We’re continuing our goal of ‘delivering maximum value’ at FABTECH 2024, where we’ll have demo pieces of revolutionary Rolla-V tooling, as well as advice and tips for your metal forming challenges in Booth #S16063. (Get more event details, including a map that highlights our booth, on our FABTECH page.)
As the master distributor of Rolla-V tooling, we’ve seen the competitive advantage that Rolla-V gives to our customers. With a highly precision ground surface, Rolla-V delivers precise and consistent bending results without the marking that traditional tooling leaves. Rolla-V tooling is also designed to eliminate steps and reduce the amount of tooling changes, making it a top choice for fabricators who want to form channels in a single hit and/or improve their efficiency and productivity.
Rolla-V press brake tooling is also perfect for radius bending, thanks to its unique design that allows for exact inside radius bends. This makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, from simple bends to complex shapes and curves—even on thick material. Rolla-V tooling can bend up to 30mm thick material (depending on the model selected). These are just a few of the benefits of Rolla-V tooling; you can find out more about this innovative tooling in our blog post.
You’ve read about the benefits of Rolla-V, now plan to see it in our booth. We’ll have various Rolla-V demo pieces so you can see the capabilities of these innovative tools. You can also meet the founder of Rolla-V in Booth #S16063 and hear about his story and product.
In addition to demo pieces, you can also get immediate answers to your questions. Our managing directors are going to be in the booth, ready to share their expertise. If you have a specific project you need tooling for, or need more efficient tooling for, feel free to bring your plans and specs. You can also send your questions to us now, so we can discuss it in depth at FABTECH.
Mark your calendars for Fabtech Orlando and be sure to stop by Booth #S16063! We can’t wait to see you there.
This Memorial Day, as we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms, Fab Supply invites you to join us in celebrating American craftsmanship with our “May is for ‘Merica” Sale. Throughout May, experience the unparalleled quality of precision ground tooling at a 10% discount. (Contact us for help choosing the right precision ground tooling for your needs.) It’s our way of honoring the American spirit—innovative, resilient, and free.
American craftsmanship stands as the backbone of our nation’s industrial legacy, a testament to the skill, dedication, and hard work intrinsic to the American spirit. At Fab Supply, we’re not just celebrating our history this Memorial Day; we’re also looking ahead to the future of American manufacturing. By choosing precision ground tooling from Fab Supply, you’re not only getting superior quality products; you’re also supporting an ecosystem that fosters innovation and sustains jobs across the country. This “May is for ‘Merica” campaign is more than a discount—it’s a commitment to excellence and a vote of confidence in American-made goods. Join us in this celebration, and together, let’s lay the groundwork for another century of unparalleled American craftsmanship.
*Can’t be combined with other offers, and not available to dealers.
Metal fabrication professionals know that the road to precision and efficiency is lined with its fair share of obstacles. Particularly, mastering press brake tooling demands a blend of experience, patience, and the right strategies. If you’ve found yourself nodding along to challenges like inconsistent bends, lengthy tool changes, and the quest for the perfect setup, you’re not alone. But fear not—the path to overcoming these hurdles is clearer than you might think.
1. Prioritize Tool Maintenance
First and foremost, regular maintenance of your press brake tooling is non-negotiable. It’s the lifeblood of ensuring consistent, accurate bends. Routine checks and replacements are not just about keeping your tools in good shape; they’re about upholding your reputation for quality.
2. Leverage Technology for Tool Selection
Choosing the right tool need not be a shot in the dark. With today’s technology, assistive software can significantly lighten the load. Training your team to utilize these tools not only boosts your productivity but also enhances your team’s skill sets and confidence.
3. Adopt Quick-change Systems
In the world of metal fabrication, time is indeed money. Implementing quick-change tooling systems can dramatically cut down your downtime, allowing you to take on more projects and, in turn, increase your bottom line.
4. Custom Tooling Solutions
Sometimes, the standard tools just don’t cut it—especially with complex bends. Collaborating with professionals to design custom tooling can add that extra level of precision and flexibility to your operations.
Ready to Up Your Game?
By tackling these common press brake tooling challenges head-on, you’re not just improving your workflow; you’re setting a new standard for quality and efficiency in metal fabrication. It’s about harnessing the right techniques, technologies, and partnerships to turn those headaches into victories. Whether you’re fine-tuning your tool maintenance routine or revolutionizing your setup with automation, remember that every small improvement paves the way for big gains.
Welcome to the next level of metal fabrication. With these strategies in your toolkit, there’s no limit to what you can achieve. Prepare to watch your efficiency, your quality, and your bottom line soar to new heights.
Over and over again, Fab Supply continually proves to be a top-tier partner for manufacturers looking for tooling solutions. They do this by repeatedly helping their customers execute complex bends, as was the case with partner Milton Manufacturing. In this case study, we explore how the collaboration between Milton Manufacturing and Fab Supply generated notable enhancements in precision and profitability over 16+ years.
Objectives
To illustrate the enduring and effective Fab Supply and Milton Mfg. partnership
To showcase that Fab Supply is the optimal choice for press brake tooling solutions
Developing Mastery Over Complex Bends
Milton Mfg. has consistently leaned on Fab Supply for their press brake tooling needs across an array of projects, particularly those that have demanded intricate fabrications. Specialized tooling provided by Fab Supply has been at the heart of productions, signifying the role of high-quality equipment in meeting complex project requirements.
Enabling Precision and Repeatability
Milton Mfg. has witnessed substantial improvements in holding tight tolerances and ensuring repeatability when running multiple parts—a testimonial to the craftsmanship and reliability of the tooling provided by Fab Supply.
“The tooling we have purchased has achieved the desired results. We can hold tight tolerances and deliver repeatable quality, which is crucial for complex assemblies,” says Peter Smith from Milton Manufacturing.
Professionalism and Quality of Service
Milton Mfg.’s long-standing partnership with Fab Supply is fueled by consistent product quality and a commitment to excellent service. Such a positive experience only reinforces the decision to continue this collaboration.
“Yes, we would recommend Fab Supply. Their quality products and service speak for themselves,” confirms Milton Mfg.
Conclusion
The established relationship between Milton Mfg. and Fab Supply, spanning over 16 years, speaks volumes of the trust and reliability built between the two entities. With a primary focus on fabricating assemblies with complex bends, Fab Supply has demonstrated its commitment to delivering excellence through precision, and unwavering service quality. It is this very excellence that suggests Fab Supply should indeed be the tooling choice for industry professionals.
As the world of manufacturing continues to move rapidly, the landscape of press brake tooling is not merely witnessing a change but is amidst a significant revolution. This ongoing transformation is powered by an amalgamation of path-breaking technological advancements, dynamic demands from the industry, and an incessant push toward achieving greater operational efficiency. At Fab Supply, we are not just idle spectators of these evolving trends, but we play an active role as initiators and leaders paving the way forward. Here’s our detailed, thought-out forecast for the exciting possibilities 2024 holds for the realm of press brake tooling.
Automation: The Game-changer
The adoption of automated press brakes has been witnessing a steady increase, playing a pivotal role in enhancing precision and productivity. Looking ahead to 2024, we envisage a significant surge in the integration of robotics into press brake processes. This will pave the way for a seamless, connected, and highly efficient production system. The key benefits would include a drastic reduction in human errors and a considerable increase in production speed, leading to optimized manufacturing cycles and improved profitability.
Precision: The New Industry Standard
As industries relentlessly pursue perfection, precision will take center stage in press brake tooling. The upcoming years will see an influx of advanced software along with laser-based technologies that can provide an unmatched level of accuracy in bends. This high degree of precision will result in a noticeable reduction in waste and contribute to the production of high-quality products that meet and exceed customer expectations.
Sustainability: The Responsibility We Owe
As the world becomes more conscious of its ecological footprint, industries cannot afford to overlook their environmental responsibilities. By 2024, we anticipate an increased focus on sustainable practices within the sphere of press brake tooling. This shift would likely lead to an expanded use of eco-friendly materials and the introduction of energy-efficient technologies that not only optimize production but also contribute to environmental conservation.
Customization: The Answer to Diverse Needs
As industries continue to evolve and demand more specialized solutions, the concept of ‘one-size-fits-all’ is gradually fading away. We predict a significant rise in the demand for customized press brake tooling solutions designed to meet the unique needs of different industries in 2024.
In summary, the future of press brake tooling promises to be a thrilling journey filled with abundant opportunities and potential. At Fab Supply, we stand prepared to take on the challenges this future brings and capitalize on the opportunities it presents. We look forward to shaping the future of press brake tooling together with our valued customers, ensuring we continue to deliver industry-leading solutions that drive growth and success.
Are you looking for reliable, high-quality press brake tooling that can help you achieve precise and efficient metal bending? Look no further than Rolla-V press brake tooling. With decades of experience in the industry, Fab Supply brings this innovative solution to meet the evolving needs of metal fabricators. In this blog, we will discuss the numerous advantages of using Rolla-V press brake tooling for metal fabricators.
Highly Precision Ground
One of the key advantages of Rolla-V press brake tooling is its highly precision ground surface. This ensures precise and consistent bending results every time. With traditional tooling, slight variations in the surface can result in uneven bends and costly rework. But with Rolla-V, you can achieve accurate bends from the first piece to the last. This not only saves time and money but also ensures customer satisfaction.
Adjustable Press Brake Tooling
The Rolla-V press brake tooling is a great option for those looking to form channels in a single hit. By switching out the rotors in the adjustable dies to either the Pac-man or concave-style rotor, users can quickly form channels with ease. Furthermore, adjustable dies allow users to form materials of varying thicknesses with far less set-up time than fixed models. This makes it an ideal solution for those needing to make quick adjustments or who work with multiple materials. The adjustability also ensures that users can get precise production results every time.
Avoid Traditional Bending Marks
Traditional press brake tooling often leaves visible marks on the metal, which can be difficult to remove. But with Rolla-V’s precision ground surface and modular design, you can avoid traditional bending marks altogether. Not only does this save you time and effort, but it also enhances the overall quality of your final product.
Minimal Marking
In addition to avoiding traditional bending marks, Rolla-V press brake tooling also minimizes marking on the metal sheet. This is due to its unique design that allows for precise bending close to holes and cut-outs without any deformation. As a result, you can achieve clean and accurate bends with minimal marking – a feature that sets Rolla-V apart from other press brake tooling options.
No Tool Material Cross-Contamination
One of the biggest concerns for metal fabricators is tool material cross-contamination, which can result in subpar bends and costly damage to the tools. But with Rolla-V press brake tooling, this is no longer a worry. The precision ground surface prevents any transfer of material from one sheet to another, ensuring consistent and high-quality bends.
Fewer Tool Changes
Thanks to the modular design and versatility of Rolla-V press brake tooling, you can significantly reduce the number of tool changes required for different bending jobs. This not only saves time but also reduces the risk of errors or damage during tool changes. With Rolla-V, you can streamline your bending process and increase productivity.
Bends Laser Cut Sheets with No Tool Damage
Laser cutting is a popular method for metal fabrication, but it can cause damage to traditional press brake tooling due to its high heat intensity. However, Rolla-V press brake tooling is designed to handle laser-cut sheets without any damage. This makes it an ideal choice for fabricators who use laser cutting as part of their production process.
Ideal for Radius Bending
Rolla-V press brake tooling is also perfect for radius bending, thanks to its unique design that allows for exact inside radius bends. This makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, from simple bends to complex shapes and curves. Plus, with the ability to bend up to 30mm thick material (depending on the model selected), Rolla-V can handle even the toughest bending jobs with ease.
Ideal for Tapped or Feathered Edges
Another advantage of Rolla-V press brake tooling is its compatibility with tapped and feathered edges. Traditional tooling often struggles with these types of edges, resulting in suboptimal bends. But with Rolla-V’s precision ground surface and modular design, you can achieve precise bends on these types of edges without any issues.
Conclusion
In summary, Rolla-V press brake tooling from Fab Supply offers numerous advantages for metal fabricators. From highly precision ground surface to modular design and compatibility with various bending techniques, Rolla-V is a reliable and efficient solution for all your metal bending needs. So why settle for traditional tooling when you can elevate your bending process with Rolla-V? Contact Fab Supply today to learn more about this game-changing press brake tooling option.
We’re excited to announce that Fab Supply will be part of Fabtech 2023, where we will occupy booth A3339. A highlight of our participation this year will be the presence of the owner and the innovative mind behind Rolla-V, who will be available at our booth on Monday and Tuesday. We highly recommend you also take the time to visit the SafanDarley booth, just around the corner from us at booth A3949. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to see our top-notch tooling products in action, showcasing their effectiveness and efficiency.
In addition to the formidable display of our products and personnel, we have also organized an exciting contest this year. You stand a chance to win a $1,000 tooling credit* (restrictions apply) simply by stopping by our booth and getting your badge scanned. This is our way of giving back to our industry peers and appreciating your support.
About Us:
Fab Supply is widely recognized for our comprehensive range of precision ground European/Amada style, precision ground American style, as well as Wila, Trumpf, RF-A, and LVD press brake tooling. Beyond this, we offer standard conventional and precision planed tooling. We’ve taken it a step further to ensure that special configuration profiles are also available, catering to a variety of fitting styles and quality grades to accommodate virtually any forming need.
As an ISO 9001:2015 Certified entity, Fab Supply is committed to delivering full service in the realm of Press Brake Tooling and Accessories. We uphold rigorous quality standards to ensure that we consistently meet and exceed customer expectations.
As Fab Supply turns 30 this month, it is an exciting time for us and our customers. We are so grateful for reaching this milestone and thankful for the support of our customers and staff. Fab Supply is a full-service provider of press brake tooling and accessories, and our success rides on the shoulders of the relationships we’ve built with our customers over the last 30 years.
Our story began in 1992. While on a fishing trip in Canada with his friend, Dan Provenzano, John confided that he was looking to change career paths. So, Dan presented John with a unique opportunity. He explained that his friend owned a company that was manufacturing press brake tooling and they were looking for someone to represent the product line. That was when all the stars fell into alignment and the idea of FAB Supply was born.
Being fairly new to the industry, John understood that he needed more knowledge before launching this new business. He decided to spend a year working in a shop on a press brake to learn the nuts and bolts of the industry. He was a quick learner and later was considered an expert in the field. But no matter how many years passed, John would be the first to say that there always was something new to learn in this industry.
Mary MacMillan feels fortunate to be able to say that she has been with FAB Supply from the very beginning. After John spent his first year “learning the ropes,” she began working with him to set up the organization of his new venture.
“We worked from a cubicle in his friend’s building making calls, sending out literature, doing all the things that are necessary to a start-up business. Once we began to build up inventory, we moved to a little larger area and, while John built his customer base, I built procedures. Talk about teamwork! Having worked at FAB Supply for almost thirty years now, and after two moves, I am privileged to have been part of its growth from that small cubicle into the efficient and beautiful facility we currently occupy.
“Through all the usual ups and downs of a new business, the largest constants for FAB Supply have always been relationships and customer service. They are the heartbeat of who we are. For example, years ago, one customer had a special just-in-time project and needed a tool that we did not have in stock. With John’s “we can do that” attitude, he assured them that he would take care of it. John had the tool brought in by air and sat at the airport until it arrived. He then took it back to FAB Supply, wrapped it securely, and dropped it off at a UPS site for overnight delivery.
“On another occasion, a customer had ordered a special configuration tool that they needed sooner than the required lead time. John paid the engineer premium to work late into the night to finish the tool. Then, my kids drove John’s truck for four and a half hours overnight to Detroit so our customer would have their tool when they arrived at their shop early in the morning. That is the type of customer service that John professed, and that FAB Supply continues to deliver.”
Over the years, we’ve built a reputation for excellence by providing innovative solutions, high-quality products, and exceptional customer service. Our team is passionate about developing and delivering new technologies that help our customers improve their manufacturing processes and stay ahead of their competition.
To celebrate our 30th anniversary, we will be offering a special promotion (more info to come soon), throughout this summer. We want to show our appreciation for the trust and loyalty our customers have shown us over the years.
At Fab Supply, we are committed to helping our customers succeed. We stand behind everything we offer and strive to provide the highest level of customer service in the industry. Our team is always available to answer questions, offer technical support, and help customers find the right tooling and accessories for their specific applications. No matter how technology evolves, we will always be just a phone call away.
As we celebrate 30 years of excellence, we want to thank our customers, team, and partners who have helped us achieve this milestone. We are excited about what the future holds and look forward to continuing to deliver innovative solutions that help our customers grow and succeed. Thank you for choosing Fab Supply, and here’s to the next 30 years of excellence!
If you’re in the manufacturing business, you know that having the right press brake tooling is essential for achieving your business goals. The right tools can help you increase production speeds and accuracy, which in turn helps you maximize profits. But how do you know which press brake tooling is the right one for your business? Let’s take a look at what makes a great press brake tooling set and why it’s important for your success.
How to Choose the Right Tooling
When choosing a press brake tooling set, there are several important factors to consider. First and foremost is quality — some cheaper tooling sacrifices on quality and will not stand up to the rigors of regular use and could lead to costly downtime or worse yet, damage to your machine. You also need to make sure that the tools are compatible with your specific machine; different machines require different sizes and shapes of tools. This is one of the most common mistakes we see, and why we work with our customers to ensure the tools we send to customers fit their machines the first time, every time.
A good press brake tooling set should also include an array of punches, dies, clamps, fixtures, and more. It is also important to have a good storage system as this can not only help reduce worker fatigue but can also reduce setup times when switching between projects. By investing in the additional items now (tooling carts, squaring arms, etc.), you can save yourself time and money in the long run.
Why Does It Matter?
Using the wrong press brake tooling can have serious consequences for your business — from increased product defects to increased downtime due to unexpected maintenance needs or damage caused by using inappropriate tools. Investing in high-quality, compatible tools ensures that your machine runs smoothly so that you can maximize production speed while still producing accurate results every time. This also reduces wear and tear on other parts of the machine so that it lasts longer than it otherwise would have without proper care. In addition, having reliable tools means less downtime due to unexpected problems or repairs which saves both time and money!
It is also important to understand that more expensive does not always mean better. Depending on the project, there is often a more cost-effective, and just as reliable solution that will get the job done at a lower cost per part. At Fab Supply, we pride ourselves on our ability to identify the right tooling for your job. Our goal is to provide you with the tools to get your job done as efficiently and as profitably as possible for you with zero compromises to quality, safety, or reliability.
Investing in the right press brake tooling is key to achieving success with your business goals for 2023. Quality tools ensure maximum productivity while reducing product defects and unnecessary downtime due to repair or maintenance needs. When selecting press brake tooling sets, pay attention to quality as well as compatibility with current machines; don’t forget about accessories either as these can help reduce setup times significantly when switching between projects…and if you want to skip the guesswork, our expert team at Fab Supply is always a quick call or live chat away, ready to review your project needs, and get you moving with the right tooling.
Press brake tooling maintenance is an integral part of protecting your investment and extending the life of your tooling. It’s also easy to integrate press brake tooling maintenance into your operations, especially when you realize what’s at stake. The right press brake tooling is a significant investment and a key productivity booster, and one that should be protected to prevent premature replacement.
Worn out tooling can also compromise bending accuracy and incur additional wear and tear on your press brake. There are four common causes of premature damage and wear and tear to press brake tooling:
Repeated handling of press brake tooling without gloves
Metal flakes and residue left on press brake tools after bending
Improper tool storage
Improperly maintained press brake or improper tool loading
Fortunately, there are ways you can extend the life of your press brake tools and protect your investment. Let’s discuss press brake storage, proper press brake tooling handling, and best use press brake cleaning and lubricating practices.
Press Brake Storage
The right press brake storage cabinet protects tooling and maximizes productivity. While a wooden cabinet might seem like the cheapest choice, press brake tooling should not be stored around wood because it is a porous material. The moisture in the wood can cause corrosion (as can high humidity in a shop). Instead, press brake tools should be stored in cabinet drawers securely with metal or semi-solid material attachments. (To ensure a snug fit, many press brake tooling cabinets are made specifically for tooling from top manufacturers, like Wila and Trumpf Press Brake Tooling Cabinets, or types of tooling, like American Style Press Brake Tooling Cabinets.) Tools should never be stored loosely in a drawer to prevent them from banging into each other and damaging tools.
Ideally, press brake tooling should also be stored near the press brake to save time. If the tooling is used at more than one machine, a mobile press brake tooling cabinet is an easy way to move the tools between machines. For this purpose, there are cabinets made with wheels for the press brake operator to move or with a base that can be moved around with a forklift. The latter option is a good option for shops with uneven flooring that can rattle tooling or when the tooling is too heavy for easy movement.
Cleaning and Lubricating
In addition to inadequate storage, the oil from operator hands can damage press brake tooling. For this reason, operators should always wear gloves when handling press brake tooling. Operators should also make sure that press brake tooling is loaded securely during bending.
When a bending project is complete, the operator should wear gloves to remove tooling and wipe down tooling with a cleaner or isopropyl alcohol. This simple step removes oil left by hands and any resin, residue, or metal particles left on the tool during bending. Mild steel cut with an oxygen assist gas and aluminum, for example, are two materials known to leave flakes behind after bending. If left on tools, these flakes can wear down and damage tooling. If needed, an abrasive pad can also remove flakes or coatings left behind.
Once cleaned, press brake tools should be lightly rubbed down with a lubricant before being placed in the tool cabinet. Operators should also use gloves when removing the tools to avoid dropping the lubricated tooling.
Conclusion
Press brake tooling is a valuable commodity that can be maintained for optimal performance and max productivity. Operators can even extend the life of their tooling with a few simple steps and a solid storage system.
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