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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

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

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

Due to increased workload, GoodFabs are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Fabricator Welder who will be based at our Buckinghamshire workshop. ​Reporting to the Head of Fabrication, this is an exciting opportunity to join an innovative engineering company who, for almost 40 years, have been providing a range of superior-quality exhaust systems to the highest levels of motorsport both in the UK and around the world. Duties: Production of a variety of parts to an extremely high standard and in line with the specifications of customers and / or the business Ensuring that all the required parts for an assembly are present Checking each component in line with drawings Reviewing drawings and job cards before starting work on a fabrication process and during the steps to ensure accurate completion Marking cutting lines on material Using a variety of equipment including band saws, grinding wheels, mops, pneumatic presses, fly presses, Avamatic machines, etc to produce components and assemblies Ensuring that all parts are properly fitted, aligned and assembled Ensuring that internal quality control standards are met Ensuring parts are completed in line with the agreed production schedule Logging on and off jobs via the Company ERP system Reporting and detailing of product deficiencies and actively seeking to resolve associated production issues Working to Company Health & Safety rules Skills & Experience: Sheet metal work and fabrication Experience of working with thin-walled (under 1mm) stainless and nickel alloys a distinct advantage High standard of welding Ability to work to technical drawings and interpret tolerances Strong level of quality focus Ability to cope under pressure, working within a fast-paced environment Experience of working to agreed deadlines Ability to work on their own or as part of a team Flexible, can-do attitude This is a permanent, UK-based role which includes a competitive salary and bonus scheme plus an excellent 11% non-contributory pension scheme, flexible overtime arrangements and excellent working conditions as well as five weeks holiday after two years service. ​ Please send your CV with a covering email to info@goodfabs.com. #Workforus #GoodFabsworkshop

PrimeWeld in the US have created an excellent Guide to Welding Terminology. This guide explains the welding terminology you may encounter in workshops and manufacturing facilities where welding takes place. The guide covers terminology related to: Welding materials Base metals Welding processes Welding positions Joint types Defects Welding Equipment And more Click here to view PrimeWeld's Guide to Welding Terminology.

In the adrenaline-fueled world of motorsports, safety and innovation are key components. One of the most iconic innovations in recent Formula 1 history has been the introduction of the Halo cockpit protection system. GoodFabs, with a rich history in precision engineering, were a natural choice to play a part in the design of the original Halo systems and now produce Halo replicas to enthusiasts and heritage teams worldwide. This blog looks at the semi-technical aspects of the materials used in these replicas, while also highlighting their value as display pieces. Mastering Materials for Authenticity and Durability Crafting a faithful replica of the F1 Halo requires a deep understanding of both its function and form. GoodFabs employs a blend of high-grade materials that mirror the real-world counterpart's construction. The central arch of the replica is fabricated from lightweight yet sturdy alloys, offering a balance between authenticity and durability. These materials ensure that the replica captures the essence of the Halo's structural integrity while guaranteeing its longevity as a one-off replica part. Elevating Environments: The Halo as a Display Piece Beyond their role as accurate recreations, GoodFabs' Halo replicas offer a distinct opportunity to enhance environments, whether they grace the homes of enthusiasts or the offices of industry professionals. Mounted on sleek stands or suspended from walls or ceilings, these replicas instantly become conversation starters. Their captivating presence adds a dash of F1 grandeur to any setting, evoking the speed, precision and safety that define the sport. Our commitment to authenticity, precision and craftsmanship is evident in our F1 Halo replicas. From materials that mirror the real-world Halo's strength and structure to aesthetics that capture the spirit of Formula 1, these replicas are a testament to our dedication to excellence. Contact us now to get your own Halo.