Sheet Metal Fabrication of Stainless Steel Outer Tank Wrap for the Food Industry

Recently, a food industry client contracted Mechanical Designs of VA to fabricate an outer tank wrap used within a grease removal unit. Meeting tolerances as low as ±.015 of an inch, with an angular tolerance of +0°/-2°, we combined our laser cutting and TIG welding technology to build this component, based on a customer supplied 2D print.

To begin this project, we first laser cut all components to shape from sheet metal, and then bent the material based on client requirements. We first made a 90° main bend and then created 4 additional 90° bends over sides. We finally TIG welded all tank wrap components together, including joining all latches onto the outside of the unit. After manufacturing was complete, we deburred the completed product, giving it a #3 bright material finish.

Constructed from 24 gauge 304 stainless steel, the tank wrap measured 25.6 inches long, 17.6 inches wide, and 10.1 inches high. The part also weighed 2.32 pounds. In order to ensure the tank wrap met precise client requirements, we performed a variety of product inspections. Testing included checking the first unit in flat, examining the first bent, and inspecting the latch after installation.

Successfully manufacturing this product to meet exact print specifications, our tank wrap fulfilled all client expectations for design and quality.