Gilchrist Metal Fabricating Company

04/27/2026

As advanced manufacturing pushes beyond single-material limits, breakthroughs in multi-metal production are opening the door to stronger, lighter, and more intelligently engineered components for the next generation of aerospace, defense, and high-performance industry.

ASU researcher Zhengtao Gan earned a NSF CAREER Award for his research on improving the reliability of advanced parts in multi-metal 3D printing.

03/20/2026

In 2026, the 3D printing industry is shifting its focus from rapid prototyping to full-scale industrial production within metal additive manufacturing.

Advances in automation and quality control are allowing manufacturers to integrate 3D printing directly into high-volume assembly lines for more resilient supply chains.

This evolution is driven by the need for complex, lightweight parts that traditional casting and machining simply cannot produce efficiently.

As metal printing costs decrease, businesses are finally moving past experimentation to embrace additive technology as a core pillar of modern manufacturing.



https://3dprint.com/322917/3d-printing-predictions-2026-industrial-production-in-metal-additive-manufacturing/

03/18/2026

To achieve true profitability in metal fabrication, shops must look beyond simple revenue and accurately track the "cost of complexity" for every job.

By implementing a seven-step process that includes monitoring setup times and material yields, owners can identify which customers are actually driving growth.

This data-driven approach allows for more precise bidding and helps eliminate hidden overhead costs that often erode margins.

Mastering these metrics transforms a busy shop into a highly efficient and genuinely profitable business.



https://www.thefabricator.com/thefabricator/article/shopmanagement/seven-steps-to-understanding-true-profitability-in-metal-fabrication

03/16/2026

At Gilchrist Metal Fabricating Company, robotic welding delivers the repeatability, speed, and accuracy that long-run projects demand.

By combining refined experience with state of the art equipment, we produce consistent, high quality welds while maintaining competitive lead times.

Our robotic welding capabilities help eliminate waste, increase throughput, and support tighter tolerances across a wide range of materials.

The result is reliable fabrication that helps our customers stay profitable and on schedule.

Looking for robotic welding services? GMFCO is a leading provider of high precision robotic mig welding for everything from industrial machinery welding robotics and general metal fabrication to architectural welding and welding for parts that go on to protect our troops in Afghanistan.

03/13/2026

Understanding vibrations in machining is critical because even small oscillations between the tool and workpiece can lead to chatter that degrades surface quality and shortens tool life.

When vibration occurs, the stability of the cut is compromised, which not only affects precision but can also force slower cutting speeds and feeds to maintain control, reducing productivity.

Being aware of these dynamics helps manufacturers avoid costly rework and maintain tighter tolerances during production.

Better vibration management ultimately improves part quality and efficiency in the shop.

In machining, the structure of interest is a cutting tool connected to a tool post/turret and lathe or a toolholder, spindle and milling machine. The vibration of these structures is important to consider.

03/11/2026

For CNC shops, green/yellow/red lights aren’t enough anymore.

AI-powered, real-time monitoring is turning raw machine signals—spindle load, vibration, offsets, tool changes—into insights that reduce downtime, extend tool life, and enable lights-out machining.

The shift is from isolated dashboards to connected data flowing into ERP, QMS, and maintenance workflows.

Find out more:

Integrated, real-time CNC machine monitoring is the clear path forward for any shop pursuing a digital transformation.

03/09/2026

Laser cutting automation is transforming metal fabrication, keeping machines running and materials flowing with minimal manual intervention.

From advanced denesting to smart AGVs and integrated software, shops can now optimize efficiency across their entire operation.

Skilled personnel remain essential, but technology handles the heavy lifting.

Starting or restarting your automation journey has never been more achievable.



https://www.thefabricator.com/thefabricator/article/lasercutting/four-fundamentals-of-laser-cutting-automation

03/06/2026

Bridges not only connect communities but also symbolize progress and innovation. Behind these remarkable structures is the art of metal fabrication, ensuring strength, durability, and precision.

At Gilchrist Metal Fabricating, we're proud to uphold these standards, contributing to the creation and upkeep of bridges across New England and beyond.

Discover more about how we bring engineering marvels to life, one beam at a time:
https://www.gmfco.com/news/large-metal-fabrications-in-bridge-construction-and-maintenance/

Large Machining Supports TV Broadcast Infrastructure and More Customers come to us with all kinds of manufacturing needs, quite often when a feasible solution is needed for a challenging fabrication requirement. Large metal components must be made in the shapes and sizes that engineered designs call...

03/04/2026

Discovering the path to mastering five-axis machining involves not just a leap in technology but a fundamental shift in approach.

Transitioning requires an intricate blend of new workholding solutions, longer toolholders for comprehensive part access, and an intimate understanding of the machine's unique dynamics.

Learn more:

While there are many changes to adopt when moving to five-axis, they all compliment the overall goal of better parts through less operations.

03/02/2026

Exploring the nuances between mass finishing and shot blasting reveals a fascinating intersection of technology and precision.

In industries where every micron matters, such as aerospace and medical manufacturing, choosing the right surface finishing technique is crucial.

Check out this advice:

The choice between mass finishing and shot blasting for CNC-machined parts depends on the specific requirements of the application.