Paper Shredder Metal Cabinet

Fabricated Metal Cabinet for Paper Shredder

To some, components for a metal cabinet that would house multiple paper shredders should not be difficult. This cabinet doesn't need intricate attachments or electrical components to test. Moreover, no fancy assembly was needed. In essence, the shredder was just in need of a metal box. So, a design firm went in search of a metal fabricator to manufacture a prototype to house the paper shredders. They decided to partner with a supplier overseas based on the initial, low-cost estimate. After months of work to create thee piece, they continued to face challenge after challenge. From extended timelines to poor communication, the vendor was continually dropping the ball on delivering a quality prototype. And when they did deliver, not only was over budget, but the original delivery date was no longer going to be met. The original fabricator continued to rely on welding the shredder to create the prototype. Ultimately, this is what led to the high cost and the customer to look elsewhere. The prototype components were to be welded, leading to design challenges and higher projected costs.

Instead of relying on an overseas company, the design firm decided to onshore this project with Accurate Metal Fab. When the engineering team started to review the prints supplied, they realized this was more complex than just a metal box, and the project needed the expertise to overcome multiple challenges:

• Each shelving unit at the top of the metal cabinet had to be sturdy enough to support the weight of the shredder.
• The shredder was enclosed in the cabinet lid, but the lid also had to be removable.
• A metal door on the lower cabinet had to swing freely for ease of access to the trash can.
• Costs for production could not keep increasing.

After reviewing the original design, AMF offered an important change that the original supplier didn't. Rather than using costly welding, AMF suggested pop riveting on the steel cabinet. Pop, or blind, rivets:

• Created a tight joint
• It could be installed from one side when access to the joint was limited
• Provided shear and tensile strength
• Ensured that the hinge on the cabinet door could swing properly
• Allowed the shredding fixture to be removed for clearing paper pieces
• Saved costs

Solving The Metal Cabinet Challenge

Accurate Metal Fabricating in Chicago was able to solve the design problems. In fact, the new metal cabinet had superior metal components for the shredders and reduced production costs! It convinced the design firm to give Accurate more chances, continuing to onshore more work. AMF has 80-plus years of experience in the industry and engineers who work carefully with clients to ensure that each unique design is fully functional. And whenever possible, we’ll look for a way to cut your costs.