Metal Fabrication Techniques

Metal fabrication refers to the process of constructing metal by changing the standard raw metal materials with the use of specialized tools and equipment. Metal fabrication techniques, depending on the temperature at which the metal is processed, can be either be cold, hot or warm.

Examples of metal-fabricated products are everywhere. In fact, many of the common objects that we see and use in the house or office such as paper clips, nails and bolts are made using metal fabrication processes. Machines, automobiles, computers, heavy equipment, structural frames, hand railing and stairs of buildings are also constructed through metal fabrication.

Metal fabrication techniques are different from other metal methods such as, for instance, casting where you need to use some kind of mold to create the structure. In the case of fabrication, you utilize hand tools or machinery and a little elbow grease to come up with the desired output.

There are various techniques in fabricating metal components. One of them is metal forming. It is said to the oldest form of metal fabrication. Ancient civilization used the art of metal forming to create armaments. By just utilizing simple tools such as wooden mallet and metal hammer, Greek and Roman crarftsmen were able to produce helmets and cuirrasses. The category of metal forming consists of forging, rolling, extrusion, drawing, deep drawing, bending, spinning, and many others.

Another metal fabrication process is called machining or material removal, which involves the use of a cutting tool to remove unwanted metal materials from a workpiece to come up with the desired shape. This is an application that is designed to perfect metal surfaces, ranging from abrasive techniques to precise spot removal methods for parts as small as jewelry.

Common metal removal processes include sawing, tapping, broaching, boring, turning, drilling, milling and grinding. All of them are a common part of most manufacturing processes.

With the advent of modern technology, advanced metal fabrication techniques have also been invented to make the job easier and reduce production time. Nowadays, laser cutting, electro discharge machining, wire electro discharge machining and waterjet cutting are becoming more and more popular among metal fabricators and hobbyists.

About the Author:
Andrei Smith writes for Midwest Metal Products, one of industry’s leaders in providing wire-formed, sheet metal fabricated and tubular metal products such as fan guards. Learn more information about wire forming.