The metal fabrication process is a five-step process that starts with large rolls of sheet metal that is cut, shaped, welded and painted.

The Metal Slotting Process is a fascinating procedure that starts with large rolls of sheet metal. These rolls of sheet metal are sliced into smaller pieces which are then ready to be roll-formed.

Now that the metal is cut, it is time to shape it.  Rollers are used to mould the sheets of metal into the desired shape. An electric press can also be used to bend the metal into a desired shape.

The newly formed metal pieces must now be cut to the desired size.

Now that the material has been cut to size and shaped, the welding process may begin.  The metals are welded through a spot welding process used to join the two materials together. Spot welding is used in a wide range of industries, including the automotive industry for one, because it allows for easy set up, a constant weld quality, and is above all energy efficient. It does, however, require a well skilled technician with only the highest level of craftsmanship.

The Pragma Bed™ frame is finally taking shape.

Once the welding has dried and cooled, the metal is mounted onto a production line where the elaborate powder coating process begins. First the metal must be cleaned in a chemical bath, and then it is thoroughly rinsed off and dried. The metal bed base is now ready for the pre-treatment application and subsequent powder coating. The application of the powder coating is done by machine to ensure a smooth even coat.

Once the powder coating has been applied to the metal, it moves along to the last step of the production line, where the powder-coated metal is cured in a large convection oven at a temperature ranging from 280 - 430 degrees Fahrenheit (140 - 220 degrees Celsius). The heating process ensures that the thermoplastic powders in the coating fuse together to form a continuous film that gives an attractive finish to the metal and the Pragma Bed™ frame.

Advantages of powder coating - Powder coating is highly protective of our environment. While liquid finishes contain solvents which have pollutants known as volatile organic compounds (VOC), powder coating contains no solvents and releases negligible amounts, if any, of VOC into the atmosphere. In addition, most powder coating "overspray" that does not adhere to the part can be retrieved and reused, virtually eliminating the waste commonly found in liquid finishing processes. Powder coated surfaces are also more resistant to chipping, scratching, fading, and wearing than other finishes.

Once the Pragma Bed™ frame has been completely mounted and inspected, it is packaged and prepared for shipping.