Frequently Asked Questions about Metal Fabrication
With over 60 years of experience specializing in metal bending and rolling, Linders Specialty Company has provided custom metal fabrication services in the United States to support various industries with high-quality components and assemblies. To help you determine whether our services are right for your project, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions about metal fabrication and our capabilities, along with additional information on engineering, materials, and delivery.
Questions to Get Started with Linders Specialty Company Services
What is the definition of metal fabrication?
Metal fabrication refers to a series of processes used to produce precise components from metal materials, allowing for the manufacturing of more complex parts, weldments, or assemblies that can be used within many industrial applications.
Which metal fabrication processes are the most common?
Bending and rolling are the most common primary processes for metal fabrication. Common secondary processes include cutting and forming, such as shearing, press brake, and high-precision plasma cutting operations.
What is metal shearing?
Metal shearing is a cutting process that uses incredible force from two sharp blades, the punch and the die, to produce clean, straight cuts in sheet metal. This process doesn’t use heat or produce chips, offering a versatile technique for precise cuts.
Questions about Materials, Sizes, and Thicknesses We Work With
What material thicknesses can you bend, roll, or fabricate?
Depending on the desired metal fabrication process, we can bend, roll, and fabricate a range of material thicknesses to suit the needs of your projects:
- For sheet rolling, we can work with material thicknesses up to 3/16” for mild steel, and 1/4” for aluminum. Overall, we work with metal materials up to 30” wide.
- In shearing processes, we can work with mild steel and aluminum up to 1/2”, as well as stainless steel in up to 3/8”.
- Tube and pipe bending processes are compatible with up to 12” pipe with a minimum wall thickness of 1/28” OD. For square configurations, we can work with rectangular tubes up to 16” by 8” by 1/2”, and square tubes up to 10” by 10” by 5/8”.
What are the maximum part sizes for bending and rolling services?
For a quick overview of all maximum part sizes, view our capabilities overview and brochure.
Can you work with high-strength or specialty alloys?
Our processes are compatible with high-strength and specialty alloys not listed on our metals page. Depending on the needs of your project, we can form, cut, and fabricate a wide variety of metal materials to meet your requirements.
Are the materials for my project sourced, or do I need to supply them?
If you are working with steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or Corten steel, we can supply the materials. For projects requiring specialty-sourced materials, we generally ask that they be provided to us before the project begins.
What is Corten Steel?
Corten steel, also known as weathering steel, is a specific group of steel alloys that develop a patina—a stable, rust-like protective layer—when exposed to the weather. It is an excellent option for outdoor architecture, art, and landscaping projects, as it won’t require painting to protect the underlying metal from further corrosion.
What is the difference between sheet metal and plate metal?
Sheet metal and plate metal differ by thickness: sheet metal is thinner, measured in gauges, and more flexible for applications like vehicle bodies, while plate metal is thicker, measured in inches, and designed to provide structural strength for heavy-duty projects.
Questions about Fabrication Processes and Equipment Used
Which welding processes are available at Linders Specialty Company?
Linders Specialty Company offers MIG, TIG, and sub-assembly welding for weldments and permanently joined metal fabricated parts and assemblies.
What is the difference between MIG and TIG welding?
MIG and TIG welding offer different capabilities for joining metal components or assemblies. MIG (gas metal arc) welding is fast and easy, using a continuous wire feed for production and thicker materials, whereas TIG (gas tungsten arc) welding is slower and more precise for high-quality, clean welds in thin materials and intricate projects.
Questions about Engineering, Design, and Prototyping Capabilities
Do you offer engineering or design assistance?
At Linders Specialty Company, we collaborate with you at every stage of your project, bringing your ideas from concept to completion. As part of our design and engineering assistance, we provide:
- Design optimization for strength, cost, and manufacturability, with direct experience in DFMA solutions
- Material and fabrication process selection based on the requirements of your project
- Ensures performance and final aesthetics for full-run projects and one-off custom services
Can you provide prototyping before full-scale production?
Yes, our services include custom prototyping and one-off projects, backed by the same design and engineering support as for standard production runs.
Questions about Capacity, Lead Times, and Pricing
What is your typical lead time to begin on a project?
After we receive your quote, one of our knowledgeable representatives will contact you within 24-48 hours. From there, we will begin working on your project, with varying production lead times depending on the scope. Simple projects can often be completed in less than a week and more complex projects can take up to 2 weeks or more.
Do your services handle large or heavy components?
We do; we specialize in heavy-metal fabrication and weldments. Located in Minnesota, our services have been used to support the mining industry and other demanding heavy metal fabrication industries.
Questions about Component Finishing and Delivery
Are you able to produce fully finished, ready-to-install components, structures, or assemblies?
Absolutely! Our services are designed to take your project from design through production and finishing to deliver fully complete components, assemblies, and sub-assemblies ready for use in your desired applications.
Does Linders Specialty Company offer logistics services to deliver my order?
To get your custom solutions to you when you need them, we offer our own logistics services through Linders Specialty Company. We do not use third-party logistics, which allows us to ensure your project reaches you before downtime interrupts operations.
Contact Linders Specialty Company for High-Quality, Custom Metal Fabrication Services Today
Linders Specialty Company is a leading provider of custom metal components, assemblies, and fabrications. Specializing in metal bending and rolling, our services are designed to support the five-state area, as well as nationwide. As a US-based metal fabricator, we provide custom metal fabrication for various industries, ensuring high-quality solutions through time-tested techniques and in-house methodologies that prioritize the performance of your finished components. Contact us to discuss your project requirements or request a quote to get started.
