DESIGN & FABRICATION

It's not unusual for a client to come to us with just a simple sketch of the custom piece they have in mind. With a combined 32+ years in the business, our Design Department's expertise lies in taking the client's idea from concept to reality. The first step is to understand how the piece will ultimately be used: Does it need to be easily transported and/or shipped? Is it to be a permanently displayed piece or will it be used only several times a year for special events? If it is a display unit, what are the measurements of the items it will hold? Does the client have color or finish preferences? Our designers personally talk through each project with every client to make sure we have a thorough understanding of needs and expectations.

Next, our designers develop a to-scale shop drawing of the piece and select the potential materials. Based on the project, these could include metal such as aluminum, wood, glass or Plexiglas, acrylic, foam, or a combination of materials. Once the materials are selected and approved by the client, the fabrication process of cutting, shaping, assembling and finishing begins.

For example, in metal fabrication, first the raw materials are cut to size. The cut pieces are then pressed or formed to bend the plates to the desired angles. Machining, the process of using power-driven tools to shape the metal, follows. Welding comes next; the formed and machined parts are assembled and tack-welded into place and re-checked for accuracy before the final welding is completed. After the piece has cooled, any additional finishing requested by the customer takes place. For instance, the hand-done burnished patterns that MDM has become known for in its custom pieces are added at this time; the application of an automotive-grade clear coat is the final touch. The finished product is then ready for inspection and prepared to be shipped.

To see examples of MDM's various styles of custom metal, wood, Plexiglas, and foam fabrication, please visit our photo gallery and for more information on each project, please visit our series of project profiles.