The power industry requires a wide range of cutting-edge equipment — to ensure consistent energy production. Over the years, CNC parts and advanced machining have been critical in developing enhanced quality and productivity power generation tools.
Since 1992, Metal Works of High Point has been delivering high-quality metal fabrication services and solutions to various industries, including power generation. We offer expertise in metal components and assemblies while meeting the increasing demand for medium to high-volume orders with short lead times.
Manufacturing Capabilities for Power Generation
Metal Works of High Point can develop and fabricate from individual parts to sub-assemblies. We have an expert team and a facility equipped with cutting-edge technology and software, enabling us to deliver the following manufacturing capabilities:
Laser Cutting
Laser cutting is a process that uses a focused, high-powered beam of coherent light to cut or sheet metal. Metal Works has 3-axis laser cutting devices, computer-controlled sheet loading, and unloading, and a 24-hour operating system to fulfill project specifications.
CNC Bending & Forming
Bending and forming are methods of shaping sheet metal. . Metal Works is a skilled provider of specially made metal parts, sub-assemblies, and turnkey CNC forming and bending services. In addition, we are equipped with high-performance CNC press brakes with five-axis movement and press capacities of up to 170 tons. We also have a panel bender that uses automated or semi-automated CNC machines to create tight tolerance metal pieces.
CNC Machining
CNC machining is the process of milling, turning, and grinding metal components with high tolerance and precision. Metal Works has CNC machines for large-volume milling, turning . In addition, we provide in-house facilities for comprehensive product management and development.
Welding Services
Welding is the process of joining two pieces of metal that have similar melting temperatures and compositions. Metal Works provides a wide range of welding services, including robotic welding, spot welding, tungsten inert gas (TIG), and metal inert gas welding (MIG). In addition, we use cutting-edge technologies and 3D software to design and manufacture solutions that meet our customers’ expectations.
Finishing Services
This method produces a smooth finish on metal parts and, in some cases, surface coatings. In addition, at Metal Works, we offer long-lasting powder coating services for decorative and protective finishes on precision components. We also collaborate with several local suppliers to provide various other finishing services.
Applications of CNC Technology in Power Generation
CNC machining and advanced techniques have greatly benefited the power industry. Here are some examples of their uses and applications:
Solar Energy
Milling and drilling machines are widely used to precisely fabricate a wide range of solar products and components. In particular, major solar panel manufacturers integrate CNC processes like cutting and perforating with non-CNC methods to improve product efficiency and quality. Furthermore, companies utilize turning centers and wire cutters for housing and frames. For instance, plasma and fiber laser cutting equipment is frequently used in manufacturing and dividing panels.
Some fabricated metal components for power generation include panel frames, back rails, carrier rails, and mounting brackets.
Wind Turbines
Wind energy production necessitates durable parts and components that can withstand extreme conditions while remaining precise. For example, a gear-driven Nacelle turbine alone requires 8,000 subcomponents. This amount, plus extra spares, can be produced with precision and quality, at a short period of time using many metalworking techniques such as fabrication, machining, forging, and casting via CNC.
Manufacturers must create blades that endure wind pressure while requiring minimal wear and tear. CNC technology allows the large bearings in a wind turbine’s adjustment mechanism to be manufactured with the precision generally used for smaller components. Drilling machines are also frequently used to process holes in tube shell heat exchangers for power systems. The most common metal components for wind turbines are gears, gearbox housings, rotors, shafts, generator frames, and brake components.
Hydropower
Hydropower turbines and generators must be resistant to water and pressure damage. They should also be made of durable and resistant metals, such as carbon and stainless steel. Dam and hydropower station gates are built using CNC milling and other machining technologies. Moreover, various CNC machines have enabled such parts to be produced on-site rather than brought in from a distant factory.
Components in the hydropower industry include shafts, bushings, turbine housings, covers, and impellers. CNC machining allows for the production of turbines as small as 16 ft. in diameter (25 tons) and as large as 42 ft. (350 tons).
Metal Works of High Point for High-Quality Metal Parts and Components
Metal Works offers turnkey metal fabrication solutions for a wide range of industries, with turnaround times spanning from three to six weeks, depending on the project’s complexity. We can also confidently meet your needs with our extensive professional experience in metalworking, machining, and finishing.
We are an ISO 9001:2015 Certified facility with bar-coded scheduling software and ERP technology, allowing us to monitor all products in real-time while they are being manufactured. Our capabilities provide us with the knowledge and expertise to help you with any questions or concerns.
Contact us for additional information on our services, or submit a quote request today.