So you’re looking into metal fabrication, but have no idea where to start?
Metal fabrication is a broad and complicated subject and can seem very daunting when first approached.
This article will cover the basics and get you on the right path! So for everything you need to get started, read on.
Table of Contents
What Is Metal Fabrication?
At its core metal fabrication is a fairly simple concept. It is the creation of any metal parts designed with set specifications such as shape and dimensions.
When a manufacturer receives the details of a part they will use one, or a number of processes needed to form the final piece for a given purpose.
Types of Metal Fabrication
There are many types of metal fabrication. See some of the more common processes below.
- Machining – This involves removing material from a piece to create the product
- Welding – The joining of two pieces together to give one part
- Cutting – Dividing a piece to create the desired product using techniques such as sawing, laser cutting, and water jet cutting
- Bending – Usually used for sheet metal fabrication to bend parts into a U-shape, V-shape, or channel shape
- Punching – Another technique mostly used for sheet metal to create holes in a piece
Tools Used for Metal Fabrication
Due to the number of processes involved in custom metal fabrication, there are also a large number of tools used in the industry.
Some types of welding include the use of TIG welders, MIG welders, and robotic welders.
Automatic panel benders, robotic benders, and press brakes for bending sheet metal.
CAD software for designing parts before any manufacturing/machining even takes place.
Getting Specific Parts Made
When designing a part, there will be precise requirements needed. It is very important that the final product meets these specifications.
Well-trained fabricators and high-quality equipment are essential. This is a crucial factor when looking at getting parts manufactured. Sheets may need to be bent at a very precise angle, welds may need a high degree of precision, tubes may need to be very precise in length.
When machining parts in bulk, automation is ideal as it will ensure all parts are uniform.
Laser tube cutting is an excellent way to get metal tubes cut, even when the design consists of complex patterns. Lasers can also be used in machining, to cut precise shapes out of a piece of metal.
Residential Uses
Metal fabrication is often used at an industrial level, but there are many applications in the home that would benefit from parts made using fabrication.
Tubes/pipes can be made with precision. Panels for sheds can be cut or bent as needed. Fences, gates, and balconies can be made to desired specifications.
Ideas for Your Home
Our goal is to help you turn your house into your ideal home, and metal fabrication is just one of many ways to do that! We have plenty of posts covering other topics
