5 CNC Drilling and Sawing Automation Capabilities That Reduce Structural Steel Processing Lead Times and Costs

Structural steel processing demands precision to ensure safety and stability. Manual drilling and sawing often lead to costly mistakes like misaligned holes or uneven cuts, which can delay projects and eat into profits. Fortunately, new CNC drilling and sawing automation provides a smarter, more efficient solution.

In this article, we’ll explore how CNC automation from Southern Metal Fabricators can help you boost productivity, cut costs, and meet tight deadlines. Take the Peddinghaus XDM-630, for instance — it combines drilling and sawing automation in one powerful package, perfect for projects like beams, platforms, and any structural work requiring fast processing.

1: Boost Output with Multi-Spindle CNC Drilling

Even minor drilling inaccuracies can derail quality and efficiency in structural steel fabrication. The CNC drilling technology on the Peddinghaus XDM-630 minimizes errors while maintaining speed and precision. Its multi-spindle design allows simultaneous drilling, enabling higher throughput without compromising quality.

Key benefits include:

• Increased throughput: Multiple spindles drill several parts at once, speeding up production compared to single-spindle machines.
• Consistent accuracy: The Peddinghaus XDM-630 ensures precise drilling across various materials, even at high speeds.
• Time savings: By performing multiple operations on one piece, it can reduce machining time by up to five times compared to traditional lathes.

These improvements translate into significant cost savings, particularly for high-volume projects.

2: Enhance Accuracy with Precision Roller Feed Automation

Precision rollers play a crucial role in maintaining accuracy throughout the production process. The Peddinghaus XDM-630’s roller measurement technology ensures accurate cuts despite variations in material thickness. Key advantages include:

• Industry-leading accuracy and consistency in roller measurement.
• Reduces reliance on manual adjustments, allowing staff to focus on higher-value tasks.
• Maintains precision even when dealing with uneven materials.

3: Save Time with CNC Slot and Cope Milling

Eliminating unnecessary steps in your workflow can free up valuable time and resources. The Peddinghaus XDM-630 simplifies slot and cope milling, delivering finished parts that are ready-to-use without additional processing. Benefits include:

• A mirror-shine finish with minimal effort.
• No need for grinding after drilling, saving time and labor.
• Finished parts that are immediately usable, reducing downstream processing needs.

4: Streamline Production with Automated Parts Handling

Automated parts handling not only improves efficiency but also enhances safety. The Peddinghaus XDM-630’s conveyor system reduces human error and repetitive strain injuries while minimizing labor costs. Key features include:

• Effortless parts removal with minimal operator involvement.
• Continuous movement for smoother production flow.
• Smart sorting of short and long parts, ensuring optimal resource use.

5: Accelerate Timelines and Improve Safety with Sawing Automation

CNC sawing automation is another game-changer for structural steel processing. Not only does it speed up cutting, but it also enhances workplace safety by eliminating manual cutting risks. The Peddinghaus XDM-630’s sawing technology includes features like rapid blade advance and automatic material sensing, making the entire process safer and more efficient.

Partner with Us for Faster, Smarter Fabrication

At Southern Metal Fabricators, we understand the importance of reliable, cost-effective structural steel processing. Whether you need CNC drilling, sawing, or complete custom metal fabrication, our team is here to help. With over 32 years of experience and state-of-the-art automation, we can handle everything from small runs to large-scale industrial projects.

Contact us today to learn how outsourcing your structural steel processing can save you time and money. Visit our structural steel fabrication page to discover how we can support your next project.