Understanding Different Types Of Metal Fabrication

Monday, November 29th, 2021
welding

Metal fabrication is any process that cuts, molds, or changes the shape of metal material into a final product. This process requires a good understanding of the properties of different materials used in fabrication. Knowing how each type of material behaves when worked allows for better quality products in a shorter time period.

Metal fabrication is used for all types of products including medical devices, automobile parts, airplanes, electronics, and custom products. There are many different types of metal fabrication. Here’s a look at some of the most common and popular types.

Cutting

Cutting is a very common type of metal fabrication, and is used to remove unwanted parts from the workpiece. This can be done using manual tools, power tools, and even computer numerical control (CNC). Modern methods of cutting include, power scissors, waterjet cutting, die cutting, and laser cutting.

Punching

Punching is the process of creating holes in a piece of metal using a punch press. Most punch presses are mechanical, but hand powered punches are available for smaller and more simple punches. Punch presses are commonly used for mold making, forming repair work, and electrical wire connections.

Stamping

Stamping is similar to punching, except the press creates an indentation instead of a hole. The press raises the metal to create shapes, letters, and images. An example of stamping is pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters. The wording, currency amount, year, and face of the president are stamped from each surface side of the coins.

Forging

Forging is a process that changes the shape of a metal piece by using heat and force. The materials are heated up to a point where they are workable, and then shaped with either hand tools or power hammers. This is one of the oldest forms of metal fabrication and is still used today for detailed and artistic work.

Machining

Machining is the process of shaping metal by removing the unwanted pieces. This is performed using a lathe, which rotates the material against a tool to trim or cut the piece down to the desired shape. Other ways this can be done is through drilling or milling.

Casting

When molten metal is poured into a mold and left to cool and solidify, it is called casting. This is the ideal form of metal fabrication for more complex shape making. Casting is commonly used for mass produced products because the mold can be used over and over again.

Welding

Welding is when two different pieces of metal are joined together using heat and pressure. This is one of the most popular types of metal fabrication. Different types of welding include stick and arc, MIG, TIG, and Flux Cored Arc.

Metal Fabrication In Amarillo, TX

If your home or commercial business needs metal work done, give Allen’s Tri-State Mechanical a call! We do all types of metal fabrication, regardless of size or gauge. For more information, you can reach us at (806) 376-8345 to learn more about our services.