Quality Custom Metal Fabrication Manufacturers in China
With a track record of exporting around 200 containers annually to various countries worldwide while maintaining good QC standards and prompt delivery times, Able Hardware has established itself as an industry leader in metal fabrication manufacturing. Read More…
20+ Years Focus on Cutting, Forming, Welding, Machining, Finishing, Assembly…
Professional Prototyping, Design and Engineering, Material Selection Consulting, Quality Control and Testing
Industries Served for Automotive, Commercial, Construction Aerospace, Industrial Machinery and Energy
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Custom Metal Fabrication Service
Cutting
- Laser Cutting: Precision cutting technique using a high-powered laser, ideal for intricate designs and tight tolerances.
- Waterjet Cutting: Uses a high-pressure stream of water mixed with abrasive particles to cut through various materials without heat-affected zones.
- Plasma Cutting: Suitable for cutting thicker metal materials using a plasma torch.
- Saw Cutting: Traditional method for cutting metal, suitable for straight cuts and bulk processing.
Forming
- Bending: Manipulating metal into a desired shape using press brakes or other bending machinery.
- Rolling: Curving metal sheets into rolls or curved segments using rolling machines.
- Stamping: Creating specific shapes by pressing metal into a die.
- Deep Drawing: Forming metal sheets into deep or complex shapes by using a series of dies.
Welding
- MIG Welding: A versatile welding process that’s suitable for a variety of metals and thicknesses.
- TIG Welding: Known for its precision and clean welds, ideal for high-quality, detailed work.
- Spot Welding: Used for joining sheets of metal together at select points.
- Arc Welding: A group of welding processes using an electrical arc to create the weld.
Machining
- CNC Milling: Using computer-controlled milling machines to create precise shapes and features.
- CNC Turning: A machining process where the metal bar stock is held in a chuck and rotated while a tool is fed to the workpiece to remove material.
- Drilling: Creating round holes in metal using a drill bit.
- Grinding: A finishing process using abrasives to smooth surfaces or achieve tight tolerances.
Finishing
- Painting: Applying protective and decorative coatings to metal surfaces.
- Powder Coating: Electrostatically applying a dry powder and curing it under heat to form a hard finish.
- Plating: Coating metal objects with a thin layer of another metal for corrosion resistance or aesthetic purposes.
- Anodizing: An electrochemical process that converts the metal surface into a decorative, durable, corrosion-resistant anodic oxide finish.
Assembly
- Mechanical Assembly: Combining fabricated metal parts using fasteners or other assembly techniques.
- Welded Assembly: Joining components together permanently using various welding methods.
- Adhesive Bonding: Using adhesives to attach metal parts together.
Custom Metal Fabrication Parts
- Design Consultation
- Initial meetings to understand client needs, project scope, and desired outcomes.
- Feasibility studies to evaluate the practicality of the design in terms of manufacturing and end-use.
- Concept Development
- Brainstorming sessions and sketching to explore various design options.
- Creation of concept drawings and preliminary models to visualize potential solutions.
- Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
- Utilization of advanced CAD software to produce precise 2D and 3D models.
- Simulation and analysis tools to predict performance and identify potential issues.
- Design for Manufacturability (DFM)
- Reviewing designs to ensure they are optimized for manufacturing processes, reducing costs and lead times.
- Suggesting modifications to improve the efficiency of production and assembly.
- Prototyping
- Rapid prototyping using techniques like 3D printing to create physical samples for evaluation.
- Iterative design process, using prototypes to refine and perfect the design based on testing and feedback.
- Reverse Engineering
- Digitizing existing parts or components to create CAD models for reproduction or improvement.
- Using techniques such as 3D scanning to capture the dimensions and features of a part.
- Engineering Analysis
- Structural, thermal, and fluid flow analyses to validate design performance using finite element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD).
- Material selection and recommendation based on the application’s requirements for strength, durability, and other factors.
- Technical Documentation
- Creation of detailed technical drawings, assembly instructions, and bill of materials (BOM).
- Providing documentation necessary for certifications and regulatory compliance.
- Precision CNC Milling
- 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis milling capabilities for complex geometries and precision parts.
- High-speed machining for efficient production of components with excellent surface finishes.
- CNC Turning and Lathe Services
- Turning services including contour turning, form turning, taper turning, and straight turning.
- Live tooling capabilities to perform milling operations during the turning process for complex parts.
- CNC Drilling and Tapping
- Precision drilling of holes with tight tolerances and specific depths.
- Tapping services for creating internal threads in holes for screws and bolts.
- CNC Grinding
- Surface grinding, cylindrical grinding, and centerless grinding for achieving precise dimensions and surface finishes.
- EDM Machining
- Wire EDM and sinker EDM services for materials that are difficult to machine with traditional methods, such as hardened steel or exotic metals.
- Custom Bolt Manufacturing
- Design and production of custom bolts with specific thread patterns, lengths, materials, and strength grades.
- Specialty bolts such as U-bolts, J-bolts, eye bolts, and anchor bolts tailored to client specifications.
- Custom Nut Fabrication
- Production of nuts designed to match the custom bolts or to fit unique applications, including locknuts, wing nuts, and slotted nuts.
- Nuts with special coatings or treatments for enhanced corrosion resistance or friction properties.
- Custom Screw Production
- Screws with non-standard heads, threads, or lengths, manufactured for specific applications.
- Self-tapping, self-drilling, and thread-forming screws for various materials and purposes.
- Specialized Fastener Design
- Collaboration with clients to design fasteners that meet unique mechanical and environmental challenges.
- Engineering support to ensure fasteners are optimized for load, torque, and material compatibility.
- Advanced Material Options
- Fasteners made from high-strength alloys, stainless steel, titanium, brass, and other materials for performance in demanding conditions.
- Coating and plating options such as zinc, cadmium, or PTFE for additional protection and performance.
- Beryllium Copper, also known as beryllium bronze or spring copper, is a copper alloy that includes a significant amount of beryllium and sometimes other elements. Beryllium Copper is notable for its high strength and hardness, which is comparable to that of steel.
- Titanium Alloys: Such as Ti-6Al-4V, which offer high strength, low weight, and exceptional corrosion resistance, making them ideal for aerospace, medical devices, and marine applications.
- Stainless Steel 316: A molybdenum-bearing grade making it more resistant to marine environments and chemical corrosion compared to other stainless steels.
- Monel: A group of nickel alloys, primarily composed of nickel and copper, with small amounts of iron, manganese, carbon, and silicon. Stronger than pure nickel, Monel alloys are resistant to corrosion by many agents, including rapidly flowing seawater.
- Hastelloy: An alloy that combines excellent high-temperature strength with superior chemical resistance, used in chemical processing, aerospace, and industrial gas turbines.
- Maraging Steel: A carbon-free iron-nickel blend with additions of cobalt, molybdenum, and titanium that creates an ultra-high-strength material without sacrificing toughness, used in aerospace and tooling applications.
Wire Shelving:
- Ventilation: The open-wire design allows for air circulation, reducing dust accumulation and improving visibility of stored items.
- Versatility: Shelves are often adjustable, making it easy to accommodate items of varying sizes.
- Mobility: Many wire shelving units come with casters for easy movement.
- Durability: Constructed from metal, often steel, with a chrome, nickel, epoxy, or zinc coating for corrosion resistance.
- Ease of Cleaning: The open design allows for easy cleaning, which is why wire shelving is popular in food service and medical settings.
- Load Capacity: Can vary from light to heavy-duty, depending on the design and material thickness.
Gondola Shelving:
- Flexibility: Shelves can be easily adjusted to different heights, and the units can be configured in a variety of layouts.
- Double-Sided Design: Gondola shelving often comes in a double-sided configuration, maximizing retail space by allowing access from both sides.
- Sturdy Base: Features a heavy-duty base to ensure stability and support significant weight.
- End Caps: End units are available to create a finished look and additional display space at the ends of gondola runs.
- Customization: Accessories like hooks, baskets, and dividers can be added for customized product displays.
Rivet Shelving (Boltless Shelving):
- Easy Assembly: Designed for easy, bolt-free assembly, often requiring only a rubber mallet to secure the rivets into the slots.
- Accessibility: Open shelving design provides access from all sides, making it ideal for bulky items.
- Adjustable: Shelves are adjustable in increments, allowing for customization based on storage needs.
- Strength: Constructed from steel and designed to support heavy loads, suitable for warehouses and industrial storage.
- Versatility: Available in various sizes and with different decking options, such as particle board, wire, or metal.
Refrigerator Shelving:
- Material: Made from materials that withstand cold temperatures and moisture, such as coated wire or plastic.
- Design: Often designed to maximize airflow around refrigerated products to maintain consistent temperatures.
- Coatings: Typically coated to resist rust and corrosion caused by the moist, cold environment of a refrigerator.
- Compatibility: Designed to fit specific refrigerator models and sizes, with the ability to adjust for various product heights.
- Cleanability: Easy to remove and clean, which is essential for food safety and hygiene.
Types of Wire Fan Guards:
- Flat Guards: These are simple, flat wire grilles that cover the fan. They provide basic protection and are typically used for standard fans in household or office environments.
- Domed or Rounded Guards: These have a curved shape that extends outward from the fan, offering protection while allowing for greater airflow. They are often used for larger industrial fans where high air volume is required.
- Plastic-Coated Guards: These are wire guards that have been coated with plastic (often PVC) to prevent corrosion and electrical conductivity. The coating also softens the edges of the wire, reducing the risk of cuts or scrapes upon contact.
- Electroplated Guards: Wire guards that have undergone an electroplating process, such as with zinc or chrome, to provide a corrosion-resistant finish and a more aesthetic appearance.
- Mesh Guards: These feature a tighter wire mesh rather than larger gaps between wires. They provide finer protection against smaller objects and are often used in applications where debris is a concern.
- Cylindrical Guards: Designed for axial fans, these guards are cylindrical and fit around the sides of the fan as well as over the front, offering comprehensive protection.
- Custom Guards: For special applications, custom wire fan guards can be designed and manufactured to fit specific dimensions and protection requirements.
Jason Woo, a project manager and founder of Able Hardware, has nearly 20 years’ experience using different PM software. He said he uses such products to ensure timely delivery of products: “For instance, in our metal fabrication, we used Monday.com to carefully monitor, schedule, and coordinate between different manufacturing steps, ensuring punctual delivery of our products.” Read More…
As the founder of Able Hardware, I see organizational development as a critical component that has shaped our two-decade journey. It’s not just about adapting and innovating, but about embracing constant transformation with a firm adherence to our core values. In practice, one strategy we implemented is fostering a culture of continuous learning. Our teams are constantly encouraged to broaden their knowledge base, leading to an evolutionary improvement in our manufacturing processes over the years. Read More…
Jason Woo , founder of Able Hardware, explains the hurdles he faced with slow payment processing in his manufacturing business, particularly because of his complex global supply chain. He recalls one instance where a delayed ACH payment caused a shipment to be held up at customs, which led to expedited shipping fees and derailed his production schedules. Read More…
“As the founder of a successful metal fabrication business, one way that I’ve learned to decrease entrepreneurial risks is through robust supply chain management.
It’s crucial to ensure continuity in your supply chain to avoid disruptions that could harm your operations.
I achieved this through owning our raw material factories and maintaining diverse sourcing strategies.
Read More…
Encourage Ownership Mentality
One notable instance was when a production team member suggested an improvement in our manufacturing workflow to reduce material wastage. This simple yet innovative idea led to significant annual savings for our company. Another successful initiative was the introduction of energy-efficient LED lighting throughout our factories, recommended by our maintenance staff. This has not only significantly slashed our energy bills but also improved the working conditions. Read More…
Why 1000+ Clients Rely on Able Hardware
Able Hardware’s custom metal fabrication services bring a host of advantages to various industries, businesses, and projects. Here’s why our clients trust us:
Cost-effective and Rapid Production
Our capabilities extend to swiftly crafting both metal prototypes and finished products, ensuring a quick turnaround without compromising on precision. The efficiency of our high-volume production processes translates into affordable sheet metal fabrication services for our clients.
Diverse Materials and Advanced Techniques
Our proficiency in a multitude of metal fabrication techniques empowers us to deliver complex components with intricate detailing. We offer an extensive selection of specialty alloy metals that are engineered to resist electrical interference, withstand high temperatures, and combat corrosion effectively.