We have always placed a lot of importance on quickly executing optimal designs. That's why we continue to invest in machines that allow our designers to express themselves and save our clients time. So how purchasing a huge sheet metal press brake (it weighs more than my MINI) help accomplish this goal?

A significant number of the products we design incorporate internal bracing and angled brackets made of sheet metal.

It would be convenient if we could always use cut sections of standard extrusion profiles for these parts, but our ID people refuse to design products using only standard 90 degree angles. We’ve asked them to keep it simple, but they just won't do it.

Mark Mossberg artfully demonstrates how to operate the 24-ton press brake.      

So the plan was, when we needed a few pieces with angles we couldn’t accurately duplicate with our hand brake, we hired a sheet metal shop to fold the parts. It was a reasonable plan, but it didn’t always work out so well for our clients because fabricators don't like small jobs. Their favorite projects are for hundreds or thousands of parts, so they either refuse the work, or charge a lot more for short runs. If they do agree to produce the parts, delivery time usually takes days.

Below is an example of the parts we can fabricate.  

Now we have another plan, a better one. In conjunction with our abrasive waterjet, we make good use of our newest tool, a programmable, 24-ton capacity press brake (An Atek Bantam). With this machine we can fold sturdy metal parts and supports any time, and the ID guys can design with whatever angles they see fit. Final part accuracy is consistent and made possible by the "programmable" feature of the machine. The press brake is also handy for fabricating internal steel and aluminum frameworks, protective shielding, and exterior sheet metal skins.

Time-wise we no longer wait days to check that our designs function to our satisfaction, or if they might be improved with a minor modification. According to our designers, the plan is working. To learn more about our capabilities, and what we can do for you, visit www.omnica.com