Anderson Metals, a sheet metal fabricator with clients such as Volvo, Deere, and Cat, needed some specialized tooling in a hurry to win over a new client, Eaton Electrical. Its main punch provider didn't have the tooling in its inventory, so Anderson had to shake off the complacency that had set in and find another supplier. Happily, it found one that had the tooling in stock.<

Wrayco's progression from dedicated welding fixturing to modular fixturing has reduced storage space and maintenance, created faster setups for critical prototypes and quick-turn projects, and improved quality control.

Metal fabricators and formers are expected to spend more than $2.3 billion on capital equipment in 2007. The 2007 FMAC Capital Spending Survey provides more details.

The leading trend in press brakes safety is to ensure safety without sacrificing speed or hampering operators' ability to work efficiently, say press brakes manufacturers. This starts with tooling, including segmented or sectionalized tooling that is lighter and easier to handle; safety features that prevent unsecured tooling from falling, and fewer tool changes. It is further achieved with light curtains, camera and vision-based sensors, and mechanical side and rear guards, as well as automation and robots.

Adhesives offer several advantages that make them an attractive alternative to mechanical fastening or thermal joining, such as welding, soldering, and brazing. Advantages include the following: They can be effective on dissimilar metal substrates with dissimilar melting points; they do not cause distortion, discoloration, or weld worms; holes do not need to be drilled into the material in preparation for fasteners; and they distribute stress load evenly over a broad area.

Many stampers rely on the machines and equipment you already have for moving and changing stamping dies. Using dedicated items such as die carts and shuttle tables can make die change more efficient.