custom metal fabrication

Tolerance: A Critical Factor in Custom Metal Fabrication

There are industry standards for the maximum allowable distortion, which is known as tolerance, for each type of alloy used in standard and custom aluminum extrusion. Tolerances are crucial to the mechanical engineering manufacturing process as they will not only determine how well a part will fit in final production, but also as how stable the final product will be. Tolerances can refer to mechanical fit, fit up (i.e. proper alignment of holes for assembly), deviations from straightness or accuracy of assembly. It is the most important consideration for decision makers in their custom metal fabrication. Below, we take a look at the importance of tolerance in custom metal fabrication.

Why Is Tolerance Important in Custom Metal Fabrication?

  • Risk Management

Checking the correct tolerances is some of risk management’s most important duties. A well-trained risk management team will not only mitigate the risk associated with poor tolerances but will also dramatically reduce the number of faulty parts in a production cycle. Risk management gives metal fabricators the ability to reflect on their processes and assess the way in which improvements can be made. Risk management can run through parts faster and be more effective if tolerances are optimized.

  • Choosing the Right Fit for Optimization

We work with nominal thicknesses in custom fabrication, so it is important to know the thickness tolerance on the material you choose in order to know if the final product will be suitable for your application. It is important when working with sheet metal that you factor in finish tolerances. If you add a finish such as powder-coat, you add more thickness, and this should be factored into your design at the beginning.

  • Precision

The accuracy of the machinery that processes raw materials contributes to what is practical in terms of precision in sheet metal. Manufacturing tolerances are limited by the physics of rolling hot metal to create sheet stock. Tolerances for precision work such as laser cutting, machining and forming will have little room for error. More precision requires greater consistency in the tooling setup for blanking and bending of the sheet metal parts. It is important to use a correct guideline with regard to tolerances to ensure the correct precision is determined.

Rider Tool and Manufacturing Co. for Your Custom Metal Fabrication

We started out in the steel industry, so it should come as no surprise to learn that our expertise and experience enable us to fabricate alloy steel, carbon steel and even aluminum structures based on our clients’ specifications. Furthermore, while we are not interested in providing our services as a metal fabricator when it comes to brass and bronze, we are more than capable of machining said materials into the desired size and shape so as to make the metal fabrication process that much simpler for interested individuals.

For more information on tolerance for custom metal fabrication, contact us today.

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steel fabrication

Steel Fabrication and Steel Products: Why Buy American Made?

Steel is the way to go if you’re looking for products that will provide strength and resilience in the long term. Whether it is tanks, silos, duct work, water pipes or any other steel products you require, you’re probably looking for the best source of steel products. While steel fabrication is performed by numerous companies around the world, there are many benefits to choosing a local fabricator.  Here are some of the advantages of buying from a domestic manufacturer:

It’s Cheaper

Buying from a locally based manufacturer means lower shipping costs. Shipping from a manufacturer in another country can be very costly. You will also not be subject to customs duties and other taxes charged on products that are imported.

You’re Creating Employment

Many steel contract manufacturing companies have closed down over the years as a result of losing business to international companies. This has put many mechanical engineering professionals, machinists, and welders out of work. Other related industries such as truckers and tool making have also suffered the consequences of this closure.

Buying local products is good for the economy. You will be putting Americans back to work and creating job opportunities.

It’s Easier Logistically

You can avoid many logistic challenges by sticking to a local supplier. You won’t have to worry about finding an overseas warehouse or paying demurrage. You can also get your products delivered much sooner.

Buy Local

Rider Tool and Manufacturing Co. is a local machinist with over 45 years of experience in the industry. We’re the best source for quality steel products. For more information contact us today.

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large diameter pipes

Corrosion In Large Diameter Pipes – What You Need To Know

One of the most prominent problems relating to large diameter pipes? Corrosion! Not only does corrosion limit the functionality of these types of pipes, but it can also result in safety concerns, especially if left unchecked for long periods of time. Here is everything that you need to know about metal fabrication, large diameter pipes and corrosion, as well as how to prevent it and ensure improved longevity going forward.

 

  • What Are Large Diameter Pipes Used For? 

 

Large diameter pipes have many different uses and can be found in a variety of different industries. Water treatment plants are the most common places in which you’ll find large diameter pipes, although they are also regularly seen in the energy industry and other utilities. Generally, this type of piping is expensive to purchase and install, so any problems that present themselves can lead to massive financial hardship. This is particularly true when it comes to corrosion as it is usually impossible to repair, leaving experts with only the option of replacing the piping in its entirety.

 

  • Protecting Large Diameter Pipes

 

While corrosion is a big concern when it comes to metal fabrication and large diameter pipes, it can be effectively prevented with the help of experienced mechanical engineering teams. Metal fabrication specialists and contract manufacturing companies know all too well that the secret to protecting large diameter pipes from corrosion and rust lies in using the right treatments, coatings and alloys to prevent any reaction between water, oxygen and the pipe’s metal components. Luckily, the Rider Tool & Manufacturing Co. can assist with this.

For more information about custom metal fabrication and large diameter pipes, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our team.

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metal fabrication

What Is Intumescent Coating?

Intumescent coatings (also known as intumescent paint, fireproofing and fire stopping) is the next big fire safety technology in the world of custom metal fabrication. This coating gets applied directly to the metal in the steel fabrication process, and acts as an extremely effective insulator in the event of a fire.

While it is definitely a feat of mechanical engineering, what exactly is an intumescent coating, how does it work and why should it be used by contract manufacturing companies?

Intumescent Coating 

The intumescent coating is essentially a slew of chemicals held together in a binder. This slew gets applied to the outside of the workspace in the final stages of the custom metal fabrication process. These chemicals do not affect the strength of the workpiece in any way and lie dormant until a fire breaks out.

In the event of a fire, the heat will melt away the binder and expose the chemicals. These chemicals will react with the heat of the fire and expand to form thick, fireproof foam to protect the metal piece. Some intumescent products can expand to more than 100 times the original thickness. As the product expands it becomes much less dense, which makes it act as in insulator that keeps the high temperatures away from structural members or protected openings.

Rider Tool And Manufacturing Co.

With over 45 years of experience in custom metal fabrication, the Szakasci family is passionate about delivering the best quality products to Oshawa. Whether it is mechanical engineering, steel fabrication or the application of new technologies like intumescent coatings, the Szakasci Family is determined to be the industry leaders. For more information, contact us today.

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Metal fabrication

Quality Custom Metal Fabrication Is About Craftsmanship

When it comes to custom metal fabrication, most contract manufacturing companies are eager to tout their new and latest technology, which will give you a better, cheaper product. The advancement of technology has undoubtedly made custom metal fabrication a lot faster and more accurate, but this is only when the technology is properly applied and checked by the trained eye of a professional craftsman. Companies that hope to cut costs in their steel fabrication process by replacing experienced craftsmen with technology will find that their final produced work is sub-par.

 

The Role of Craftsmen in Metal Fabrication and Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering and metal fabrication go hand in hand. Mechanical engineering supplies the theory, simulation and mathematics to ensure that the final product fabricated by the custom metal fabrication process will be able to support the load intended for it.

While the physical fabrication process can be largely automated, it is up to the experience of the mechanical engineers and craftsman to ensure that the final product is of acceptable quality. The engineers will design the process and do the math to make sure the fabricated steel will be to spec, and the craftsman will check every produced item, streamline the system and ensure that the quality of the final product is up to standard. Without experienced craftsmen overseeing the process, there is a possibility for defects and errors to go unnoticed. Having a trained eye on a lot ensures that catastrophic failures do not happen later on.

 

Rider Tool and Manufacturing Co.

With over 45 years’ experience in custom metal fabrication and machining, Rider Tool And Manufacturing Co. has the advantage of having some of the most experienced craftsmen aided by cutting edge technology to ensure that your order is delivered to spec. For more information, contact us today.

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custom metal fabrication

A Guide to the Environmental Product Declaration for Cold-Formed Steel

Environmental impact has now become a critical design cornerstone in mechanical engineering. Ensuring that a design has the smallest possible environmental impact, that it has supply chain transparency and that the entire system has a mapped out ‘cradle-to-grave’ life cycle, is the responsibility of contract manufacturing companies and the purpose of an environmental product declaration.

 

What Is An Environmental Product Declaration?

An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a standardized way of quantifying the environmental impact of a product or system.  It accounts for the entire life cycle of the product and how each phase of its life affects the environment. The declarations in the Environmental Product Declaration include:

  • Environmental impact of the raw material acquisition
  • Energy use and efficiency
  • Content of material
  • Soil, air and water emissions
  • Waste generation
  • Product and Company information

With this information, a full profile of environmental impact can be generated for every product that contract manufacturing companies produce.

 

When to use EPDs?

Environmental Product Declarations are product specific – meaning each product will have its own standardised way of declaring its environmental impact. This means that a process such as steel fabrication won’t have an EPD, but will be a point in the declaration for a specific product such as a cold-formed stud.

 

Why are EPDs Important?

There has been a steadily growing emphasis on green building transparency. Contract manufacturing companies can help to contribute to green credits in many building systems (especially in Europe). Having an EPD for your product provides the building contractors with metrics to compare the eco-sustainability of the various contract manufacturing companies.

 

Rider Tool and Manufacturing Co.

With over 45 years in the industry, Rider Tool and Manufacturing Co. is the number one source for machining tools in Oshawa. As a contract manufacturing company serving most sectors of heavy industry, you can always expect the best quality in fabrication and machining from Rider Tool. For more information, contact us today.

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metal fabrication

Partner with Leading Mechanical Engineering and Custom Metal Fabrication Specialists

With over 50 years of experience in the metal fabrication industry, the Szakasci family has been providing top quality custom metal fabrication and mechanical engineering solutions to the oil, gas, mining, cement and steel sectors in Oshawa, Ontario. By operating Rider Tool and Manufacturing Co., we have been able to provide our services on both small and large projects, and have handled everything in an efficient and effective manner.

  • Capability
    When it comes to contract manufacturing companies, you need to ensure that you are choosing the right company to handle your project. Not all mechanical engineering firms have the resources or experience necessary to handle all jobs. At Rider Tool and Manufacturing Co., we have both the experience and the resources, which allows us to say that there is no job too large or too small for us.
  • Customer Service
    At Rider Tool and Manufacturing Co., mechanical engineering isn’t just our job, it is our passion. We aim to ensure that the specifications you require are filled completely. As such, we focus on understanding your needs and keep in constant communication with you to ensure that our work is up to standard.
  • Value For Money
    Our team of highly trained engineers always aim to give you your best return on investment. Our prices are fair and our service is superb. You can rest assured that any job you hire us to do will be well worth the money.
  • Central Location
    Custom metal fabrication is heavy, and heavy beams of steel cost a lot of money to be transported. Our central location allows us to deliver all across Oshawa at a cost-effective rate, reducing the expenditure of your project.

With over 45 years in the business, Rider Tool and Manufacture Co. has the capability and experience to ensure you receive the best price and service in Oshawa, Ontario. For more information about metal fabrication, machining or mechanical engineering, contact us today.

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custom metal fabrication

Inside the Custom Metal Fabrication Project Process

Inside the Custom Metal Fabrication Project Process

Custom metal fabrication can be a complex process involving many types of different professionals. In order for the process to occur, a precision sheet metal fabrication is needed that allows for little errors. It is important for you to know the steps involved in the metal fabrication process, so that you can begin to customize your project. We look at the steps involved in custom metal fabrication:

The Steps during Custom Metal Fabrication:

There are generally 3 steps involved in the custom metal fabrication process, namely the design, the build finishing and assembly.

  1. The Design Process:

The design process takes into consideration the size, appearance and dimensions needed for the project goal. Whether you are building a shelf or a bookcase, this is an important first step, as designs have to be accurate to avoid mistakes on large custom metal fabrication projects, which can be expensive to correct. The customer should review and approve drawings of designs before any metal is cut.

  1. The Build Finishing:

This phase involves mechanical engineering, cutting up and forming involved in the project. Heavy-duty equipment is needed to handle the thick amount of steel involved in bigger custom projects.

Welding is done after the cutting of material, which is brought together according to the design. To design a custom metal fabrication, an expert such as an experienced welder should be consulted – especially one with working knowledge of certified welding procedures. This is important as welding codes have to be followed and the project has to be inspected before the finishing and final assembly.

  1. The Assembly Process:

This involves the preparation of the fabrication by use of a protective finishing, which prevents rusting. After preparing and assembling, the item is painted or primed. Taking fabricated metal products back to white metal is more work; however, it often ensures the best finish. With larger custom metal fabrication projects, it is best to transport projects to the installation site and assemble there.

Custom metal fabrication takes detailed planning and coordination. When choosing a custom metal fabricator, it is important to choose accordingly as he/she has to handle all three phases.

Rider Tool & Manufacturing Co. is machinists who have been in business for over 45 years. We are the number one source for machining tools. Whether our clients have a small project or a larger project that needs to be done, we can handle it in an effective and efficient manner. Contact us today for your custom metal fabrication project needs!

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Your Guide to Stainless Steel Finishes

Think versatility and strength, and you will understand why countless business owners opt for stainless steel finishes when it comes to professional steel fabrication. The question is, if you are also considering stainless steel finishes, what are the options available to you? Just how much will you be able to tailor that end result to suit the purpose of your project? We have the facts for you below:

  • Why Stainless Steel?

As already mentioned, stainless steel promises versatility and strength. It is guaranteed to stand the test of time. In addition, it offers incredible value for money. The great news is that you can create a shiny, glamorous finish or a matte, minimalist finish using the stainless steel in your steel fabrication.

  • Hot Rolled or Cold Rolled

The result will depend on whether you have opted for hot rolled or cold rolled stainless steel. Stainless steel that comes straight from the mill will traditionally be hot rolled. Hot rolled stainless steel has a very basic aesthetic to it. It is generally matte and unpolished and a wonderful choice for welding projects of all types.

Cold rolled stainless steel is often a lot cheaper and has a grainier look to it. It can look dull, but is extremely durable; making it a great choice for projects that require stainless steel for added strength as opposed to creating an effect that is pleasing to the eye.

If a glossier look is what you are looking for in terms of steel fabrication, it is very easy to achieve using hot rolled steel. In these instances, it will simply be sent to a polisher before being incorporated into your project. It will have a shiny, mirror finish – the extent to which you will have full control over, too.

 

Keen to learn more about the experts specializing in steel fabrication and mechanical engineering? Rider Tool & Manufacturing Co. is the contract manufacturing company you can count on.

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Metal fabrication

The Difference between Ironwork and Sheet Metal Fabrication

Contrary to popular belief, there is a big difference between ironwork and sheet metal fabrication. As leading specialists in metal fabrication in Oshawa, Ontario, we look at the main differences between the two below:

 

  • Sheet Metal Fabrication 

Sheet metal fabrication is all about working with metals in order to ensure peak functionality in terms of the final product. Many metals can be used in metal fabrication including stainless steel, copper, zinc and aluminum to name a few. Generally, sheet metal fabrication focuses on the creation of products that serve a purpose, such as car parts, gutters and roofs.

 

  • Ironwork 

The realm of ironwork focuses on the structural elements of a finished product, and is a little more complex. There are three types of ironwork, namely:

 

  1. Reinforcing Ironwork

In reinforcing ironwork, the focus is on strengthening structures.

 

  1. Ornamental Ironwork

In ornamental ironwork, the focus is on creating metal that can be used for architectural purposes.

 

  • Structural Ironwork

In structural ironwork, the focus is on creating sturdy frameworks.

 

Regardless of whether you are looking for a company that specializes in ironwork or sheet metal fabrication, you will need to find one that has many years of experience, along with the right equipment, to provide you with the results you are looking for. With over 40 years of experience and a specialization in custom metal fabrication and mechanical engineering, you can count on the team at Rider Tool & Manufacturing Co. For more information about why we are considered one of the best contract manufacturing companies in Ontario, do not hesitate to get in touch.

 

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