A Quick Guide to Choosing a Competent Metal Fabrication Firm

 

We may not feel it in our daily lives, but the metal fabrication industry affects us in more ways than we can imagine. Most structures involving the use of metals have to resort to construction to achieve the desired end result. The manufacture of metals is defined as "the process of bending, cutting and assembling metal structures from various metal parts and pieces". As you can imagine, construction is the work of a skilled technician.

Following are the steps involved in the manufacturing process:

During this process, the metal is cut to shape using manual or mechanized techniques such as saws, shears, and chisels. In recent times, time-saving methods such as laser, water jet, or flashlight have gained popularity because they can be computer-controlled. This rather complex process often begins with a humble sheet of metal, thus this process is also often referred to as sheet metal fabrication.

With dexterity, the next step would be to bend the metal into various shapes. This is usually done through press brakes or by running a hammer. This, again, can be a manual or automated process. Press the metal wrap using press brake punch and dies.

Finally, the pieces are re-measured before they are all assembled through techniques such as welding, fastening, riveting, or binding. These steps more or less wrap up the basic metal fabrication process.

Metals are also often fabricated using a special process known as stamping. This technique is best suited for the production of large quantities of a single part. It starts with a stamp or mold, which is then used in a stamping machine to stamp the outside of a piece of sheet metal (in layman's terms, it can be compared to a cookie-cutter). , Which cuts cookies from rolled flour).

Stamping may initially require considerable investment in the manufacture of mold. However, once the mold is formed, economies of scale come into play as the cost per part is low. Stamping is often used for items such as vents, panels, hinges, and more.

There are many metals that are used in the manufacture of steel, the most common. Carbon is a common alloying element because it costs less and the metal has desirable characteristics such as strength, mobility, and hardness. This will, of course, depend on the amount of carbon added. However, one drawback of carbon is its susceptibility to corrosion. In such a case, coating or painting the item increases safety. Alternatively, the stainless steel fabrication process can be employed with great results. If you require parts that show better endurance for corrosion, stainless steel construction is recommended.

Although the metal fabrication industry is growing rapidly, it is important to select a reputable fabricator who can recommend the best metal, and provide practical design and appropriate features.