What are the Processes Involving Metal Fabrication
Metals that would undergo cutting, bending and assembling into different sizes and shapes is said to have undergone metal fabrication. Usually, it is in a fabrication and machine shop where this work is done and there are various tools and processes like forming and welding are being performed.
Specialization of fabrication can also be enumerated, like brazing, shearing, forming, extrusion, forging, heat treatment, powder coating, punching, casting, spinning, and chipping. Some forms of specialization which are of higher level are named to be electrical, machine design, and hydraulics.
Metal fabrication uses several raw materials like plate metal, formed metal, tube stock, square stock, welding wire, castings, hardware and fittings. To complete the processes of metal fabrication, it would undergo several stages, from cutting and burning, to forming, machining, welding and final assembly.
Metal fabrication processes are used to manufacture different machines and structures. The popular materials that are used for metal fabrication are sheet metal and stainless steel, and these are used to manufacture several industrial and consumer products like loose parts, building structural frames and machines.
To produce the sheet metal, the metal is formed into pieces of thin and flat metals in several thicknesses called its gauge, and these can now be cut and bended into different sizes and shapes.
Aside from the flat pieces, sheet metal is also produced in coiled strips which are usually made out of metals of aluminum, brass, copper, steel, tin, nickel and titanium. For decorative purposes, they sometimes use gold, silver and platinum.
Sheet metal fabrication is also intended in the production of car bodies, airplane wings, building materials, and equipment for food processing and others.
Stainless steel is a very strong material that contains amounts of iron, chromium and other elements, making it resistance to corrosion, staining and thus has a very low maintenance. Stainless steel is a completely recyclable material making it a very handy material for certain purposes.
The surface finishes and grades vary in stainless steel and you can opt for these variety depending on where you will use it, and so your choices would range from brushed finish to satin, mirror and coarse finish.
The very intensive process involving metal fabrication makes it an important component in the manufacturing of many industrial and consumer products. Among the main applications of metal fabrication, manufacturing makes use of the sheet metal fabrication and stainless steel fabrication that we can now use in our daily lives.
The protection of metal can be your choice depending on your need and budget, and so after the metal underwent cutting, joining and welding, you can decide if you will have it powder coated or sandblasted.