Metal concession cabinets are an important part of many businesses and events. From stadiums and theaters to schools and convention centers, metal concession cabinets provide secure and organized product storage and display. But how exactly are these versatile cabinets constructed? The manufacturing process involves multiple steps and techniques to transform raw materials into a high-quality final product.
An Overview of Metal Concession Cabinet Design and Uses
Metal concession cabinets have a few defining features that make them well-suited for concessions. They are made of steel for durability, with a stainless steel or powder coat finish that allows for easy cleaning. The cabinets have adjustable shelving to accommodate different sized products and sliding rear doors for accessing contents. Many also have side windows, lighting, locks, and rolling casters for mobility.
These characteristics make metal concession cabinets ideal for:
- Sporting Events and Entertainment Venues – Concession stands at stadiums, arenas, theaters, and other venues use metal cabinets to securely store and display food, beverages, and merchandise. Cabinets allow for quick access and flexible arrangements.
- Schools and Institutions – Metal cabinets provide secure storage for cafeteria supplies and vending machine items in schools, hospitals, and other facilities. Their mobility allows for versatile placement.
- Trade Shows and Conferences – Vendors rely on metal concession cabinets at conventions and expos to neatly store products and create mini-stores. Cabinets can be customized with company logos and graphics.
- Food Service Operations – Restaurants, caterers, mobile vendors, and other food businesses use metal concession cabinets in kitchens, service lines, and remote service locations.
No matter the specific context, properly constructed metal concession cabinets offer security, organization, and visual appeal for concessions. But how does the manufacturing process work to create these versatile cabinets?
Step 1: Cutting and Forming the Steel Frame and Panels
Metal concession cabinets start as raw steel in flat sheets or coils. The gauge (thickness) of steel used depends on the size and intended contents of the cabinet, but is generally 18, 20, or 22 gauge. Thicker steel provides more durability for heavier loads.
The raw steel first goes through a process called shearing where it is cut into appropriately sized pieces for the cabinet frame and panels. Hydraulic shears outfitted with hardened steel blades shear or cut the steel along straight lines.
Next, the steel pieces are formed into the necessary cabinet components. Fabrication machinery equipped with custom dies punch or press the steel into shapes like channels, angles, and brackets that will form the cabinet frame. Other pieces are bent into panel sections using press brakes.
Cutting and forming the raw steel transforms it into a cabinet’s side panels, doors, back panels, bottom, top, and structural frame. But welding is next to join the components together.
Step 2: Welding the Steel Framework and Panels
The formed steel pieces are now ready for welding, the process of joining metal together using heat. Welding concession cabinet components involves:
- Spot Welding – Two shaped steel pieces are pressed between copper alloy electrodes. When current runs through the electrodes, resistance heat at the contact point forms a molten pool of metal that cools into a solid spot weld. This quickly joins parts like cabinet panels, hinges, and shelves.
- Arc Welding – An electric arc between a consumable electrode and the steel pieces melt the metals together. Popular methods like gas metal arc welding (GMAW) and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) are very precise. They fuse the steel for the cabinet’s core framework.
- Resistance Welding – Electric current flows through contacting metal surfaces. The resistance heat bonds the steel for durable welds along the cabinet’s seams and joints.
Through welding, the fabricated steel components are transformed into a complete concession cabinet shell. The welds are strong and help reinforce the overall structural integrity. But to achieve the finished look, decorative elements and finishing processes are still needed.
Step 3: Adding Doors, Shelving, and Hardware
Once welded together, the metal concession cabinet shell moves to having functional and decorative features added:
- Doors – Hinged or sliding doors with locking mechanisms are installed to access the contents. Tempered glass window panels can be added to the doors to showcase products.
- Adjustable Shelving – Perforated steel shelving slides into interior slots at adjustable heights to accommodate products of various sizes. Chrome-plated brackets often support the shelves.
- Service Windows – Stainless steel serving windows with durable hinges allow customers to view and purchase items.
- Lighting – Interior LED lighting strips and external marquee signage provide illumination.
- Ventilation – Vents and fans maintain air circulation and temperature.
- Casters – Heavy duty wheels make the cabinets portable. Locking casters keep them stationary when needed.
The right hardware and accessories make metal concession cabinets fully functional for business purposes. But visual details also contribute to the finished product, bringing us to the final manufacturing steps.
Step 4: Surface Finishing and Branding
With assembly complete, surface treatments and branding elements provide concession cabinets with polished, customized appearances:
- Powder Coating – A powder coating spray booth applies colored polymer powder with electrostatic spraying. Then the powder is cured under heat into a smooth, protective finish.
- Metal Polishing – Stainless steel cabinet exteriors often undergo buffing and polishing for a clean, mirror-like look.
- Vinyl Graphics – Adhesive vinyl sheets with custom graphics and logos can decorate the cabinet’s exterior surfaces.
- Anodizing – An electrolytic process helps harden and color aluminum cabinet trim.
- Screen Printing – Logos, labels, and branding are screen printed directly onto glass and metal surfaces.
Applied finishes and graphics allow metal concession cabinets to match company colors and showcase branding. This completes the manufacturing journey, resulting in a high quality and customized final product ready for any concessions environment.
The Benefits of Thoughtful Design and Craftsmanship
When manufactured with care and expertise, metal concession cabinets offer significant benefits:
- Durability – The all-steel construction withstands heavy daily use and transport.
- Security – Locks and tamper-resistant hinges keep contents protected.
- Efficiency – Adjustable shelving and specialized storage features maximize inventory capacity.
- Cleanliness – The seamless steel and stainless steel surfaces are easy to sanitize.
- Appearance – From powder coated colors to sleek stainless steel, metal cabinets project a polished, professional image.
Every step of the manufacturing process contributes to these strengths. The combination of sturdy steel fabrication, precision welding, purposeful design, and attractive finishing results in durable, versatile concession cabinets suited to any space.
While hobbyists can make small cabinets at home, industrial-scale metal concession cabinet manufacturing requires significant investments in equipment, facilities, and skilled labor. The manufacturing process balances efficiency with customization to meet each business’s unique needs. When sourcing concession cabinets, buyers should look for manufacturers with the expertise to thoughtfully engineer and craft high-caliber solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Metal Concession Cabinet Manufacturing
Metal concession cabinets are specialist commercial equipment, leading many to wonder about the specific manufacturing processes involved. Here are answers to some of the most common questions:
How are the cabinets constructed to be so durable?
Metal concession cabinets are built using all-steel construction with heavy gauge steel for the frame, doors, and panels. Precision welding joins the parts together for reinforced strength. The steel is also treated with powder coating for scratch resistance and corrosion protection. These manufacturing steps ensure durability even with heavy daily use.
What welding methods are best for concession cabinets?
A combination of welding techniques is ideal. Spot welding efficiently joins smaller components, while methods like gas metal arc welding strongly fuse the steel framework. Resistance welding also reinforces the full cabinet shell by sealing all joints and seams.
Why are adjustable shelves so important?
The adjustable shelving allows each concession cabinet to be customized to store a variety of different sized items from boxes to bottles to bags. Operators can easily configure and reconfigure the shelves as needed.
How are custom colors, logos, and graphics added?
Powder coating allows concession cabinets to be color matched. Vinyl wraps and screen printing are then used to add company logos, sponsors, and branding to the exterior surfaces. This allows complete customization for the environment.
What temperature controls are included?
Many concession cabinets have vents and fans for airflow. Some larger versions even include air conditioning units to maintain the right temperature and humidity levels for food items. This climate control maximizes product shelf life.
Do the cabinets come fully assembled?
Larger concession cabinets are partially assembled and then broken down into sections for cost effective shipping. Buyers or contractors handle the simple final assembly using provided instructions and hardware. Smaller under-the-counter style cabinets typically ship fully factory assembled.
Key Takeaways on Metal Concession Cabinet Manufacturing
- Steel sheets and coils are cut and formed into individual cabinet components using shearing and fabrication presses.
- Spot welding, arc welding, and resistance welding join the formed steel parts into a complete cabinet framework.
- Doors, shelving, lighting, and other accessories are added to make cabinets functional.
- Powder coating, metal polishing, vinyl graphics, and anodizing give cabinets sleek and customized finishes.
- Careful construction and finishing result in durable, high-quality concession cabinets.
- Combining efficient manufacturing with customization allows cabinets to be tailored to unique needs.
By understanding the manufacturing journey, buyers can better evaluate and select metal concession cabinets to fulfill their product storage, security, and presentation needs. An investment in thoughtful design and construction pays dividends through cabinets that provide years of reliable performance in demanding concessions environments.
Summary
Metal concession cabinets are versatile storage solutions for many industries thanks to their durable steel construction, security, organization, and customized finishes. The manufacturing process involves transforming raw steel through careful cutting, welding, assembly, and detailing. Each step contributes to a heavy-duty final product designed to securely showcase products and withstand repeat use. When buyers choose properly engineered and crafted cabinets matched to their needs, they gain long-lasting value through unparalleled performance, organization, and style.