Rapid Prototype Blog

Posts Tagged ‘Sheet’

Rapid Sheet Metal™, Inc. hosted over 70 members of the New Hampshire Solidworks User Group (NH SWUG) on Tuesday, December 2.  After tours of Rapid’s state of the art sheet metal facility dedicated to the ultrafast turnaround of prototype sheet metal parts and a bountiful buffet dinner, the crowd settled in for an evening of discussions on cyber metal bending in the world’s most widely used sheet metal design CAD software, Solidworks.

Jay Patterson, Product Definition Specialist for SolidWorks, reviewed the tools and methodologies of how to design sheet metal parts within Solidworks.  Covering the basics as well as expert tips and tricks, Jay demonstrated the power of Solidworks for designing sheet metal.  Steve Lynch, Engineering Manager for Rapid Sheet Metal, followed with a presentation on manufacturing considerations for sheet metal design.  The audience was shown how a sheet metal shop uses their 3D Solidworks data to make real parts and the impact on manufacturing of certain CAD design features such as bend radii, hemming, offset bends and hardware insertion.  Concluding the meeting was a Question and Answer session that many felt had to end too soon. 

The User Group meeting was a great way for Solidworks Users to connect with others in the engineering community and refine their sheet metal design skills.  “Steve Lynch provided one of the best presentations we have ever seen.  Overall, everyone got a lot out of the night and I would consider it our best NH-SWUG meeting yet!  Kudos to Rapid Sheet Metal.” commented Cindy Berend, NH-SWUG President.

Related Prototype Sheet Metal Parts Articles

Sheet metal is a title provided for metal which is crafted into flat pieces. Sheet metal is a vital in metal working since it’s so flexible and flexible, it could actually easily be formed and bent into various different forms, yet it’s still strong and hard. During the past, sheet metal was applied in plate armor donned by cavalry. However, these days it really is found in a lot larger product range including car bodies, airplane wings, medical tables and roofs. Without a doubt, several every day physical objects are manufactured making use of sheet metal. The density of it could actually differ rather substantially according to what it really is likely to be utilized for. For instance there are actually the really thin examples, for instance aluminum foilwhich is utilized for cooking food, however the thickest a piece of metal may be before it really is considered to be a plate as opposed to a sheet is Sixmm.
 
You can find organizations that specialize in the fabrication of sheet metal work and sheet metal products. They are able to offer a array of expert services which includes batch work, sheet metal work or thin plate fabrication, welding, tig welding and mig welding, prototype fabrication and production runs. It being industrial work, this kind of sheet metal fabrication organizations pride themselves not merely on the top quality of the work but additionally the speed of the service, because their consumers frequently have to satisfy tight deadlines too. All the Sheet metal work and precise laser cutting is usually done in house, thus promising a high level of speed and high quality control. Consumers can easilymake contact with fabrication organizations on the web.
 
Due to the fact Sheet metal is definately a broadly useful and valuable substance, sheet metal fabrication organizations work and liaise with a huge selection of companies which include food and hygiene organizations, the ministry of defence, automotive firms, lighting, furniture and others throughout the country. The sheet metal is developed making use ofCAD and CAM software and a vast range of metals which includesaluminum; brass, copper, steel, tin, nickel and titanium.

www.prototekmanufacturing.com Dennis Rocheford from Prototek Sheetmetal Manufacturing LLC is interviewed, discussing how Prototek achieves such rapid turnaround in such a short time period, scaling from two weeks to a single day! We carry a large stock of sheet metal, metal tube, pipe, blocks, hardware, and much more. We do all processes in house, including painting, powder coating, silkscreening, anodizing, chromating, machining, SLA (stereolithography apparatus, meaning 3D printing), and laser etching. Sheet Metal www.prototek.com SLA www.rapid3dprototypes.com CNC www.prototekmachining.com

Metal Sheet Based Fast Prototyping via Incremental Forming Technique

Nashua, NH — Rapid Sheet Metal, Inc., specializing in rapid turnaround of sheet metal and stamped metal prototypes, has announced that it has added a plastic material, acrylic, to its list of available materials.  With a standard shipping lead-time of 5 business days or less, product designers can now be assured that flat acrylic prototypes are available in a week or less.

“Acrylic parts in the flat are used by product designers in a number of ways including bezels and face plates.  Acrylic is also a good substitute for G10 and can be used to prototype the footprint of a circuit board.  In addition, by combining the acrylic prototypes with our 2 day turn, in-house silk screening service, companies are now able to procure finished acrylic products with graphics in well under two weeks.” says James Jacobs, President of Rapid Sheet Metal.

Rapid Sheet Metal offers laser cut acrylic in thicknesses from .060” to .250” and stocks acrylic in thicknesses of .060”, .125” and .250” thicknesses.  Other thicknesses are available.

About Rapid Sheet Metal Inc.

Rapid Sheet Metal focuses strictly on providing sheet metal prototypes and time sensitive short run fabrications to new product developers and engineers. Typical quote response time is under 24 hours and most parts are shipped in one to two weeks.  A 48-hour fast expedite prototype sheet metal service is also available. Parts such as brackets, racks, housings, and enclosures are fabricated to data from SolidWorks, Pro/E, Inventor, KeyCreator/ Cadkey, SpaceClaim and other 3D CAD data sources from stainless steel, cold and hot rolled steel and aluminum material.

Jay Jacobs from Rapid Sheet Metal has found great value in exhibiting at Regional AmCon Contract Manufacturing Expos.  According to Jacobs, “Amcon offers several unique attributes.  Shows in locations that are in big established markets as well as small, niche markets; an ease of exhibiting (paperwork, accessibility to show personnel, and particularly setup – no Union hassles); the follow up opportunity of requesting contact info from select target companies that did not make it to the show; and the opportunity to present a seminar to attendees.”

Jacobs was also able to quantify the results expected from an Amcon Expo by noting, “We expect to walk away with close to 100 leads of which we calculate roughly 25-30% will quote us and 10-15% will become customers over the next two years.  It is also an opportunity to make a lot of sales calls – the customers come to us rather than us driving around for a couple days seeing each of them individually.”

In evaluating who should attend an AmCon show, Jacobs said, “I strongly believe line mechanical engineers who are designing components should attend (as well as the obvious engineering managers and purchasing agents/ managers).  Manufacturing technology is changing quickly and this is a hands-on opportunity to talk to jobshops on the front-lines of what is now possible in specific manufacturing processes…IE, tolerances, tooling alternatives, new machining center capabilities, etc.”

The benefits of attending a regional AmCon show are significant.  Engineers and buyers attending an AmCon Contract Manufacturing Expo can find one or multiple sources to take a project from concept or prototype to finished product quickly and at competitive prices. OEMs can find sources for engineering, design, prototypes, forming, fabricating, machining, finishing, assembly and electronic manufacturing services all under one roof. Whether looking for one part or production runs, attendees find multiple sources from which to choose.  AmCon offers attendees a unique opportunity to investigate a variety of manufacturing options, both new and traditional, and find the best processes and materials for specific applications. Attendees view actual samples of products that have been produced for other OEMs in their industry and can get quotes on current projects and compare quality, pricing, and lead times from multiple vendors all in a few hours. Only AmCon shows provide a “hands on” one-on-one education. Since the exhibits are staffed with top management and technical personnel, attendees have an in-depth discussion regarding project design, materials and production issues. AmCon shows are free, including seminars on a variety of manufacturing processes and quality issues.   Fall 2008 AmCon shows include Grand Rapids, MI – Sept. 17-18; Fort Lauderdale, FL – Sept. 23-24; Minneapolis, MN – Oct. 7-8; Phoenix, AZ – Oct. 14-15; Houston, TX – Oct. 29-30; Greensboro, NC – Nov. 18-19.  To register for these shows go to www.AmConshows.com.

AmCon

www.amconshows.com

Kati Olson, President

news@amconshows.com

978-744-7680

Jay Jacobs from Rapid Sheet Metal has found great value in exhibiting at Regional AmCon Contract Manufacturing Expos.  Jacobs was able to quantify the results expected from an Amcon Expo by noting, “We expect to walk away with close to 100 leads of which we calculate roughly 25-30% will quote us and 10-15% will become customers over the next two years.  It is also an opportunity to make a lot of sales calls – the customers come to us rather than us driving around for a couple days seeing each of them individually.”

According to Jacobs, “Amcon offers several unique attributes.  Shows in locations that are in big established markets as well as small, niche markets; an ease of exhibiting (paperwork, accessibility to show personnel, and particularly setup – no Union hassles); the follow up opportunity of requesting contact info from select target companies that did not make it to the show; and the opportunity to present a seminar to attendees.”

In evaluating who should attend an AmCon show, Jacobs said, “I strongly believe line mechanical engineers who are designing components should attend (as well as the obvious engineering managers and purchasing agents/ managers).  Manufacturing technology is changing quickly and this is a hands-on opportunity to talk to jobshops on the front-lines of what is now possible in specific manufacturing processes…IE, tolerances, tooling alternatives, new machining center capabilities, etc.”

The benefits of attending a regional AmCon show are significant.  Engineers and buyers attending an AmCon Contract Manufacturing Expo can find one or multiple sources to take a project from concept or prototype to finished product quickly and at competitive prices. OEMs can find sources for engineering, design, prototypes, forming, fabricating, machining, finishing, assembly and electronic manufacturing services all under one roof. Whether looking for one part or production runs, attendees find multiple sources from which to choose.  AmCon offers attendees a unique opportunity to investigate a variety of manufacturing options, both new and traditional, and find the best processes and materials for specific applications. Attendees view actual samples of products that have been produced for other OEMs in their industry and can get quotes on current projects and compare quality, pricing, and lead times from multiple vendors all in a few hours. Only AmCon shows provide a “hands on” one-on-one education. Since the exhibits are staffed with top management and technical personnel, attendees have an in-depth discussion regarding project design, materials and production issues. AmCon shows are free, including seminars on a variety of manufacturing processes and quality issues.   Fall 2008 AmCon shows include Grand Rapids, MI – Sept. 17-18; Fort Lauderdale, FL – Sept. 23-24; Minneapolis, MN – Oct. 7-8; Phoenix, AZ – Oct. 14-15; Houston, TX – Oct. 29-30; Greensboro, NC – Nov. 18-19.  To register for these shows go to www.AmConshows.com.

AmCon

www.amconshows.com

Kati Olson, President

news@amconshows.com

978-744-7680

Jay Jacobs from Rapid Sheet Metal has found great value in exhibiting at Regional AmCon Contract Manufacturing Expos.  In evaluating who should attend an AmCon show, Jacobs said, “I strongly believe line mechanical engineers who are designing components should attend (as well as the obvious engineering managers and purchasing agents/ managers).  Manufacturing technology is changing quickly and this is a hands-on opportunity to talk to jobshops on the front-lines of what is now possible in specific manufacturing processes…IE, tolerances, tooling alternatives, new machining center capabilities, etc.”

According to Jacobs, “Amcon offers several unique attributes.  Shows in locations that are in big established markets as well as small, niche markets; an ease of exhibiting (paperwork, accessibility to show personnel, and particularly setup – no Union hassles); the follow up opportunity of requesting contact info from select target companies that did not make it to the show; and the opportunity to present a seminar to attendees.”

Jacobs was also able to quantify the results expected from an Amcon Expo by noting, “We expect to walk away with close to 100 leads of which we calculate roughly 25-30% will quote us and 10-15% will become customers over the next two years.  It is also an opportunity to make a lot of sales calls – the customers come to us rather than us driving around for a couple days seeing each of them individually.”

The benefits of attending a regional AmCon show are significant.  Engineers and buyers attending an AmCon Contract Manufacturing Expo can find one or multiple sources to take a project from concept or prototype to finished product quickly and at competitive prices. OEMs can find sources for engineering, design, prototypes, forming, fabricating, machining, finishing, assembly and electronic manufacturing services all under one roof. Whether looking for one part or production runs, attendees find multiple sources from which to choose.  AmCon offers attendees a unique opportunity to investigate a variety of manufacturing options, both new and traditional, and find the best processes and materials for specific applications. Attendees view actual samples of products that have been produced for other OEMs in their industry and can get quotes on current projects and compare quality, pricing, and lead times from multiple vendors all in a few hours. Only AmCon shows provide a “hands on” one-on-one education. Since the exhibits are staffed with top management and technical personnel, attendees have an in-depth discussion regarding project design, materials and production issues. AmCon shows are free, including seminars on a variety of manufacturing processes and quality issues.   Fall 2008 AmCon shows include Grand Rapids, MI – Sept. 17-18; Fort Lauderdale, FL – Sept. 23-24; Minneapolis, MN – Oct. 7-8; Phoenix, AZ – Oct. 14-15; Houston, TX – Oct. 29-30; Greensboro, NC – Nov. 18-19.  To register for these shows go to www.AmConshows.com.

AmCon

www.amconshows.com

Kati Olson, President

news@amconshows.com

978-744-7680

Jay Jacobs of Rapid Sheet Metal was recently interview about what he found as an exhibitor at an AmCon Expo that is unique from other shows. Jacobs said, “Amcon offers several unique attributes. Shows in locations that are in big established markets as well as small, niche markets; an ease of exhibiting (paperwork, accessibility to show personnel, and particularly setup – no Union hassles); the follow up opportunity of requesting contact info from select target companies that did not make it to the show; and the opportunity to present a seminar to attendees.” Rapid Sheet Metal’s Expectations from Exhibiting an AmCon Expo Jacobs noted, “We expect to walk away with close to 100 leads of which we calculate roughly 25-30% will quote us and 10-15% will become customers over the next two years. It is also an opportunity to make a lot of sales calls – the customers come to us rather than us driving around for a couple days seeing each of them individually. Depending on the market, we typically see this figure met.” “I strongly believe line mechanical engineers who are designing components should attend (as well as the obvious engineering managers and purchasing agents/ managers) should attend an AmCon Expo,” urged Jacobs. He continued, “Manufacturing technology is changing quickly and this is a hands-on opportunity to talk to jobshops on the front-lines of what is now possible in specific manufacturing processes. IE, tolerances, tooling alternatives, new machining center capabilities, are important.” The benefits of attending a regional AmCon show are significant. Engineers and buyers attending an AmCon Contract Manufacturing Expo can find one or multiple sources to take a project from concept or prototype to finished product quickly and at competitive prices. OEMs can find sources for engineering, design, prototypes, forming, fabricating, machining, finishing, assembly and electronic manufacturing services all under one roof. Whether looking for one part or production runs, attendees find multiple sources from which to choose. AmCon offers attendees a unique opportunity to investigate a variety of manufacturing options, both new and traditional, and find the best processes and materials for specific applications. Attendees view actual samples of products that have been produced for other OEMs in their industry and can get quotes on current projects and compare quality, pricing, and lead times from multiple vendors all in a few hours. Only AmCon shows provide a “hands on” one-on-one education. Since the exhibits are staffed with top management and technical personnel, attendees have an in-depth discussion regarding project design, materials and production issues. AmCon shows are free, including seminars on a variety of manufacturing processes and quality issues. To register for these shows go to www.AmConshows.com. AmCon www.amconshows.com Kati Olson, President news@amconshows.com 978-744-7680

Rapid Sheet Metal™, Inc. hosted over 70 members of the New Hampshire Solidworks User Group (NH SWUG) on Tuesday, December 2.  After tours of Rapid’s state of the art sheet metal facility dedicated to the ultrafast turnaround of prototype sheet metal parts and a bountiful buffet dinner, the crowd settled in for an evening of discussions on cyber metal bending in the world’s most widely used sheet metal design CAD software, Solidworks.

 

Jay Patterson, Product Definition Specialist for SolidWorks, reviewed the tools and methodologies of how to design sheet metal parts within Solidworks.  Covering the basics as well as expert tips and tricks, Jay demonstrated the power of Solidworks for designing sheet metal.  Steve Lynch, Engineering Manager for Rapid Sheet Metal, followed with a presentation on manufacturing considerations for sheet metal design.  The audience was shown how a sheet metal shop uses their 3D Solidworks data to make real parts and the impact on manufacturing of certain CAD design features such as bend radii, hemming, offset bends and hardware insertion.  Concluding the meeting was a Question and Answer session that many felt had to end too soon. 

 

The User Group meeting was a great way for Solidworks Users to connect with others in the engineering community and refine their sheet metal design skills.  “Steve Lynch provided one of the best presentations we have ever seen.  Overall, everyone got a lot out of the night and I would consider it our best NH-SWUG meeting yet!  Kudos to Rapid Sheet Metal.” commented Cindy Berend, NH-SWUG President.