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Ebbs and Flows of Precision Sheet Metal

Author Archives: Aubrey Davis

  1. Ebbs and Flows of Precision Sheet Metal

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    Ebbs and Flows of Precision Metal Fabrication 

    The sheet metal industry, particularly metal fabrication services, often experience seasonal fluctuations determined by demand. While there is not one universal “slow season” that applies to every metal sector, there are always certain periods of less activity. Let’s discuss key factors that contribute to seasonality and the ebbs and flows of metal fabrication. 

    The needs of other sectors, such as construction, HVAC, agriculture, and electronics, largely drive the sheet metal industry. These industries are significantly impacted by weather conditions that cause delays or even halt outdoor work for seasons at a time. This decreases demand for sheet metal components such as farming equipment or air conditioner enclosures. 

    Ebbs and Flows of Precision Sheet Metal

    Ebbs and Flows of Precision Sheet Metal

    Agriculture is an industry that Tedco works with closely. We manufacture bulk quantities of farming machinery and various component revisions. When certain equipment is needed as crops are in season, metal fabrication is also in high demand. During winter months, or drought, there is little need for equipment manufacturing. This time is usually used to improve machine designs or test prototypes that would help streamline production and keep ahead of competitors.

    In the summer months, we typically see production slowdowns as the heat is hard to work with, and the same goes for winter temperatures. During these times, employees also take time off for vacations or holidays. End of year also has an impact on industry demands as companies manage their inventory and determine they are done purchasing until the year resets or stock is depleted. 

    Economic cycles and uncertainties are the most obvious causes of dips in the sheet metal industry. Broader economic downturns can lead to reduced consumer spending, business investments, and capital expenditures, affecting overall demand for manufactured goods. Read our last blog about navigating tariffs within the metal industry to learn more about their impact on the ebbs and flows of metal fabrication. 

     

    Strategies for Managing Ebbs and Flows of Precision Sheet Metal  

    Sheet metal businesses can implement various strategies to navigate slow seasons, such as:

    Diversifying service offerings: Exploring services less affected by seasonal factors, such as indoor renovations or specialized fabrication for non-seasonal industries.

    Targeting niche markets: Identifying and serving industries or customers with less cyclical demand.

    Offering off-season discounts and incentives: Encouraging customers to schedule projects during slower periods.

    Investing in maintenance and training: Utilizing slower times for equipment maintenance, employee training, and skill development.

    Strategic scheduling and resource allocation: Optimizing project timelines to align with favorable weather and labor availability.

    Proactive inventory management: Adjusting production and procurement to match anticipated demand fluctuations. 

    By understanding the factors that contribute to seasonal variations and implementing proactive strategies, sheet metal businesses can mitigate the impact of slow seasons and maintain consistent operations throughout the year. 

    Right now is our slow season, so take advantage of quick quotes and the fastest turnaround times of the year! Contact us today to discuss your next project. >

  2. Rapid Prototyping with Tedco

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    Rapid Prototyping With Tedco Precision Sheet Metal

    The clients working with Tedco are successful through competitive project developments that reduce the time necessary to get products to market. Fast-moving industries like medical, electronics, and agriculture have new designs that often need testing to stay ahead of competitors. Rapid prototyping is used to get engineered concepts to production fast.

    Tedco Precision Sheet Metal has highlighted our rapid prototyping capabilities since the beginning. Our experts have decade-long relationships with engineers and manufacturers who have trusted us to produce their designs and identify potential issues before bulk production. 

     

    Prototyping Capabilities

    What are the Advantages of Rapid Prototyping? 

    In the context of precision metal fabrication, the advantage is that rapid prototyping helps engineers refine concepts and test designs before committing to production runs and larger costs. Some want to test prototypes fabricated using money-saving techniques or multiple material variants. The part requirements may take a few iterations of prototyping before being approved. Prototyping helps manufacturers reduce development risks and offers tight tolerances and production-grade quality.

     

    Tedco has optimized the prototyping process by combining precision machinery and expert programming to quickly bring high-performance products to market. We provide the opportunity to validate design concepts and functionality early in the development process, identifying flaws and areas for improvement before they hit the shop floor, saving on cost and time. 

     

    Rapid prototyping also allows for customization and personalization to address niche applications and performance. It is an advantage to take a single prototype into the environment where the finished product will live. This ensures all customer standards are met, and all part components are approved by the quality control department before proceeding. 

     

    One of the greatest advantages of rapid prototyping is the freedom it provides to foster innovation and experimentation. Having the ability to mock up a design and have a physical iteration through prototyping allows customers to push designs further. The flexibility allows the engineer to optimize different aspects of the metal components, maybe the structural integrity or functionality. 

    Rapid Prototyping with Tedco Precision Sheet Metal 

    Tedco outsourced finishing capabilities

     

    Tedco has been a provider of rapid prototyping for over 35 years. Our in-house experts will host meetings with potential clients to discuss designs and offer advice on improvements. We will meet requirements from beginning to end. Tedco’s focus is on high-quality components and rapid turnaround, helping get products to market faster. 

    Tedco rapid prototyping is the highest standard, accuracy, and material grade available. Finishing services are also provided with options to try out multiple finishes for comparisons. Whether you need one-off solutions, or scalable full productions, Tedco has the expertise and prototyping capabilities to support your next project while keeping you ahead of the competition.

    Contact our experts today to inquire about our Rapid Prototyping abilities and in-house project management.

     

  3. Navigating Tariffs in the Metal Industry

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    Navigating Tariffs in the Metal Industry 

    The constant flux of tariff regulations is causing uncertainties within the sheet metal manufacturing industry. These changes can impact businesses through increased costs and supply chain delays.

    At Tedco, we are dedicated to giving our customers access to metal supplier monthly trend reports to understand how we are navigating tariffs in the metal industry, while maintaining high-quality parts, quick lead times, and precision consistency throughout this changing landscape.

    Navigating Tariffs in the Metal Industry

     

    Why Tariff Alleviation Matters in Sheet Metal Fabrication

    Tariff mitigation affects companies heavily relying on international materials, leading to price surges and production slowdowns. While the worst-case tariff scenarios seem to have been avoided, the policies are still unstable, causing ripple effects across the global material market. 

    North American Stainless has introduced a tariff-like surcharge for May shipments, with potential fees included through July. With continued uncertainties, there are talks that other mills may follow, like Constellium, which has also implemented a tariff-related surcharge. This remains a trend to watch, as well as incentives to reshore manufacturing, which will likely increase. 

     

    Tariff Implications on Planning and Purchasing Materials

    Despite policy shifts, demand is steady for now. As expected, imported materials are becoming less attractive while companies are looking for domestic producers to help avoid fees. Many remain cautious, buying far more conservatively, stocking only what they need for in-house jobs, and rethinking their sourcing strategies. While depot inventory is thinning, perhaps an indicator of future lead-time increases. Supply chain planning and purchasing strategies remain critical.

    Metal Market Landscape as of Now*

    May 11, 2025: The administration reduced tariffs to 30% after previously increasing tariffs on international imports to as high as 145%. This means a return to slightly calmer waters. 

    Aluminum, copper, and nickel had tumbled 15-20% in the previous weeks but have now rebounded by roughly 10-15%.

    Aluminum- After plunging in early April to nearly $1.05/lb, prices have rebounded to the $1.10 range. This is due to a surge of pre-tariff Aluminum that flooded the U.S. market late last year, creating a temporary buffer that is still working its way through the system. We will see Midwest premiums creep up slowly in the coming months. 

    Nickel- Pricing is stabilizing around $7/lb; this range is now acting as the natural floor, especially as Indonesia raises royalties on nickel and tin mining. 

    Steel- Particularly for hot-rolled coil steel, prices are remaining steady at around $900/ton, showing less volatility than other metals. While carbon steel producers like Cleveland-Cliffs are taking capacity offline to remain efficient, possibly triggering a price floor in the coming months. 

    Navigating Tariffs in the Metal Industry

    *Sourced from Ryerson May 2025 Market Report

     

    Tedco’s Strategy for Managing Tariff Risks

    Our company’s approach to navigating tariffs in the metal industry is with resilience, transparency to our valued customers, and smart purchasing strategies to maintain our precision quality products, fair pricing, and efficient lead times. We plan on staying vigilant on market updates to remain ahead of the material trends and keep pricing accurate.

    We will be strategic when it comes to inventory planning, buying materials conservatively. And maintaining close relationships with our primary suppliers to ensure a transparent supply chain to reduce price spikes. 

    Tedco also sources domestically, giving us tighter control over costs, delivery, and turnaround times. 

     

    Let’s Connect 

    Want to know how Tedco can support your next project?- Contact us to learn more about our approach to risk management, precision fabrication, and how we are navigating tariffs in the metal industry. 

    More on current tariff conditions here.

  4. Fabrication Welding Assembly Makes Tedco a One-Stop Shop

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    Our Start as a Fabrication Welding Shop Sets Us Apart

    Not all metal manufacturers offer fabrication welding assembly. This is the process of joining metal components together through various welding techniques to produce the final project. We started with just a couple of machines and a welding department, and have only advanced over time in expertise. This provides our customers with a one-stop shop experience that saves time and money while producing precision welding services. Let’s expand on what fabrication welding encompasses and our shop’s welding department capabilities.

    What is Metal Fabrication Welding?

    Welding Fabrication Assembly

    Tedco’s first welding department from 1989.

    Welding is a crucial part of many metal fabrication projects, described as two or more pieces of material joined together by melting the edges to one another, often by adding filler material to create a stronger and permanent bond. Fabrication Welding relies on intense heat and a steady hand for the most precise application. 

    Fabrication welding includes a range of techniques, each with their own unique advantages. These include Arc welding, MIG welding, TIG welding, spot welding, and the newest technique on the market, laser welding. 

    Arc Welding- Materials are fused together using heat generated by an electric arc. This process is cost-effective but takes a skilled operator.

    MIG Welding- An electric arc is created between a continuously fed metal wire electrode and the metal workpiece. We use a shielding gas, typically argon, to protect the weld from atmospheric contamination. The advantages are quick and easy to learn, speed, making it suitable for bulk production, and versatility. We typically use weld machines by Lincoln Electric.

    TIG Welding- Process using a non-consumable tungsten electrode and inert gas to create a weld. Unlike MIG, the tungsten electrode does not melt and becomes part of the weld. TIG offers precise control for delicate applications. 

    Spot Welding- A type of resistance welding that uses pressure and a passing electric current to join material at localized spots. This technique is quick and easy with little heat distortion, but small localized spots are more likely to break welds.

    Fabrication Welding Assembly

    The LightWELDXR

    Laser Welding- Joins materials together using a focused high-intensity laser beam to melt and fuse them, particularly used for thin materials. This process is highly precise and fast, but the equipment’s starting costs are higher than other welding machines. We use the LaserWELDXR made by IPGPhotonics.

    Our shop has the capabilities and equipment for all fabrication welding types and techniques. Tedco is a one-stop shop for metal fabrication and welding assembly. This gives customers the option to choose whichever welding application works best for their metal fabrication needs.

    What advantages does our in-house fabrication welding offer in project assembly?

    Welding is a critical step in the assembly of metal fabrication projects. During the process, smaller metal components are joined to form a unified structure, creating strong and durable connections between parts, ensuring the integrity and functionality of the final product.

    Using our in-house welding department minimizes the need to move parts between vendors, streamlining production to keep costs manageable. This also leads to faster turnaround times and higher responsiveness to changing project needs. Projects are consistent in quality, and more flexibility is obtainable through reliable communication.

    Fabrication Welding Assembly

    In-house welding assembly also facilitates customization, allowing for existing structures to be repaired or modified to meet customer’s needs. Often, we see metal electrical boxes bought wholesale, then we modify them for certain applications or plug-ins, contributing to the adaptability of customized designs.

    We are a One-Stop Shop 

    Tedco Precision Sheet Metal is the only place you’ll need to fabricate your upcoming projects. Along with our metal machining and fabrication capabilities, we offer welding assembly and post-production services, including expert support, quality control, and project management. We also prides itself on value-added services such as our network of outside finishing vendors and our fleet delivery options. 

    We have been a trustworthy source for sheet metal fabrication needs for various industries and also local companies for over 35 years. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we especially aim to provide expert communication and to ensure project goals are accomplished. 

    Finally ready to try Tedco’s capabilities for your upcoming sheet metal fabrication needs? Connect with our team today.