FAQs
How is metal fabrication used?
Metal fabrication is a critical part of the manufacturing process. From paperclips to plane parts, it’s used to create a wide variety of products. Metal fabrication is an essential step in creating everything from hardware and tools to car parts and pipes.
Although fabricated metal products are common, few people understand how the metal fabrication process works. Most people think of welding when they hear metal fabrication. But welding is just one process that metal fabricators use.
So, what exactly is metal fabrication?
Metal fabrication is a manufacturing process used to shape metal into parts or end products. We use a number of techniques to shape sheet metal into a part or component.
Most metal fabrication uses sheet metal, which can vary from 0.2mm to 6mm (anything over this thickness is generally referred to as plate). Fabricators convert this sheet metal into products or tools. We cut, stamp, fold, or shape metal to create the finished part.
Metal fabrication can create large runs of customised fabricated metal products.
Industries that use metal fabrication
Some of the industries that use metal fabrication include:
- Aerospace
- Agricultural industries
- Alternative energy
- Automotive
- Construction
- Consumer products
- Military and defence
- Original equipment manufacturers
- Recreational vehicles
Finishing and assembling the part
The last step in metal fabrication is finishing and assembling the pieces into the final product. These processes strengthen the product and ensure that it’s ready for use.
Some examples of finishing techniques:
- Shotblasting
- Zinc plating
- Heat treatment
- Painting
- Powder coating
- Galvanising
Some examples of Assembling Techniques:
- Riveting Bolting
- Hank inserting
- Stud welding
- Spot welding
- Welding
- Bonding