In ancient times, metal fabrication was primarily used to develop weapons and tools. Today, with modernization across nearly every sector, metal fabrication contributes to advancements in manufacturing, art, transportation, agriculture, medicine, mining, construction, aerospace, and more. Also known as metalworking, metal fabrication has significantly evolved over time.
Modern manufacturing plants use various metal fabrication techniques to make the process highly efficient and hassle-free. Different tools and techniques give different results; thus, it is imperative to understand the most suitable method for the specific project. Using the right type of metal fabrication techniques and tools improves the quality of the final metal product.
This post highlights the most common sheet metal custom fabrication techniques and tools used by manufacturing plants and companies. So, let’s explore the metal fabrication technique that will give you clear insight into the ideal technique for your project.
Metal Shearing:
Metal shearing is the most effective metal fabrication technique used to cut metal in a more precise straight line. The process involves the edges of two blades, one moving vertically and the other stationary. The blades cut the metal the same way the shears cut the metal sheet. A more accurate and longer cut of the piece of metal sheet is obtained through this process.
Many methods are used in metal shearing such as alligator shears, Tin snips, and Guillotines. When it comes to the common term, the distance between the lower and upper blades used in metal shearing is known as the knife or blade clearance. This is the important aspect of precise cutting over the metal sheet. It can also be changed depending on the different material strengths and thicknesses.
Laser cutting:
These days, laser cutting is one of the common metal fabrication techniques used in major industries. Laser cutting involves the use of highly intensive beams of infrared rays. This beam is generated by the laser and focused on the metal surface using a fiber optic cable or focusing lens. Due to continuous advancements, laser cutting has become the preferred choice among metal fabrication techniques to cut sheet metal as quickly as possible.
Plasma cutting is another method used in manufacturing industries, which cuts through sturdy materials including stainless steel, steel, aluminum, copper, and brass. Plasma cutting involves metal fabrication using an accelerated jet of hot plasma.
Metal Stamping:
Metal Stamping is another steel metal fabrication technique that can be used for various sheet metals. These include, galvanized aluminums, copper aluminum, brass, and stainless steel. Metal stamping offers quality results and is ideal for manufacturing as well as assembling automotive components such as doors, firewalls, hub caps, doors, and trunk lids. Metal stamping is not just related to punching holes in metal sheets using a die. It can also create raised shapes and images on the metal surface if required. This metal fabrication technique works like marble relief carving and woodworking.
Welding:
Welding has been used for metal fabrication for decades and has evolved drastically. Now, it is possible to ensure accurate, fast, and effective welding that can contribute to fulfilling the rising demands. When it comes to the types of welding techniques, MIG and TIG are the significant names used by metal fabricator
MIG welding is known as Metal Inert Gas welding while TIG is known as Tungsten Arc welding. Apart from this, there are other welding methods used which include, Submerged Arc Welding, Shielded Metal Arc Welding, and Electroslag Welding.
Metal Bending:
Metal bending is also referred to as flanging, press braking, door blending, and edging. This type of steel fabrication technique is used for forming the metal sheet by bending or folding the flat metal surface to give the desired geometry. Air bending is the most common type of mental bending technique that involves far less contact with the sheet of metal as compared to other techniques.
This method is widely used for ADS Laser Cutting, Step Bending, and Bump Folding. Metal bending is the best technique to be used when additional customization is required to create metal parts with limited tolerance. It offers precise control over the metal sheet and a desired shape.
CNC (Computer Numerical Control) Machining:
The CNC machine is the best example of the evolution of metal fabrication techniques. It is a simple process that utilizes a software to have full control over the machine that creates metal parts.
CNC machines are known for their versatility and ability to create parts from various materials such as plastic, wood, and even metals. Such a machine can create parts that demand accurate and specific measurements. The programming involved in CNC machines determines the domain of the product along with the efficiency of the process. It allows the creation of multiple sets of parts using simple programming.
Coining:
Coining is another metal fabrication technique that uses pressure to give a desired shape to the metal just like metal stamping. The only difference is that the fabricator places a metal sheet in the coining press instead of the stamp to craft a specific design or pattern into the metal.
Coining is also a fast process that produces parts in large quantities. Its applications include creating metal logos, working with softer metals such as copper, brass, and aluminum, and even branding products.
Summing Up
Metal fabrication is the most efficient process, requiring many steps and a different set of tools. These are the common types of metal fabrication techniques. If you are seeking top-notch metal fabrication services in Phoenix, AZ, then choose AZ Metals. Our services can meet all your requirements.
Our services include metal shearing, sawing, punching and notching, drilling, bending, and custom metal fabrication in Mesa, AZ, and Phoenix, AZ.
FAQS
1. What are the popular methods used in metal welding?
The popular methods used in welding are-
- TIG welding
- MIG welding
- Laser welding
2. What are the different metal-cutting methods?
Sheet metal cutting can be done using the following methods-
- Torching
- Water jet
- Shearing
- Sawing
3. What is an example of continuous process manufacturing?
The best example of continuous process manufacturing is the punch press that makes parts very efficiently through programming.
4. Which technology is involved in CNC machines for metal fabrication?
CNC machines are computer standalone units that involve CAD design programming to make specific parts.
