Custom Industrial Automation Solutions For Your Shop
The commercial metal fabrication and metalworking sectors are a critical aspect of American manufacturing. Without the right systems in place, it’s difficult to produce enough metal material to meet high demands while maintaining quality and consistency.
Industrial automation solutions give metal fabricators the edge they need to compete and thrive. Metal fabrication tasks that are automated can result in improved speed, accuracy, and reliability. These systems improve precision and product quality, and scale output without compromising craftsmanship.
At Melton Machine & Control Company, we engineer and integrate custom automation systems that meet your specific requirements and complement your engineering expertise. Every system is purpose-built to fit your shop’s unique workflow, materials, and goals.
Whether you need a fully automated welding cell or smart finishing integration, we can provide a solution that works for you because it was made for you.
Addressing Challenges in the Custom Metal Fabrication Industry
Metal fabrication involves dozens of moving parts, literally and figuratively. With that complexity comes a range of operational challenges. Additionally, metal fabricators face increasing pressure to do more with less.
One of the most pressing issues is the growing labor shortage, especially when it comes to skilled welders and operators. Recruiting and retaining qualified talent is difficult and costly.
At the same time, shops relying on manual processes often face inconsistent weld quality or dimensional tolerances. When every part must meet exact specs, variability leads to rework, waste, and missed delivery windows.
Manual operations also create bottlenecks that limit throughput. Tasks like metal preparation, material handling, fixturing, and inspection can drag down production speed and prevent shops from reaching their full capacity. This becomes even more critical as customers demand faster turnaround times for steel fabrication without compromising quality.
Automation offers a clear path forward. At Melton, we understand all of these pain points and design automation solutions to help metal fabricators overcome them with confidence.
Overcoming Obstacles with Melton’s Industrial Automation Solutions
Melton provides fully integrated industrial automation solutions that eliminate inefficiencies, enable smarter production, and accurately address all manual metalworking challenges.
Our systems are engineered for your success. We combine advanced robotics, intelligent controls, and rugged, shop-ready design to create custom solutions, including:
Robotic Welding Systems
Designed for precision and repeatability, Melton’s robotic welding systems deliver high-quality MIG, TIG, and arc welds with minimal operator involvement. These systems support both high-throughput production and specialty part welding with consistent results.
Fixtures & Tooling
Custom-built fixtures and adaptable tooling create reliable part positioning for automated or manual operations. This precision reduces scrap, improves joint alignment, and streamlines your welding or fabrication workflow.
Automated Material Handling Solutions
Keep production moving with robotic systems that load, unload, and transfer components across stations. Melton also specializes in integrating these systems, including automated mobile robots that can move material to and from your production line. These automated material handling solutions reduce cycle times, prevent bottlenecks, and create safer working conditions by minimizing manual lifting.
Cobot Solutions
Perfect for flexible, human-robot collaboration in metalworking shops that deal with shorter runs, changeovers, or need support in tight spaces without major safety fencing.
Robotic Assembly Systems
Many metalworking operations involve subassembly work—brackets, frames, chassis, or mechanical components—that benefit from precise, repeatable assembly automation.
Robotic Laser Systems
Laser cutting, welding, and etching are essential in fabrication. Melton’s robotic laser solutions are a fit for high-precision work where thermal distortion needs to be minimized and edge quality matters.
System Integrations
Melton connects your robotics, controls, and peripherals into one unified system. Our integration services include programming, control design, and machine communication that simplifies operation, enhances visibility, and reduces downtime.
Automation Applications for Commercial Metal Fabrication Processes
Every fabrication floor is different. That’s why Melton builds flexible, high-performance automation platforms to streamline critical operations at any scale.
We can deliver a custom automation system to support industrial and structural metal fabrication tasks, including:
- Flat sheet metal and plate metal cutting
- Tube and pipe cutting
- Press brake bending and forming
- Multi-axis robotic welding
- Raw metal materials handling
- Laser cutting and etching
- Deburring and edge finishing
- Custom fixturing and part positioning
- Assembly and fastening
- Powder coating and finishing processes
No two facilities are alike, and neither are our systems. At Melton, we meet you where you are to deliver the solutions you need to reach the never level. That includes custom automation systems, complete turnkey solutions, or even on-site support well after the initial project’s completion.
Our end-to-end systems are built to align with your workflow, not the other way around. And we don’t stop working until you have a complete production line that works the way you need it to.
Benefits of Automation for Industrial Metal Fabrication Shops
With the right automation in place, shops can achieve a higher level of part quality and process repeatability, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring every component meets exact specifications.
By reducing reliance on manual labor, automation also simplifies onboarding and minimizes the challenges of a tight labor market.
Faster cycle times and increased throughput help shops meet rising demand without overextending their workforce. At the same time, automation creates a cleaner, safer, and more ergonomic environment, protecting your team and improving overall working conditions.
The return on investment is clear. With reduced scrap, minimized downtime, and long-term performance gains, Melton’s automation systems help fabrication shops achieve lasting results. Whether you’re solving a specific production bottleneck or planning for future growth, our solutions are built to move your business forward.
Why Metal Fabricators Choose Melton
Manufacturers across the general fabrication and metalworking sectors, from every corner of the country, turn to Melton because we understand what it takes to automate with purpose.
With more than five decades of experience in welding, material handling, and custom integration, we’ve earned a reputation for building systems that perform under pressure and partnerships that last.
Our team provides full lifecycle support, from concept and engineering through installation, training, and ongoing service. Every system is tailored to the unique needs of your operation, whether you're running a small job shop or a large-scale production facility.
We are more than simple equipment suppliers. We are an operational business partner here to answer your questions and help you strategize so you can take control and start on the best path forward for your business. We’re a 100% employee-owned partner with deep roots in American manufacturing and a reputation for standing behind every system we build.
Let’s Talk Fabrication Automation
Ready to bring precision and performance to your fabrication processes? Connect with our automation specialists today with a free assessment. Discuss your needs, explore solutions, and see how the right system can transform your workflow.
