Metal Fabrication is a process that involves cutting, bending, and assembling metals into various shapes and sizes. Typically, all this work is done in fabrication and machine shops using a variety of specialized tools and processes like forming and welding.
Some of the specialized custom metal fabrication methods include brazing, shearing, forming, extrusion, forging, heat treatment, powder coating, punching, casting, spinning, and chipping to name a few. Some of the higher-level specializations include electrical, prototyping, machine design, and hydraulics.
This uses a number of raw materials such as plate metal, formed metal, tube stock, square stock, welding wire, castings, hardware, and fittings. This includes various stages like cutting and burning, forming, machining, welding, and final assembly.
These are used to construct various machines and structures. Popularly, sheet metal and stainless steel are used for the purposes of metal fabrication and are used to create various industrial and consumer products such as loose parts, structural frames for buildings, and machines.
Sheet Metal Fabrication
When metal is formed into thin and flat pieces, it is known as Sheet Metal. These metal sheets can be of varying thicknesses and can be cut and bent into numerous shapes and sizes. The thickness of sheet metal is also called its 'gauge'.
Apart from flat pieces, sheet metal is also available in coiled strips. Sheet metal is usually made out of metals such as aluminum, brass, copper, steel, tin, nickel, and titanium. Sometimes, gold, silver, and platinum are also used for decorative purposes.