galvanised steel

These are The Benefits of Galvanized Steel

Are you thinking of investing in galvanized steel? However, you are unsure about whether it is the best choice? Corrosion is one of the biggest expenses in the construction industry. Investing in metal fabrication that includes galvanization can help to effectively prevent the corrosion of steel. Here are some of the benefits of galvanized steel:

Will Save You a Lot of Money

Steel fabrication involving galvanization is comparatively cheaper than applying protective paints or using stainless steel. In addition, galvanized steel requires little to no maintenance. You will not only save on the initial costs of the project but also in the long run.

Is Environmentally Sustainable

Galvanization involves the application of a zinc coating on the steel. Zinc is a naturally occurring element. It naturally occurs in the soil. The process does not involve the use of solvents and the products can be completely recycled. All these factors make galvanized steel an environmentally friendly option.

Is Tough

The galvanization process increases the strength of the steel. It also makes it more resistant to abrasions, scratches and heat.

Is Long Lasting

The steel will withstand the test of time. Your project will last for a long time to come. Galvanized steel will also retain its glow even after 100 years without succumbing to corrosion.

Requires Little Maintenance

Once you’ve installed the steel you won’t have to worry about maintenance for a long time. You can rest assured that your structure will withstand exposure to the elements even without maintenance.

If you’re looking for high-quality galvanized steel you can rely on the metal fabrication team at Rider Tool Manufacturing Co. For more information, contact us today.

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mechanical engineering

A Guide To Non-destructive Testing (NDT)

Here at Rider Tool & Manufacturing Co, we specialize in mechanical engineering, custom metal fabrication and non-destructive testing, also commonly referred to as NDT. This type of testing is essentially responsible for maintaining a uniform level of quality, as well as product reliability when it comes to specific metals. There are many different types of non-destructive testing and all of these tests can be conducted on various materials without damaging them or rendering them unserviceable.  

Types of Non-Destructive Testing

At Rider Tool & Manufacturing Co, we focus our attention on nine different types of non-destructive testing when it comes to mechanical engineering. These tests include the following:

  • The Brinell Hardness Test:

This test determines the hardness of aluminum, iron and steel forgings and castings.

  • The Charpy Impact Test:

This test can determine how much energy is absorbed by a material during fracture.

  • The Dye And Liquid Penetrate Test:

This test is conducted only on non-porous materials and can detect surface faults and defects.

  • The Dry-Film Thickness Test:

Once coating layers have been applied to materials and have subsequently dried, the dry-film thickness test can measure the exact level of thickness and, therefore, the potential longevity, of these coatings.

  • Hydro / Pressure tests:

In these tests, water is used to determine whether a pipe or vessel is leaking or damaged.

  • Radiography:

This mode of testing can aid in flagging hidden flaws in an array of different types of materials with the help of penetrating short wavelength electromagnetic radiation.

Other non-destructive testing methods that we specialize in include the following:

  • Magnetic particle testing,
  • Ultrasonic testing, and
  • Vacuum testing, to name a few.

For more information about mechanical engineering and steel fabrication in Ontario, don’t 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

What’s Trending In The World Of Metal Fabrication?

Metal fabrication is a science that is constantly evolving. New and more efficient methods of mechanical engineering are always being discovered and fine-tuned. And, for a contract manufacturing company to stay at the forefront of steel fabrication, they need to keep up with these advances in metal fabrication science. Rider Tool and Manufacturing Co. prides itself on being an industry leader, and as such, here we offer a few metal fabrication trends to keep your eye on:

  • Tube Laser Technology 

    What are tube lasers? And why are they important? Tube laser technology is the next step in CNC machining, allowing you to cut any kind of hole on a tube section. This new process eliminated all traditional sawing, deburring, drilling, lining-up and removal operations carried out on conventional machines, meaning that you can process a lot more metal – faster and more accurately.

  • Additive Fabrication 

    3D printing is no longer a new “flash in the pan” technology. It has proved its value to the metal fabrication and is here to stay. With a strong balance of customization, waste efficiency and speed, 3D printing is tech that you would be wise to incorporate into your business.

  • Reshoring 

    The trade wars continue to be waged, meaning that more and more steel fabrication is taking place in North America. This reshoring of metal fabrication is driving growth in the industry, so a good year can be expected.  

Rider Tool and Manufacturing Co. 

With over 45 years’ experience in the custom metal fabrication industry, Rider Tool and Manufacturing Co. is the industry leaders when it comes to being at the cutting edge of mechanical engineering, custom metal machining and steel fabrication technology. 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

The Biggest Trends in the Metal Fabrication Industry for 2019

It’s been a great last few years in the metal fabrication industry. Even with the Trump administration raising tariffs and causing the price of aluminum in the USA to spike, there was steady growth in 2018 in the custom metal fabrication sector. However, at Rider Tool we’re always looking forward. These are the trends to keep an eye on in 2019:

  • Automation
    Robotics is getting more and more advanced. As AI and Deep Learning starts to become more commonplace, we may see robotics take up larger and more complex roles in the aluminum, iron and steel fabrication industries.
  • Emerging Markets
    The previous years have seen a surge in the emerging market sector. 2019 seems set to be a record high in the African and Asian markets, and metal fabrication will be at the forefront of these developing countries.
  • 3D Printing
    While 3D printing is no longer as novel as it once was, the technology behind it keeps advancing, making 3D printing an ever more viable and cost-efficient method of metal fabrication.
  • Research and Development
    Science and technology are constantly advancing, and fabricators are starting to see the value in investing in research and development. With new markets opening up, the metal fabrication industry is only going to get more competitive, so new ideas and innovative problem-solving techniques are what are going to keep companies ahead of the game.

With over 50 years of experience in machining, the Szakasci family are the leaders in fabrication, machining and mechanical engineering. Through us, Rider Tool & Manufacturing Co. has become the trusted name for manufacturing services in the mining, oil, gas and steel sectors. For more information on what we can do for your business, contact us today.

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metal fabrication

A Guide to Quality Control in Custom Metal Fabrication

Keeping up with high standards and quality control procedures are a crucial part of the metal fabrication process. It is sometimes challenging to meet a customer’s expectations and having the right documented quality control procedures can ensure that you use the correct procedures and guidelines to meet the customer’s expectations both promptly and effectively. We have compiled a guide to quality control in the custom metal fabrication process:

  • The Quality Standard Process

Quality standards include the quality standards and inspections policies for all of the following:

  • Drawings,
  • Specifications,
  • Welding procedures and welder qualifications,
  • Materials,
  • Welding inspections, and
  • Handling, storage and shipping.

It involves the following:

  • Drawings

Drawings take place to ensure that specifications are based on quality and regulatory standards.

  • Specifications

After the drawing procedure is complete, markings on materials must be verified to ensure that it includes the manufacturer or trade name, material thickness and ASTM specifications.

  • Welding procedures and Welder Qualifications

When this process is complete, welding occurs. It should be undertaken by a certified welder and accordingly adjusted to meet the Welding Procedure Specifications.

  • Welding Inspections and Handling, Storage and Shipping

Once welding is completed, the fabrication should be properly marked and identified. Keep in mind, materials must always be securely stored to prevent any damage during shipping.

A quality control manager is responsible for implementing quality control procedures and often reports to the CEO and owners of the company during custom metal or steel fabrication.

  • Choosing The Professionals For Best Quality Control

Choosing professionals is important in order to manufacture and deliver machined products with high-quality standards. High-quality objectives are to exceed customers’ expectations, needs and requirements, while continuously improving custom fabrication services. Choosing qualified welders, engineers and machinists are extremely important to ensure that objectives are met on each project.

Rider Tool and Manufacturing Co. uses professional mechanical engineers who are licensed by the province of Ontario, and they have the necessary experience, legal system and technical knowledge to practice engineering at a professional level.

Rider Tool & Manufacturing Co. is machinists who have been in business for over 45 years and 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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Stainless steel finish

Three Important Uses for a Stainless Steel Grained Finish

So, you’ve decided that you’re going to opt for a durable, versatile stainless steel finish for your metal fabrication project. The question now is what type of finish is best suited to the purpose of the project? Here are three instances when choosing a stainless steel grained finish is almost certain to be the number one option:

Commercial Machinery

A grained finish is used in many commercial and residential applications, but it is most common when it comes to the manufacture of machinery that requires added strength and durability. It is easy to clean and is certain to stand the test of time. Plus, when it comes to machinery and equipment, the most important thing is that it is able to fulfill its function – aesthetic appeal is not required.

Industrial Applications

If something is going to be used regularly, the potential for damage is high. This is why a sturdy stainless steel finish is essential. A grained finish also will not show scratches or scuff marks as much as a shiny finish would. This is the main reason why a grained finish is almost always the go-to choice for all industrial applications and high traffic areas.

Protective Panels 

Protective panels, particularly in the food, beverage and chemical manufacturing industry, will often feature a grained stainless steel finish. This is due to the fact that it offers a strong, durable surface that will protect employees while they work – especially if they are working with chemicals.

 

Are you looking for a custom metal fabrication company to assist you with professional metal and steel fabrication? Look no further than Rider Tool & Manufacturing Co. Contact us today for more information regarding our services.

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Mechanical engineering

Why the Lowest Bid isn’t Always the Best Bid

There is no doubt that we all love a good deal. Unfortunately, you should not buy some things cheap. In the case of mechanical engineering and steel fabrication related services, this could not be truer! While you will almost certainly be able to find contract manufacturing companies who will quote you a low price, you can also be almost certain that the quality of service they will provide will leave a lot to be desired. Here is why the lowest bid is not always the best bid:

 

  • Lack of Experience 

Contract manufacturing companies who are new to the industry will need a good way in which to draw new customers to them. They cannot compete with other companies from an experience perspective, so they will offer potential clients much lower prices instead. Unfortunately, experience is always a good thing when it comes to steel fabrication and mechanical engineering; it often leads to a much better final product.

 

  • Shoddy Workmanship 

Contract manufacturing companies who quote low prices will usually get a lot of business. More often than not, they cannot cope with the influx. However, instead of turning new clients away, they will do everything in their power to keep improving their bottom line, and the result of this is generally shoddy, rushed workmanship.

 

Ultimately, as with so many other things in life, when it comes to contract manufacturing companies, you get what you pay for. Choose the right company for your project and be sure that it will be money well spent – choose Rider Tool & Manufacturing Co. With over 40 years of experience, we are true specialists in mechanical engineering and custom metal fabrication. Contact us today to learn more.

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