As a business owner or equipment manager, it’s in your best interest to improve the performance and life span of your machines. Proper welding and fabrication techniques help maximize equipment use and yield more value from your investment. They keep your Cat® equipment working longer, so you can save on purchasing new machines. Welding and fabrication are favorable and cost-effective options that allow you to maintain your fleet through repairs, reinforcements and custom modifications.
Learn more about welding and fabrication for equipment longevity, including how these specialized services can benefit your operations.
Welding and Fabrication Services
The Role of Welding in Strengthening Equipment
Proper welding helps strengthen heavy equipment by fusing and restoring damaged metal pieces. The welded area has a strong bond and is typically as durable as the equipment’s base metal or sometimes even stronger. Depending on the material, welding technique, structure and other factors, a welded joint can resist corrosion that weakens metal.
Welding benefits equipment because it’s a practical maintenance method that keeps industrial machines in good working condition. Welding and fabrication addresses repair issues that require replacement parts or complete rebuilding, allowing you to salvage critical components and extend your machine’s life. Over the years, this translates to significant savings and greater return on investment from your equipment.
What’s the Difference Between Welding and Fabrication?
Fabrication is a process that focuses on shaping pieces of metal into a structure and comprises a variety of methods. Welding is one method of fabrication where skilled technicians combine pieces of metal together using specialized tools.
Here’s how welding and fabrication improves your equipment’s longevity and durability:
- Longevity: Durable welds last longer and keep your machine working as needed. By reducing the need for frequent equipment replacements, you can save over time and get more value from your machine the longer it’s in use.
- Durability: Equipment durability with welding relies on strong, high-quality welds that can handle stress and resist damage. These welds help enhance your equipment’s overall reliability, leading to improved performance and fewer operational issues down the road.
For example, let’s suppose you have a bucket with significant damage that needs replacement. Your excavator bucket was worn out due to heavy use, resulting in corroded and brittle steel. Because a new bucket can be a considerable investment, repairing or rebuilding your existing bucket offers a more cost-effective solution.
When it’s serviced for welding and fabrication, the damaged sections are removed and replaced with hardened metal, and new tooth shanks are welded. A skilled technician uses abrasion-resistant metal to restore the bucket, which may even last longer than the original metal.
Welding Techniques to Improve Equipment Longevity
Welding is a skilled craft that demands expertise in working with metals and understanding their applications. Experienced welders also know which techniques are effective in welding for equipment durability. Technicians carefully review manuals and assess the best methods for repairing damage and building components during fabrication.
The following are welding methods that help extend the life of Cat equipment:
- Gas metal arc welding (GMAW): Also called “metal inert gas” (MIG) welding, this technique is typically used on steel, aluminum and heavy-equipment structural plates. It’s an efficient method often used in cars, mining equipment, boats, ships and computer parts. GMAW welding is an effective technique for repairing small and large equipment.
- Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW): Sometimes called stick welding, this method can be done outdoors and uses portable welding tools. It effectively creates strong welds for thick metals such as cast iron. Stick welding is commonly used in construction projects, including buildings, bridges and roads. It’s also used in steel fabrication, manufacturing and equipment repair.
- Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW): Also known as “tungsten inert gas” (TIG) welding, this technique can create clean and precise welds that are strong and long-lasting. Manufacturers use TIG welding to weld parts resistant to corrosion. This method is often applied to metals like aluminum, copper, and titanium, and different metals can even be combined together for custom fabrication.
The Benefits of Custom Fabrication for Your Cat® Equipment
Your equipment might require specific components or attachments that are unavailable through standard on-shelf options. Custom metal fabrication can provide tailored solutions to meet your specific requirements.
Like welding, custom fabrication enhances equipment performance. Let’s explore more advantages of machinery fabrication:
- Get exactly what you need: Custom fabrication allows you to fine-tune your equipment’s design preferences. For example, you can have a longer excavator arm or dragline bucket for large mining or construction purposes. You can also have custom dozer blades with a specific shape and size. Explore more flexible designs that work well with your machine.
- Increase equipment versatility: Custom fabrication can enhance your equipment’s ability to handle more tasks. Custom attachments and modifications can improve your machine’s performance, such as handling heavier loads and working in hot or cold conditions. This versatility helps you maximize your equipment by expanding its use in different applications.
- Collaborate with experts: Another advantage of machinery fabrication is working closely with experienced technicians. They can fabricate pieces that enhance your machine, from custom attachments to specialized components. Fabrication experts can offer personalized advice on the best design options and help you stay within your budget.
- Use of modern tools: Custom fabrication technicians often use the latest tools and methods to craft durable and unique equipment parts. For example, they use waterjet cutting machines for high-precision cutting projects. They also use milling and boring machines to shape components and restore essential machine parts.
- Improve equipment reliability: Machinery fabrication ensures components are built to endure tough conditions. Technicians can craft heavy-duty attachments, including parts resistant to corrosion. For example, they can rebuild a more durable motor grader blade if your existing one is damaged.
Contact Thompson Machinery for Expert Welding and Fabrication Services
Thompson Machinery offers reliable full-service welding and fabrication at our shops in LaVergne and Memphis, Tennessee. We have technicians and well-equipped service trucks ready to visit your location if you need on-site services. Our team repairs, rebuilds and salvages damaged Cat equipment, helping you avoid the need for frequent machine replacements. We also fabricate custom parts, such as hydraulic hoses and cylinders for Cat equipment. Count on us for personalized service tailored to your needs.
Let the experts at Thompson Machinery enhance your equipment’s life span with welding and custom fabrication, including modern machining and cutting capabilities. Our team specializes in attachment fabrication, bucket rebuilds and blade rebuilds for heavy equipment. We’ll work closely with you to develop the custom parts you need. Contact us online for more information, or visit one of our welding repair shops near you.
