Processing
Essential parts of modern fabrication.
INTEGRATED HARDWARE
When working with sheet metal—often too thin for traditional threading—hardware like studs, nuts, and inserts become essential. These fasteners provide strong, durable connection points and enhance both the performance and appearance of the final product.
At Fuse Metal, we specialize in in-house hardware installation services that are seamlessly incorporated into your project from the start. This integrated approach helps eliminate additional assembly steps, reduce costs, and ensure cleaner, more durable finished components.
Why Integrated Hardware Matters
During the fabrication process, specialized machinery is used to press hardware directly into metal parts—creating permanent, threaded connections or mounting points. This process is faster, cleaner, and stronger than adding fasteners after fabrication.
Types of Hardware We Install:
- PEM® nuts and studs
- Threaded inserts
- Captive fasteners
- Press-fit components
These elements are ideal for securing panels, enclosures, or any part that requires reliable fastening.
Benefits of In-House Hardware Insertion
- Reduced Assembly Time By integrating hardware during fabrication, we eliminate extra steps—saving you time and labor costs.
- Increased Strength and Durability Press-fit hardware offers superior strength, especially for thin or delicate sheet metal applications.
- Cleaner Aesthetics A single-step installation process allows hardware to be installed after finishing, preserving the appearance of your parts.
- Cost Efficiency Streamlining your fabrication and assembly reduces project timelines and overall production costs.
PEM® Hardware for Sheet Metal Projects
We commonly install PEM® hardware, known for its lightweight design and high-strength performance. It’s a preferred choice in industries like automotive and electronics, where secure fastening in thin metal is required.
PEM® hardware advantages:
- Permanent and precise
- Installs in one step
- Ideal for pre-finished materials
Design for Manufacturability Support
Our experienced team of engineers can assist with DFM (Design for Manufacturability) to help you plan hardware placement early in the design process—avoiding compatibility issues and streamlining production from prototype to final part.
We work closely with your specs to optimize:
- Material selection
- Hardware compatibility
- Installation strength
- Production speed
DRILLING & TAPPING
At Fuse Metal, our drilling and hole tapping services work seamlessly alongside our comprehensive metal manufacturing processes to deliver a fully customized solution for your metal components.
Whether you need a single prototype or a large production run, our expertise and advanced equipment ensure precision, quality, and reliability every step of the way.
Why Reliable Drilling and Tapping Matter
Finding a provider who offers both drilling and tapping, equipped with the right technology, can be a challenge. Many manufacturers face issues with inconsistent thread quality, production delays, or costly in-house setups.
Fuse Metal addresses these challenges by combining decades of industry experience with state-of-the-art CNC machinery and precision tools to provide consistent, high-quality results that meet your exact specifications.
Tools and Machinery
Drilling creates precise holes in your metal or plastic parts, while tapping cuts internal threads inside those holes so fasteners can be securely inserted. We utilize manual, machine, and CNC methods, finishing each hole by de-burring and smoothing edges for safe, professional results.
Materials we work with
- Aluminum alloys (commonly used in automotive and machinery parts)
- Steel (construction, fabrication, and industrial uses)
How we stand apart
- Custom Tapping: We handle unique threads and challenging designs with specialized tools
- Prototyping: From design consultation to rapid prototype creation, we bring your concepts to life
- PEM Nut & Stud Installation: Self-clinching fasteners for strong threads in thin metals
- Countersinking: Burr removal and edge finishing tailored to your project’s needs
In-Die Tapping vs. Secondary Tapping
While in-die tapping is an option, it comes with space, maintenance, and cycle-time trade-offs. Fuse Metal’s secondary tapping service is often more reliable and cost-effective, offering easier maintenance and superior thread quality without impacting your press operations.
CNC Tapping Prototyping & Production
- Design and planning support for all project stages
- Specialized CNC tapping for large precision aluminum alloy and die cast parts
- Rigorous quality control and compliance with industry certifications
- Custom production from small prototypes to large-scale manufacturing
- Warehousing for urgent order fulfillment
Precision & Quality Assurance
Our lead-screw tapping machines feature tap stroke sensors that ensure every hole is fully threaded before moving on—eliminating partial or faulty threads. This commitment guarantees consistent, industry-standard results with every part.
Why Manufacturers Choose Fuse Metal
Many clients come to us after struggling with in-house tapping challenges. Our cost-effective, reliable service often prompts the response, “Why didn’t we call Fuse Metal sooner?” We ensure your manufacturing keeps running smoothly without headaches or downtime.