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So far Bob Prokop has created 66 blog entries.

Press Brakes Aren’t Old Technology—They’re Smarter Than Ever

Fabricating Blog|

For decades, press brakes have been the backbone of metal fabrication. Because they’ve been around so long, they’re sometimes labeled as “old technology.” But that label no longer fits today’s machines. The truth is simple: the press brake has evolved. While the fundamental bending principle remains proven and reliable, modern press brakes are sophisticated, software-driven manufacturing systems. Today’s machines combine precision engineering, advanced controls, automation, and digital connectivity to deliver performance levels that were impossible just a generation ago. At International Technologies, Inc., we work with manufacturers every day who are discovering that a modern press brake isn’t a step

Continuous Uptime in Metal Fabricating: Built for Reliability

Fabricating Blog|

In metal fabricating, downtime costs more than time—it costs trust. Missed deadlines, stalled production, and inconsistent output create ripple effects across the entire supply chain. That’s why our focus is simple and uncompromising: continuous uptime in metal fabricating. This isn’t just our slogan. It’s how we deliver consistent results for customers who depend on precision, speed, and reliability. What Continuous Uptime Means in Metal Fabrication Continuous uptime means keeping equipment, processes, and people aligned to prevent disruptions and production downtime before they happen. In a high-demand manufacturing environment, uptime isn’t reactive—it’s engineered. Our approach to metal fabrication uptime focuses on:

How Trading in Surplus Equipment Can Help Fund Your Next Upgrade

Fabricating Blog|

    Many manufacturers have surplus fabrication equipment sitting idle—taking up floor space, requiring maintenance, and steadily losing value. What’s often overlooked is that this unused equipment can be leveraged to help fund your next upgrade. Trading in surplus equipment is a practical way to reduce costs, modernize operations, and improve uptime—without a large capital investment. What Is Surplus Fabrication Equipment? Surplus equipment includes machines that are no longer essential to your operation, such as: • Equipment replaced by newer technology • Underutilized or duplicate machines • Assets left idle after process changes or expansions If a machine isn’t

When Is It Time to Replace—or Refurbish—Your Fabrication Equipment?

Fabricating Blog|

  Knowing when to replace or refurbish metal fabrication equipment is a critical decision for manufacturers focused on uptime, productivity, and cost control. While new machines offer modern features, refurbishment or used equipment can often deliver reliable performance at a much lower investment. Here’s how to decide which option makes the most sense for your operation. Buy new? Signs It May Be Time to Replace Equipment Replacement is often the better option when equipment no longer supports your production needs. Common indicators include: • Frequent breakdowns and unplanned downtime • Rising repair costs with diminishing returns • Outdated safety features

Busbar Fabrication for AI Data Centers: Meeting High-Current Power Demands

Fabricating Blog|

  Artificial intelligence is transforming data center design. As AI workloads expand, so does power density — and traditional cable-based distribution systems are struggling to keep up. For busbar fabricators, this shift represents a significant growth opportunity. AI-driven data centers are accelerating demand for high-current busbar systems that deliver superior thermal performance, lower electrical resistance, and compact installation compared to conventional cabling. The question for fabricators is simple: Are you prepared to meet the demand? Why AI Is Increasing Power Density in Data Centers AI servers require substantially more power than traditional cloud computing infrastructure. Rack power densities exceeding 100

Three simple metal fabricating jobs you probably can’t do

Fabricating Blog|

  Sooner or later, every fab shop faces an impossible task. A customer has a great project, it seems simple enough, but you can't form the part. Here are three simple metal fabricating jobs every job shop should be able to handle, why most can't, and the solution if you are faced with one of these forming challenges. 1. Form a corner Sometimes the simplest tasks are the most difficult. For example, making a perfect corner sounds like an easy job. It's not. Too many fabricators try their hardest and are rewarded with parts that look like this: Not

April 2025 Newsletter

IT Newsletter|

How much does finishing cost your business? A fundamental principle of lean manufacturing is that anything that doesn't add value is waste. This is a gray area when it comes to cosmetic finishing activities like grinding, sanding, and polishing. Many fabricators regard finishing as an essential step to their production, but is it necessary? Parts formed on older machines with outdated processes often require extensive finishing work. This is especially important where cosmetic appearance is critical, but it also represents a considerable cost to your business depending on how much time goes into making parts presentable that could go into

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