Metal Fabrication Services

Introduction to Metal Fabrication Services

While some members of the trade prefer to specialise in a specific area many offer a variety of metal fabrication services given that their manufacturing is tooled to the process and can be adjusted to provide a variety of different options serving many sectors and custom clientele.

The typical services can however be grouped into trade recognised metal fabrication services.

Laser cutting involves the use of a CO2 laser to create a custom or intricate cut or pattern in the metal. It is a preferred method and one of the more popular metal fabrication services as it provides a precision cut leaving few to no metal "burrs" behind. Burrs are uneven edges or accumulations of hot metal splatter which can impact the part or component by preventing it from laying or fitting properly. If the initial cut is clean it reduces costs to the customer by minimising the amount of "finishing" required.
Punching involves hot stamping a specific pattern into the metal and it is a complicated metal fabrication service requiring a stamping machine. Metal fabrication services components can consist of many different "stamped" pieces which are then welded together to form a mechanical part. The use of a "die" or pattern is applied to ensure that the shape attained by the hot metal stamping is consistent in shape and size for each unit. Stamped pieces are strictly inspected and controlled for quality assurance.
Forming is something that can be done manually for smaller components but in one way or another requires the use of a tool or machine implement in order to bend or manipulate the metal into a specific shape. There are a variety of tools used in metal fabrication services in the forming process from hand bending machines to power benders to rollers. Strippers are fittings which are attached to forming machinery that remove unwanted coatings or surfaces from metal fixtures.
Welding is one of the more complex metal fabrication services offered. The type of method used for welding varies according to the type of alloy as well as the end use of the product being manufactured with the process. Applying the wrong technique in metal fabrication services to a weld can result in cracks leading to the instability and weakness of the weld. Arc welding is common in most manufactured processes but more frequently welds are provided by automated robotic welding rather than individual hand held welding work.
Finishing is required in virtually all manufactured products and is one of the most common metal fabrication services offered. Given the manipulation of producing a metal part and the heat generated with the production of specific shapes and sizes, bending and the like the opportunity for splatter in bushings as well as critical joints is great. In order for a part to perform to specifications it must be free of any obstacles in moving areas or flush joints. Finishing services typically involve cleaning or honing edges or surfaces. Minor assembly may take place in the finishing stage as well as the provision of heat resistant paint coatings or other applications.