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Laser, MIG and TIG welding can all produce strong, high-quality welded assemblies. The best choice depends on the part. For sheet metal parts and fabricated assemblies, process selection usually comes down to material, thickness, joint design, heat and distortion concerns, weld appearance, strength requirements and [...]

Press tool operations use a punch, die and press to cut, shape or form sheet metal. Common operations include blanking, piercing, bending, drawing, forming, coining, embossing, notching and lancing. The best process depends on the part geometry, material, tolerances, quantity and tooling requirements. For short-run [...]

A sheet metal part can be cut and formed accurately and still move out of tolerance during welding. The risk increases when an assembly involves thin material, long welds, large flat surfaces or dimensions that must remain closely aligned. Controlling welding distortion is not about [...]

Custom sheet metal enclosures require more than cutting and bending metal. Openings must align, bends need to form correctly, doors and access panels must fit, and hardware, welds and finishes all need to work together. Fox Valley Stamping Company manufactures custom sheet metal enclosures, electrical [...]

In the field of metalworking, precision and efficiency are paramount. One of the most critical elements in achieving these objectives is the use of press tools. Press tool operations, with their versatile techniques, play a vital role in shaping, cutting, and forming metal components that [...]

Most sheet metal parts start with laser cutting because it offers the speed, flexibility, and precision needed during early production. It allows manufacturers to quickly create accurate part shapes and features without the cost or lead time of dedicated tooling. As production becomes more consistent [...]

Sheet metal fabrication is the backbone of countless industries — from industrial manufacturing and medical equipment to defense and electronics. This versatile process turns flat sheets of metal into precisely formed parts and assemblies that fuel innovation, efficiency, and durability. Sheet metal fabrication is the [...]

Sheet metal stamping is one of the most essential manufacturing processes used today. If you’ve ever wondered how intricate metal components are created at high volumes with incredible precision, the answer often lies in metal stamping. From small electronic parts to structural automotive components, [...]

Short run metal stamping is one of the most efficient ways to produce high-quality metal parts when you don’t need massive volumes. It’s especially valuable for prototypes, product launches, engineered components, and low-to-mid production runs where flexibility, speed, and precision matter. At Fox Valley Stamping, [...]

Accurate press brake forming begins with a manufacturable design. Material selection, bend geometry, feature placement, tolerances, and tooling can all affect part quality, production efficiency, and cost. Reviewing these details before fabrication can help prevent distortion, difficult setups, delays, and avoidable expense. Quick Answer: What [...]