Sheet metal fabrication services apply to numerous industries where durable materials, corrosion-resistant properties, and precisely shaped pieces are necessary for job functionality and project completion.
In agricultural applications, the grain elevator industry is the right match for custom sheet metal fabrication, as the fabrication operations lead to longer-lasting parts. S&R Sheet Metal details why by highlighting key elements that the grain elevator industry faces and how sheet metal fabrication provides solutions.
The Grain Elevator Industry Relies on the Durability of Sheet Metal
Sheet metal fabrication services provide grain elevator equipment with the durable material needed for equipment to not only function in, but to survive variable elements. Fabricated steel has proven to be much tougher in comparison to plastics or thinly formed commodity metals. Custom sheet metal fabrication on grain elevator equipment has higher tolerance for elements such as high stress loads, heavy loads, and tough weather conditions such as rain, sun, and wind.
Fabricated steel resists gouging, denting, and thinning. Improved durability leads to better wear life, as well as minimal downtime, replacement costs, and scheduled maintenance.
Precise, Accurate Parts Lead to Better Safety
Any manufacturing service demands precision and accuracy during production. Fabrication services for the grain elevator industry provide contractors, OEMs, and customers with the confidence that equipment pieces are made with the accuracy grain elevators demand.
Modern fabrication services are able to hold tight tolerances in sheet metal, so equipment pieces such as heads, boots, flanges, and guards properly align and seal more efficiently. Parts made accurately and precisely minimize common headaches such as dust leakage or friction caused by misalignment or overheated bearings and belts.
Minimizing dust leakage is particularly important to agricultural applications, as fires associated with grain elevators are commonly caused by dust. From 1976 through 2011, over 500 grain elevator explosions occurred as a result of dust leakages. While accidents still happen to this day, the numbers continue to stay down as fabricated parts help keep these incidents to a minimum.
Cost-Effectiveness
While the upfront costs can be costly, it’s the long-term value of sheet metal fabrication services that provides cost-effective strategies and solutions.
This is due to the precision, accuracy, durability, and benefits –– such as extended service life –– that stem from fabricated grain elevator equipment. Fabrication leads to minimal maintenance and repairs, and offers scalability and repeatability that make getting new parts easier.
Additionally, rapid prototyping is possible when using sheet metal fabrication services. Cost-effectiveness is achievable through rapid prototyping as there aren’t expensive tooling costs commonly associated with dies for stamping or molds for injection molding. When creating rapid prototypes for sheet metal fabrication, digital and automated processes like laser cutting or CNC machining are used.
The Benefits of Sheet Metal Fabrication for the Grain Elevator Industry
Sheet metal fabrication is ideal for the grain elevator industry for several reasons. The first advantage is material selection, which is often galvanized steel or stainless steel. These materials are commonly selected because of their corrosion-resistant properties, making them suitable for the harsh conditions and environments that grain elevators are exposed to.
Metal fabrication helps maintain the structural integrity and surface finish of a chosen material, slowing down the progression of surface corrosion.
Beyond material selection and aesthetics, sheet metal fabrication services support customization. Engineers can work with you to lock down the specifications your parts need to be in order to seamlessly incorporate into your existing grain elevators.
Contact S&R Sheet Metal for Your Grain Elevator Fabrication Services
S&R Sheet Metal has served as one of the premier contract metal fabrication providers in the United States since 1974. We create the custom metal fabricated pieces that numerous industries rely on, including agricultural and grain elevators.
We’re proud to offer quick turnaround times, and with 18,000 square feet of space in our facility, we have all the resources necessary to create the pieces your grain elevators need.
At S&R Sheet Metal, it all starts with our team. We are made up of skilled union workers who provide quality craftsmanship and superior customer service in every project we take on.
Contact our team today, and we’ll start quoting and discussing the best fabrication services for you.