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Steel and aluminum are two popular metals for producing consumer and commercial metal goods. While both metals can have a shiny, silver appearance, have good forming characteristics, and can resist common forms of damage, the two [...]
Hydroforming (Sheet Hydroforming) is a specialized deep draw process that uses high-pressure rubber to shape and form metal workpieces. In sheet hydroforming, a metal sheet is placed over a die before highly pressurized water [...]
Tags: sheet hydroforming
Also known as spin forming, metal spinning is a process manufacturers use to craft axially symmetric metal parts without cutting the material. This process is efficient and highly versatile. At Helander, we have spent over 80 [...]
Tags: Metal Spinning
Satellite Dishes in the Military and Defense and Aerospace Industry
Posted by Helander on Mon, Oct 11, 2021
At Helander Metal, we provide metal forming and other fabrication services to customers in the aerospace, defense, and military industries. Armed with over 85 years of experience, highly capable employees, and advanced equipment, [...]
What Is Metal Spinning?
Metal spinning, sometimes referred to as spin forming, is a machining technique that creates axially symmetrical parts from metal tubes or discs. This process works by rotating the metal workpiece, forming [...]
Manual Metal Polishing vs. Automatic Metal Polishing Services
Posted by Helander Team on Fri, Oct 16, 2020
Metal polishing is a finishing process that uses abrasive materials to improve the surface of precision metal components. Polishing enhances the functional and aesthetic quality of the metallic surface by removing surface [...]
Tags: metal polishing, new equipment
Metal spinning transforms workpieces into axially symmetrical objects. This technique is a lower-cost metal forming option and enables unique shapes – such as parabolic nose shapes, hemispherical, and cones - to be created from [...]
Highlighting Our New CNC Metal Spinning Lathe and Capabilities
Posted by Helander Team on Thu, Feb 27, 2020
At Helander, we are able to offer innovative and cutting-edge spinning solutions to our customers by regularly expanding our equipment portfolio. We are pleased to announce the recent addition of a CNC metal spinning lathe with [...]
Tags: welding, metal polishing, new equipment
At Helander, our over 80 years of metal forming and fabrication expertise have drawn a growing number of customers—ranging from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies—who turn to us for their precision metal part and product [...]
Tags: facility expansion
At Helander, our metal spinning and sheet hydroforming processes produce a range of durable and high-quality metal parts. Tank heads especially are a perfect fit for our metal forming processes. We produce our tank heads in a [...]
Tags: Metal Spinning, hydroforming, Custom Metal Spinning, custom tank heads, sheet hydroforming, metal spinning components
Hydroforming is frequently and advantageously applied within the aerospace industry. The typically high complexity of aerospace components necessitates a fabrication technique that can effectively produce the desired shapes and [...]
Tags: Metal Spinning, hydroforming, Custom Metal Spinning, sheet hydroforming, metal spinning components
Benefits of Hydroforming vs. Metal Stamping
Hydroforming is a specialized type of die forming that uses high-pressure fluids to form ductile metals such as stainless steel, carbon steel, copper, or aluminum into a particular [...]
Helander Set to Attend the 2018 Design-2-Part Trade Show
Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Tue, May 08, 2018
The team at Helander is thrilled to announce that we will be attending the 2018 Greater Chicago Design-2-Part trade show from Wednesday, May 9 to Thursday, May 10 at the Schaumburg Convention Center in Schaumburg, Ill.
Held [...]
3 Automated Technologies that are Changing Metal Forming
Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Wed, May 02, 2018
As manufacturing automation continues to rise in popularity, metal processing services are more reliable and affordable than ever. In fact, many companies across the industry, including Helander, are beginning to incorporate [...]
Helander Heads to the 2018 American Manufacturing Summit
Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Fri, Mar 23, 2018
Helander is thrilled to announce that we’ll be exhibiting in booth 50 at this year’s American Manufacturing Summit (AMS).
An annual gathering of leading industrial and manufacturing professionals, this exciting conference allows [...]
Helander to Attend the 2017 American Aerospace and Defense Summit
Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Mon, Nov 27, 2017
Helander is thrilled to announce that we’ll be attending this year’s American Aerospace & Defense Summit, held December 5-6 at the We-Ko-Pa Resort & Conference Center in Scottsdale/Fountain Hills, Ariz.
This exciting yearly [...]
For more than 80 years, Helander has been providing companies with metal forming and fabricating services. Working on projects for the aerospace, automotive, medical, and agricultural industries, among others, our niche is [...]
The Critical Role of Metalworking in Aerospace and Defense
Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Thu, Aug 03, 2017
The aerospace and defense industries require a vast stock of varied parts, most of which must meet stringent regulations and guidelines. Parts used in these sensitive, safety-focused sectors require:
- Expert engineering — [...]
Here at Helander, we’re always working to improve our products and processes, so three years ago, with this commitment in mind, we adopted the principles of lean manufacturing.
The Basics of the 5S Process
The 5S process, [...]
The Versatility of Metal Spinning and Hydroforming
Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Mon, Jan 09, 2017
An extremely versatile technique dating back to ancient times, metal spinning — also known as metal turning or spin forming — allows ductile metal to be formed into different shapes by rotating it on a spindle.
Hydroforming is [...]
Helander Receives Aerospace Industry Certifications
Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Thu, May 19, 2016
Helander Company has been a staple of the industry for generations, producing prototypes and full production runs for industries ranging from high-end furniture, to medicine and aerospace.
Even with our decades of experience, [...]
Tags: Metal Spinning, Custom Fabrication, aluminum, NADCAP, Honeywell
Metal-Spun Furniture: Maximizing Strength and Beauty with Steel
Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Wed, Mar 02, 2016
Solutions for Custom Furniture Design
The modern use of metals to construct furniture dates back to cast iron tables created in the early 19th century; contemporary designers seeking custom parts still frequently rely on metal [...]
Tags: Metal Spinning, Custom Fabrication, stainless steel, aluminum, copper
Metal Spinning: Creating Superior Food Processing Equipment
Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Tue, Jan 26, 2016
Durability in the Most Important Settings
In the world of food processing, manufacturing the highest quality equipment is of paramount importance. Not only does food need to be kept safe, but the equipment itself must be able to [...]
Tags: Metal Spinning, Custom Fabrication, stainless steel, aluminum, copper
Helander Company is proud to have received an ASME “U” Stamp for our boiler and pressure vessel products. We have always been committed to quality and reliability, but what does this ASME compliance mean for you and your [...]
Tags: Metal Spinning, Custom Fabrication, stainless steel, aluminum, copper
The metal spinning process consists of a tube or a disc of metal that is rotated at high-speed and machined into an axially symmetrical product using either a vertical or horizontal lathe. The advantage of spinning over other [...]
Tags: Metal Spinning, Custom Fabrication, stainless steel, aluminum, copper
Too often in the metal fabrication industry, the phrase “we're not set up for that” really means “we don't want to do that.” When customers are met with either the unwillingness to manufacture their parts to print or the [...]
Tags: Metal Spinning, Custom Fabrication, Hastelloy, Special Alloy, Inconel
Need More Effective Lighting? Consider Metal Spun Light Reflectors
Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Thu, Jul 09, 2015
Light reflectors are used by architectural and commercial lighting professionals to augment artificial light. Since people obtain the majority of their information through their sense of sight, light reflectors are always in [...]
Tags: Metal Spinning, Custom Fabrication, Light Reflectors, Lighting
Metal spinning is a well-known fabrication process that produces axially symmetric parts. This process is simple and yields high-quality results, and as such, it has become a primary production method for several manufacturers.
Tags: Metal Spinning, Custom Metal Spinning, aerospace industry, metal spinning components
When you Need Seamless Products, Turn to Metal Spinning
Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Mon, Apr 06, 2015
Modern industrial applications are far more demanding, and as such, companies must rely on different metal forming processes. There are several processes to choose from—including forging, extrusion, deep drawing, and others—but [...]
Tags: aluminum, seamless spinning
When deciding on metal fabricating processes for component manufacturing, there are many factors to consider—turnaround time is one such factor that is of particular importance. Delayed project deadlines often result in costly [...]
Tags: metal spinning vs metal stamping for prototyping, metal spinning components
Metal Spinning Produces Tight Tolerance Components
Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Mon, Mar 02, 2015
Depending on the specific form and structure of a component, there can be more than one metal fabricating process that can be used to meet the same end. Although different processes can achieve similar results, there may be [...]
Tags: Metal Spinning, Custom Metal Spinning, cost effective metal spinning, metal spinning components
At Helander, we have provided custom metal forming services for over 80 years. In addition to our high-quality and versatile manufacturing capabilities, much of our success can be credited to our numerous industry certifications.
Tags: ASME Safety Standards
In the metalworking industry, research and development (R&D) is vital for a successful manufacturing project.
After the initial product design, prototyping is the ideal next step in process; though producing a one-off part or [...]
Tags: metal forming, prototyping
Metal Spun Spheres are Versatile and Cost-Effective
Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Mon, Dec 08, 2014
At Helander, we have provided clients with custom forming and fabrication services for the last 80 years. Our extensive experience has enabled us to specialize in several areas, but one of our core competencies is metal spinning.
At the heart of Helander’s hydroforming services is our cutting edge 20" hydroforming press. Sheet hydroforming is an ideal process for manufacturing parts with complex or asymmetrical geometries that would require multiple [...]
Tags: hydroforming, hydroforming illinois, sheet hydroforming
Meet our Machines | CNC Spinning up to 80” Diameter
Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Thu, Sep 18, 2014
At Helander, our powerful 80" diameter spinning lathe provides a bridge between modern technology and one of the oldest metalworking crafts. By combining advanced CNC controls with high speed production and low tooling costs, it [...]
Tags: Metal Spinning, aerospace. aluminum, spinning machines
If you are in the ultra-competitive manufacturing world, you are always looking for an advantage. This is especially true when it comes to die molding specialty products like magnetic rotary pumps.
At Helander we believe that [...]
Tags: hyrdorforming, magnetic pumps, rotary pumps, industrial pump components
Float Ball 316 SS 14" Diameter |
We employ a combination of superior hydroforming, metal spinning, welding, and machining [...]
Tags: hydroforming, manufacturing, stainless steel, metal float
Minimizing Secondary Finishing Operations With Hydroforming
Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Mon, Mar 31, 2014
When considering the numerous options available for working with metal, many companies choose the beneficial and cost effective process hydroforming. Originally developed around 1950, hydroforming is ideal for shaping many types [...]
Tags: metal forming, hydroforming, Metal Stamping, manufacturing
Hand Spinning vs. CNC Spinning: Two Sides of the Coin
Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Fri, Mar 14, 2014
Metal Spinning (or spin forming) is a process where a tube or a disc of metal is rotated at high speed and transformed into an axially symmetrical object. Metal spinning is usually performed on a vertical or horizontal lathe [...]
Tags: metal fabricating, Metal Spinning, Custom Metal Spinning, manufacturing, Hand Spinning, CNC Spinning
Safety Under Pressure: Pressure Vessel Shape Matters
Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Fri, Jan 10, 2014
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) first published the Boiler & Pressure Code (BPVC) in 1915 in response to the need for safety measures in the production and use of boilers and pressure vessels. In the early [...]
Tags: metal fabricating, metal forming, Custom Metal Spinning, Custom Fabrication, Custom Pressure Vessels, ASME Safety Standards
Metal Spinning has a long history that spans back to ancient Egypt and has progressed through the years to today’s more advanced methods of forming metal via spinning it. Today, the modern metal spinning process takes place on [...]
Tags: metal forming, Metal Spinning, cost savings, ebooks
At Helander, we take pride in what we do. We constantly strive to meet and exceed industry-accepted standards of quality for our metal components, including those for the aerospace and defense industries. As a result, we were [...]
Tags: Custom Metal Spinning, Custom Fabrication, aerospace industry, AS9100, AS9100 Certification
The Case for Metal Spinning and Metal Hydroforming
Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Thu, Oct 10, 2013
Metal Spinning is a process by which a disc or tube of ductile metal is rotated on a spindle and formed into an axially symmetric part. Through the use of heavy forces and high speeds, the metal will deform and “flow” to form [...]
Tags: metal fabricating, metal forming, Metal Spinning, hydroforming, Custom Metal Spinning, Metal Stamping
| 5.60” diameter X 12” to 32” long X 0.250” thickness X 6061-0 aluminum vessel. |
Metal spinning is a unique process that can be used to form complex shapes from aluminum steel, stainless steel, high-strength and [...]
Tags: metal fabricating, metal forming, Metal Spinning, manufacturing, welding, stainless steel, aluminum
Metal Spinning and Metal Stamping: Partners in Prototypes
Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Mon, Mar 18, 2013
The options available in metal machining can seem to be different things at different times. Sometimes, the vast range of methods and processes can seem overwhelming and more trouble than they’re worth. More often, though, with [...]
Tags: Illinois, metal machining, metal spinning vs metal stamping for prototyping
This blog has showcased our custom tank heads before, exhibiting our dedication to quality above all else in fulfilling your custom product orders. Today we’re going to be talking about them again, as a lens through which to [...]
Tags: hydroforming
We’ve talked about our pride and success as a family-owned small business manufacturer. One of the major concerns in any family-owned business is succession planning – planning for the future, when one generation of family is [...]
There are many steps on the path to energy independence, but one major one is the continued push of coal mining in the United States. Coal has been, and will remain for quite some time, a major domestic source of fuel. With [...]
Tags: catalytic converter shells, exhaust pipe sections, exhaust system components
Doing business with Helander Spinning, you learn pretty quickly that we are among the millions of family-owned businesses (FOBs) that keep sectors from manufacturing to retail operating smoothly. Our status as a FOB is so [...]
Tags: Metal Spinning, hydroforming
How Metal Stampers are saving big bucks with Helander
Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Wed, Oct 24, 2012
At Helander, nothing makes us happier than doing great work that saves our customers money. Recently we’ve discovered a new production niche that has been bringing us tons of new and repeat customers. It seems that metal stamping [...]
Tags: Metal Spinning, hydroforming, Metal Stamping
At Helander, every year we run into one item that becomes popular overnight. This year, that item has been metal furniture bases. Companies like Crate & Barrel and Room and Board have been requesting a large number of these [...]
Tags: Metal Spinning, Custom Fabrication, Steel Furniture Bases
Chicago’s Union Station has been a Windy City landmark since 1925. Located just outside of the famed Chicago Loop, it takes up almost 9 ½ city blocks and is the hub of all train travel in and out of the city. Recently, we were [...]
Custom fabrication is a way of life at Helander. We’re all about making the exact pieces that our customers need, rather than a whole catalog of generic one-size-(never)-fits-all items. Our custom tank heads are a perfect [...]
Tags: Custom Fabrication, stainless steel, custom tank heads, aluminum
For some time now, the practice of Continuous Improvement (CI) has been a popular principle of production in our industry. As the name implies, it’s a concept whereby manufacturers implement methods to make ongoing, incremental [...]
Metal Spinning and Your Health: More Connected Than You Think
Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Mon, Jul 16, 2012
It’s recommended that you drink at least eight glasses of water per day. What you may not know, though, is how you drink it is as important as how much you drink. If you’re drinking out of plastic bottles, you might want to [...]
Tags: Metal Spinning, stainless steel
You may be hearing a lot lately about Lean Manufacturing. It’s a buzz phrase that many companies love to advertise; “Lean-friendly” and “Lean-optimized” are also popular variations. Lean manufacturing can be summarized as more [...]
Tags: Metal Spinning, lean manufacturing
Metal Spinning and Music: A Harmonious Combination
Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Tue, Jun 26, 2012
When you’re enjoying your music, the sounds of a machine shop are likely the furthest thing from your mind (unless it’s mid-career Lou Reed). Whatever your taste: jazz, classic rock, alternative – the melodies that you hear are [...]
Tags: Metal Spinning, music, instruments
Lots of different types of machining methods are familiar to manufacturers. Even if you don’t deal with all of them or maintain a factory full of every machine that’s out there, you can probably rattle off quite a few different [...]
Tags: Metal Spinning, hydroforming, manufacturing
With so much talk of U.S. manufacturing in the news lately, it’s difficult to understand how some pundits can continue to roll their eyes at the return of factories an industry to a key role, if not a backbone position, in our [...]
Tags: Metal Spinning, manufacturing, boeing
One Fabtech show in a year is quite an event. But all the metalworking expo action isn’t in Chicago. This year’s Fabtech Canada 2012 expo, happening in Toronto from March 20 – 22nd, 2012, promises to be just as exciting and [...]
Tags: manufacturing, Fabtech, welding
The new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is like nothing you’ve ever seen. It’s a super-efficient airplane that uses 20% less fuel than any other plane in its class. Did we mention that it does this with a range of 8,500 nautical miles [...]
Tags: hydroforming, aerospace industry, boeing
Being able to bring our industry-leading metal spinning together with today’s green energy boom is on the top of Helander’s 2012 to-do-list, but we also know that we can make a difference right here in Lombard, Illinois.
Most [...]
Tags: Metal Spinning, Going Green, Recycling
You don’t have to be an industry insider to know that green and alternative energy have been a hot topic of conversation for several years. What you might not know, though, is just how far the reach of this paradigm shift [...]
So, you need a metal cylinder. Maybe it’s an enclosure, maybe it’s for piping or tubing, maybe it’ll even end up in someone’s kitchen as a fire extinguisher. First things first, though, you need to figure out how you’re going to [...]
Tags: Metal Spinning, Metal Cylinder
Metal Spinning at Fabtech: Developments Circulating at the Show
Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Thu, Dec 08, 2011
Metal forming and fabricating are our business here at Helander, so we’re lucky to be so close to the annual Fabtech conference held just up the road in Chicago, this year at McCormick Place. This year’s show, held from November [...]
Tags: metal fabricating, metal forming, Fabtech