Samuel Ibrahim, Jr.

Recent Posts

Complete Guide to Metal Spinning

Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Thu, Nov 11, 2021

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

Hydroforming vs. Metal Stamping

Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Mon, Sep 17, 2018

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 [...]

Helander Facility Capabilities

Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Mon, Nov 06, 2017

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 — [...]

Helander Commitment to Lean Manufacturing

Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Thu, Mar 23, 2017

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

ASME- Compliant Quality

Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Fri, Nov 13, 2015

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

Metal Spinning Benefits and Applications

Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Tue, Oct 06, 2015

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

Difficulties in Metal Spinning Special Alloys

Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Mon, Aug 17, 2015

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

Shapes Achieved through Metal Spinning

Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Tue, May 12, 2015

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

Metal Spinning Affords Fast Turnaround Times

Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Wed, Mar 25, 2015

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

Helander Earns New ASME Certification

Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Fri, Feb 06, 2015

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

Simplify the R and D Process with Metal Forming

Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Fri, Jan 16, 2015

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.

Tags: metal forming, Metal Spinning, metal hemispheres

Meet our Machines | 20” Hydroforming Press

Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Thu, Oct 09, 2014

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

Hydroforming Magnetic / Rotary Pumps

Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Thu, Jul 17, 2014

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

Need a float? We have you covered.

Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Thu, Jun 05, 2014

Float Ball 316 SS 14" Diameter

Did you know that Helander Company can fabricate the metal float for your application?

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 = Cost Effective Metal Forming

Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Wed, Dec 11, 2013

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

Achieving the Highest Standards

Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Tue, Oct 29, 2013

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

The Advantages of Metal Spinning

Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Tue, Sep 10, 2013

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

Hydroforming and Custom Tank Heads from Helander

Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Mon, Feb 25, 2013

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

Success in Succession Planning

Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Fri, Dec 28, 2012

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 [...]

Tags: Metal Spinning, hydroforming, succession planning

Coal, Exhaust, and Helander

Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Tue, Dec 11, 2012

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

Helander Keeps It In the Family

Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Mon, Nov 26, 2012

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

Steel Furniture Bases are the New Black!

Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Mon, Sep 24, 2012

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

Helander and Union Station

Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Tue, Sep 04, 2012

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 [...]

Tags: Custom Metal Spinning, Union Station, Concrete

Custom Tank Heads: The Perfect Fit

Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Wed, Aug 22, 2012

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

Improving Continuous Improvement

Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Mon, Jul 30, 2012

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 [...]

Tags: Metal Spinning, continuous improvement

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

What Lean Really Means

Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Mon, Jul 02, 2012

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

Why Hydroforming? We’ve Got Your Answers.

Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Mon, Apr 23, 2012

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

As Manufacturing Expands, So Does Helander

Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Wed, Apr 11, 2012

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

Helander’s Fabtech Canada 2012 Preview

Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Fri, Mar 09, 2012

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

Dreamliners, Hydroforming and Helander

Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Thu, Feb 02, 2012

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

Helander Spinning Going Green(er) in 2012

Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Wed, Jan 18, 2012

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

Spinning into 2012 With Green Energy

Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Thu, Jan 12, 2012

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 [...]

Why Choose Metal Spinning?

Posted by Samuel Ibrahim, Jr. on Wed, Dec 21, 2011

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