Astro Metal Craft

Astro specializes in custom sheet metal fabrication. We provide high quality, innovative solutions for architectural metal applications. Our metal fabrication equipment and services, as well as our certified welding services, are used to fabricate a multitude of highly cosmetic aluminum, stainless steel and weathering steel projects throughout the nation.

Perforated metals are used extensively in architectural projects for everything from balcony railings, to parking ramp panels and exterior building cladding to interior applications. Most often, perforating the metal sheets is just the first step of fabricating a complete panel. We have a complete fabricating facility that besides metal perforating, includes laser cutting, forming, saw cutting, machining and extensive welding experience and equipment. We work a lot in stainless steel, aluminum, and weathering steel. Having this experience and capability all on our site, we can fabricate efficiently, manage change orders, produce quality metal fabrication and meet schedules. Essentially, to WOW our customers, get the job done and make them happy is our goal.

Astro Metal Craft creates commercial and industrial stainless steel railings as well as high-end residential work. All railings are custom built to match architect specifications. We do this by using Tekla 3D modeling software for in-house drafting and approval. Furthermore, you will deal with meticulous, hands-on project managers. Our project managers work closely with you to ensure that your stainless steel railing project runs smoothly. Therefore, we excel in bringing your design to reality with flexibility, responsiveness, and timeliness.

Stainless Steel Work

All of our stainless steel railings are made with one of two grades: 304 and 316.

The 304-stainless steel grade is the most common in the industry for indoor and non-harsh outdoor environments. This is due to its resistance to ordinary rust and corrosion. However, the 316-stainless steel grade is used for high exposure to the elements, such as highly acidic environments and salt because of its very high resistance to corrosion. Which ever grade you use, all styles of stainless steel railings incorporate hand rails.

For the past 20 years, our laser cutting services have been an integral part of Astro. The laser cutting division provides service for processing equipment, conveyor parts, OEM’s, and ornamental metal designs. Our experience gives us the confidence to back up our work.

Store fixtures

Certified welding is important because it gives the customer a high degree of trust that their welds are safe and sound. All certified welds are the result of work from multiple people. Namely, engineers, CWI’s, and welders. Certainly, they all hold each other accountable for their work. Firstly, it starts with the design of the welded joints that follow the American Weld Society (or customer-based specifications). Then, it ends with the final visual inspection of welds by a trained professional. Alas, Certified welding is never the work of an individual, but rather a team of experts!

Our qualifications to weld in conformance with the following AWS standards:

 D1.1 STRUCTURAL WELDING CODE – STEEL

D1.2 STRUCTURAL WELDING CODE – ALUMINUM

D1.3 STRUCTURAL WELDING CODE – SHEET STEEL

D1.6 STRUCTURAL WELDING CODE – STAINLESS STEEL

D9.1 SHEET METAL WELDING CODE

D14.3 SPECIFICATION FOR WELDING EARTHMOVING, CONSTRUCTION AND AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT

D14.4 SPECIFICATION FOR THE DESIGN OF WELDED JOINTS IN MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT

D15.1 RAILROAD WELDING SPECIFICATION FOR CARS AND LOCOMOTIVES

Being equipped with an array of fabricating options improves processes, productivity, and reliability. Our equipment is top-notch. Likewise, our employees hone the skills and knowledge to assemble and operate the metal fabrication equipment with proficiency. 

• VF10 (Haas) Verticle Machining Ctr
• VF4 (Haas) Vertical Machining Ctr
• Haas SL30 (CNC) Lathe
• LeBlond Lathe
• Bed travel 50 x 20 x 25
• Bridgeport Milling Machines (2)

Global interest in reliability and public safety has stimulated the expansion of certified welding. Certified welding is welding under previously tested and proven parameters and conditions. Because welding affects various joined materials, including metallurgical and dimensional changes, a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) ensures the weld is going to be up to the task of its intended design. Nevertheless, having a CWI and certified welding capabilities confirms the highest level of quality workmanship by providing direction for making sound and superior welds.

Metal Fabrication Services

Providing metal fabrication services is the heart of what we do at Astro Metal Craft & Manufacturing. Whether it’s a railing for new construction, or specific metal parts for OEMs, we confidently provide solutions for a wide variety of precision metal fabrication needs.

Our fabricators are top flight craftsman with the skills to transform stock materials into the fabricated metal products you need. Our broad range of in-house capabilities makes it possible for us to provide short lead times. Beyond our in-house capabilities, we also work with trusted vendors to provide additional specialized skills.

Quality Precision and Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication

We take quality seriously. With our complete CNC fabrication capabilities and MnDOT approved quality control program, our OEMs and other customers can count on us for every aspect of their custom precision metal fabrication including custom sheet metal fabrication needs.

Projects that involve several metal fabrication operations is where we most often compete the best. Punching or laser cutting, followed by forming, maybe some machining, then welding is where we provide the most value. With state of the art equipment and certified welders, our craftsmen are always ready to produce quality products with a short turn-around time.

Sheet Metal Fabricators

We pride ourselves as experienced, professional sheet metal fabricators in Minnesota.  Therefore, we are capable of meeting the needs of our customers in the construction, processing, and equipment building industries. Nevertheless, we are well stocked with the proper equipment and expertise for fabricating with stainless steel and aluminum to provide you fantastic work.

See our Metal Fabrication Equipment.

To discuss your sheet metal fabrication requirements, call us today at 763-777-8087.

Our capabilities to provide first class stainless steel fabrication services offers us an edge over our competitors in the industry. Apart from providing standard products, we also offer customized solutions for all of your requirements.

Our metal fabricating machinery, along with our expert welding capabilities, make us the best choice to handle your projects for stainless steel metal fabrication. We have a variety of current welding machines to produce the best, most efficient and cosmetic looking weld for each application. Our welding staff is top notch in their abilities. Importantly, many hold certifications in numerous welding methods, including stainless steel. As a result, the combination of their speed and welding expertise assures you get excellent value in terms of quality and price.

We are equipped with the TruPunch 3000 and TruPunch 5000. These machines give our clients access to full service metal fabrication from a single source. Because we do majority of operations in-house, we get the projects through faster and maintain control over the quality. With our modern equipment, talented workforce, and expanded perforating capabilities, we create many products. The projects requiring perforated metal are for both industrial and architectural applications. Remember, we specialize in stainless steel, aluminum and weathering steel.

HANDLING YOUR PERFORATED SHEET METAL REQUIREMENTS

Let Astro take care of the metal needs of your project. Most importantly, our team of engineers and project managers offer collaborative design to tweak your project for optimum performance and efficient fabrication. Mounting systems and brackets are not always fully addressed on requests for quotes. Industrial prints may call out parts that are not available or are designed for less than optimum fabrication methods. Thus, we enjoy finding cost saving options and improvements to pass on to our customers. Further more, the sooner we are consulted on these projects, the more help we can offer.

PERFORATED APPLICATIONS

Our start in delivering quality perforated metal projects for architectural and industrial use began with fabricating replacement food dryer plates for food dryers. This required punching a variety shapes and patterns, plus slitting and notching. We learned to overcome obstacles of warpage and sheet growth. We continuously learned how to use cluster punches for increased speed. As a result, we achieved and met the tolerances to make first-quality parts by drafting in SolidWorks. Hence, our capability entails programming the punch to manage and control the deformation created by punching holes in sheet metal.

We continue to perforate and fabricate food dryer plates today. Moreover, we have expanded to other perforated metal projects, too. These include perforated aluminum fencing, balcony railings, perforated metal building panels for parking ramps, filtration parts for the water filtration industry, commercial radiator covers, and more. Therefore, handling your everyday needs for perforated metal panels and stainless steel perforated sheet work is what we do. At Astro, we take pride in the quality of the work we provide because we care. Not to mention, we have the ability to get your project done efficiently and effectively.

We welcome the opportunity to assist you in designing and manufacturing aluminum railings. Therefore, our design engineers work closely with you in designing products that meet the needs of your specific application.

Radiator covers are fabricated in a variety of styles and punch patterns. For instance, some are matched to existing covers while other architects call for a new design. Some covers are attached to the wall, while others are freestanding, as well.

The first step in creating the perforated covers is to field measure followed by drafting and designing for both the covers and the brackets for the situation. Then, after gaining customer approval, the radiator covers are punched and formed. Sometimes spot welded is needed, too.

It’s important to know, Astro has all the equipment needed to fabricate completely on-site. Thus, we retain full control over the project without shipping to outside services. Lastly, most all of our radiator covers are made of 304 2B stainless steel with a brushed finish.

At Astro Metal Craft, we produce aluminum railings for commercial, industrial, and high-end residential work. Handrails and guardrails are custom built to match architects’ specifications. Astro’s Project Managers offer guidance in the essentials of architectural handrail and guardrail, such as regulation, aesthetics, functionality, installation and maintenance, and design for fabrication. The 3-D modeling, detailing and shop drawings are done in-house for maximum efficiency and quality.

Scope of Work

• Compound Curves
• Inclines
• Declines
• Ramps
• Stairs
• Approach Ramps
• Bike Ramps
• Stair 2 Wide Long Stair
• Stair 3 Shorter Dogleg

Services Provided

• Engineering
• Field verification
• Paint system
• 3/8×2 3×2 horizontal tubes 1×3 on bottom tubes
• All extrusions

Over the past 15 years, Astro Metal Craft has become the go-to manufacturer for metal spiral gravity chutes. This is especially true for many major food processing companies. Our clients trust our expertise in stainless steel metal fabrication. The ability to design for efficient manufacturing, and subsequently build the food processing equipment puts as a desirable partner for engineering firms that design material handling systems, contractors, and plant managers.

SPIRAL CHUTE CONVEYOR

When it comes to lowering food or other products efficiently from one level to the next without breakage, our spiral chute conveyer system is the perfect solution. This is because take up very little floor space, and require minimal maintenance. They are also clean and sanitary.
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GRAVITY CHUTE

The spiral let-down chute gravity chutes are all designed for each specific application because there is a great variation in the “slide” of the product. This includes the vertical drop, desired speed of movement, volume moving, and equipment already in place. Of course, some operations use different features. Examples of these are slide gates, exit chutes and tank/holding areas to maximize efficiency. In addition, we are able to custom build or fit retroactively.

PROFESSIONAL QUALITY AND EXPERIENCE

Nevertheless, we put a food grade finish on chutes as required. However, other applications employ chutes out of carbon or stainless steel with a rougher finish.  Therefore, saving on the cost of finishing. Plus, our skilled welders have years of experience. Indeed, every project completed is from quality workmanship.

We draft your project in SolidWorks. SolidWorks is a popular 3D drafting program. After drafting, we send the prints to you for approval.  In most cases, we recommend starting with a smaller test chute. Adfter that, adjustments may be needed in the pitch. This is due to the various amount of “slide” in various products.

Providing metal fabrication services is the heart of what we do at Astro Metal Craft. Whether it’s a railing for new construction, or specific metal parts for OEMs, we confidently provide solutions for a wide variety of precision metal fabrication needs.

Our fabricators are top flight craftsman with the skills to transform stock materials into the fabricated metal products you need. Our broad range of in-house capabilities makes it possible for us to provide short lead times. Beyond our in-house capabilities, we also work with trusted vendors to provide additional specialized skills.

We take quality very seriously. With our complete CNC fabrication capabilities and MnDOT approved quality control program, our OEMs and other customers can count on us for every aspect of their custom precision metal fabrication including custom sheet metal fabrication needs.

Projects that involve several metal fabrication operations is where we most often compete the best. Punching or laser cutting, followed by forming, maybe some machining, then welding is where we provide the most value. With state of the art equipment and certified welders, our craftsmen are always ready to produce quality products with a short turn-around time.

Certified Welding

Certified welding is important because it gives the customer a high degree of trust that their welds are safe and sound. Certified welds are the result of work from multiple people: the engineers, the certified weld inspectors, and the welders, all hold each other accountable for their work. It starts with the design of the welded joints that follow the American Weld Society (or customer-based specifications) and it ends with the final visual inspection of welds by a trained professional. Certified welding is never the work of an individual, but rather a team of experts.

Our qualifications to weld in conformance with the following standards:

AWS D1.1 STRUCTURAL WELDING CODE – STEEL

AWS D1.2 STRUCTURAL WELDING CODE – ALUMINUM

AWS D1.3 STRUCTURAL WELDING CODE – SHEET STEEL

AWS D1.6 STRUCTURAL WELDING CODE – STAINLESS STEEL

AWS D9.1 SHEET METAL WELDING CODE

AWS D14.3 SPECIFICATION FOR WELDING EARTHMOVING, CONSTRUCTION AND AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT

AWS D14.4 SPECIFICATION FOR THE DESIGN OF WELDED JOINTS IN MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT

AWS D15.1 RAILROAD WELDING SPECIFICATION FOR CARS AND LOCOMOTIVES

When you’re in need of a sturdy, durable, no-maintenance screening solution, this perforated aluminum fence is the perfect choice. The Nebula works perfectly as a property divider, while providing a “screen” to battle harsh gusts. These fences are popular at parking lots, schools, park-and-rides, and other public areas because of their function and contemporary style. Unlike other aluminum fences, the Nebula will enhance architectural appeal to any project, residential or commercial.

StellarCraft™ Galaxy Guardrail is a fully engineered perforated aluminum solution to effectively screen and guard any area needed. They create a division of space for privacy, while still providing transparency.  In addition to regulating ventilation, noise, shade, and visibility, our Galaxy Guardrails offer a modern aesthetic tone. These perforated aluminum panels are perfect for balconies, decks, and other high places. Plus, the look of these on multi-residential residential balcony decks is second-to-none!

Starfleet is a system of perforated metal panels. The aluminum perforations create a unique aesthetic to plain garages, while allowing the required light and airflow. These cost-effective panels are lightweight, durable and virtually maintenance free. Also, the panels can be color-matched on each side for applications where both sides are visible. Hence, there is a variety of finishes to choose from, with the addition of a warranty.

Astro Metal Craft designed these perforated panels from the StellarCraft™ line with support in mind. Altair panels are a robust and dependable cladding system for building facades. They are lightweight – yet strong with the ability to add rigidity to any building. These cost effective, vertical support panels are formed to created strength to meet code for parking structures and building facades. Aluminum perforated metal patterns come in a variety of shapes and sizes for a truly unique facade.

This durable, robust aluminum picket guardrail is most commonly used on pedestrian bridges and other public walkways at universities, zoos, sports arenas, apartment complexes, commercial properties and amusement parks. It is specially engineered for high traffic areas!

Spiral Gravity Chute

When designing and purchasing a spiral gravity chute, several interacting factors goes into the design of them. These design factors include flow rate, pitch, diameter, material, intended use, and environment. How do you choose the correct spiral gravity let down chute for your product? You test it. And, you test it again. Testing on spiral gravity chutes is very important because all products flow down differently. So come to Astro and experiment on our three samples, here at Astro in Hanover, MN. We would love to assist you in the right design because we care!

• 18” outside diameter
• 30” outside diameter
• 54” outside diameter

Aluminum Finishing

If left untreated, aluminum will corrode!  An ugly, whitish-gray powdery coating will appear (aka oxidation). And it’s not pretty. Aluminum warrants a proper finish. Finishes for architectural aluminum include mechanical, chemical, anodized, and organic coatings.

Louvered panels are great for a number of different applications, both architectural and industrial. From HVAC or garbage enclosures, to dividers on apartment building balconies or pergolas, these panels can provide a separation of space and add privacy without losing important light and air flow.

MISCELLANEOUS METALS SCOPE OF WORK

• Railings & Guardrails, such as cable, picket, pipe, glass, perforated infill panels
• Misc. metals, such as stairs, bollards, ladders, trimwork, landscape
• Green screens, rain screens, living wall systems
• Radiator covers
• Custom Design Kiosks
• Embeds for concrete
• Formed architectural metal panelsCanopies, sunshades, pargolas
• Metals: stainless steel, aluminum, Corten, mild steel, bronze
• Finishes: #4 brushed, #8 mirror, paint, powdercoat, electropolish, passivation, anodizing, resin-based coatings

WE PROVIDE

• 3D Modeling for accurate project representation and integration
• Engineering calculations and economical design
• Certified welding for stainless, aluminum and mild steel
• Laser cutting, punching, forming, machining, welding
• Installation with union or non-union through subcontracting
• MNDot audited and approved quality program

COLLABORATIVE DESIGN

We welcome the opportunity to assist you in designing and manufacturing all architectural metal projects. Therefore, our design engineers work closely with you in designing products that meet the needs of your specific application.