Time, performance and cost considerations are paramount when investing in programming tools Fabrication software has consistently tapped into computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) to provide the programming for fabrication equipment. But software has quickly evolved to capture price quotes, shop floor data and more—driving profitability and key business decisions. “That wasn’t the case as much as 15…
Fabricators can optimize material usage, machines, manpower and data in the face of supply chain disruptions and labor shortages Sacrificing one thing to get more of something else is what economists call a trade-off. When it comes to nesting parts, job shops also struggle with trade-offs. Often, the advantage of nesting as many parts together…
In today’s manufacturing workflow, 3D CAD models can be a key component for driving the rest of the production process downstream. So, whether you are a small job shop or large equipment manufacturer, or anything in between, it is critical to tightly integrate the CAD program and its native CAD files with the right CAM…
Designing parts to be produced on router machines comes with a unique set of obstacles. Wood can be very challenging to work with because of its delicate nature and the extensive number of tools used in the cutting process. SigmaTEK Senior Engineer, Kevin Keane, weighs in on important factors to consider when designing for router…
Forming on a Press Brake used to be relatively simple. Fast forward to today, and the introduction of CNC controls, and more accurate and efficient processes, bring a whole new aspect to bending that operators need to learn. Below are some basic bending techniques used and how our own SigmaBEND product can assist manufacturers to…
When it comes to running your business, your software is only as good as your training Many people have attempted to assemble a grill, bookcase, or kids play set at one point or another using an online video. Videos allow the viewer to watch as often as needed and pause when needed. However, not all…
Begin to Benefit from Automation (even if you cannot get a robot) (excerpt from article originally appearing in Fabricating and Metalworking, written by SigmaNEST’s VP of Engineering, Glenn Durham) The average shop taking their first steps into automation doesn’t need to break the bank by investing in lights-out production with advanced robotics. There is a simpler, less…
Costing and Quoting in the Metal Fabrication Industry (Excerpt from an article originally appearing in the Fabricating and Metalworking magazine, written by SigmaTEK’s VP of Engineering, Glenn Durham) Few factors have a bigger impact on the sales, health, and bottom line of your business than costing and quoting. Most of us realize that if we…
Are We Having Leftovers Tonight? How Software Helps Reduce and Use Remnants in Your Shop (Excerpt from an article originally appearing in the Fabricating and Metalworking magazine, written by SigmaTEK’s VP of Engineering, Glenn Durham) One of our family hobbies is cooking and a side effects our many fancy meals is a lot of great…
Looking for ways your shop can save money in 2020? No matter the size of your business, from job shop to large corporations, SigmaNEST improves your savings on materials, manpower, and shop floor efficiency. Try our ROI Calculator to get an instant estimate on how much SigmaNEST can improve your bottom line. How to Use…
