--- title: Metal Fab Engineering, Inc | Blog | Holly Stonebraker description: Stay in the know with all the latest news, tips, and advice from Metal Fab Engineering. --- [Skip to the main content.](https://mfefix.com/blog/author/holly-stonebraker#main-content) | ***Metal Fab Engineering - Excellence in Solutions*** | **Call Today for a FREE Quote: (574)-278-7150** | | --- | --- | [![Metal Fab Engineering](https://mfefix.com/hs-fs/hubfs/logo-color-500x160.png?width=313&height=100&name=logo-color-500x160.png "Metal Fab Engineering")](https://mfefix.com) [![Metal Fab Engineering](https://mfefix.com/hs-fs/hubfs/logo-color-500x160.png?width=313&height=100&name=logo-color-500x160.png "Metal Fab Engineering")](https://mfefix.com) - [Services](https://mfefix.com/services) - [Smart RFQ](https://mfefix.com/smart-rfq) - [Gallery](https://mfefix.com/gallery) - [About Us](https://mfefix.com/about) - [Careers](https://mfefix.com/careers) - [Blog](https://mfefix.com/blog) - [Contact Us](https://mfefix.com/contact) [REQUEST A QUOTE](https://mfefix.com/smart-rfq) Toggle Menu Toggle Menu [REQUEST A QUOTE](https://mfefix.com/smart-rfq) - [Services](https://mfefix.com/services) - [Smart RFQ](https://mfefix.com/smart-rfq) - [Gallery](https://mfefix.com/gallery) - [About Us](https://mfefix.com/about) - [Careers](https://mfefix.com/careers) - [Blog](https://mfefix.com/blog) - [Contact Us](https://mfefix.com/contact) # Holly Stonebraker [![](https://mfefix.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Week%2017%20blog%20image.png?width=1536&height=1024&name=Week%2017%20blog%20image.png)](https://mfefix.com/blog/why-a-softer-manufacturing-market-is-not-making-steel-easier-to-buy) #### [Why a Softer Manufacturing Market Is Not Making Steel Easier to Buy](https://mfefix.com/blog/why-a-softer-manufacturing-market-is-not-making-steel-easier-to-buy) September 21, 2026 Manufacturing output slowed in August. [READ MORE](https://mfefix.com/blog/why-a-softer-manufacturing-market-is-not-making-steel-easier-to-buy) [![](https://mfefix.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Week%2016%20image.png?width=1536&height=1024&name=Week%2016%20image.png)](https://mfefix.com/blog/a-full-backlog-does-not-mean-your-production-schedule-is-safe) #### [A Full Backlog Does Not Mean Your Production Schedule Is Safe](https://mfefix.com/blog/a-full-backlog-does-not-mean-your-production-schedule-is-safe) September 15, 2026 The purchase order has been released. The job is in the supplier’s system. A delivery date has been entered, and everyone assumes the work is moving... [READ MORE](https://mfefix.com/blog/a-full-backlog-does-not-mean-your-production-schedule-is-safe) [![](https://mfefix.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Week%2015%20blog%20header%20image.png?width=1536&height=1024&name=Week%2015%20blog%20header%20image.png)](https://mfefix.com/blog/there-was-nothing-wrong-with-the-drawing) #### [There Was Nothing Wrong With the Drawing](https://mfefix.com/blog/there-was-nothing-wrong-with-the-drawing) August 12, 2026 A drawing can tell us exactly what a customer wants made. It can give us dimensions, tolerances, material specifications, finishes, and just about... [READ MORE](https://mfefix.com/blog/there-was-nothing-wrong-with-the-drawing) [![](https://mfefix.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Week%2014%20blog%20header.jpg?width=491&height=188&name=Week%2014%20blog%20header.jpg)](https://mfefix.com/blog/the-book-we-couldnt-send) #### [The Book We Couldn't Send](https://mfefix.com/blog/the-book-we-couldnt-send) July 29, 2026 Every so often, a customer asks a question that reminds you how differently two companies can look at the exact same situation. [READ MORE](https://mfefix.com/blog/the-book-we-couldnt-send) [![](https://mfefix.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Week%2013%20blog%20post%20image.png?width=1536&height=1024&name=Week%2013%20blog%20post%20image.png)](https://mfefix.com/blog/the-refusal-to-guess) #### [The Refusal To Guess](https://mfefix.com/blog/the-refusal-to-guess) July 14, 2026 There are some orders you process, send to the shop, and never think about again. [READ MORE](https://mfefix.com/blog/the-refusal-to-guess) [![](https://mfefix.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Week%2012-email%202%20image.png?width=1536&height=1024&name=Week%2012-email%202%20image.png)](https://mfefix.com/blog/the-problem-was-never-the-data) #### [The Problem Was Never the Data](https://mfefix.com/blog/the-problem-was-never-the-data) July 6, 2026 A few months ago, I found myself doing something I suspect many business owners, sales leaders, and operations managers do every day. [READ MORE](https://mfefix.com/blog/the-problem-was-never-the-data) [![](https://mfefix.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Week%2011%20image.png?width=1536&height=1024&name=Week%2011%20image.png)](https://mfefix.com/blog/why-capacity-problems-show-up-too-late) #### [Why Capacity Problems Show Up Too Late](https://mfefix.com/blog/why-capacity-problems-show-up-too-late) June 22, 2026 Most manufacturers have experienced it. [READ MORE](https://mfefix.com/blog/why-capacity-problems-show-up-too-late) [![](https://mfefix.com/hs-fs/hubfs/condensed%20title%20background.png?width=1536&height=1024&name=condensed%20title%20background.png)](https://mfefix.com/blog/building-the-next-infrastructure-boom-and-metal-fabrication-is-at-the-center-of-it) #### [Building the Next Infrastructure Boom and Metal Fabrication Is at the Center of It](https://mfefix.com/blog/building-the-next-infrastructure-boom-and-metal-fabrication-is-at-the-center-of-it) March 11, 2026 Artificial intelligence is not just transforming software. It is transforming physical infrastructure. [READ MORE](https://mfefix.com/blog/building-the-next-infrastructure-boom-and-metal-fabrication-is-at-the-center-of-it) [![](https://mfefix.com/hs-fs/hubfs/busy%20office%20pic%20condensed.jpg?width=391&height=390&name=busy%20office%20pic%20condensed.jpg)](https://mfefix.com/blog/tariffs-whiplash-how-to-quote-when-the-rules-keep-changing) #### [Tariffs Whiplash: How to Quote When the Rules Keep Changing](https://mfefix.com/blog/tariffs-whiplash-how-to-quote-when-the-rules-keep-changing) March 3, 2026 Tariffs Whiplash Is Now a Quoting Risk [READ MORE](https://mfefix.com/blog/tariffs-whiplash-how-to-quote-when-the-rules-keep-changing) [![](https://mfefix.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Mobile%20Drill%20tanks%201-7-26.jpg?width=4000&height=3000&name=Mobile%20Drill%20tanks%201-7-26.jpg)](https://mfefix.com/blog/design-welded-assemblies-for-how-theyre-actually-built) #### [Design Welded Assemblies for How They’re Actually Built](https://mfefix.com/blog/design-welded-assemblies-for-how-theyre-actually-built) February 16, 2026 Welded assemblies rarely run into trouble because of strength alone. More often, issues stem from overlooked weld access, poor sequencing, or... [READ MORE](https://mfefix.com/blog/design-welded-assemblies-for-how-theyre-actually-built) [![](https://mfefix.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ChatGPT%20Image%20Jan%207%2c%202026%2c%2003_30_00%20PM.png?width=1536&height=1024&name=ChatGPT%20Image%20Jan%207%2c%202026%2c%2003_30_00%20PM.png)](https://mfefix.com/blog/planning-fabrication-timelines-for-the-year-ahead) #### [Planning Fabrication Timelines for the Year Ahead](https://mfefix.com/blog/planning-fabrication-timelines-for-the-year-ahead) January 8, 2026 The start of a new year is the best time to look back at what worked, what didn’t, and where projects ran into avoidable delays. For many... [READ MORE](https://mfefix.com/blog/planning-fabrication-timelines-for-the-year-ahead) [![](https://mfefix.com/hs-fs/hubfs/How%20to%20avoid%20common%20year-end%20fabrication%20delays%20%232.png?width=1536&height=1024&name=How%20to%20avoid%20common%20year-end%20fabrication%20delays%20%232.png)](https://mfefix.com/blog/how-to-avoid-common-year-end-fabrication-delays) #### [How to Avoid Common Year-End Fabrication Delays](https://mfefix.com/blog/how-to-avoid-common-year-end-fabrication-delays) December 23, 2025 As the year comes to a close, metal fabrication schedules tighten quickly. Shops fill up, material lead times stretch, and shipping slows as the... [READ MORE](https://mfefix.com/blog/how-to-avoid-common-year-end-fabrication-delays) [![](https://mfefix.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ChatGPT%20Image%20Nov%2018%2c%202025%2c%2003_45_33%20PM.png?width=1536&height=1024&name=ChatGPT%20Image%20Nov%2018%2c%202025%2c%2003_45_33%20PM.png)](https://mfefix.com/blog/inspection-that-fits-the-risk-the-right-level-of-verification-0) #### [Inspection That Fits the Risk: The Right Level of Verification](https://mfefix.com/blog/inspection-that-fits-the-risk-the-right-level-of-verification-0) December 18, 2025 In regulated work, inspection is the way to protect customers, schedules, and budgets. Too little verification lets problems slip through. Too much... [READ MORE](https://mfefix.com/blog/inspection-that-fits-the-risk-the-right-level-of-verification-0) [![](https://mfefix.com/hs-fs/hubfs/mfe_smart_rfq_clock_textless_1200x630.png?width=1200&height=630&name=mfe_smart_rfq_clock_textless_1200x630.png)](https://mfefix.com/blog/how-smart-rfq-shortens-the-clock) #### [How Smart RFQ Shortens the Clock](https://mfefix.com/blog/how-smart-rfq-shortens-the-clock) November 14, 2025 In manufacturing, time can be the difference between hitting a launch date and missing it. The fastest way to keep your schedule on track is to... [READ MORE](https://mfefix.com/blog/how-smart-rfq-shortens-the-clock) [![](https://mfefix.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ChatGPT%20Image%20Oct%2031%2c%202025%2c%2002_57_46%20PM.png?width=1536&height=1024&name=ChatGPT%20Image%20Oct%2031%2c%202025%2c%2002_57_46%20PM.png)](https://mfefix.com/blog/built-on-speed-quality-and-real-partnerships) #### [Built on Speed, Quality, and Real Partnerships](https://mfefix.com/blog/built-on-speed-quality-and-real-partnerships) October 31, 2025 We know great fabrication is about more than making parts. It is about helping customers move faster, achieve better results, and build lasting... [READ MORE](https://mfefix.com/blog/built-on-speed-quality-and-real-partnerships) [![](https://mfefix.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ChatGPT%20Image%20Oct%2022%2c%202025%2c%2003_03_23%20PM.png?width=1536&height=1024&name=ChatGPT%20Image%20Oct%2022%2c%202025%2c%2003_03_23%20PM.png)](https://mfefix.com/blog/why-custom-fabrication-is-more-accessible-than-you-think) #### [Custom Fabrication Is More Accessible Than You Think](https://mfefix.com/blog/why-custom-fabrication-is-more-accessible-than-you-think) October 23, 2025 For many years, custom fabrication carried a reputation that kept a lot of businesses from exploring it. [READ MORE](https://mfefix.com/blog/why-custom-fabrication-is-more-accessible-than-you-think) [![](https://mfefix.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Digital%20Twins%20image%20part%208.png?width=1536&height=1024&name=Digital%20Twins%20image%20part%208.png)](https://mfefix.com/blog/digital-twins-part-eight) #### [Digital Twins: Part Eight](https://mfefix.com/blog/digital-twins-part-eight) October 2, 2025 The trick is getting digital twins to play nice with your existing systems. When done right, you can watch your operations unfold in real time and... [READ MORE](https://mfefix.com/blog/digital-twins-part-eight) [![](https://mfefix.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Digital%20Twins%20image%20part%20seven.jpg?width=1430&height=953&name=Digital%20Twins%20image%20part%20seven.jpg)](https://mfefix.com/blog/digital-twins-part-seven) #### [Digital Twins: Part Seven](https://mfefix.com/blog/digital-twins-part-seven) September 25, 2025 The Metal Fabrication Industry is Going High-Tech AI and machine learning are making these digital twins even smarter. Remember how you used to wait... [READ MORE](https://mfefix.com/blog/digital-twins-part-seven) [![](https://mfefix.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Digital%20Twins%20image%20part%206-2.jpg?width=625&height=330&name=Digital%20Twins%20image%20part%206-2.jpg)](https://mfefix.com/blog/digital-twins-part-six) #### [Digital Twins: Part Six](https://mfefix.com/blog/digital-twins-part-six) September 18, 2025 Getting on Board with Digital Twins New tech like digital twins in metal fabrication can ruffle some feathers. It's totally normal for workers to... [READ MORE](https://mfefix.com/blog/digital-twins-part-six) [![](https://mfefix.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Digital%20Twins%20image%20part%206.jpg?width=1430&height=954&name=Digital%20Twins%20image%20part%206.jpg)](https://mfefix.com/blog/digital-twins-part-five-and-a-half) #### [Digital Twins: Part Five and a half](https://mfefix.com/blog/digital-twins-part-five-and-a-half) September 11, 2025 Hey, I wanted to switch things up a bit with today's post. After all the time we've spent together in this series, I feel like we're practically old... [READ MORE](https://mfefix.com/blog/digital-twins-part-five-and-a-half) [![](https://mfefix.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Digital%20Twins%20image%20part%205.jpg?width=1430&height=954&name=Digital%20Twins%20image%20part%205.jpg)](https://mfefix.com/blog/digital-twins-part-five) #### [Digital Twins: Part Five](https://mfefix.com/blog/digital-twins-part-five) September 4, 2025 Collecting Relevant Data The backbone of any successful digital twin in metal fabrication starts with solid data collection. It entails acquiring... [READ MORE](https://mfefix.com/blog/digital-twins-part-five) [![](https://mfefix.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Digital%20twin%20image%20part%204.jpg?width=1430&height=953&name=Digital%20twin%20image%20part%204.jpg)](https://mfefix.com/blog/digital-twins-part-four) #### [Digital Twins: Part Four](https://mfefix.com/blog/digital-twins-part-four) August 28, 2025 Before diving into digital twin technology, metal fabrication companies need to take a hard look at what they're working with. This means taking... [READ MORE](https://mfefix.com/blog/digital-twins-part-four) [![](https://mfefix.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Image%20for%20Digital%20Twins-Part%20Three.jpg?width=1430&height=953&name=Image%20for%20Digital%20Twins-Part%20Three.jpg)](https://mfefix.com/blog/digital-twins-part-three) #### [Digital Twins-Part Three](https://mfefix.com/blog/digital-twins-part-three) August 21, 2025 Core Components of a Digital Twin [READ MORE](https://mfefix.com/blog/digital-twins-part-three) [![](https://mfefix.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Picture1.jpg?width=1430&height=805&name=Picture1.jpg)](https://mfefix.com/blog/digital-twins-part-two) #### [Digital Twins-Part Two](https://mfefix.com/blog/digital-twins-part-two) August 14, 2025 Metal fabrication is changing fast, and it's fascinating to see how new tech is reshaping the industry. Walk into any modern fab shop, and you'll... [READ MORE](https://mfefix.com/blog/digital-twins-part-two) [![](https://mfefix.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GPT%20image-digital%20twins.png?width=1024&height=1024&name=GPT%20image-digital%20twins.png)](https://mfefix.com/blog/digital-twins-part-one) #### [Digital Twins-Part One](https://mfefix.com/blog/digital-twins-part-one) August 7, 2025 Digital twins are revolutionizing the way we bridge the physical and digital worlds, particularly in metal fabrication. Think of a digital twin as a... [READ MORE](https://mfefix.com/blog/digital-twins-part-one) [1](https://mfefix.com/blog/author/holly-stonebraker/page/1) [2](https://mfefix.com/blog/author/holly-stonebraker/page/2) [Next](https://mfefix.com/blog/author/holly-stonebraker/page/2) #### [![EOS FB picture](https://mfefix.com/hubfs/EOS%20FB%20picture.png) April Newsletter](https://mfefix.com/hubfs/Newsletter%20April%202025-1.pdf) #### [![](https://mfefix.com/hubfs/website-images/pages/gallery/gallery-laser-cutting-project.jpg) July Newsletter](https://mfefix.com/hubfs/Newsletter%20July%202025.pdf) #### [![](https://mfefix.com/hubfs/ChatGPT%20Image%20Nov%204%2c%202025%2c%2011_40_00%20AM.png) October Newsletter](https://mfefix.com/hubfs/Newsletter%20October%202025.pdf) #### [![](https://mfefix.com/hubfs/ChatGPT%20Image%20May%204%2c%202025%2c%2005_57_39%20PM.png) January Newsletter](https://mfefix.com/hubfs/January%20Newsletter%202026.pdf) #### Headline ##### Subheadline #### Headline ##### Subheadline - [Cut Cost and Reduce Lead Times](https://mfefix.com/how-to-cut-costs-and-reduce-lead-times-without-compromising-quality) - [April Newsletter](https://mfefix.com/blog) - [July Newsletter](https://mfefix.com/blog) [**![logo-color-500x160](https://mfefix.com/hs-fs/hubfs/logo-color-500x160.png?width=250&height=80&name=logo-color-500x160.png)**](https://mfefix.com) **Metal Fab Engineering, Inc.** 9341 South State Road 39 Winamac, Indiana 46996 Services - [Laser Cutting](https://mfefix.com/services) - [Bending](https://mfefix.com/services) - [Welding](https://mfefix.com/services) - [Powder Coating](https://mfefix.com/services) About - [About Us](https://mfefix.com/about) - [Careers](https://mfefix.com/careers) - [Privacy Policy](https://mfefix.com/privacy-policy) - [Terms of Use](https://mfefix.com/terms-and-conditions) Resources - [Smart RFQ](https://mfefix.com/smart-rfq) - [Gallery](https://mfefix.com/gallery) - [Blog](https://mfefix.com/blog) - [Contact Us](https://mfefix.com/contact) - Website Design and Advertising provided by Expert Internet Marketing © 2026 Metal Fab Engineering [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Metal-Fab-Engineering-119939242907885)[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/mfelasercutting)[Linkedin](http://www.linkedin.com/company/metal-fab-engineering-inc)