The fabrication tools of 2024

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn what tools are key to incorporate into your repertoire in the new year.  

In a recent episode of MetalTalk™, Chad Rowe, Ken McLauchlan and Stephen Gosk of MetalForming talk about their fabrication technology must-haves in 2024. MetalForming takes a specific role in the industry as a reseller. Stephen explained, “As a reseller, we sit between the customer and the supplier. One of the key roles that we do play is bringing customer and market feedback to the suppliers.” By doing this, MetalForming is able to help those on both sides of the table get the best tools for the job. They’ve chosen three different products from their suppliers that they think are key as the industry and market move further into 2024.  

1 - Board and batten 

While board and batten is not a new innovation to the industry, more and more people are talking about it now. Ken explained, "They used to do what they call batten panels for roofs that had two by twos that was done on historical applications. It's a very visual product... It's not just something that's similar to everything else.” This creates a unique aesthetic and depth in the design of the roof. What the experts at MetalForming are recommending is the shift towards vertical board and batten siding. It creates a similar unique aesthetic and depth with much more ease. As Chris expressed, “If I can make money and add value for my customers with the application, I don't want to climb on the roof. I would much rather install it on a wall.” 

2 - Conical bending 

This is also not a new process. Ken explained, “The process and the ability to put in equipment that's cost effective for most of the contractors to be able to afford is the new process.” Historically, this work has been done by marking metal by hand and doing the math to reshape it. But there are new options to make this process more efficient. Chad explained, “New for this year, Schechtl has come out with their all-new CNC controlled conical bending.” This software does the mathematics for the contractor, based on the specific parameters that are specified, making the process more efficient and precise.  

3 - Parts manipulator 

Yet again, what these experts are focusing on is not new innovations, rather the further development of existing processes. A parts manipulator moves metal through a shop, and it automates specific sections of the metal, helping address labor concerns. Chad explained, “For example, Jorns has long folding solutions specifically focused on double bending, which is where customers really get the efficiency of manufacturing with the least amount of labor impact into that manufacturing process.” Overall, new developments to parts manipulators means that working with metal is safer and more efficient than before. 

Read the transcript, Listen to the recording or Watch the webinar to learn more about these tools and how to use them in your operations.