When you think about steel, you probably imagine that it’s pretty heavy, right? After all, something as strong as steel would have to be heavy due to its density.
Cue high-strength low-alloy steel.
Simultaneous weight reduction and cost reduction is one of the most important development targets in the transportation industry.
That doesn’t just apply to traditional cars, trucks, and trains. It also applies to trailers, buses, and alternative transportation like e-cars and e-trucks.
Offshoring. It became popular back when corporations first realized they could maximize their profits by outsourcing manufacturing to countries with cheaper labor.
However, thanks to increased quality, lead-time concerns and the rising cost of global middle class labor, it’s no longer best[...]
What makes a link in your supply chain “agile?”
To answer, look at your favorite examples of modern manufacturers and product developers. The ones that are anti-bureaucratic. The ones whose culture facilitates creative solutions for its customers.
Think of Tesla vs. a company like, say, General[...]
OEM projects can be hectic. The nuances of why raw materials cost a specific amount are probably not something you think of often. Your main concerns are likely lead time, reliability, quality, satisfying your customer, and controlling overall costs.
But when it comes to that last one, wouldn’t[...]
Roll forming is a metal fabrication process that involves the bending of metal strips to create a certain shape or design. It's one of the most simple and easy-to-understand metal forming processes there is; however, there are several components that go along with it.
Once you learn about these[...]
Roll forming can be the most affordable metal forming process available. But like any industry, shoddy practices can end in high roll forming costs -- which of course get passed on to you.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to save money without sacrificing quality. Let’s take a look at the[...]
“What is roll forming?”
Even design engineers with 20+ years of experience still Google this question. Despite its efficient and industrious nature, roll forming is a niche manufacturing process known to few, and understood by fewer.
Roll forming is one of the most efficient and cost-effective methods of shaping metals.
However, it isn’t free. So what major factors affect the cost of roll forming? (Hint: Your design choices play a big part in it.)
Most contractors have seen and done it all. But when it comes to installing trim moulding, many of them have limited experience with metal.
