There are different types of metal fabrication processes. The fact may overwhelm you when it comes to making a choice for your project. In layman's terms, the requirements of your project, the type of material to undergo the professional metal fabrication process, metal thickness, and finally, your budget will guide you toward the right choice.
How is metal fabrication different from manufacturing?
Most people don’t understand the nuanced differences between manufacturing and metal fabrication. Let’s clear the doubt. Manufacturing is the process of transformation using raw materials. The scope of manufacturing covers more specific processes. Fabrication is also a type of manufacturing that includes cutting, bending, welding, joining, assembly, etc.
Metal Fabrication: Understanding Different Types
There is nothing like universal BEST and WORST in metal fabrication. The best choice is always project-centric and budget-sensitive. The factors that should go into consideration before making a decision are:
- Material type
- Final product design
- Quality and quantity requirements
- Lead time
However, knowing the ins and outs of each metal fabrication technique will help in your decision-making process. The most common types of metal fabrication include:
Bending or Forming
Forming causes metal to bend into desired shapes and sizes at pre-specified angles. This type of metalworking depends on a brake press to create creases. However, fabricators can also create different forms of holding by using hammers with clamp bars.
Nowadays, the metal fabrication process has taken a few leaps forward by leveraging the power of CNC (Computer Numerical Control). These CNC machines use a press brake or tubes to transform metal from 2D to 3D shapes, according to the requirements of a fabrication project.
To form processes, common applications include producing manufacturing devices, electric transmission components, aerospace engine mountings, and performing similar tasks that need precision. In all these areas, the durability of fabricated material is of paramount importance.
Cutting
Cutting is one of the most common metal fabrication techniques. The process transforms pre-shaped metal into smaller pieces. There are many cutting techniques such as waterjet cutting, sawing, plasma torching, and laser cutting.
Laser cutting is the most advanced type of cutting. Guided by automation software on a CNC machine, the process involves a high-power laser to cause sheet metals such as steel, stainless steel, and aluminum to burn, melt, or vaporize. The laser can successfully handle a jet of gas to create finished edges.
Punching
The process creates unique holes in metal sheets by using a mechanical machine. These holes are used for fastening or as punch-outs for future applications. Punching is ideal for light and heavy metalwork.
Welding
This process uses heat and/or pressure to fuse two or more parent materials (plastic, wood, or metal) together. There are subsets of welding and the ultimate choice always depends on project requirements. However, if the parent material is metal, arc welding is generally used.
Stamping
Stamping and punching are almost similar. However, stamping creates a distinct look for sheet metals including stainless steel, brass, copper, aluminum, and other galvanized alloys. The process leaves an indentation instead of creating a hole through the parent material.
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