We can’t wait to see you in New Orleans for METALfab 2022, February 15-18. METALfab is a great way to see the latest trends and equipment while interacting with exhibitors on the show floor, engage with education sessions to expand your knowledge and strengthen your business, and network with peers from across the nation and abroad throughout the event.

Check out the METALfab schedule to plan your trip. A great education lineup is planned for 2022, featuring technical and business-related sessions. We encourage you to register your employees to attend as well.

Similar to previous years, attendees must register prior to booking their hotel. Once you complete your METALfab registration, the hotel information will be provided in the confirmation email.

Your health and safety are very important to us. We encourage everyone to stay up to date with local health and safety guidelines by visiting the METALfab website. Please contact NOMMA staff at 888-516-8585 or info@nomma.org with questions.

Register for METALfab.

METALfab, NOMMA’s annual conference and tradeshow, offers a unique opportunity for an individual to network with peers, gain valuable knowledge through education sessions, and engage with industry exhibitors over the span of four days. The Todd Kinnikin Memorial METALfab Scholarship provides a reimbursement of up to $1,500 to the scholarship recipient to attend METALfab 2022 in New Orleans February 15-18.

NOMMA members, both owners and employees, who engage in the fabrication of ornamental and miscellaneous metals, are eligible to submit an application for the Todd Kinnikin Memorial METALfab Scholarship. To apply, each individual must complete the application form with a signed agreement and provide a statement explaining the anticipated benefits the applicant will receive from attending METALfab. The deadline to apply is Monday, January 10, 2022.

The newly revised NOMMA Voluntary Joint Finishes Guide 2.1 is now available for purchase as a printed booklet. The 8.5" x 11" full-color, semi-glossy booklet features welded joints that were fabricated, professionally photographed in high resolution, and put together in a user-friendly format.

The guide includes square tube, pipe or round tube, and square and rectangular bars. A new addition to this guide is a complete set of photographs of the joints prior to priming. These can be used as examples for the fabricating welder as well as a selling point to a client.

Purchase your brochure today. Want to purchase a bundle? Contact the staff at 888-516-8585 or info@nomma.org.

November Roundtable

Facilitators, Eric Cuper and Lory Wells, joined fellow NOMMA members to discuss how their businesses are adapting to supply chain shortages. Members discussed decisions of staying loyal to vendors, but having to use new vendors to get required supplies. The attendees shared how the material increases have impacted payment structures, and what the impact would be if these increases are permanent.

December Roundtable

Guest speaker Nicholas Gihl presented to attendees the history of steel prices. Facilitators, Eric Cuper and Lory Wells, and fellow NOMMA members discussed the current issues and changes that are occurring with steel supplies.

The full recording of each month's Roundtable is available on the NOMMA website under the Events menu. Members must log in to access the recording. If you have comments or feedback, please send them to info@nomma.org.

Gold: Foreman Fabricators

Title of Entry: Copper Ceiling
Materials: .125" alloy 110 mirror copper sheet for panels; .040" alloy 110 mirror copper sheet for joint covers;
alloy 5052 mill finished aluminum sheet for supports
Finish: Mirror finish with an air dry, spray-on acrylic lacquer, high gloss
Total Labor Hours: 100

This 1600-square-foot area was a concept only on drawings when Foreman Fabricators bid it. The project ended up encompassing 220 hours of fabrication balanced with 100 hours of project management time. The contract included install, for which a subcontractor needed 600 hours. There were a variety of challenges to be overcome throughout the process, including:
-Scheduling: There was constant pressure to finish on time, but the team had to wait on a floor installation to be complete before they could move forward with dimensioning. Then, constant changes to layout necessitated continuous remeasuring. 
-Mirror finish: This delicate finish required extreme care during fabrication and even more caution when being installed, as parts were lacquered before delivery. The lacquer scratched easily, and the highly reflective surface showed even the smallest imperfections.
-Hole locations for lights: The designer could not decide which lights to choose, or where they should be located, which forced GC to request that Foreman Fabricators cut in field. This meant they had to install the panel, mark where the lights went, remove the lights, ,cut the hole, and reinstall - all while protecting a highly sensitive lacquered finish.
-Missing studwork: Foreman Fabricators had to make and install their own studwork so that they had a substrate giving their panels support.

Despite these and other hurdles, Foreman Fabricators was able to produce a one-of-a-kind copper ceiling that will be enjoyed and admired by family and visitors for years to come.

To learn more about Foreman Fabricators, and to view more of the company's signature work, visit www.foremanfab.com.