Metal fabrication involves manufacturing sheet metal and other flat metals to produce desired shapes and sizes. The process begins with sheet metal about a quarter-inch thick. Using this sheet, fabricators alter it to get a specific shape.
Such work is done by highly skilled specialists who are trained and experienced in cutting and manipulating metal with perfect precision to the required shape. The fabricators operate from specialized fabrication shops or large-scale manufacturing operations.
Fabrication of metal may need extra parts during the process- these include:
- Expanded metal
- Plate metal
- Formed metal
- Hardware
- Wire for welding
- Castings
- Fittings
Technology for fabrication of metals metal
Metal fabrication has been there for a while. However, technology practices have significantly evolved. The most powerful metal fabrication technologies currently are:
- Computer-aided design software: this technology plays a vital role in the metal fabrication project. Engineers use the software to come up with designs, which companies can be use fabrication process. The CAD software technology enables changes to the design, quick updates, and production of three-dimensional models.
- Automation: This technology has, in recent years, revolutionized the process of metal fabrication. Fabrication machines are progressively being made with programming capabilities, enabling the machines to finish projects required specifications with little human aid.
- Machinery: Waterjet cutting, Laser technology, and plasma cutting are nowadays being used in cutting processes-this enables faster cutting, especially through thicker materials.
Types of Metal Fabrication Processes
Tee are various processes used in the fabrication of metal. Examples of fabrication processes are:
- Milling: involves boring perforations into metal using a milling mechanism
- Cutting: Cutting is the most basic process in the fabrication of metal fabrication. Cutting can be done through waterjet cutting, laser cutting, flame-cutting, sawing, or shearing. This turns the metal sheet into a piece of the needed shape and size. Nowadays, laser cutting and waterjet are the most preferred technologies.
- Casting: In this method, a fabricator puts molten metal into a mold. The metal cools and solidifies. After removing the die, the required piece is left.
- Turning: This method involves putting the piece of metal onto a spinning platform and cutting it radially using an appropriate tool as it spins.
- Forging: this method involves compressing raw metal using High-pressure machinery, allowing the fabricator to shape and bend it.
- Drawing: The process involves the application of tensile force to pull molten metal into a tapered die.
- Drilling: in this method, a drill uses a circular bit to cut holes into the metal.
Why outsource metal fabrication in Toronto?
Some companies may be able to carry out metal fabrication in-house. However, most companies lack expertise and in-house machinery to accomplish this. Luckily, outsourcing metal fabrication in Toronto is a convenient option that offers wonderful benefits to companies. The following are some common benefits.
- Brings expertise
- They have resources such as equipment and machinery
- Ensures quality
- Less costly