MECO IS A LEADER IN DEEP DRAW

/0 Comments/in /by

While a popular method used in the manufacturing industry, deep draw is very complex and requires a great deal of expertise. There are many benefits to using Deep Draw, but it’s important to choose the right contract manufacturer.

Deep drawing is a manufacturing process that forms flat sheet metal blanks into the three-dimensional shape of the punch using the mechanical action of the punch drawing the metal past a die ring to take the shape of the punch.

The process of deep draw creates a stronger net shape at a lower cost due to reduced waste and can also lead to lower assembly costs. Deep draw can produce precise parts, is very repeatable, and may also be more cost effective than machining, die casting, or metal injection molding. Watch our video for a detailed description of the deep draw process from Robert Vlcek, manufacturing engineer with Meco.

When choosing a contract manufacturer for its deep draw capabilities, it is crucial that you choose a company that is well versed in the process and has had proven success.

Often, deep draw is offered as a specialty service so if your needs also require stamping, forming or other processes, it is important to choose a contract manufacturer that is vertically integrated and can provide you a full range of options.

With more than 55 years of manufacturing experience at our production facility, Meco is a one-stop shop for your manufacturing needs.

Our deep draw offerings include Verson, Toledo, Clearing, and Shuler Presses that range from 300 to 600 tons. Our draw range processes are anywhere from 1 to 10 inches and our bed length can accommodate anything up to 132 inches.

If you’re seeking a cost effective, highly customized option for metal fabrication, that also offers many other benefits, we’d love to talk to you about how deep draw might be the solution.

SELECTING A CONTRACT MANUFACTURER FOR DEEP DRAW NEEDS

/0 Comments/in /by

What is Deep Draw?

Deep drawing is a manufacturing process that forms flat sheet metal blanks into the three-dimensional shape of the punch using the mechanical action of the punch drawing the metal past a die ring to take the shape of the punch.

Particular attention must be given to the design of the die and process parameters to prevent radial drawing stresses and tangential compressive stresses that can result in wrinkles in the material of the flange region of the part.

This process work hardens the metal and creates a seamless finished part that is stronger than the original sheet metal blank. When the depth of the drawn part is greater than half its cross section, it is considered a deep draw.

What are the Benefits of Deep Draw?

Cost Effective – As unit count goes up, cost typically goes down. Since deep draw allows for production of high volumes, this provides a more cost effective solution.

Additionally, in many situations deep draw requires drawing the part through many dies. However, in all the parts with a large cross sectional area made at Meco this process is achieved using one die which saves labor as well as tooling dollars.

Less Waste – Additionally, deep draw produces far less material waste than most machined parts. Less waste means cost savings as well. What’s more, it can replace multi-part components creating a more nimble solution as well.

Time Saving – Another benefit to deep draw is the efficiency created by its secondary operations being performed on the drawing machine. Furthermore, the deep draw process eliminates the need for secondary heat treating, which is another time saving benefit.

Highly Customized – Deep draw is not one size fits all. For example, maybe you need a way to create a lightweight product that can withstand hard use. This method allows you to consider the function required of your end product and create something to meet that need.

Versatile – Sometimes you need to fabricate products that have specific aspect ratios other manufacturing techniques can’t produce. Deep drawing processes often involve complex geometries that may be accompanied by the succession of other press forming techniques such as coining, curling, side piercing and trimming.

Consistent – Finally, the part-to-part and batch-to-batch consistency deep draw affords offers peace of mind when you need to produce in large quantities.

Choosing a Contract Manufacturer with Deep Draw Capabilities

While a popular method used in the manufacturing industry, deep draw is still very complex and requires a great deal of expertise.

The process of deep draw creates a stronger net shape at a lower cost due to reduced waste and can also lead to lower assembly costs. Deep draw can produce precise parts, is very repeatable, and may also be more cost effective than machining, die casting, or metal injection molding.

When choosing a contract manufacturer for its deep draw capabilities, it is crucial that you choose a company that is well versed in the process and has had proven success.

Often, deep draw is offered as a specialty service so if your needs also require stamping, forming or other processes, it is important to choose a contract manufacturer that is vertically integrated and can provide you a full range of options.

With more than 55 years of manufacturing experience at our production facility, Meco is a one-stop shop for your manufacturing needs.

Our deep draw offerings include Verson, Toledo, Clearing, and Shuler Presses that range from 300 to 600 tons. Our draw range processes are anywhere from 1 to 10 inches and our bed length can accommodate anything up to 132 inches.

If you’re seeking a cost effective, highly customized option for metal fabrication, that also offers many other benefits, we’d love to talk to you about how deep draw might be the solution.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT POWDER COATING SYSTEM FOR YOUR JOB

/0 Comments/in /by

For more than fifty years Meco Manufacturing has served the needs of our customers. We are committed to producing the highest quality products in the most efficient and cost effective manner.

One important part of what we do involves paints and coatings. The paint and coatings industry is significant not only because of what it contributes to the overall economy but also because of the important role it plays in manufacturing.

The Purpose of Paints & Coatings –

There are two main purposes for paints and coatings: protection and decoration. Roughly forty percent of paints and coatings produced worldwide are for decorating as well as protecting industrial and consumer products. This helps to extend the life of the product and make them more marketable.

Changes to the Paints & Coatings Industry –

The biggest change the paint and coatings industry has seen over the last several years is the development of new technologies. Government regulations on air pollution control and energy conservation efforts have also played a role in the evolution of the industry. Meco is proud to offer environmentally safe custom powder coating services that are efficient and reclaim unused powder.

Choosing the Right Contract Manufacturer for Powder Coating

When choosing a contract manufacturer for the purpose of paint and powder coatings, it’s important that you do your homework. Different companies offer different services and utilize a wide variety of products and systems.

First, it’s important to identify your needs so you can vet companies that are a good fit. Meco utilizes three distinct types of powder coating systems to meet our customers’ needs.

Big Job – Large Volume

Maybe you have a large job that requires something like one of our Nordson Autocoater dispensing systems. This sizable booth offers the option of 8, 10, 12, or more paint guns. While producing a fog that surrounds each and every part, it reclaims up to 99% of unused paint powder.

This system is best suited for larger jobs, with regard to quantity as well as size of products and parts. For instance, if you have annual volumes of hundreds of thousands you need powder coated, this is the best solution for your needs.

Versatile & On the Move

Perhaps your needs are more unique. For example, maybe you are looking for the option to change paints and colors frequently. In this case, we’d recommend our Gema Volstatic Electrostatic Powder system.

We consider this to be our quick change system because it allows us to switch paint colors or types with ease. Because of this system’s portability and smaller size, it can be moved and/or cleaned quickly, providing a versatile option for your powder coating.

State-of-the-Art Precision Painting

Or maybe your needs are even more specific. We’re excited about the addition of our newest paint system, a robust, easy-to-use gun that offers exceptional versatility and high transfer efficiency.

The Encore® LT Manual Powder System utilizes state-of-the-art smart technology that controls the flow and allows for use of less paint. Without a blind spray, this system is more targeted which is great for smaller jobs that require more precision.

Perhaps you need to build a sample and have it painted for marketing purposes. Or maybe you are looking to test or qualify paint types for your process. This system is more efficient for that type of job. It’s also cost effective for smaller jobs since it offers the capability to use significantly less paint than the larger Autocoater systems.

Paint & Powder Solutions for Your Needs

No matter what your paint and powder coating needs are, Meco has a solution. We have broad capabilities in our paint systems that deliver high quality finishes across the board. Each paint system delivers the paint at the right velocity and volume to coat parts precisely.

Our powder coating application technologies offer improved efficiency, flexibility, and productivity for projects ranging from relatively simple manual applications to sophisticated, programmable, automatic application systems.

We’d love to talk with you about how these state-of-the-art systems can produce the cleanest results for your custom powder coating needs.