Construction

In the construction industry, builders, structural engineers, and structural framers choose materials that are strong and durable for supporting loads in buildings and structures. Cost-effectiveness and ease of installation are also important for using resources efficiently and meeting project timelines.

At Evans Tool & Die we provide metal stamping and laser cutting services for many construction applications from building materials to equipment parts and beyond. Learn more about our capabilities and services for the construction industry as well as some common applications of our work.

Precision Metal Stamping and Laser Cutting for Construction Components

Many types of metal structural elements, fastening and support components, and parts used in power tools are fabricated with metal stamping and laser cutting processes. Both of these high-precision operations are quick, repeatable, and known for efficient use of materials.

In construction applications, it’s important for materials to be uniform and manufactured to meet OEM and customer requirements so that structural pieces fit correctly in framing assemblies, brackets hold pieces in place without torquing, and tool parts stand up to heavy use and jobsite wear and tear. Therefore, the ability to stamp and cut components to specified dimensions with necessary part features is critical.

The Benefits of Metal Stamping and Laser Cutting for Construction Applications

Both metal stamping and laser cutting offer numerous advantages in the construction industry.

Metal Stamping

Metal stamping uses cutting tools and dies mounted into a high-tonnage stamping press. As the upper tooling moves downward onto a sheet or strip of metal, specific shapes and features are formed. Material is held in close alignment throughout the process, which results in high accuracy and repeatability cycle after cycle. Evans manufactures all tooling and dies in-house. Some of the benefits of stamping components include:

Strength and durability. Metal stamping is compatible with many types and thicknesses of material including alloys, steel, and aluminum. As a result, it’s possible to fabricate a range of part types from very small delicate and intricate brackets to heavier yet simple shapes.
Accuracy and precision. Metal stamping tooling and guiding elements are designed and manufactured to make the specified part features within very tight tolerances, so there is little variation between parts. This means assemblies fit together better, features like notches and holes are aligned correctly, and components are highly uniform.
Cost-effectiveness. Metal stamping is cost-effective thanks to its very low error rate, which results in less scrap and wasted material. Stamping is suitable for both low- and high-volume production, and it requires less energy and labor than machining and alternative processes.
Versatility. There are many different stamping operations, from shearing and blanking to piercing, bending, notching, and others. This means it can be used to form a wide range of parts efficiently and reliably. Stamping is also suitable for highly customized parts and components.

Laser Cutting

Laser cutting uses a computer to guide a powerful laser along a predetermined cutting path. It makes precise, clean cuts that need little to no additional finishing. It offers these advantages:

Accuracy and precision. Laser cutting offers a combination of precision and accuracy with every cut, which is necessary in construction for developing parts with tight tolerances and complex designs. Laser cutting is also highly repeatable because all of the laser’s movements are controlled by computerized work instructions.
Efficiency and speed. The laser’s power and the speed of the arm holding it can be adjusted to best suit the type and thickness of the material being cut. This means laser cutting is very fast, but it can also be slowed down when necessary to maintain clean cut edges and tolerances, depending on the material and component in question.
Material versatility. Lasers can be used to cut many different materials including steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and wood.
Minimal material waste. In laser cutting, the layout of how pieces are cut out of a sheet of metal is designed to generate minimal waste. The goal is to get as much from each sheet of material as possible.

Construction Industry Applications

Metal stamping and laser cutting are useful processes for many applications in or related to the construction industry.

Steel Pallets

The interlocking pieces of a steel pallet can be laser cut for clean cut edges and precise dimensions that assemble easily.

I-Beams

Also called H-beams with an H-shaped cross section, I-beams consist of a vertical “web” and “I”-shaped flanges. Lasers can be used to cut holes and other features into them for use with fasteners in structural assemblies.

Brackets and Connectors

Truss plates, joist hangers, gang nail plates, and other types of brackets and connectors can be stamped from steel or other metals.

Equipment Parts

Many of the parts used in construction equipment are stamped or laser cut, including components in frames, fuel tanks, heat shields, enclosures, tank straps, and toggle switch guards.

Power Tools

Some of the parts in saws, grinders, and drills are manufactured by stamping or laser cutting. Jigs and other devices used with them may contain stamped parts also.

Your Trusted Fabricator for Construction Applications

Evans Tool & Die is a trusted supplier of custom metal stampings and laser cutting services for customers in the construction industry. We also provide welding, machining, sheet metal fabrication, finishing, and engineering support for a complete solution for your custom manufacturing projects.

Contact us today to learn more about our capabilities and what sets us apart, or request a quote for a fully customized solution based on your needs.