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Industry Spotlight: Sheet Metal Fabrication for Renewable Energy

Author Archives: Aubrey Davis

  1. Industry Spotlight: Sheet Metal Fabrication for Renewable Energy

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    The renewable energy industry has been demanding precision metal components that can handle various climates and outdoor environments for decades. Metal fabrication plays a crucial role in the reliability and functionality of energy storage systems, solar and wind turbines, and emerging hydrogen technologies as the industry is expanding at an unprecedented pace. 

    TEDCO is positioned to meet the needs of renewable energy engineers and OEMs with our proven forty years of reliability and precision metal components. Our core competencies in metal fabrication include bulk production projects, experience with complex geometries and tolerances, and decades of prototype manufacturing knowledge. Our agility to move from prototype to short-run production helps clients bring parts to newly developed energy systems quickly without sacrificing quality. 

    Sheet Metal Components for Renewable Energy 

    Metal Enclosures- The Renewable Energy Industry frequently requests durable metal enclosures to protect electronics and sensitive components from the elements in outdoor environments. TEDCO’s metal enclosures are designed with quality in mind, fabricated to withstand various conditions while maintaining airflow and thermal characteristics. Enclosure housing is one of our most sought-after products for energy storage systems. 

    Solar Power Components- We regularly produce custom sheet metal components for solar installations, including mounting brackets, racking hardware, and combiner boxes. These parts demand corrosion-resistant materials and reliable, consistent forming to ensure long-term performance, which is why materials like aluminum and stainless steel are often preferred for solar applications.

    Structural Frames and Supports-  Renewable energy projects like hydrogen systems, EV charging infrastructure, and modular power units require custom frames and support structures. TEDCO’s ability to fabricate complex welded and bolted assemblies using stainless steel and other rugged materials makes us a valuable partner for these applications.

    Electrical Power Parts- Our shop regularly creates mounting brackets, grounding plates, and supports for electrical safety to shield critical electrical components. These tight spaces usually require precise tolerances and repetitive production runs with quick timeframes. This is not a problem for TEDCO, as we have decades of knowledge of high-performance precision sheet metal solutions for the renewable energy industry. 

    Wind Energy Parts- The infrastructure of wind-powered energy projects requires sheet metal fabrication for housing control panels and protecting mechanical systems from the elements. TEDCO produces reliable components that withstand movement and exposure to the environment. 

    Renewable Energy Material Selection

    Choosing the right material is foundational to performance, durability, and cost. For renewable energy parts, we frequently use aluminum alloys like 5052 and 6061, valued for their strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance. Stainless steel, particularly grades 304 and 316, is another top choice for outdoor and marine environments. We also work with galvanized and steel for parts that will be painted or powder-coated, cold-rolled steel for indoor enclosures, and copper alloys for electrical grounding and conductivity.

    Assembly and Hardware

    Optimizing your design for assembly access, hardware installation, and fastening is important to an efficient fabrication process. TEDCO collaborates with customers to identify the best fastener options, hardware placement, and access points, streamlining processes on the shop floor and in the field.

    A Proven Renewable Energy Precision Sheet Metal Fabricator

    In an industry where every component must be built to last, TEDCO has proven itself as a trusted partner for custom metal fabrication. Our deep experience with precision metal fabrication allows us to support clean energy innovators with quality, speed, and expertise.

    From material selection to manufacturability review, from sheet metal prototyping to scalable production, we provide the kind of hands-on partnership that helps renewable energy projects succeed. If you’re searching for a reliable, knowledgeable fabrication company with proven experience in renewables, look no further than TEDCO.

    Ready to get started? Contact us today to talk about your next renewable energy project.

  2. Industry Spotlight: Sheet Metal Fabrication for the Telecommunication Industry

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    Sheet metal fabrication for the telecommunication industry is one of our most valued and profitable partnerships within our line of work. Telecommunication infrastructure is the backbone of the digital world, with billions of people relying on it for instant global communication. The telecommunication industry requires precision-fabricated metal components to maintain performance and technological advancements that are unseen to the public using such developments.

    At Tedco Precision Sheet Metal, we have partnered with telecom companies throughout our history. Our custom metal fabrication capabilities are perfectly suited to meet the industry’s most complex and precise projects. Our decades of expertise help us to understand the unique challenges of telecommunications and the importance of a timely leadtime, and quality performance. 

    Common Telecommunications Sheet Metal Components 

    The Telecom industry uses a wide array of sheet metal products that are required for large rollouts. Tedco DFM Experts (Design for Manufacturing) ensures smooth production with cost-effective solutions throughout the entire process. Applying DFM principles early helps prevent issues such as tolerance stacking, airflow restrictions, improper grounding, or difficult assembly. A fabricator with telecom experience can identify design adjustments that reduce cost, improve lead time, and ensure reliable field performance.

    Key Telecommunications Sheet Metal Components include:

    Battery Backup Cabinets: These critical components protect and house batteries, and our fabrication allows for proper ventilation and cooling while providing the structural integrity necessary.

    Antenna Housings: Our metal fabricators maintain the tolerances required for antenna housings while ensuring durability for outdoor installations.

    Server Racks and Cabinets: These racks provide robust support and grounding for critical equipment.

    Enclosures and Casings: Our shop has extensive experience creating enclosures that protect sensitive telecommunications equipment from environmental factors, customized with vents for cooling.

    Cable Management Trays and Raceway Systems: These systems are often fabricated from sheet metal for durability and ease of installation. Precision-placed mounting points reduce installation time while ensuring secure cable support.

    Common Materials Used for Telecommunications Components 

    Aluminum: Aluminum fabrication is excellent for applications requiring strong, lightweight solutions.

    Stainless steel: For environments demanding the highest durability.

    Cold-rolled steel: Often well-suited to indoor applications or parts requiring a smooth finish.

    Galvanized steel: Ideal for outdoor applications that prioritize corrosion resistance.

    Why Tedco Precision Sheet Metal is the Ideal Fabrication Company for the Telecommunication Industry 

    A long history and proven track record with the telecom industry render us the ideal partner for fabrication services. Our distinctive capabilities and advantages include:

    In-House Welding and Other Services: We offer a range of sheet metal welding in our metal fabrication shop, including MIG, TIG, spot, and resistance welding. Our experienced team will handle projects of any scale or difficulty. 

    Hardware Guidance and Installation: We help you choose the ideal hardware for your project to ensure structural integrity while minimizing costs.

    Advanced Capabilities: At Tedco, our sheet metal forming delivers precise parts quickly. Our laser cutting allows for precise cuts with minimal material waste, while our in-house punch press achieves tolerances of +/- .003”

    Quality Assurance: Our rigorous quality control process ensures every component will always meet industry standards.

    Tedco combines advanced fabrication capabilities with decades of telecom experience. In-house laser cutting, forming, punching, welding, hardware installation, and quality control allow for tight process control and consistent results. Our team also provides design guidance, hardware recommendations, and custom rack and enclosure solutions to support both prototype and production telecom programs.

    Are you looking for a custom fabrication shop that can handle your next telecom project? Our expert team of fabricators is ready to tackle your next project. Request a quote today and learn why Tedco Precision Sheet Metal is the preferred partner of many telecommunications companies.

  3. Coming Soon to Tedco

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    Why the ‘H’ Matters

    The biggest difference between our new EGB1303H and a standard EGB1303 is the High-Body frame. The additional daylight and open height allow us to bend much deeper parts without interference. This expands our capabilities for tall enclosures, deep channels, complex formed parts, and assemblies that previously required multiple setups or special workarounds.

    What This Means for Our Customers

    • Faster setup times resulting in shorter lead times
    • More capacity for deep and difficult formed parts
    • High bending accuracy and repeatability with AMADA all-electric servo technology
    • Cleaner and quieter operation and less maintenance than hydraulic brakes
    • Greater efficiency, keeping TEDCO competitive and high-quality
    • Additional capacity for growing numbers with existing and future customers

    A Major Investment for TEDCO’s Future

    For nearly 40 years, Tedco has continued to invest in modern manufacturing equipment to provide customers with better quality, tighter tolerances, and dependable delivery. Our new EGB1303H continues that commitment. It will work alongside our existing AMADA equipment to increase throughput, improve consistency, and expand the range of parts we can manufacture in-house.

    We’re excited to welcome this machine to our shop early next year and can’t wait to begin producing customer parts on one of AMADA’s newest electric press brakes.

    “Every investment we make is focused on one goal—giving our customers better quality, faster turnaround, and the capability to build parts others can’t.”

  4. Deciding Between Sheet Metal and Machining Components

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    Deciding between Sheet metal and machining components is one of the first decisions engineers make during the design process. This decision impacts cost, lead time, whether there are additional steps in the fabrication assembly line, and overall performance of components. Both options have their advantages and deliver high-quality projects. Here is a guide to help determine which manufacturing process best fits your sheet metal needs. 

     

    How Complex Is It?

    Choose sheet metal fabrication when your products are lightweight brackets, chassis, or enclosures, and the design is made from a flat pattern, has flanges, or requires straightforward forming. 

    Choose machining if the part requires tight contours, deep cavities, and pockets. Machining is best for components with internal features or multi-plane designs. If the geometry can be created from a flat pattern, metal fabrication is the right option; if not, machining is the way to go. 

     

    How is the Pricing Different?

    With sheet metal fabrication, there is less material waste, production is typically faster (especially with TEDCO’s Amada ENSIS 3015AJ Laser), and costs are adjusted for bulk quantity projects. 

    You can see higher machining costs due to material removal and cycle times. Components that have more complexities add to labor costs and longer lead times. For many designs, the cost difference between sheet metal vs machined components becomes clear once strength, geometry, and tolerances are considered.

     

    Tight Tolerances 

    Sheet metal is best for standard commercial tolerances and bend variability. Machining is best for tight tolerances, mating surfaces, and critical fits. When precision drives product performance, a machined component typically offers the accuracy required.

     

    Material Requirements 

    Sheet metal works well with aluminum, stainless, and cold-rolled steel. It is ideal for thinner materials and lightweight components.  Sheet metal relies on bends and formed features for rigidity. 

    Machining supports thicker, high-strength components, handling a wide range of materials, and tough alloys. If the parts must withstand significant loads or require tight tolerances, machining may be the better choice. 

    Scalability 

    Scalability refers to whether there are plans for bulk production. Sheet metal is excellent for prototypes and large-volume projects. It works best for projects with minimal tooling and fast iterations. 

    Machining is best for low-to-medium volume jobs, as it is costly at large quantities because there is less automation in machining. Prototyping needs, production goals, and cost target all influence the decision process, so discuss in advance with your fabricators. 

     

    When a Hybrid of the Two Makes Sense

    Tedco has learned over the years that many project assemblies work best when sheet metal and machined components are combined. Tedco has built a close network of machinists who work directly with us for hybrid jobs. Combinations likely include enclosures with machined internal parts, Sheet metal housing with machined interfaces, or lightweight designs that require both rigidity and accuracy. 

     

    Choosing between machining and sheet metal components depends on the requirements of the project. Be sure to take a look at the necessary tolerances, strength, geometry, and the volume and scale of the project. Most importantly, share the budget with your engineering team to make adjustments when necessary. Both processes bring unique advantages, and many projects benefit from a hybrid approach. At TEDCO, we help clients decide the best manufacturing method for early prototypes through full-scale production.

  5. Design Tips to Improve Costs, Quality, and Lead Times

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    The best designs have manufacturing in mind. We have put together design tips to improve costs, quality, and lead times for future sheet metal fabrication projects with Tedco. When going from concept to production, it is best to keep in mind that better designs consider more than just functionality. Designing for Manufacturability (DEM) ensures your next project is efficient and production-ready. 

    Tedco Design Tips

    Choosing the Right Materials

    Material selection impacts everything from tooling requirements to finishing options. By locking in material choices early, you can account for cost, availability, and timeline.

    Aluminum: Lightweight, laser-cuts quickly, which makes it a very cost-effective material for many industries. 

    Stainless Steel: Offers resistance to corrosion, but depending on its thickness may take longer on the machines. 

    Exotics like Titanium: Exotics often require specialized tooling or expertise, which can affect the lead time or production process entirely.   

    Realistic Tolerances 

     Tedco can execute tight tolerances when critical, but in general, over-specifying them can drive up costs due to complexity, and the possible need for specialized tooling can delay lead times. We will work with you to identify when precision is necessary and to loosen tolerances in non-critical areas. Standardizing dimensions will reduce setup and quality checks. 

    Minimize Complexities 

    Complex internal features, sharp internal corners, or overly complicated designs can slow production or require specialty tooling that would increase costs and lead time. If our experts come across ways to eliminate costs, we might suggest adding radii to internal corners, reducing unnecessary undercuts, or using standard drill sizes instead of custom diameters.  

    Standardize Features and Hardware 

    To further reduce the need for custom tooling and to simplify assembly and maintenance requirements, we recommend using standardized hole sizes, threads, and fasteners. This will speed up production and ensure costs are also kept as low as possible. 

    Managing Workflow

    Plan the entire process; the Design for Manufacturability ( DFM) does not end with fabrication. When drawings are given to fabricators, make sure to include call-outs for secondary processes like anodizing, painting, heat treatments, or plating. Be sure to also include any specifications for how the parts should be inspected, packaged, and delivered. 

    Communication 

    The most obvious and overlooked design tip involves communicating with your fabricator early and often. Sharing CAD files and preliminary drawings as soon as possible allows for faster identification of potential challenges that may arise. It gives the opportunity for collaborative solutions that save money and time and ensure a smooth transition from prototype to production. 

    Designing with your fabricator in mind guarantees your concept is brought to life and it won’t be compromised due to lingering deadlines and upcosts. Your vision can be built efficiently, cost-effectively, and with consistent quality.  

     

    Reach out to Tedco for more design tips, or to get your project started today!>

  6. Surface Finishings on Metal Parts

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    For a majority of metal fabrication jobs, the components are not complete until they receive finishing services. Surface finishings on metal parts play a critical role in how the material performs or how long the part is used. 

    Surface finishings serve multiple purposes, from enhancing the overall appearance and corrosion resistance to meeting industry standards or company requirements. 

    Finishings on metal parts that Tedco does in-house include deburring, a process that removes sharp edges, unwanted protrusions, or small imperfections called “burrs.” This step ensures safety, enhances aesthetics, and allows parts to fit together properly. 

    Tedco’s owner also uses a specialized machine to polish surfaces from semi-polished to mirrored.

    Weld cleaning is also a surface finish that uses a specialized device to remove heat tint, oxidation, discoloration, and heat scale left behind after welding.  

    Common Outside Service Surface Finishings 

    Tedco has built decades-long relationships with local finishing vendors to give us the best pricing on the market for their services, with the best turnaround times. There are quite a few options for surface finishings provided by our vendors.

    Surface Finishings on Metal Parts

    Anodizing

    Anodizing is an electrochemical process that converts the metal surface into a decorative, durable, corrosion-resistant, anodic oxide finish. Aluminum is ideally suited to anodizing, although other nonferrous metals, such as magnesium and titanium, also can be anodized.

    Powder Coating

    The powder coating process is a dry finishing technique where a finely ground mixture of resin and pigment is electrostatically sprayed onto a grounded metal part. The part is then baked in an oven, melting the powder into a highly durable, continuous polymer coating that resists chipping and scratches.

    Surface Finishings on Metal Parts

    Zinc and Nickel Plating

    Plating is an electroplating process that deposits an alloy of roughly 12–16% nickel and 84–88% zinc onto a metal part. It serves as a sacrificial, highly corrosion-resistant coating. It replaces traditional zinc and environmentally hazardous cadmium in demanding automotive, aerospace, and defense applications.

    Surface Finishings on Metal Parts

    Passivation

    Passivation is a metal finishing process primarily used on stainless steel to enhance corrosion resistance. It involves a controlled acid treatment that removes surface contaminants and free iron. This allows a protective chromium oxide layer to form naturally. This passive layer protects the metal from rust and environmental damage.

    Bead Blasting

    Bead blasting is a surface finishing process that propels spherical media (like glass beads, ceramic, or metal) at high velocity using compressed air to clean or texture a part. It effectively removes burrs, rust, and surface imperfections while leaving a uniform, matte, or satin finish without altering the part’s dimensions.

    The Right Finish

    Selecting the correct surface finish depends on the type of material used, the performance requirements, aesthetic needs, and the environment. Choosing the wrong process could be a costly decision, and not all are created equal.

    If the components will be exposed to harsh environments- moisture, chemicals, or extreme temperatures the surface finishing must be corrosion resistant. This protects the base and extends the life of the part.  Processes like anodizing, plating, or powder coating are best.

    In high-use or friction applications, the finish must improve resistance to wear and improve longevity. Industries that this would apply to include aerospace, defense, and industrial equipment. 

    If appearances matter just as much as functionality, the finish must reflect quality and attention to detail. Especially if the component is customer-facing, finishing is an important step. 

    How Tedco Supports the Necessary Surface Finishings  

    At Tedco, surface finishes are carefully selected from the beginning of the estimation process. This treats them as a critical step in the fabrication process. Choosing the best fit from the start and working with vendors we have trusted for decades ensures consistency during production. Components are quality-checked to ensure the surface finishes meet functional and visual requirements. 

    In conclusion, surface finishings for metal parts are one of the last steps in production, but their impact is felt throughout the entire lifecycle of the component. The right finish can set your parts ahead of competitors and make sure they are real-world ready.

  7. Why Revisions are Normal in the Prototyping Process

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    Introducing a new product into the world may seem like a straightforward process, as described in our blog, “How to Get a Prototype Manufactured,” but there are many obstacles that could arise that lead to early revisions. Developing complex metal components with tight tolerances and unique applications is rarely a perfect design from the start. Refinements are expected; that’s why revisions are normal in the prototyping process.   

    During NPI, or new product introduction, thoughtful revisions in the beginning development stages help identify areas of improved performance, durability, and cost-saving measures. It’s important to pinpoint possible improvements early on to avoid premature production runs that would ultimately produce faulty parts to customer standards.

    Why revisions are normal in the prototyping process

    Why Revisions are Normal in the Prototyping Process 

    Even with a great engineered design, some insights are only visible once in the manufacturing space or in a real-world application. If the need for design modifications is caught before reaching real-time application, costs can be saved in additional production time. Possible causes for revisions could be:

    Component Optimization:

    Improvements that, when made, alter structural integrity, functionality, or overall performance for the better. 

    Manufacturability Improvements:

    Features may seem ideal on paper, but when brought into a manufacturing shop, they could be refined for faster turnaround times or cost-saving measures. Adjustments could be made to the type of welding callouts or requested hardware, all of which would not be recognized until speaking to a manufacturing professional. 

    Material Selection:

    Fabrication may suggest a cheaper metal or material thickness depending on the component’s real-world use. Some material may need testing, or more information to be provided about the type of elements the component will be up against after manufacturing. 

    Installation:

    Sometimes it is necessary to run a first article, or just one part. This ensures fittings are correct and, if assembled with other components, tests how the installation goes. This allows for more revisions to be made before running bulk productions.  

    Why Early Detection is Ideal 

    Early evaluation is crucial in identifying potential challenges or adjustments before production is full-scale. This helps avoid risks of overspending for modifications down the line. 

    Design refinements reduce variations during production, keeping the products consistent and uniform. It also contributes to improving the part’s long-term reliability, identifying which modifications could be made for precision quality and design. Most of the time, this time-consuming step alters the overall design and durability, helping with the transition between prototype to bulk production. 

    Collaboration is Key 

    Successful new product introduction (NPI) is often dependent on the communication between the design engineer and manufacturing programmer. With these two being responsible for ironing out the final touches, they must review the first article and collaborate to make sure the component functions accordingly.

     At Tedco, we work closely with customers during NPI processes to help refine designs, support manufacturability, and ensure that components transition smoothly from beginning to end.

  8. Why Tedco Moved from Punch Presses to Fiber Laser Cutting

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    Like many fabrication shops that started decades ago, our journey began with punch presses. Let’s dive into why Tedco moved from punch presses to fiber laser cutting nearly thirty years later. 

    Our first CNC punch was the Amada Vela, a tape-runner machine. Programming a part meant writing code line by line. Every movement of the machine had to be manually typed in. If something was entered incorrectly, the machine simply wouldn’t run the part right.

    Later, we upgraded to the Amada Aries. This machine introduced an onboard computer that made programming easier. Instead of memorizing every command, you could press a key and the machine would insert the correct code for that function. Even with this improvement, parts still needed to be programmed manually.

    Punch Press Versus Fiber Laser Cutting

    As our workload increased, we added an Amada Pega punch press to provide more tonnage and capacity. Around this time, programming software improved, allowing us to draw parts and automatically generate punch programs.

    While this helped programming, the physical setup of the punch press still required significant time and attention.

    Before running a job, we had to load the correct punches and dies, verify the proper clearance, ensure the punch was sharp and the correct length, and load it into the turret station that matched the program. For production jobs, this worked well, but Tedco has always focused heavily on prototype work. For prototypes, setup time often became the biggest challenge.

    In some cases, it could take hours to prepare the machine just to run a single part. Punching thicker stainless steel parts could also be loud and hard on tooling. Punches occasionally broke, and edges often required additional deburring.

    Over the years, we learned many techniques to make punching more efficient, and the machines served us well for decades.

     

    Investing in Fiber Laser Cutting

    Eventually, we decided to invest in fiber laser cutting. The transition required some learning, but the impact on productivity was immediate. Instead of loading tools and verifying turret stations, most jobs simply require loading material and running the program.

    Complex shapes, slots, and tight corners can be cut without special tooling, dramatically reducing setup time. For a prototype shop, this flexibility makes a major difference in turnaround time.

    Even though the laser now performs most of our cutting operations, the punch press still has advantages in certain situations. Machines like the Amada Pega remain valuable for forming operations such as louvers, countersinking, and high-speed perforated patterns.

    Punch presses and fiber lasers each have their strengths. Punch presses built the foundation of modern sheet metal fabrication, while fiber lasers offer the flexibility and speed needed for today’s prototype-driven manufacturing.

    At Tedco, using the right technology for the job allows us to deliver faster turnaround and better solutions for our customers.

     

    Contact us to visit TEDCO’s facility and tour our equipment and machines.>

  9. Back to Basics: How to Get a Prototype Manufactured

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    There are recurring customers who have been with us for decades and order bulk-quantity productions. There are also people brand new to the world of sheet metal fabrication who walk through TEDCO’s doors all the time.

    Back to Basics: How to Get a Prototype Manufactured Once in a while, it is best to go back to basics and explain processes that are at the very foundation of what we do, such as how to get a prototype manufactured. 

    Precision sheet metal prototyping gave TEDCO the foundation to execute the larger projects we do today. When our company was just a father, son, and a small metal shop, prototyping was all we did. 

    Prototyping is the process of quickly building a simplified version of a product to test ideas, gather feedback, and, in some cases, go back to the drawing board for revisions.

    Let’s Talk Steps 

    Preparing Your Digital Model 

    Before requesting an estimate from TEDCO, you have to create a DFM, or Design for Manufacturability. You have to ensure your design uses standard material thicknesses and consistent bend radii, as well as welding, hardware, or finishing call-outs.  Keep in mind to avoid overly complex tolerances or geometries to keep costs low. 

    Manufacturers require a 3D STEP file, DXFs, and possibly other formats, depending on the software used to read the drawing.

    Choose Your Material

    It is best to stick to standard common metal materials like Aluminum, Stainless Steel or Cold-Rolled Steel for the fastest turnaround and lowest costs. If this prototype will not make it to final production and will need alterations before signing off on larger quantities, it’s best to use thinner, less expensive materials. Also smart to choose an in-stock selection from vendors to reduce lead times. Back to Basics: How to Get a Prototype Manufactured

    Submitting Request for Quote

    Now you can email TEDCO directly, or submit on our request for quote form on the TEDCO website to get pricing and lead time before taking the next steps. If there are any further questions for our executive programmer, you can arrange a meeting to discuss the project at hand. Our experts will help you agree on materials, hardware needed, or how to save costs by eliminating certain aspects of the prototype. Coming in for a meeting also presents the opportunity to tour the shop or talk about machining needs.

    This is also the time to decide on finishing treatments such as powder coating, anodizing, or chem film applied for aesthetics or for corrosion resistance. 

    Fabrication Process 

    Once the quote is approved, the purchase order is submitted, and the due date is settled upon, it is time to get this project into fabrication. In the next few months, we will dive deeper into the fabrication steps and the machines used throughout the process. Once completed, the customer typically takes the prototype back to their team or on-site, to see if the part will work as designed. If there are any further revisions that have to be made before the part goes into production, TEDCO is here for the next round of prototyping.

  10. Key 2025 Manufacturing Trends that are Shaping 2026

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    As the industry moves into the new year, the key manufacturing trends that are shaping 2026 were very much relevant in 2025. As technologies advance and the sheet metal market fluctuates, the fundamentals of sheet metal fabrication remain unchanged. 

    Manufacturers across various industries last year experienced a demand for tighter timelines, evolving requirements, and an increased focus on reliability and quality execution. Manufacturing trends have reinforced the importance of collaboration and adaptability, highlighting the significance of strong partnerships with customers and vendors now more than ever.

    Key manufacturing trends that are shaping 2026

    Interconnected Design and Manufacturing 

    A key trend was close alignment between design and manufacturing. As project complexity increased, the margin of error decreased, leading to the importance of communication between engineering and production. Collaboration became essential to avoid risks and downstream issues. 

    Fabricators who engage with customers thoroughly from the beginning to review tolerances, materials, and manufacturability were best positioned to meet all project goals efficiently within a tighter timeline. 

     

    Continued Focus on Precision and Consistency 

    One of the most prominent trends of 2025 was the emphasis on quality and repeatability. Especially for a company like TEDCO, where we are used to bulk production and repetitive orders that drive profit most of the year.  Customers increasingly relied on suppliers who consistently held tolerances over hundreds of identical parts. 

    For precision fabricators, this reinforced the importance of robust machine practices, in-progress inspections, and a commitment to doing things right the first time. 

     

    Efficiency and Project Planning 

    Last year, efficiency and production timeline planning were main priorities. Customers valued fabricators who could balance speed with precision quality while maintaining transparency and predictability. 

    This environment emphasized the importance of clear communication, realistic expectations, and thoughtful planning- especially for complex components with demanding tolerances. 

     

    Quality as Long-Term Investments 

    Manufacturing trends in 2025 reflected a shift towards quality as a long-term investment rather than a final checkpoint, such as quality control. Strong quality systems, documentation, and traceability continue to play a key role in this upcoming year. It will support customer confidence and regulatory requirements. 

    Quality is now about customer trust, satisfaction, and long-term partnerships.

     

    The Year Ahead 

    At TEDCO, we are proud of the work we accomplished last year and are grateful for the customers and partnerships we have gained along the way. We look forward to continuing to support precision manufacturing with the same focus and commitment we have had for the last 38 years. Keeping on top of the key 2025 manufacturing trends that are shaping 2026.

     

    If you are interested in joining our TEDCO family as a valued customer and are ready to see what TEDCO has to offer your projects, email or request a quote today! >