
- Industry Focus
Aerospace
Construction
Defense/Military
Engineering
Expander Tools
Forestry
Forging Plants
Industrial
Marine IndustrialMining
Mold and Die-Cast
Nuclear Power
Oil & Gas
Rock Crushing
Spin Tools
Tanneries
Wind Energy
- Industry Standards
ISO 9001:2008 Compliant
- File Formats
AutoCAD (All file formats)
SolidWorks (All file formats)
PDF
*outside services