Paper Shredder Metal Cabinet

Fabricated Metal Cabinet for Paper Shredder

To some, components for a metal cabinet that would house multiple paper shredders should be easy. This cabinet doesn't require intricate attachments or electrical components for testing. Moreover, there was no need for any fancy assembly. In essence, the shredder was just in need of a metal box. A design firm sought a metal fabricator to manufacture a prototype housing the paper shredders. Based on the initial low-cost estimate, they partnered with a supplier overseas. After months of work to create the piece, they continued to face challenge after challenge. The vendor consistently needed to deliver a high-quality prototype, despite extended timelines and poor communication. And when they did deliver, it was over budget, and the original delivery date would no longer be met. The original fabricator continued to rely on welding the shredder to create the prototype. Ultimately, this led to a higher cost, prompting 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 shredder's weight.
• 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.
• Production costs could not keep increasing.

After reviewing the original design, AMF proposed an essential change that the original supplier had not. 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 solved the design problems. In fact, the new metal cabinet featured superior shredder components, reducing production costs! This convinced the design firm to give Accurate more opportunities and continue onshoring more work. AMF has 80-plus years of industry experience and engineers who work closely with clients to ensure each unique design is fully functional. Whenever possible, we'll look for ways to reduce your costs.