top of page

Search Results

41 items found for ""

  • Design | GoodFabs | Performance Engineering | UK

    Design We can design press tooling and jigs, and fabricate from a CAD model with no need for technical drawings. We design our own jigs and tooling and manufacture most parts in-house. Customer designs often do not take into account the realities of fabrication. With 25 years of manufacturing experience at the highest level, we can quickly tell if a design can be easily made or whether an alternative approach would work better or be more cost-effective. We can often reduce costs by adapting designs to fit our extensive bend tooling set or by simplifying the design to reduce the cost of fabrication, without ever having to compromise on quality. We are able to fabricate complex exhaust systems through the use of press tools that are designed in-house. Although a more costly option than conventional tube bending, pressings give the customer complete freedom of specification and are less expensive for rapid prototyping our small run development parts than alternative methods such as hydroforming or laser sintering. GoodFabs designs and manufactures a number of specialist component parts, such as O2 bungs and clamps that are regularly used with high-performance race exhaust systems. These parts can be purchased directly from GoodFabs. GET IN TOUCH CAD drawing of a GoodFabs V-band clamp Formula 1 exhaust manifold Formula 1 exhaust manifold CAD F1 manifold jig design Laser scanning an F1 exhaust

  • Press Forming | GoodFabs | Performance Engineering | UK

    TUBE FORMING TUBE BENDING PRESS FORMING BEND REQUEST FORM Press Forming We are often asked to create irregular shapes that cannot be made using the fabrication methods that we use to bend or form tube. Transitions that go from oval to round are one example and complex collectors that gather multiple pipes into one are another. Over many years of making complex exhaust parts, we have developed techniques to press out shapes using patterns and press tooling, designed and made in-house at GoodFabs. These shapes are then welded together to form whole parts. Press forming is a cold forming operation used to create irregular shapes or bends which cannot be created using conventional bending methods. Using a hydraulic press, where every stage is fully controlled by the operator, allows us to create parts with a more consistent wall thickness on very thin-walled materials (such as inconel, titanium, etc) than other cold forming processes. Compared to hydroforming, press forming complex exhaust parts is a more manual process but one that also benefits from longer productions runs. This technique is both quick and accurate and particularly suitable for designs that change from week to week. Our ability to design and machine press tools in-house means that pressings can be created quickly within days rather than weeks if a hydroforming process is used. The constant flow of press work that we carry out also means that the results are uniform and are closely inspected for repeated accuracy. Mandrel Bend Tooling Charts TOOLING CHARTS Exhaust press tool Pressed exhaust parts Pressed halves ready to weld Welding two pressed halves Fully welded pressed exhaust part Finished, pressed & welded exhaust Pressed, welded & fabricated inconel Pressed 3-into-1 collector half Fully welded pressed inconel transitions Pressed inconel V8 4-into-1 F1 collector

  • GoodFabs | Performance Engineering | UK | +44 (0)1844 202850

    We specialise in the forming, bending and machining of high performance alloys Welcome Inconel & Titanium Specialists Welcome to Good Fabrications Ltd, also known as GoodFabs. ​ Best known for our exhaust system work for engine builders and race teams in Formula 1, we have the largest selection of tooling for mandrel bending thin wall tubing outside the aerospace industry. ​ Much of our work is for the development and prototype side of performance engineering. We make and design parts for the automotive, defence, oil and gas, and marine industries for a range of products, including UAVs, subsea antennae, EV battery modules and Hybrid SUVs. TOOLING CHARTS BEND REQUEST FORM Our Services Our expertise includes fabrication and TIG welding, heat-shielding, machining, laser cutting, additive manufacturing and post-print machining, hydroforming and pressing as well as shot-peening and heat treatment. Our UK workshop is situated in Motorsport Valley, home of most Formula 1 teams and many of its suppliers. We employ over 30 staff including some of the world's best fabricator/ welders, heat shielders, machinists and tube formers. VIEW ALL SERVICES Shop Online We offer a range of the same high-quality mandrel bends, collectors and V-Band assemblies we use when manufacturing systems for the highest levels of motorsport across the globe from our online shop . Manufactured in-house, using only the finest materials, our products are available in a range of sizes and are shipped next day within the UK. If you are outside the UK and would like to order GoodFabs parts or you have a request for items not currently listed, please get in touch and we'll be happy to provide you with a quotation. Mandrel Bends Turbo Heat Shields Straight Tubes V-Band Clamp Sets 4-into-1 Collectors VISIT SHOP CLICK TO VIEW Recent News PrimeWeld's Guide to Welding Terminology GoodFabs Seeking Experienced Fabricator Welder Unveiling excellence: The F1 Halo replicas by GoodFabs Exhaust dynamics in racing engines: Unleashing power and performance Unleashing performance: Elevate your engine with GoodFabs' advanced heat shields Sheet metal forming at GoodFabs VIEW ALL NEWS Follow Us

  • Fabrication & Welding | GoodFabs | Performance Engineering | UK

    Fabrication & Welding Fabrication and welding are the basis of our manufacturing process at GoodFabs. We TIG weld thin-wall stainless steel and nickel alloys, such as inconel, the material with which we work most. With such a scarce labour resource available to us, we have to make sure that our manufacturing processes are well-planned and efficient. Fabrication Most of our fabrication at GoodFabs involves lightweight exotic metals which perform well in high heat environments. Nickel alloys such as inconel are not readily available in tube form so we start the fabrication process with flat sheets of metal with a material thickness that typically ranges from 0.5mm to 1.6mm. Large thin sheets are precision cut with a guillotine and then rolled and seam welded to form a custom-made tube . ​ This tube is then mandrel bent on one of our Clark & Lewis tube benders using a range of custom-made bend tooling that is probably the most extensive outside the aerospace industry. ​ A set of perfectly formed bends is then passed onto the fabricator/ welder who will have been provided with a CAD drawing, a fabrication jig and a set of laser cut and machined components which he will use to make the part or exhaust system. Fabrication Our skilled fabricators will discuss the precise order and method of manufacture with the management team to ensure that the most efficient manufacturing approach is used, taking into account any other post-fabrication processes, such as heat treatment or shot peening , that may be needed either during or post-fabrication welding. Once an exhaust part has been completed it will be passed onto our separate inspection department where it can be CMM inspected using our FARO arm or laser scanned, taking into account the tolerances prescribed by the customer. The part may also go through an in-house NDT process using dye penetrant to confirm the quality of the welds. Other post fabrication processes, such as shot peening or heat treatment may then be carried out before being returned for a final inspection. Parts can be marked by laser etching and carefully packed for same day or overnight delivery. Fabricator checking tube dimensions Mobile aluminium jig trolley Fabricator/ welder at workbench Bolting up a fabricated system Welding The TIG welding process mainly refers to Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW). TIG welding requires only three components: heat, shielding and filler material. The heat is created by an electric current passing through the tungsten and arcing to the metal to be welded. This forms a ‘puddle’ of molten metal where the filler material can be dipped in by hand. The shield is created by a protective gas flow around the heat affected zone, effectively reducing the risks of contaminating the metal with atmospherical elements. Welding The ability to soft start and stop the heat makes the TIG welding process an ideal process to weld thin-walled material. With metals being as thin as 0.3mm, the slightest gap or mistake can cause a hole or large inconsistencies in the welds. At GoodFabs, we closely monitor the weld quality in our inspection department which can perform a detailed NDT inspection. Another large advantage of TIG welding is the uncleaned finish; a good TIG weld is so clean that it does not require any cleaning up or grinding to smooth it out, making it ideal to weld thin walled exhaust systems where the exhaust gasses flow at high speeds and any inconsistency might reduce the power output of the engine. Welding thin walled exotic materials such as inconel, titanium or even stainless steel and aluminium requires a perfect fit and very good welders. TIG welding an exhaust part Welding aluminium with a Furick Cup Inconel welding wire Polished F1 V8 inconel manifold without collector Related Posts PrimeWeld's Guide to Welding Terminology GoodFabs Seeking Experienced Fabricator Welder Welding and metallurgical terms finally explained VIEW ALL NEWS

  • Laser Cutting | GoodFabs | Performance Engineering | UK

    Laser Cutting Laser cutting is one of the quickest and most accurate methods of cutting material. Laser cutting, combined with our tube bending and forming, fabrication and heat shielding services, enables GoodFabs to offer a complete end-to-end service from our Buckinghamshire base. Our Amada 1212 laser cutting machine allows us to produce high quality components from 0.4mm thick gaskets to 1.2mm silencer skins. The maximum material thickness we can laser cut is 3mm. As with all the parts we produce, only the finest materials from trusted suppliers are used within the manufacturing process. We can provide material certificates and inspection reports for any part we produce, offering customers complete peace of mind. How does the laser cutting process work? For all the laser cut parts we produce, a program is created and loaded onto our Amada laser cutting machine. By carefully ‘nesting’ patterns, we can ensure minimal sheet wastage and lower costs for our customers.​ Once sheet is loaded onto the laser cutting bed and clamped into position, the program takes over and a high-powered laser is directed at the sheet, cutting out patterns from simple circular gaskets to more elaborate components used in complex fabricated assemblies. What materials and thicknesses can we cut? We can laser cut parts from inconel 625, titanium and stainless steel (321 & 304) in thicknesses between 0.4mm and 3mm. ​What applications can our laser cut parts be used for? Although traditionally we have manufactured parts for top level motorsport, laser cutting is an ideal solution for the production of parts across a host of industries. These range from agricultural, marine, refrigeration, medical and other OEMs. Equally, the parts we can laser cut can be used within motorcycle systems and small race series right through to Hyper cars and F1. ​ Why consider laser cutting? Laser cutting parts for use in fabricated assemblies offers a range of benefits: ​ Improved accuracy Production of complex, intricate shapes A smoother, cleaner finish Reduced production time and costs ​What laser cutting projects can GoodFabs facilitate? We can cater for one-off parts or batches to suit your requirements. If you have a laser cutting project you would like to discuss, simply contact us with your requirements and one of our team will be in touch. GET IN TOUCH

  • Heritage Exhaust Systems | GoodFabs | Performance Engineering | UK

    Heritage Exhaust Systems There are many historic racing cars that still require exhaust systems or exhaust parts that can only be replicated based on the originals. In the case of historic F1 cars, we may have made the original systems back in the 80s or 90s or we may need to reverse engineer and fabricate from scratch, using the techniques and welding methods that were used at the time.​ We retain mandrel bend tooling used for F1 race systems over the past 35 years and also have a stock of parts, such as flanges, that were made or free-issued as original parts.​ We have created a booklet entitled GoodFabs: Our Motorsport Heritage . This covers the exhausts we have made since 1983, including Ayrton Senna's Toleman to Force India's recent titanium tailpipe.​ F1 V8 inconel manifold F1 HRT 2012 manifold Inconel heritage exhaust Glowing orange inconel exhaust

  • Tube Forming & Bending | GoodFabs | Performance Engineering | UK

    TUBE FORMING TUBE BENDING PRESS FORMING BEND REQUEST FORM Tube Forming & Bending 90% of the exhaust systems fabricated by GoodFabs start with a piece of flat metal sheet rather than ready-made tube. As inconel, titanium and 321 stainless tube is not available at short notice, or in small quantities, it is more practical to form and bend sheet metal from scratch. We stock 304 stainless steel and aluminium tube in various diameters and wall thicknesses. ​ Having worked with Formula 1 design engineers for over 40 years, GoodFabs has built up a large supply of mandrel bend tooling to meet their requirements for multiple diameters, wall thicknesses and centre lines. Although most of our tube forming, bending and pressing is for our own race exhaust programmes, we do make custom made tube, bends and pressings for engine builders, motorsport teams and custom exhaust fabricators, including our competitors. ​ Download our tooling charts or visit our individual Tube Forming , Tube Bending and Press Forming pages for more information and photos. ​ You can also visit our Online Shop . ​ Please note that all our bends are produced with a minimum clamp and are supplied untrimmed. If a specific clamp and tail length is required or you would like us to trim your bends to a specific length, please state this on your enquiry. VISIT ONLINE SHOP Mandrel Bend Tooling Charts TOOLING CHARTS

  • Tube Bending | GoodFabs | Performance Engineering | UK

    TUBE FORMING TUBE BENDING PRESS FORMING BEND REQUEST FORM Tube Bending ​GoodFabs has a worldwide reputation for mandrel bending inconel 625, 718, stainless 321 and 304, grade 2 titanium and aluminium bends for race exhaust fabricators and race teams that fabricate their own exhaust systems. ​ We custom bend tube in diameters from 1" (25.4mm) to 3 1/2" (88.9mm) and specialise in Inconel bends and pressings. ​ Please note that all our bends are produced with a minimum clamp and are supplied untrimmed. If a specific clamp and tail length is required or you would like us to trim your bends to a specific length, please state this on your enquiry. All our inconel tubes are made completely in-house from a flat sheet, giving us full control over all the aspects, enabling us to create high-quality tube bends. ​ As we have a large range of custom-made mandrel bend tooling to bend thousands of combinations, we have created a downloadable tooling charts allowing you to design an exhaust system or fabrication which can actually be made. Mandrel Bends All our bends are created using a linked ball insert while they are being bent. The tube is given extra support and we can reduce wrinkling and avoid breaking the tube during the entire bending process. This linked ball insert is called a mandrel. Since we have been creating motorsport exhausts for over 30 years, we are able to supply engine builders and top motorsport teams, with the best quality mandrel bends, which ensure the best tubular consistency possible. Our expert tube benders use the correct mandrel in the bending process to maintain the nominal pipe diameter. This is achieved by allowing the outside of the bend to stretch and the inside to compress. We have multiple mandrels for each outer bend diameter to accommodate the wall thickness of tube required to achieve the lightest weight possible. ​ By keeping the nominal pipe diameter throughout the bend and the entire exhaust system, by using high-quality mandrel bends, the hot exhaust gases can maintain their velocity and efficiency. ​ Contact us for further information on our tube bending capability or download our tooling charts . Mandrel Bend Tooling Charts TOOLING CHARTS Four ball mandrel in tube bender GoodFabs tube bending tooling GoodFabs has the largest range of mandrel bend tooling for alloys outside aerospace Tube bending machine Mandrel bending operator Mandrel bending inconel Tube bending inconel pipe GoodFabs tube bending department Steel & bronze tube bending tooling Inconel & titanium tube bending tooling Tool bending lubricant Mandrel bending vs hydro forming

  • Tube Forming | GoodFabs | Performance Engineering | UK

    TUBE FORMING TUBE BENDING PRESS FORMING BEND REQUEST FORM Tube Forming As GoodFabs works mainly with exotic metals, such as inconel and titanium, most of the sizes of the tubes we use to make exhaust manifolds are not readily available. ​ All our inconel tube is made in-house from a flat sheet, giving us full control over all the aspects of production from the outer diameter to wall thickness, enabling us to create the most complex exhaust systems while optimising the gas flow to increase engine efficiency. ​ Next to our extensive machining department, we have a complete tube forming department with a large range of tooling for our press brakes, hydraulic presses and other forming equipment. ​ Tube is formed by the radius punch on the ram, incrementally advancing the flat sheets until a perfect cylinder is created. Our large tooling range in the forming department means we can form anything from cones and simple folds to complex geometries. Seam Welding When the tubes are formed, the cylinder is completed with a seam weld. This high-quality seam weld is automatically created by progressively forming the weld rather than welding the entire joint at once. ​ The two electrodes in our fully automatic seam welding equipment apply the correct pressure and electrical current needed for that specific exotic material (typically Inconel, titanium or stainless steel) to create the perfect uniform welds. This is done by pressing the semi-molten surfaces together to create a fusion bond. ​ One of the largest advantages of the seam welding process used at GoodFabs is that the seam welding joint is already forged due to the applied heat, which produces a durable weld which lasts. ​ To enquire about the cost of formed tube, please contact us specifying your location, as well as quantity, material, diameter and wall thickness required. Mandrel Bend Tooling Charts TOOLING CHARTS Handmade formed and welded tube Welding formed tube Stock formed inconel tube Checking formed tube dimensions Handmade formed and welded tubes BMW S1000RR inconel system Inconel tube GoodFabs team member forming tube Formed and welded tube in our staorage racks Formed and welded inconel and stainless steel tube

  • Exhaust Heat Shield Insulation | GoodFabs | Inconel and Titanium Specialists

    Exhaust Heat Shield Insulation GoodFabs fabricates and installs the world’s best exhaust insulation for race teams, engine builders and supercar constructors. Modern exhaust systems - particularly those used by turbo-charged engines - reach very high temperatures, so there is often a requirement to add a layer of thin metal foil enclosing a layer of microthermal material. The purpose of the insulation is two-fold: to keep the heat inside the exhaust system to help the gases exit faster and to protect components and bodywork in close proximity to the manifold, turbo, secondaries and tailpipe. Shop Data Sheets ​ Microporous Insulation Material ​ GRADE 1000R 1000R Min-K® Flexible Superwool® Blanket MICROTHERM® QUILTED Needlemat Adhesive Tape PPI 8415 PPI 8415-R Heat Shielding at GoodFabs Heat Shielding at GoodFabs Heat Shielding at GoodFabs Heat Shielding at GoodFabs Heat Shielding at GoodFabs Specialised equipment is used for the heat shielding process Heat Shielding at GoodFabs Microtherm material is cut to patterns and glued prior to enclosure Thermal insulation, or heat shielding as it is also known, is often a more expensive and intricate process than assembling the exhaust components themselves. The skills and technology required to cut, press and weld the thin (<0.15mm) metal foil are not commonplace and are only known to a few select companies around the world. Sourcing the materials used in heat shielding is not straight forward as they are mainly used in the aerospace rather than the automotive or motorsport industry. Heat shielding should not be confused with regular exhaust wrap or lagging, which attaches a layer of metal or tape directly to the pipework. Heat shielding carried out by GoodFabs always involves a separate layer of microthermal or microporous material between 3 and 12mm thick, which is encapsulated by a fully welded covering of dimpled 0.1mm thick stainless steel or inconel foil. This shield is then welded directly onto the exhaust system (integral) or pressed into a special shape (clam shell) that allows it to clip over the system and fit snugly around it. Example of a non-insulated tail-pipe burning race car bodywork (seen within red circle) An assortment of dimpled foil pressings 3D printed jigs are often used to ensure that the integral heat shielding fits within the packaging Clam shell heat shields with clips designed to fit around repackable mufflers Heat shields Heat shields When should you use heat-shielding? Using an insulated heat shield around the exhaust system or the turbo can often help to increase the power output of engines with operating temperatures exceeding 800 degrees centigrade (around 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit) while limiting the thermal exposure of structural components and reducing thermal fatigue (in IndyCar, NASCAR, Rally, etc) just as a ceramic thermal barrier coating does, but with far better effect. By cladding the exhaust pipes with thermal insulation, the outer surface temperatures drop significantly and contain the heat energy within the exhaust system.​ What is integral insulation? With the turbo having been re-introduced to Formula 1, unique exhaust heat management skills are needed to create heat shields which follow the exhaust contours perfectly, even with very complex geometry. Each part is individually wrapped with insulation matting - microporous or silicate fibre are the most popular forms - followed by spot welding a dimpled stainless steel, inconel or titanium outer shell. Custom-made press tools are manufactured in-house from CAD drawings to ensure that the shells are moulded to fit perfectly over the exhaust system. ​ What is clam-shell or clip-on insulation? For exhaust systems that have more room in the engine bay or undercar area and are likely to be re-used or regularly removed, the clam shell option is sometimes preferred. This form of heat shielding fits around the exhaust system and follows its contours without being welded to the pipes themselves. Clam shells with clips or springs make it easier to remove the outer cladding which allows mechanics to perform non-destructive testing and early crack detection on the used exhaust pipes. Clip on insulation features a dual layer of foil enclosing matting between layers so adds an additional layer of heat-shielding compared to integral insulation. Should I use integral or clam shell heat-shielding? Integral or integrated heat shields are spot welded onto the exhaust system while the pressed clam shell heat shield is held together by clips or springs. Your choice of type of heat shielding will depend on how much space you have and whether you are likely to work on or test exhaust systems for damage after they have been run. GET IN TOUCH

  • Contact Us | GoodFabs | +44 (0)1844 202 850 | UK

    Contact Us If you have any questions about the products and services we offer, please get in touch by phone or email, or use the contact form provided. You can also follow us on our socials. +44 (0)1844 202850 info@goodfabs.com Office & Workshop Address Good Fabrications Limited Unit 3a Drakes Farm Drakes Drive Long Crendon Aylesbury Bucks HP18 9BA Contact Form Name Email Contact Number I would also like to subscribe for updates. Submit Thank you for contacting us. We will get back to you as quickly as possible. Privacy Statement

  • ISO 9001 Certification | GoodFabs | Performance Engineering | UK

    ISO 9001 Certification GoodFabs is committed to providing customers with the highest quality products using only the very best components from trusted suppliers and our ISO 9001 certification helps support that objective. ​ ISO 9001 certification means that we have met very high standards in our quality management systems and support the traceability and repeatability of manufacture which is so important to our customers. ​ It's also our belief that regular reviews of processes, suppliers and internal performance are key to the success of any business so we will be using the ISO framework to facilitate this for the benefit of all our customers and staff.

bottom of page