Prototype Tube Bending:
Our bending capabilities include custom profiles from .125" thru 2.00 x .120 wall steel tube or equivalent. We have multiple radius capability and can
perform compound bends when needed. Our goal is to make the purchasing of prototype tubular parts a painless one. Customer ease of use is a main
objective. We can work from customer drawings, 3-D models, sketches, or actual parts. Quoting is completed usually in 1-2 days. For most prototyping
situations, there is really no need for detail drawings. 7-Metal-West saves you time by being able to produce parts and inspect directly from your model. On
the left is a .stp file of a .375" dia aluminum lube line. On the right is the finished part bent from the CAD data.
If needed, 7-Metal West can supply a fully dimensioned print. We are not a low volume production shop pretending to be a prototype house. All we do are
prototypes. We are most competitive at the 1-25 pcs per part number level. While most shops want nothing to do with that type of business; 7 Metal West
excels at it. If you're tired of the less than adequate response to your prototype work, give us a call. We actually want your business.
In-House Bend Tooling:
In prototype tube bending, tooling cost and lead time are significant factors. Most bending houses machine their tooling from steel whether they make
500,000 pcs or 5 pcs. While hardened steel tooling is needed for production tooling, it is not needed for prototyping. 7MW has developed a tool design
that can be made from scratch in 1-2 weeks versus the 6-10 weeks for traditional bend tooling and at less cost.
Prototype Endforming:
Endforming capabilities include:
7-Metal West specializes in large diameter endforming and shaping. Parts that would traditionally require expensive tooling or equipment can be prototype
very inexpensively through 7-Metal-West. Below is the end view of a 6 ft long aluminum tube that has been transitioned from an 8" diameter circle to an oval
and double beaded.
Short Run Tube Rolling:
One of the most frustrating things about low volume prototype work is finding the correct tubing size in the material grade needed without buying a mill run.
7MW has solved that problem by simply making the tube ourselves. We can roll and weld just about any size, wall thickness, length, in steel, stainless, and
aluminum. That includes solid sheet, perforated sheet, or specialty sheet. Below is a picture of a .049" thick micro-cracked stainless steel sheet rolled into
a 2.0" diameter.
Prototype Welding:
We are MIG and TIG capable for steel, stainless, and aluminum.
Our bending capabilities include custom profiles from .125" thru 2.00 x .120 wall steel tube or equivalent. We have multiple radius capability and can
perform compound bends when needed. Our goal is to make the purchasing of prototype tubular parts a painless one. Customer ease of use is a main
objective. We can work from customer drawings, 3-D models, sketches, or actual parts. Quoting is completed usually in 1-2 days. For most prototyping
situations, there is really no need for detail drawings. 7-Metal-West saves you time by being able to produce parts and inspect directly from your model. On
the left is a .stp file of a .375" dia aluminum lube line. On the right is the finished part bent from the CAD data.
If needed, 7-Metal West can supply a fully dimensioned print. We are not a low volume production shop pretending to be a prototype house. All we do are
prototypes. We are most competitive at the 1-25 pcs per part number level. While most shops want nothing to do with that type of business; 7 Metal West
excels at it. If you're tired of the less than adequate response to your prototype work, give us a call. We actually want your business.
In-House Bend Tooling:
In prototype tube bending, tooling cost and lead time are significant factors. Most bending houses machine their tooling from steel whether they make
500,000 pcs or 5 pcs. While hardened steel tooling is needed for production tooling, it is not needed for prototyping. 7MW has developed a tool design
that can be made from scratch in 1-2 weeks versus the 6-10 weeks for traditional bend tooling and at less cost.
Prototype Endforming:
Endforming capabilities include:
- 45 and 37 degree single flaring for .250"-12.00" diameter tubing
- Custom endform shapes (expansions, reductions, steps, double beads, bell flares, multiple grooves, or almost anything you can dream up) for 2.00"
-12.00" tube (.075" max wall thickness for steel)
7-Metal West specializes in large diameter endforming and shaping. Parts that would traditionally require expensive tooling or equipment can be prototype
very inexpensively through 7-Metal-West. Below is the end view of a 6 ft long aluminum tube that has been transitioned from an 8" diameter circle to an oval
and double beaded.
Short Run Tube Rolling:
One of the most frustrating things about low volume prototype work is finding the correct tubing size in the material grade needed without buying a mill run.
7MW has solved that problem by simply making the tube ourselves. We can roll and weld just about any size, wall thickness, length, in steel, stainless, and
aluminum. That includes solid sheet, perforated sheet, or specialty sheet. Below is a picture of a .049" thick micro-cracked stainless steel sheet rolled into
a 2.0" diameter.
Prototype Welding:
We are MIG and TIG capable for steel, stainless, and aluminum.
| 7-Metal-West Engineering Greenfield, WI 53228 phone: 414.477.0380 fax: 414.525.0734 |
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