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The latest news, tips and tricks from D+M.

Why Hole Placement Matters in Fabricated Metal Parts

By Corporate Conversions | April 15, 2026

In metal fabrication, hole placement might seem like a minor detail, but it can have a major impact on part performance, manufacturability, and overall cost. Whether holes are used for fasteners, alignment, wiring, or airflow, their location must be carefully considered during the design and fabrication process. Poor hole placement can lead to weak parts, […]

What Is Bend Radius in Sheet Metal Fabrication?

By Bob Buist | March 16, 2026

Many fabricated metal parts include bends that allow flat sheet metal to form brackets, enclosures, supports, and other structural components. One important concept involved in bending sheet metal is bend radius, which describes the inside curvature of the metal at the bend. Understanding bend radius helps explain how sheet metal parts are formed and why […]

Selecting Materials in Metal Fabrication for Durability and Performance

By Bob Buist | February 20, 2026

Investing in a fabricated metal part is about more than paying for cutting, bending, and welding. It is a decision about how that part will perform over time. The material selected at the start of a project affects strength, corrosion resistance, weight, cost, and overall longevity. At D&M Metal, we often see material selection become […]

Making Maple Syrup in Michigan

By Bob Buist | February 1, 2026

A magical time of the year is just around the corner – maple sugaring time! Very soon it will be time to tap the trees so the sap can flow and we can begin the process of making maple syrup and maple candy. What do you know about maple sugar production in Michigan? Bob Buist, […]

Bending in Metal Fabrication

By Bob Buist | January 19, 2026

There are many processes involved in metal fabrication. We’ve talked about a number of them, including welding, laser cutting, blanking, and the post-fabrication processes involved in finishing. D+M Metal is proud of our experienced staff and the equipment we have invested in to extend our capabilities. Bending or press brake forming is another skill we […]

Reducing Waste in Metal Fabrication

By Bob Buist | December 31, 2025

Waste is one of the biggest hidden cost drivers in metal fabrication. Scrap material, rework, and extra handling all add cost, often without anyone noticing right away. While some waste is unavoidable, much of it can be reduced with better planning and clearer decisions early on. For OEMs and manufacturers, reducing waste isn’t just about […]

D+M Metal Can Help Bring Your Metal Artwork to Life

By Bob Buist | December 13, 2025

At D+M Metal Products, we’re proud to have partnered with many talented artists to help bring their metal artwork and sculptures to life. While most of our work focuses on small, precision parts for OEMs, we also apply our fabrication expertise to large-scale art installations. We love seeing our efforts become part of the local […]

What Are the Benefits of Blanking?

By Bob Buist | November 12, 2025

D+M’s blanking capabilities are essential for the many metal fabrication processes we perform for our customers. Our blanking equipment includes: shears, CNC turret punch presses, laser cutting and machining. If you have questions about blanking, what it entails, and what its benefits are, we will cover that in this blog.  What Is Blanking?  Blanking is […]

What Is a Point-of-Purchase Display?

By Bob Buist | October 13, 2025

In a previous blog, we explored how the products D+M Metal Products fabricates support the fulfillment economy. But our metal parts don’t just move behind the scenes, they also show up in places you see every day: point-of-purchase (POP) and point-of-sale (POS) displays in retail stores. If you’re not sure what these terms mean or […]

Understanding Visual Quality Standards in Metal Fabrication

By Bob Buist | September 26, 2025

In metal fabrication, precision isn’t limited to measurements and tolerances. Visual quality standards also play a critical role in determining whether a fabricated part is acceptable, especially for components that will be visible in the final product or sold to end users. Scratches, weld spatter, uneven finishes, or minor dents may not affect functionality, but […]

Celebrating Manufacturing Day 2025: Why the Future of Manufacturing Depends on Today

By Bob Buist | September 6, 2025

The first Friday in October is recognized nationwide as Manufacturing Day, a celebration of modern manufacturing and a vital opportunity to educate students, job seekers, the business community, media, and policymakers about the essential role this industry plays in the economy. In 2025, Manufacturing Day falls on Friday, October 3. What Is Manufacturing Day All […]

Metal Fabrication for Medical Equipment Manufacturing

By Bob Buist | August 13, 2025

Medical equipment manufacturers rely on high-quality components that meet strict specifications and perform reliably in demanding environments. At D+M Metal Products, we work with manufacturers across a variety of industries, including the medical sector, to fabricate precision metal components that support critical equipment. While demand for medical equipment can fluctuate with industry needs, the requirement […]

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