> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://protolab.gitbook.io/protolab/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://protolab.gitbook.io/protolab/equipment/metal-working.md).

# Metal Working

## Hand Tools

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Hand tools can be used to shape metals and other hard/dense materials, such as plastics.

#### **Our Tools**

* Hack Saws
* Tin Snips
* Files
* Punches
* Pliers
* Hammers
  {% endtab %}

{% tab title="Access" %}
Available for use during [Open Hours](/protolab/contact-us.md#open-hours)

Ask a technician during if you require assistance, or [Book a Technician](/protolab/services/book-a-technician.md) in advance.
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

## Metal Band Saw

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{% tab title="About" %}

<figure><img src="/files/ruJAgMcn1PCsImDCt1SM" alt=""><figcaption><p>Image Sources: <a href="https://www.lathes.co.uk/startrite-later-models/page5.html">Left</a></p></figcaption></figure>

Material is fed into a continuous band saw blade to create straight or curved cuts.

#### **Our Machines**

* Startrite 24-V-10, 1x
  {% endtab %}

{% tab title="Access" %}

#### <mark style="background-color:orange;">TECHNICIAN-ASSISTED</mark>

[**Book a Technician**](/protolab/services/book-a-technician.md)

Or, ask a ProtoLAB technician during [Open Hours](/protolab/contact-us.md#open-hours) for assistance.
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

## Guillotine

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<figure><img src="/files/MWdMCDcND6GD1MwO4FDu" alt=""><figcaption><p>Image Sources: <a href="https://www.machines4u.com.au/view/advert/john-heine-model-36b-series-2-3-foot-guillotine-no-outriggers-/561572">Left</a> / <a href="https://xometry.pro/en-eu/articles/sheet-metal-materials/">Right</a></p></figcaption></figure>

A sharp edge is lowered to slice straight cuts.

#### **Our Machines**

* John Heine Model 36B Series 2, 1x
  {% endtab %}

{% tab title="Access" %}

#### <mark style="background-color:orange;">TECHNICIAN-ASSISTED</mark>

[**Book a Technician**](/protolab/services/book-a-technician.md)

Or, ask a ProtoLAB technician during [Open Hours](/protolab/contact-us.md#open-hours) for assistance.
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

## Cold Saw

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{% tab title="About" %}

<figure><img src="/files/UAculv2I54p8H84NSPhQ" alt=""><figcaption><p>Image Sources: <a href="https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/s1291">Left</a> / <a href="https://www.weldingoutfitter.com/collections/power-tools">Right</a></p></figcaption></figure>

A cooled circular saw blade is controlled to make straight cuts in lengths of clamped material.

#### **Our Machines**

* Brobo S350D, 1x
  {% endtab %}

{% tab title="Access" %}

#### <mark style="background-color:orange;">TECHNICIAN-ASSISTED</mark>

[**Book a Technician**](/protolab/services/book-a-technician.md)

Or, ask a ProtoLAB technician during [Open Hours](/protolab/contact-us.md#open-hours) for assistance.
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

## Drill Press

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{% tab title="About" %}

<figure><img src="/files/T06Qoc85vWwNIiNIGj9a" alt=""><figcaption><p>Image Sources: <a href="https://www.manualslib.com/manual/2423321/Felder-Fb-510.html">Left</a> / <a href="https://www.einhell.de/en/blog/workshop/drilling-in-metal/">Right</a></p></figcaption></figure>

A drill bit is loaded and fed at a controlled rotational speed into material mounted to the platform, allowing more precise holes to be made than are practicable using a handheld drill.

#### **Our Machines**

* Parken B8-VAR-1F, 4x
* Handheld Drills
  {% endtab %}

{% tab title="Access" %}

#### <mark style="background-color:purple;">INDUCTION REQUIRED</mark>

#### [Complete the Induction](/protolab/equipment/wood-working/drill-press-induction.md)&#x20;

Once you pass the [Drill Press Induction](/protolab/equipment/wood-working/drill-press-induction.md), you may use the drill press during [Open Hours](/protolab/contact-us.md#open-hours).
{% endtab %}
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## Sheet Metal Benders

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{% tab title="About" %}

<figure><img src="/files/jYhRLkN5nPT2kTIGjNc1" alt=""><figcaption><p>Image Sources: <a href="https://www.machines4u.com.au/view/advert/MAGNABEND-Model-1250mm-x-1-6-Electro-magnetic-Sheet-Metal-Folding-Machine-4-Blades-Included/527140/">Left</a> / <a href="https://www.panbrake.com/eb3200-magnetic-sheet-metal-bending-machine-sheet-metal-bender-electromagnetic-bending-machine-product/">Right</a></p></figcaption></figure>

A heavyweight clamp holds sheet metal in place while the tool is pushed against it to make a straight bend.

#### **Our Machines**

* Magnabend 1250E, 1x
* Manual Metal Bender, 1x
  {% endtab %}

{% tab title="Access" %}

#### <mark style="background-color:orange;">TECHNICIAN-ASSISTED</mark>

[**Book a Technician**](/protolab/services/book-a-technician.md)

Or, ask a ProtoLAB technician during [Open Hours](/protolab/contact-us.md#open-hours)[ ](/protolab/contact-us.md#open-hours)for assistance.
{% endtab %}
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## Sheet Metal Roller

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{% tab title="About" %}

<figure><img src="/files/XuOypHbBknPbzXL9KmRa" alt=""><figcaption><p>Image Sources: <a href="https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/133720666625">Right</a></p></figcaption></figure>

A sequence of rollers force curvature into sheet metal.

#### **Our Machines**

* John Heine 20H, 1x
  {% endtab %}

{% tab title="Access" %}

#### <mark style="background-color:orange;">TECHNICIAN-ASSISTED</mark>

[**Book a Technician**](/protolab/services/book-a-technician.md)

Or, ask a ProtoLAB technician during [Open Hours ](/protolab/contact-us.md#open-hours)for assistance.
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

## Pipe Bender

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{% tab title="About" %}
**Our Machines**

* Pipe Bender, 1x
  {% endtab %}

{% tab title="Access" %}

#### <mark style="background-color:orange;">TECHNICIAN-ASSISTED</mark>

[**Book a Technician**](/protolab/services/book-a-technician.md)

Or, ask a ProtoLAB technician during [Open Hours](/protolab/contact-us.md#open-hours) for assistance.
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

## Linishing Belt

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="About" %}
For shaping and deburring.

#### **Our Machines**

* Parken MK644, 1x
  {% endtab %}

{% tab title="Access" %}

#### <mark style="background-color:orange;">TECHNICIAN-ASSISTED</mark>

[**Book a Technician**](/protolab/services/book-a-technician.md)

Or, ask a ProtoLAB technician during [Open Hours](/protolab/contact-us.md) for assistance.
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

## Power Tools

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{% tab title="About" %}

#### **Our Equipment**

* Angle Grinder - For cutting and grinding of metals and other hard materials.
* Nibbler - For making freehand cuts in sheet metal.
* Dremel Tool - For fine cutting and polishing work.
  {% endtab %}

{% tab title="Access" %}

#### <mark style="background-color:orange;">TECHNICIAN-ASSISTED</mark>

[**Book a Technician**](/protolab/services/book-a-technician.md)

Or, ask a ProtoLAB technician during [Open Hours](/protolab/contact-us.md)[ ](/protolab/contact-us.md#open-hours)for assistance.
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

## MIG Welding

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{% tab title="About" %}
Metal Inert Gas welding can be applied to join thicker steel parts.

#### **Our Machines**

* WIA 256 Weldmatic, 3x
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{% tab title="Access" %}

#### <mark style="background-color:orange;">TECHNICIAN-ASSISTED</mark>

[**Book a Technician**](/protolab/services/book-a-technician.md)
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

## TIG Welding

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="About" %}
Tungsten Inert Gas welding can be applied to join thinner sheet steel or aluminium parts.

#### **Our Machines**

* Kemppi MLS3000 ACDC, 1x
  {% endtab %}

{% tab title="Access" %}

#### <mark style="background-color:orange;">TECHNICIAN-ASSISTED</mark>

[**Book a Technician**](/protolab/services/book-a-technician.md)
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

## Spot Welding

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{% tab title="About" %}
Spot welding can be used to tack materials together or make non-watertight joins. The metals are welded in a spot rather than a continuous seam.

#### **Our Machines**

* Orman 2-QS-17/A, 1x
* Benchtop Spot Welders
  {% endtab %}

{% tab title="Access" %}

#### <mark style="background-color:orange;">TECHNICIAN-ASSISTED</mark>

[**Book a Technician**](/protolab/services/book-a-technician.md)
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

## Oxyacetylene Torch

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="About" %}
Oxyacetylene gas burns to enable high heats to be applied to materials. It can be used for soldering or brazing.

#### **Our Machines**

* Uni Flame TB-101-3/4, 1x
  {% endtab %}

{% tab title="Access" %}

#### <mark style="background-color:orange;">TECHNICIAN-ASSISTED</mark>

[**Book a Technician**](/protolab/services/book-a-technician.md)
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}