Metal Fab Industry Blog

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  • New for 2022
    Q1 of 2022: Fox Machinery’s valued customers are expanding to meet the market, and our factory partners are building machinery as fast as production will allow. We are excited for the industry’s advancements in automation and looking forward to some in-person events this fall. Three announcements from this past winter: Mazak Optonics, Messer Plasma Systems,…
  • When Should My Company Invest in Robotic Welding?
    Contributed by the experts at OTC Daihen When you’re running a production facility, it can be hard to know when it’s the right time to invest in robotic welding automation for your assembly line.  The questions can add up: When is the right time to make the switch? Can I justify the cost? How much downtime will be…
  • Introducing: DAVI’s iRoll eXtreme
    The new frontier for roll controls: DAVI’s iRoll eXtreme is a high-technology control system, easy-to-use for both programming automated sequences and rolling in manual mode, with the continuous support granted by our dedicated customer care. Powerful, intuitive programming tools convert complex tasks into simple routine Assesses possible manufacturing issues, including significant time and material savings…
  • Shop Stock Machinery
    Purchasing stock machinery will keep you on track and on budget for 2022. Click the logos to explore manufacturers offering stock machines, then CONTACT YOUR SALES ENGINEER for details on specific models. 3 Reasons to Take Advantage of Stock Machinery: Take advantage of Section 179 Tax Savings with guaranteed delivery & installation by end-of-year Meet…
  • The 411 on Mazak’s Intelligent Functions
    Discover more about Mazak’s Intelligent Functions: Intelligent Setup Functions (ISF), Intelligent Monitoring Functions (IMF) and Intelligent Cutting Functions (ICF) Mazak Optonics utilizes intelligent technology in their industry-leading laser-cutting machinery. Through 12 different Intelligent Functions Mazak Optonics’ lasers deliver innovation, performance, automation, and value. When the Intelligent Functions are paired with the Mazak Multi-Control Torch, they work…
  • Should I buy a Hydraulic, Electric, or Hybrid Press Brake?
    Found yourself in the market for a new press brake? The best (and easiest) first step is to contact your Sales Engineer. Set up a virtual or in-person appointment to review machine options and how they would fit into your production flow. Your Sales Engineer can walk you through options for controls, backgauges, material support,…
  • 7 Effective Ways to Spend End-of-Year Budget
    Don’t let your end-of-year budget go to waste. The New Year is around the corner and you may be looking for effective ways to spend your end-of-year budget. Hit the ground running on Jan. 1 and positively impact your production capability going into the New Year! Click below for purchasing ideas to get ahead in…
  • Critical Checkpoints on Your Band Saw
    To avoid downtime it is helpful to know your band saw’s specific checkpoints. Refer to your machine’s manual for factory recommendations and use the list below as a guideline to develop a PM schedule. Quick Reference Shopping List: New blade Sawing fluid and lubricants Band wheel bearings Band guides Drives Belts Vises
  • HydMech End-of-Year Savings
    Now through December 11th, 2020 when you buy any HYDMECH DM Series, S Series, M Series, H Series, V Series Band saw or Cold Saw receive your first option free – includes idler conveyors- AND 50% off your second option! Talk to your Sales Engineer TODAY to get your saw before 2021
  • Newly Released Tooling Options from WILA
    Fall 2020: WILA USA introduced a number of new tooling options, including 8″ American Style punches, shoulder-loaded tool extenders, and a new 30 degree, 1.97 inch (50mm) v-die! If you haven’t considered WILA Tooling recently, scrolling through Wila’s ONLINE CATALOG of New Standard, American Style and American Vintage tooling is sure to inspire you, along…
  • Ficep Virtual Open House
    Join us for Ficep’s virtual Open House – take 90 mins. on Nov. 17th or 19th to see new developments in the FICEP product range of CNC lines, including a live demo of the newly enhanced tandem system with GEMINI and KRONOS plate processors!
  • The *NEW* Fiber Tube Cutting Machine
    Introducing Mazak’s new FT-150 FIBER Tube Laser: The FT-150 FIBER has been designed for high-speed cutting and reduced non-cutting process to improve cycle times. The result is superior productivity with high throughput. The FT-150 FIBER utilizes a series of advanced technologies and optional features to streamline and automate laser-cutting tube production processes.
  • Manufacturing Day 2020
    Friday, October 2nd: Happy Manufacturing Day to All! In the spirit of “working with what we’ve got”, let’s celebrate our industry virtually with a factory tour from an FMA customer, some at-home activities from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and an exciting inside look at building robots.
  • HOW TO COMPENSATE FOR PRESS BRAKE DEFLECTION
    Content contributed by: If you own a press brake that is eight feet or longer, chances are you’ve experienced press brake deflection. Press brake deflection is when the ram and bed flex under load. Most modern press brakes are powered by two hydraulic cylinders on either end and are supported by side frames, meaning that…
  • The CARES Act: An Opportunity to Bounce Back Stronger Than Ever
    How revisions to NOLCB open up an opportunity to invest in machinery in 2020. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act contains provisions to the US law as a result of COVID19. You have most likely read about, or directly interacted with, parts of the new laws involving insurance coverage, unemployment, and adjustments…
  • What unique forming challenges do you need to overcome?
    The Accurpress Accell is designed to be the answer to unique forming challenges. Check out the video below featuring two unique custom features – a cut out in the ram and a CNC sheet follower built behind the machine. Both features were designed to achieve a specific manufacturing goal. Simply put – Accurpress will do…
  • Factory-Trained Service & Support
    Your machine’s up time is vital to your success. We work tirelessly to earn your “A+” rating through quality repairs, installations and upgrades, preventative maintenance, operator training and more. No one provides better service & customer support for your metal fabrication needs.
  • One-Stop Source
    The team at FMA works with 20+ manufactures to find solutions custom fit for your industry and application. Accurpress, Accurshear, Mazak, Messer, HydMech, OMAX, SafanDarley, Timesavers, Ficep, Wila, Piranha, CPD, RK, FlexArm, and Boschert…
  • Advanced Training
    Fox Machinery is committed to providing the highest level operator training possible. We offer hands-on sessions for all the machinery and tooling we sell. Beyond what we provide at installation, FMA is happy to schedule follow-up training on your machine.
  • Anniversary Edition SafanDarley E-Brake
    Celebrating 25 years of sustainable success. Sustainable production delivers pure profit, both for the planet and for your business. With that in mind, we developed and introduced the E-Brake. As the inventor of the electronic press brake, we have extended our lead with continuous innovations. The SafanDarley E-Brake offers the fastest bending cycle and the greatest…
  • 30+ Used Machines ready to ship
    Our used machinery listing are updated and there is something for everyone – from an impressive Ficep Drilling-Sawing Line, to waterjets and plasma systems… to a little Demo-model Ercolina tube bender. Talk to your Sales Engineer today about your manufacturing struggles. How can the team at FMA help? click to SHOP FOR USED MACHINERY To…
  • May 2020 Newsletter
    Click the image below to enjoy the newsletter in an e-reader format. Download as a PDF. IN THIS ISSUE: Custom Metal Fabrication for the High-End Arch. & Commercial Markets The CARES Act: an Opportunity to Bounce Back Stronger Than Ever Introduction to OMAX Abrasive Waterjet Models Accurpress Accell U Gets An Upgrade 5 Point Ironworker…
  • 5 Steps to ensure your Lockout/Tagout procedure is OSHA Compliant
    Lockout devices are designed to keep energy-isolating knobs and buttons in the “off” position, preventing machines and equipment from becoming energized. Most often utilized during maintenance procedures or malfunctioning situation, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures aim to prevent hazardous energy from causing injury or death. While our service department most commonly deals with electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic…
  • Ensure Peak Performance for your Bandsaw
    Article Contributed by: In this handy guide, the experts at Dake give suggestions and reminders on properly caring for your bandsaw. The Benefits of Proper Maintenance Ensuring that you perform the appropriate maintenance on your vertical or horizontal bandsaw will help prevent costly problems and downtime in the future. Additionally, this attention boosts productivity levels,…
  • AutoPOL Software Live Web Demo and Q&A
    Problems getting the right blank size on your press brake? Trouble determining bend allowances or bend deductions? JOIN US!      Friday, 03/27/20 at 11:30 AM EST Whether you are a current SafanDarley user or not, AutoPOL will revolutionize your bending process. Join us for a free learning opportunity from the experts at SafanDarley: — Watch…
  • COVID-19 Statement from FMA
    March 20, 2020 Dear Customers, Partners and Friends,  We recognize that with the ever-changing COVID-19 situation around the world, this is an unprecedented time for all of us, filled with uncertainty. Our thoughts and prayers go out to each and every one of you. 
  • Turning The Light On An Hour Earlier
    The team at Fox Machinery is proud to announce we are extending our office hours. As of March 1, 2020 we are available to assist customers from 7am to 5pm, Monday through Friday.   In “turning the light on” an hour earlier we continue to strengthen ourselves as your resource and Your Solutions Partner for machinery, tooling, parts…
  • FMA’s January 2020 Newsletter
    Click the image below to access the e-reader: Radan Software Achieves 30% Run Time Reduction …..page 1 5 Ways to Reduce Scrap & Affect Your Bottom Line……page 2 Meet Messer’s NEW “Global” Cutting System ……page 3 Considering Cold – A Look at Cold Weather on Machinery Lubricants …..page 3 Used Machinery Listing……page 6    
  • SafanDarley {hearts} robots!
    A new video was released by SafanDarley – featuring their 130 ton electric R-Brake. This 3-minute video clearly illustrates an integrated press brake-robot system. Check out the robot as moves horizontally along a gantry on the top-side of the press brake, using the auto gripper to pull tools. If you weren’t visualizing how this set…
  • FMA’s Line Book
    View or download a PDF version: FMA Line Book 2022 or click below to view in e-reader format: For quick reference the FMA 2022 Line Card is available for download. Accurpress Press Brakes – Accurshear Shears – Mazak Optonics Lasers – Messer Thermal Cutting – Ficep Structural Equipment – Hyd-Mech Bandsaws – SafanDarley Press Brakes…
  • October 2019 Newsletter
    Enjoy! FabTech 2019 Preview……page 1 – let us know if you’re going Press Brakes vs. Folding Machines……page 2 Troubleshooting Four Common Shearing Defects……page 3 Introducing Atlantic Machinery Associates……page 4 Used Machinery Listing……page 5 Smart Manufacturing Comic Book and App…..page 6
  • Smart Manufacturing Comic Book
    To promote the industry, the first Friday of every October is National Manufacturing Day. This year over 1200 events have been planned  – a chance for manufacturers to open their doors to children, families and their community. A few industry facts, published by National Association of Manufacturers: For every $1.00 spent in manufacturing, another $1.89 is…
  • FMA’s August 2019 Newsletter
    Issue includes: Trending Topics in Metal Manufacturing……page 1 Scotland’s Bravest – Flow Waterjet Tech Helps Disabled Veterans……page 2 Tips for Ordering Custom Tooling……page 3 Critical Checkpoints on Your Band Saw ……page 3 Used Machinery……page 5
  • 4 Things You Need To Know About Electric Press Brakes
      https://foxmachinery.tumblr.com/post/186398482419/4-things-you-need-to-know-about-electric-brake Want to know more? Keep reading about SafanDarley & browse machine options.  
  • FMA June 2019 Newsletter
    In this Issue: The Science of Shearing……page 1 Last Chance – HydMech sale……page 2 Used Machinery Listing / List Your Used Machine……page 2 Customer Q&A on the SafanDarley E-Brake……page 3 Check for Sign of Wear……page 3 3 Considerations When Purchasing Equipment……page 5
  • March 2019 Newsletter
        IN THIS ISSUE: A Closer Look at Fibers…..page 2 2019 FMA Manufacturing Expo & Open House……page 3,4 2019 Welmaintained Service Rates……page 5 5 Issues to Expect from your Dirty Finishing Machine……page 5 *NEW MACHINE ALERT*……page 6 Used Machinery……page 6
  • Subsea Fiber Optics by Photonics Spectra Magazine
    As March 1st greets a good portion of the Northeastern US with snow, a quiet Friday afternoon allows us to get caught up on some reading.   Photonics Spectra is a lovely magazine worth a LOOK if you are interested in light-based technologies.  (Quick plug to them – you can sign up for a free subscription through…
  • That’s a Wrap, 2018!
    https://foxmachinery.tumblr.com/post/182808873049/thats-a-wrap-2018  
  • Fox Machinery October 2018 Newsletter
      In this Issue: Fox Brings FlexArm & FlexDrill CNC to the Northeastern US…..page 1 FlexArm and FlexDrill product line preview……page 2 4 Bearing Lubrication Myths……page 3 Decrease Production Time with Custom Tooling……page 4 Halloween Prep with your Metal Fab Equipment……page 6 Used Machinery……page 6
  • FMA’s August 2018 Newsletter
    IN THIS ISSUE: Do More With Less – CNC Carbide Saws…..page 1 6 Trends to Watch……page 2 Turn Down the Heat – chiller options for your shop……page 3 Family Business Updates Machinery to Maintain Competitive Edge……page 5 Fab Tech is around the corner – preview the event schedule……page 5 Used Machinery……page 6
  • The Section 179 Deduction
    This is the time of year businesses start exploring the advantages of section 179 of the tax code and Bonus Depreciation. The interest gets more intense as the year comes to an end. It is best to start year end planning NOW to make year end deliveries on machine tools. David Goose of Commercial Credit…
  • June 2018 Newsletter
    In this issue: Tax Law – Section 179……page 1 Plasma Lasers in the Structural Market……page 2 Tube Processing Center Performs for a Crowd……page 2 7 Tips for Extending the Life on Your “Dinosaur”……page 3 Cheers to 50 Years…..page 4 “Top 10” Most Common Safety Violations……page 5 Listing of Used Machinery……page 5
  • FMA Sign – cut with the Mazak 6kw
    The team at Fox Machinery enjoyed designing, cutting and assembling our new office sign. Check out these glamour shots and watch the Mazak 6kW in action.  While our team agrees we are not cut out for the sign industry, we are pretty proud of the finished product!    
  • March 2018 FMA Newsletter
    Fox Machinery Assoc.’s Newsletter with live web links.   In this issue: The Acceleration Effect – Waterjet Cycle Time……page 1 What is DDL Technology?……page 2 Preventative Maintenance: Shear……page 3 Open House Info……page 4 Listing of Used Machinery……page 5 25 Types of Metal Forming Knowledge Test…..page 6
  •  25 Types of Metal Forming Knowledge Test
    See if you can match the methods of metal forming with their description. Good luck! Types of Metal Forming Knowledge Quiz
  • Shear Preventative Maintenance Schedule
    Keeping a consistent eye on your machine is the easiest way to minimize downtime and maximize productivity. Manufacturers often recommend conducting preventative maintenance on shears by interval hours. This document is a general outline. Fox Machinery and Welmaintained encourage our customers to use this as a starting point to develop a plan based on your…
  • Fox Machinery’s Jan. 2018 Newsletter
    In this issue: 5 Ways to Keeping Your Tooling Clean, from WILA… page 2 6 New Year’s Resolutions for Your Metal Fab Business… page 2 Service 101… page 3 List of Used Machinery… page 4 Hire Your Most Reliable Employee… page 1 Fox Open House Announcement… page 1  
  • Latest DAVI Installation: Holtec
    Our goal as Fox Machinery is to assist our customers in making the best decisions for their company. Holtec made huge strides towards greater profits this past week with their recent addition of two separate metal rolls. The first a DAVI MAV 9-3/4” x 13’ roll, and another DAVI MAV 1-5/8″x21′. Fully programmable to maximize…
  • Euromac’s 30th Anniversary
    30 Year Anniversary This month marks the 30th anniversary for Euromac. For the past 30 years Euromac has been dedicated to delivering quality machinery to streamline fabrication, and move all production in house. Click on the link below to watch a video celebrating the last 30 years! Our question to you, how would a Euromac…
  • Timesavers: Brushing Up
    Our goal here at Fox Machinery is to save you time, money, and improve the way your company operates. When we think about saving time and money, one of the manufacturers we think of is Timesavers. Included in this post is an article titled “Brushing Up”, which showcases multiple success stories for Timesavers customers. Read…
  • Direct Diode Laser Technology
    During FABTECH 2016, Mazak Optonics introduced the Direct Diode Laser. Technology that will revolutionize the industry through increased work speeds, and efficiencies. Below is a link to an article from Mazak describing how the technology works, and the benefits your company can experience from Direct Diode Technology. https://www.mazakoptonics.com/news-events/blog/what-is-direct-diode-laser-technology/  
  • Wila Tooling Testimonial
    When Dan Joss of Wallace Machinery suggested Hi-Tec Profiles, a custom job shop in Regina, SK, try Wila’s new line of Standard Tooling for a new Accupress 840 ton press brake, Ed Vansteelandt, press brake foreman was skeptical. With 14 years of experience on press brakes, Vansteelandt had been exposed to several types of press brake tooling, including nitride-coated tooling and he had found them all…