Every metal enclosure begins with an idea. A problem exists – perhaps an oddly sized and sensitive computer must reside in a hazardous location that includes moisture and high temperatures – and a metal enclosure is designed and constructed to satisfy the specific issues presented by that problem. One of the huge advantages of these products is that they can be completely customized to respond to customers’ conundrums, from their material and shape to their protective features. Working with our customers, we can develop highly efficient designs from scratch that meet a variety of requirements. And once the design is finalized, we can begin the fabrication process. Fabricating metal enclosures properly requires high-quality materials, top-of-the-line equipment, and expert technicians.
Fabricating Metal Enclosures
The Process
During the process of fabricating metal enclosures, we transform raw metal materials into functional, effectual products. To do this, we must select high-quality materials and adapt our processing techniques to the needs of our customers. No matter what type of enclosure we’re forming, our technicians maintain strict quality standards to produce consistently exemplary results and ensure that customers’ specifications are met.
By combining cutting-edge technology and years of expertise, we can build top-of-the-line enclosures. In addition to many other design constraints, our enclosures can be designed and fabricated to meet NEMA standards. These technical ratings developed by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) are based on the enclosure’s level of defense against environmental hazards and level of protection against access to hazardous parts.
The process of fabricating metal enclosures involves several steps. The raw materials are precisely cut, no matter what their thickness or length, by powerful tools like lasers and water jets. A turret press can create holes in the material through punching. To form the materials into an enclosure, the correct angles are calculated and the metal is bent accurately, typically using a press brake. The structure is assembled from these cut and bent pieces, which are then welded together to create a strong and sturdy enclosure. The finishing process typically includes the application of power coating, which involves pre-treating, coating, and curing the surface. Finally, rivets and fasteners are added.
Our Equipment
At APCM, we utilize a variety of fabricating equipment to ensure that we can achieve our clients’ goals. Amongst our equipment, you’ll find stationary shears, sharpeners, turret presses, and a variety of press brakes, including all of the following:
- (2) Amada Lasers 4000 Watt 60″ X 120″
- (2) Amada Turret Presses EMK3510Nt
- Amada Turret Press EMK3610NT
- Amada Vipros Turret Press3510NT
- (5) Amada HDS 1303 NT Press Brake
- (2) Amada HFBO 100 Press Brake
- Amada HFB 125 Press Brake
- Amada HFE 1303 Press Brake
- Amada HFB 1003 Press Brake
- Amada HFB 1253 Press Brake
- Cincinnati 225 T Press Brake W/ 2 Axis Backgauge
- Pacific 300 Ton Press Brake
- Trumph V 130 6 Axis CNC Brake
- OMAX Water Jet48″ X 96″
- Strippit Super 30 Fabricator
- Accushear 1/4 10FT Stationary Shear
- RK 10 GA X 48 ROLLER
- (2) Amada Togu Tool Sharpeners
It all started with a single punch press – a ’68 Cincinnati 150 ton, purchased in 1986 – but our equipment collection has grown a lot since then. We have over 1,300 tons of press power, which we use to fabricate strong and effective metal enclosures for some of the biggest names in the telecommunication and metal enclosure fabrication industry.
So if you’re on the hunt for a company that can manufacture premium metal enclosures on your behalf, check out American Products Contract Manufacturing. APCM’s highly trained team adheres to LEAN manufacturing principles and works with state-of-the-art equipment. Our high-quality, innovative enclosures enable our customers to assist the telecommunications industry in expanding and improving their network services. We offer NEMA type 1, type 2, type 3, type 3-R, type 3-X, type 4, and type 4-X metal enclosures, and we form these enclosures from aluminum, galvanized steel, carbon steel, and stainless steel to create a rugged and reliable structure. Give us a call at 1-877-736-2228 to learn more, or request a free quote online.
