From bustling cities in Mexico to remote mining towns in Peru, compact expanded metal machines are becoming the backbone of small and mid-sized manufacturers across Latin America. As industries grapple with rising costs, limited space, and the need for agile production, these space-saving yet powerful machines offer a lifeline. Let’s explore why LATAM businesses are prioritizing compact models like DAPU’s 6.3T, G10, and 25T/1.5 – and how they’re reshaping local economies.
In crowded urban workshops or rural facilities with limited infrastructure, bulky industrial equipment often becomes impractical. A Mexico City metal fabricator reported losing 30% of workspace to outdated machinery.
DAPU’s compact models maximize productivity in tight spaces:
TG10 Model: At just 1750x740x1250mm, it fits into garages or small storefronts.
6.3T Model: 800x1400x1520mm footprint – smaller than a pickup truck bed.
Case Study: A Colombian startup producing decorative screens doubled output by replacing two manual machines with a single G10 (1520x650x1500mm).
High upfront costs and energy bills deter small businesses. Traditional expanded metal machines consume 20–30kW, straining budgets in countries like Argentina with expensive electricity.
Lower Energy Use:
6.3T: 4kW motor uses 68% less power than standard machines.
G10: 5.5kW motor cuts monthly bills by $220 for a Guatemalan workshop.
Reduced Labor: Automated feeding/stacking in 25T/1.5 (1500mm width) requires just 1 worker vs. 3 for manual models.
ROI Example: A Brazilian fence producer recouped its 25T/1.5 investment in 10 months through labor and energy savings.
Emerging markets demand flexibility – a single workshop might cater to construction, agriculture, and crafts. Older machines can’t switch between thin decorative sheets and heavy-duty mesh.
Application | Recommended Model | Key Specs |
---|---|---|
Ultra-thin decor (0.05mm) | G10 | 450 RPM |
Farm fencing (1.5mm) | 25T/1.5 | 1500mm width |
Mining screens (3mm) | 63T | 2000mm width |
Peruvian Success: A Cusco manufacturer uses 6.3T (0.2–1.5mm range) to produce both 0.3mm copper lamp shades and 1.2mm steel chicken coops.
Coastal humidity, Andean dust, and Amazonian rains accelerate machine wear. A Venezuelan factory saw 40% downtime due to corroded components.
Rustproofing: All models feature zinc-nickel coatings (withstand 1500hr salt spray tests).
Dust Defense: Sealed bearings in G35 (2350x1000x2080mm) protect against Colombian coal dust.
Voltage Stability: ±15% tolerance handles unstable grids in rural Honduras.
Many LATAM manufacturers hesitate to adopt new tech due to poor after-sales service. A Bolivian buyer waited 6 months for a European brand’s spare parts.
48-Hour Parts Delivery: Warehouses in São Paulo, Lima, and Mexico City.
Spanish/Portuguese Tech Teams: Onsite training included with 25T/1.5 and 63T purchases.
Custom Financing: 12–36 month plans via LATAM partner banks.
Machine: G10 (0.05–0.8mm range).
Use: Stainless steel bus stop screens.
Result: 900 units/month produced in a 50㎡ workshop.
Machine: 63T (0.5–3mm thickness).
Use: Portable rock sieves for copper mines.
Result: 60% lighter than traditional sieves, saving $18/ton in transport.
Machine: 25T/1.5 (1500mm width).
Use: Modular fencing for rotational grazing.
Result: 8km/day production enabled 30% farm expansion.
Assess Needs: Use DAPU’s free online calculator (Spanish/Portuguese) to match materials and output goals.
Test Locally: Visit demo centers in Bogotá or Monterrey.
Scale Smart: Start with 6.3T ($18k–$25k), upgrade to 63T as orders grow.
For Latin America’s agile manufacturers, compact expanded metal machines aren’t just tools – they’re strategic growth partners. By solving space, cost, and adaptability challenges, models like DAPU’s G10 and 25T/1.5 empower businesses to compete globally while staying rooted in local markets. As Ecuadorian entrepreneur Maria Vargas puts it: “With our DAPU 6.3T, we outproduce factories twice our size – and our electricity bill is half!”