Making the Leap into CNC Cutting Pays Off – Torchmate® Helps Horst Sign & Fabrication Expand Its Capabilities
Expanding Custom Fabrication with CNC Plasma Cutting
Introduction
What began as a small side business has evolved into a thriving full-time fabrication shop serving customers throughout Missouri. Horst Sign & Fabrication specializes in custom metal signage, fabrication projects, farm repairs, and custom components for recreational and utility vehicles.
As customer demand increased, owners Brandon and Shayna Horst needed a faster and more efficient way to produce high-quality parts while maintaining the flexibility required for custom work.
The addition of a Torchmate® 4800 CNC plasma cutting table equipped with a FlexCut® 80 plasma cutter transformed the business.
Today, the machine operates daily, helping Horst Sign & Fabrication produce everything from custom signs and brackets to seat bases, hitch plates, and specialty parts with greater precision and efficiency than ever before.
About Horst Sign & Fabrication
Located in Silex, Missouri, just north of St. Louis, Horst Sign & Fabrication began as a part-time venture producing vinyl graphics and signage.
As demand grew, the business expanded into metal signs, custom fabrication, repair work, and specialty products for local businesses and consumers.
Operating from a 40′ x 60′ fabrication shop, the company serves a diverse customer base ranging from local municipalities and veterans’ organizations to custom off-road vehicle builders and agricultural customers.
Through a commitment to quality workmanship and innovation, the business continues to grow while remaining family-focused and community-oriented.
For more information, visit Horst Sign & Fabrication.
The Challenge
- Labor-Intensive Processes: Many parts and sign components were being cut manually, requiring significant time and effort.
- Increasing Customer Demand: Growing demand for custom fabrication work required faster production capabilities.
- Learning Advanced Manufacturing: Moving into CNC cutting required learning CAD software and digital workflows with limited prior experience.
- Material Utilization: Maximizing material usage while minimizing scrap was critical for maintaining profitability.
- Production Flexibility: The business needed equipment capable of handling everything from decorative signage to heavy fabrication components.
How the Torchmate Table Provided a Solution
After purchasing a Torchmate 4800, Horst Sign & Fabrication gradually integrated CNC cutting into everyday operations.
Despite beginning with little prior experience using CNC equipment, Brandon leveraged Torchmate Academy resources and hands-on experience to build confidence and proficiency.
The machine routinely processes materials ranging from 14-gauge to 3/8-inch plate, mostly mild steel and aluminum.
The laser alignment system, breakaway torch head, and CAD capabilities help streamline cutting and improve overall productivity.
The Torchmate system also allows larger sheets to be processed efficiently, helping reduce material waste and maximize sheet utilization across jobs.
Why Horst Sign & Fabrication Chose Torchmate
- Trusted Lincoln Electric Reputation: The Lincoln Electric® name provided confidence in the equipment investment and long-term support.
- Easy-to-Learn Software: Torchmate CAD software and Torchmate Academy training resources helped accelerate the learning process.
- Proven Technology: Torchmate offered the precision and reliability necessary for both custom fabrication and production work.
- Industry Leading Technical Support: Accessible support resources and responsive service were major factors in the purchasing decision.
The Results
“The Torchmate® 4800 has become a key part of Horst Sign & Fabrication’s daily operations, helping the company produce parts faster, more accurately, and with less manual effort.”
The flexibility to efficiently cut everything from custom signage and memorial displays to brackets, hitch plates, and off-road vehicle components has enabled the business to take on a wider variety of projects and better serve its customers.
Looking back on the investment, Brandon has no regrets.
“Don’t be afraid to try something new. I’m very happy I took the leap. It allows me to work from home, spend more time with family, and continue growing the business.”
- Decreased lead times by implementing mechanized cutting and minimizing hand cutting.
- Increased project capabilities.
- Increased revenue and profits by reaching new customer bases.
- Improved accuracy and reduced manual effort.
- Expanded the range of fabrication projects the company can accept.
“Support has been amazing. I’ve never had an issue where I couldn’t get help. Whenever I’ve had questions, someone has been there to help get me back on track.”
— Brandon Horst, Owner, Horst Sign & Fabrication
About Horst Sign & Fabrication
Horst Sign & Fabrication is a Missouri-based fabrication company specializing in custom metal signage, repair work, fabrication projects, and specialty components for a diverse customer base.
By implementing Torchmate CNC cutting technology, the company increased productivity, expanded capabilities, improved material utilization, and positioned itself for continued growth.
Here's Why You Should Choose Torchmate Tables! Watch the Video Below!Give us a call today at 1-866-571-1066 to learn more about Torchmate tables and get your questions answered! Check out our full range of plasma tables including our Torchmate 4400/4800 for small business and education here, our Torchmate X and XHD models for growing companies here, or our industrial Torchmate 5100 for all day production here. |
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