Metal fabricating links and resources

The links, which follow, are designed to assist OEM manufacturers, designers, buyers, developers, and architects, find information about metal stamping, roll forming, welding, metal corrugating, useful associations, professional engineering associations, industry related periodicals, and general business resources, which can be beneficial to their operations.

Links And Resources

Associations

The links, which follow, are designed to assist OEM manufacturers, designers, buyers, developers, and architects, find information about metal stamping, roll forming, metal corrugating, welding, useful associations, professional engineering associations, industry related periodicals, and general business resources, which can be beneficial to their operations.

Industry Trade Associations And Professional Organizations

Aluminum Association, Inc.
A trade association for U.S. producers of primary aluminum, recyclers, and semi-fabricated aluminum products. This site also offers publications, aluminum statistics, and audiovisuals.
American Electroplaters & Surface Finishers Society (AESF)
The AESF is an international society that advances the science of surface finishing to benefit industry and society.
American Galvanizers Association (AGA)
The AGA association members represent the after-fabrication hot-dip galvanizing industry throughout the United States, Canada & Mexico.
American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI)
The AISI promotes steel as the material of choice and works to enhance the competitiveness of the North American steel industry and its member Companies. Member companies include integrated, electric furnace, and reconstituted mills. Associate members include suppliers to, or customers of, the industry. Affiliate member organizations include downstream steel producers of products such as cold rolled strip, pipe and tube, and coated sheet.
American Machine Tool Distributors’ Association (AMTDA)
The AMTDA is a trade association dedicated to advancing the marketing of machine tools in the United States through distribution.
American Mold Builders Association (AMBA)
American Mold Builders Association has been the leading industry trade organization serving U.S. mold builders. Member companies serve OEMs in many industries including automotive, medical, electronics/electrical, toys, recreation and sporting goods, building and construction, lawn and garden, consumer, and industrial. Site contains publications and resources, plus industry links.
American Society for Materials International (ASM)
Society of materials engineers and scientists dedicated to advancing industry, technology, and applications of metals and materials. Site offers ASME, AWS, ISO, NACE, and ASTM standards. Contains links to its magazines Advanced Materials & Processes and Heat Treating Progress and a searchable directory to over 1300 manufacturers and service providers in the metals & materials industry.
American Welding Society (AWS) The American Welding Society (AWS) was founded in 1919 as a nonprofit organization with a goal to advance the science, technology and application of welding and related joining disciplines. AWS continues to lead the way in supporting welding education and technology development.
Association for Forming & Fabricating Technologies of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers
Focuses on the technologies and processes that efficiently make products from metal sheet, coil, plate, tube, or pipe stock. Typical industries served are automotive, off-highway, aerospace, defense, appliance, furniture, and consumer electronics products. Site includes areas with technology trends and other resources.

Association for Manufacturing Excellence

Organization dedicated to manufacturing excellence. Site contains lots of educational information:
Association of Steel Distributors (ASD)
The Association of Steel Distributors (ASD) is a non-profit organization, providing the steel distribution industry a forum for ideas exchange and market information. Members have access to the most current industry developments and legislative issues. Regional and national meetings give members numerous opportunities to learn and network in this competitive environment.
Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT)
AMT represents and promotes the interests of American providers of manufacturing machinery and equipment actively supports and promotes American manufacturers of machine tools and manufacturing technology. The site contains timely articles, a directory, discussions of issues, and association links.
Association of Iron and Steel Engineers (AISE)
Technical organization in the steel industry dedicated to the advancement of technical and engineering phases of the production and processing of iron and steel. This site has a great “Links” section for producers and users of steel.
Association of Machinery and Equipment Appraisers (AMEA)
Members are individual machinery and equipment appraisal professionals.
Canadian Welding Association (CWA) The Canadian welding association is a not-for-profit division of the CWB Group. The CWA was formed as a national membership driven association, mandated to promoting and supporting the welding and joining industry in Canada.

Extrusion Technology for Aluminum Profiles Foundation

The purpose of the ET Foundation is to develop, promote, provide, and fund education and research related to aluminum extrusion processes and technology, while developing and promoting interest in, and awareness of, the field of aluminum extrusion.
Fabricators and Manufacturers Association International (FMA)
This association keeps members current concerning metal forming and fabricating trends and technologies. Members include professionals from the areas of coil processing, sheet and plate fabricating, roll forming, stamping and press working, welding, and assembly. Site provides on-line quoting opportunities.
Industrial Distribution Association (IDA)
The IDA is the world’s largest trade association of distributors to industry. Standard products carried by I.D.A. members include abrasives, cutting tools, valves, pumps, safety and maintenance supplies. These products are commonly referred to as MRO items (maintenance, repair and operations).
Industrial Supply Manufacturers Association (ISMA)
Formerly known as the American Supply & Machinery Manufacturers’ Association (ASMMA). A North American manufacturer trade organization dedicated to assisting its members sell through industrial distributors a complete range of Maintenance, Repair, Operating, and Production supplies consumed by industry. The site contains a value-added partner section and a resources area.
International Iron and Steel Institute (IISI)
The IISI is a non-profit research organization providing a world forum concerning aspects of the international steel industry. Members include nearly all of the world’s major steel producers. It is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.
International Training Institute (ITI)
This association provides training opportunities to union members in the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning industry.
Laser Institute of America (LIA)
The Laser Institute of America is the professional membership society dedicated to fostering lasers, laser applications and safety worldwide. Serving the industrial, medical, research and military communities, LIA offers technical information and networking opportunities to laser users from around the globe.
Machine Tool Technologies Association (MTTA)
Part of the MTA, the Manufacturing Technologies Association, it is the national organization representing companies that are involved in the UK machine tool and manufacturing technology sector.
Machinery Dealers National Association (MDNA)
MDNA members buy and sell used capital equipment. Established in 1941 to assure buyers of the integrity and reliability of used machinery dealers that are members of the association, the association represents nearly 500 member companies around the world.
Materials Research Society (MRS)
This society brings together scientists, engineers and research managers from industry, government, research labs and various analysts and provides the online community in which to share findings and ideas. Good site, but with very limited information currently.
Metal Finishing Suppliers Association (MFSA)
MFSA represents the interests of suppliers to the surface finishing industry.

Metal Forming

See the Precision Metalforming Association.
Metal Treating Institute (MTI)
Metal Treating Institute is the only international trade association representing the corporate heat-treating industry. Members include commercial heat treaters, captive heat treaters, and suppliers.
National Association of Metal Finishers (NAMF)
NAMF is the industry association representing hundreds of independent member surface finishing firms.
National Center for Excellence in Metalworking Technology (NCEMT)
The National Center for Excellence in Metalworking Technology (NCEMT) was established in 1988 as one of the Centers of Excellence sponsored by the United States Navy Manufacturing Technology (MANTECH) Program. The NCEMT develops leading-edge capabilities in process analysis and optimization, materials analysis and selection, process development, product analysis and simulation, technology transition and deployment, and training and education for advanced metalworking technologies. It specializes in the following process areas: net shape manufacturing by casting, semi-solid metalworking, forming and powder metallurgy, surface and heat treatment, joining, machining and cutting, and systems integration and concurrent engineering.
National Coil Coating Association (NCCA)
This site is dedicated to promoting the growth of coil coated products. NCCA represents both the companies that coat the metal (“coil coaters”), and various suppliers including the leading steel, aluminum, coatings manufacturers, as well as chemical, pretreatment and equipment suppliers that provide the necessary services to produce and further process prepainted coil. The site contains a newsroom and a resource library plus a 16-minute video on the coil coating process.
National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS)
Supports the development of skilled workforces for the metalworking industry.
National Tooling & Machining Association (NTMA)
Member companies are involved in second tier manufacturing, or “job shops,” that provide parts to American manufacturing centers.
Precision Machined Products Association (PMPA)
Part of the Precision Metalforming Association. It was formerly known as the NSMPA – National Screw Machine Products Association and was created by a group of screw machine shop owners seeking to improve the standing of the Industry. The site includes an industry overview section and a very comprehensive resources center.
Precision Metalforming Association (PMA)
The association for metal forming companies. PMA members include metal stampers, fabricators, spinners, slide formers and roll formers. The site is also home to the Custom Roll Forming Institute.
Resistance Welding Manufacturing Alliance (RWMA) Develops equipment standards for the protection and benefit of buyers and users of resistance welding equipment and accessories. Resistance Welding Manufacturing Alliance encourages the highest standards of ethics in the resistance welding industry.
Robotic Industries Association (RIA) RIA is the only trade group in North America organized specifically to serve the robotics industry. Member companies include leading robot manufacturers, users, system integrators, component suppliers, research groups, and consulting firms. The site includes a Buyer’s Guide with a search engine function, feature articles, daily news updates, case studies, technical papers, event calendar, job openings, an “Ask the Experts” forum, and much more.
Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors Association (SMACNA)
SMACNA’s mission is to provide products, services, and representation to enhance members’ businesses, markets, and profitability. Members include heating, ventilating and air conditioning; architectural sheet metal; industrial sheet metal; kitchen equipment; specialty stainless steel work; manufacturing; siding and decking; testing and balancing; service; and energy management and maintenance companies.
Specialty Steel Industry of North America (SSINA)
SSINA is a trade association representing virtually all the producers of specialty steel in North America including bar, rod, wire, angles, plate, sheet and strip, in stainless steel and other specialty steels.
Steel Manufacturers Association (SMA)
Members are primarily steel producers such as mini-mills. It is the primary trade association for scrap-based EAF steel makers.
Steel Plate Fabricators Association (SPFA)
The SPFA’s membership is composed of manufacturers of ferrous and non-ferrous custom designed and fabricated steel and alloyed plat for steel mills, railroads, utilities, and petroleum, chemical, water and related industries
Steel Recycling Institute (SRI)
The Steel Recycling Institute promotes and sustains the recycling of all steel products.
Steel Service Center Institute (SSCI)
Members include domestic and international wholesalers of industrial steel products who take products from metal producers and provide new products in various sizes and grades.
Tooling & Manufacturing Association (TMA)
Chicago-area association of companies engaged in precision metalworking, plastic molding, and supplier companies in the Chicago area. Site contains many training programs and offers continuing education courses.
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Professional Engineering Associations

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
An educational and technical organization serving a worldwide membership. Contains sections on products and publications, education and training, plus a library.
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
The National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) is the only engineering society that represents individual engineering professionals and licensed engineers (PEs) across all disciplines.
Society of American Military Engineers (SAME)
SAME is a nonprofit professional engineer association, headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia.
Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME)
The Society of Manufacturing Engineers is the world’s leading professional society supporting manufacturing education. Through its member programs, publications, expositions, and professional development resources, SME promotes an increased awareness of manufacturing engineering and helps keep manufacturing professionals up to date on leading trends and technologies.

Standards and government

American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
ANSI is a private, non-profit organization that administers and coordinates the U.S. voluntary standardization and conformity assessment system. The site provides electronic copies of ANSI standards and links to national and international standards organizations.
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
ASTM is a not-for-profit organization that provides a forum for the development and publication of voluntary consensus standards for materials, products, systems and services. ASTM develops standard test methods, specifications, practices, guides, classifications, and terminology covering subjects such as metals, paints, plastics, textiles, petroleum, construction, energy, the environment, consumer products, medical services and devices, computerized systems, electronics, and many others. The site contains a consultants’ directory, the ANSI store, and information on quality assurance and training programs.

Census Bureau

As one would expect, this site is loaded with statistical information about the US including individuals, households, business sectors, NAICS codes, publications, and a Fact Finder tool which is a quick search index for commonly searched information.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The EPA’s mission is to protect human health and to safeguard the natural environment — air, water, and land. The EPA has program offices, 10 regional offices, and 17 labs across the country.

FirstGov

The gateway for all your government site questions. The site has listings and links for government branches with an A-Z Index, links for Federal Branches, State, Local & Tribal, plus International.
National institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
NIST’s goals are to ensure recognition and use of U.S. standards domestically and in the global marketplace; promote worldwide acceptance of U.S. test and calibration data to facilitate the marketing of U.S. products; and provide assistance to industry, trade associations, and exporters through its operations, training and information programs.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
OSHA’s mission is to save lives, prevent injuries and protect the health of America’s workers. OSHA’s staff of 2000+ inspectors establishes protective 

Industry publications

American Metal Market
This publication provides up to date information about the world metal markets including pricing. This is the daily online newspaper for the metals and recycling industries.
Cutting Tool Engineering Magazine
Site contains a buyer’s guide, good links, article search feature, a tool cutting glossary and association listings.
Engineering News Record
This site provides the business and technical news for anyone making a living in or from the construction industry. Site covers major projects, technological achievements, business conditions, markets, finance, costs, legislation, government, management, labor, construction methods, equipment and materials and weekly news.
International Journal of Forming Processes
Being issued in order to make scientific exchanges easier within the materials forming process community, between material scientists, computational specialists, and engineers.
Job Shop Technology
This magazine publishes articles of interest to outsourcing decision-makers, who are the customers and potential customers of North American job shops. Contains trade show information and industry links.
Manufacturing.Net (Cahners Publications)
Industrial e-zine with good resources, a search tool, and statistical data.
Metal Industries
This periodical claims that it is the most consulted monthly review in the field of sheet metal, wire, structural steel and tube work. You will also find samples of articles recently published. This is a subscription periodical.
MetalForming Magazine
The magazine of the Precision Metalforming Association.
Metalworking Digest
Metalworking Digest is the publication for metalworking and machinist experts. Site offers a buyer’s guide; service directories, product evaluations, news and trade show information.
Metalworking Insiders Report
Geared to the machine tool business and factory equipment. Requires a subscription.
Modern Machine Shop
The magazine for the metalworking industry. Contains section on Machining Centers, Cutting Tools, Grinding, Turning, EDM, CAD/CAM Software, CNC And DNC, Shop Management, Workholding/Handling, Measurement & Quality, Aerospace Machining, Die/Mold Machining, High Speed Machining, and Screw Machining.
Modern Metals
An online magazine dedicated to metalworking professionals including service centers, OEMs, and fabricators containing unbiased coverage of competing metal processes and industry trends.
Production Machining
The online magazine for screw machine technology. Contains sections on equipment reviews, finding suppliers, latest industry issues and articles geared to the following subjects: Automatic to CNC Migration, CNC Swiss-types, Cutting Tools & Toolholders, Rotary Transfer Machines, Machine Shop Management, Secondary Operations, Software & CAD/CAM, and Workholding.
Products Finishing
Contains articles geared to the following areas: powder coating, plating, painting, mechanical finishing, cleaning and pretreatment, environmental, and electrocoating. Site includes articles, suppliers listing, links, and a forum.
Stamping Journal
Stamping Journal is the only North American magazine devoted exclusively to metal stamping and delivers the metal stamping industry’s latest techniques, news, and ideas to subscribers worldwide. Topics include Tool and Die, Job Shops, Material Handling, Coil Processing, Deep Drawing, Quick Die Change, Safety, Automation, Stamping Presses, and Press Feeding.
The Fabricator
North America’s leading magazine for the metal forming and fabricating industry. It covers technology for the worldwide metal fabricating industry.
Thomas Regional
Provides a searchable database of distributors, manufacturers, and service companies in all key U.S. industrial markets.
Welding Journal – An American Welding Society publication that delivers welding and metal fabricating industry news, information on the latest products, trends, technology and events via in-depth articles, full-color photos and illustrations, and timely, cost-saving advice. The Welding Journal also featuree articles and supplements on related activities, such as testing and inspection, maintenance and repair, design, training, personal safety and brazing and soldering.
Welding and Cutting Welding and Cutting – An English language technical journal covering welding, cutting and soldering technology and related fields, Welding and Cutting is published by DVS, the German Welding Society, in collaboration with The Welding Institute, United Kingdom and the Institut de Soudure, France. Common editorial topics include: research and development, training, applications, welding, cutting, soldering, brazing, bonding, materials, design and cost calculations and production in manufacturing industry.
Welding in the World – The worldwide reference in the field of welding and joining published by the International Institute of Welding (IIW) since 1963. The journal publishes authoritative papers on all aspects of welding, brazing, soldering, cutting, thermal spraying and other joining techniques. These technical, research papers, or guidelines are submitted to the IIW Working Unit Experts. Research papers are submitted to an additional peer review procedure, and published in the Research Supplement.

Trade show information

FABTECH International
FABTECH International is North America’s largest annual metal forming and fabricating exposition and conference. The event exists to bring buyers and sellers of metal forming and fabricating technologies together
International Manufacturing Technology Show Information
Link to industry tradeshow. Site contains exhibitor information, Information on the industry, machine tool news, and the show floor plans.
Messe Dusseldorf North America (MDNA)
MDNA is part of the Messe Düsseldorf Group of Companies – one of the world’s largest organizers of international trade shows.
Metalform Tradeshow Information
PMA Tradeshows PMA METALFORM events have become the premier international trade shows serving the metalforming industry with displays of world class productivity. Hundreds of suppliers of current and future equipment, materials, supplies and technology interact with thousands of qualified industry buyers in an exciting trade-show environment.
Metal stamping, fabricating, spinning, slide forming, welding, tool making, automated assembly and finishing are among the technologies prominently featured.

Miscellaneous metal forming and welding resources

e-Steel
e-STEEL(SM) is an internet software company that creates competitive advantage for buyers and suppliers of direct materials by building operating web-based applications that enable users to better manage their supply network transactions, information, and partner relationships.
GalvInfo Center
The GalvInfo Center is a resource for information on the use and performance of metallic-coated steel sheet products; products coated with zinc-containing coatings including information and technical assistance on corrosion behavior, forming, joining, environmental issues, how to buy, and how to specify galvanized products.
Edison Welding Institute (EWI)
EWI is the leading engineering and technology organization in North America dedicated to the research and development of materials joining and welding. We provide expert materials joining assistance, contract research, consulting services and training to hundreds of members in the aerospace, automotive, government, energy and chemical, heavy manufacturing, medical and electronics industries
The Steel Alliance
Members represent the steel industry in the United States and Canada. The site has great information sections for roofing, framing, appliances, design, canned food, kitchen, auto, recycling, and much more.
The Welding Institute (TWI)
Materials Joining Technology Home Page. Huge database on joining (welding, brazing, adhesive bonding, mechanical fastening), fabrication, engineering and structural integrity of steels, non-ferrous metals, plastics, ceramics and composites.