Metal fabrication is the use of raw steel to create fabricated parts and weldments. It’s the process of taking metals of various shapes and sizes, cutting and preparing the metals, and then welding the pieces together according to the design requirements and specifications.
These fabricated products service a wide industry base:
- Manufacturing
- Agriculture
- Aerospace
- Construction
- Defense
- Food Service
- Automotive
- And much more
Materials Used in Metal Fabrication
There are design requirements that must be followed when choosing what material to use for metal fabrication. And the materials are generally selected by the design engineers based on the applications of the products end use. Some of these design requirements include:
- Resistance to corrosion
- Strength
- Conductivity
- Quality
- Flexibility
- Cost
Five of the common materials used in metal fabrication are:
1. Carbon steel
Carbon steel is the most commonly used in metal fabrication because of its features which include:
- Flexibility
- Easy use
- Strong
- Available in different thicknesses and sizes
2. Stainless steel
Stainless steel comprises aluminum, chromium, carbon steel, iron, nickel, and silicon. Its polished look is attractive, but here are other benefits:
- Easy usability
- Does not rust
- Good for welding
- It is flexible
3. Copper
The properties that make it one of the most commonly used metals include:
- It is an excellent conductor of electricity
- It is strong
- Workable
- Rust resistant
- Pliable
4. Aluminum
Its properties include:
- Flexible
- It is lightweight
- Long-lasting
- Strong
- Good conductor of heat and electricity
- Does well in low temperatures, which makes it unique. It is used in appliances such as fridges.
5. Magnesium
Magnesium has unique qualities that serve major industries, including aircraft and locomotor manufacturing. They include:
- It is the lightest metal
- It is a good thermal and electric conductor
- Versatile
Other popular materials used are brass, bronze, gold, iron, and silver.
Metal Fabrication Process
Here are basic steps in the process of turning metal into structures:
1. Designing
Designing is where it all begins. The design determines the end product’s appearance, functionality, and usefulness. Therefore, make sure that it is accurate, easy to implement, and choose the right materials. The design engineers handle this part of the process.
They use computer-aided design software to help with accuracy and quality production.
2. Cutting
The second step involves cutting the metal as specified in the design.
The type of metal you are going to use will determine which cutting method you will use.
3. Molding
This stage involves folding, bending, drilling holes, and casting to achieve the required shape.
4. Assembling
After all the parts are ready, it is time to assemble them. You can use the following methods to put the pieces together:
- Welding
- Screw together
- Riveting to put the pieces together.
5. Finishing
Finishing is the final part of the process. Depending on the desired end product, it involves:
- Polishing
- Painting
- Brushing
- Plating
- Powder overlay
- Sandblasting
- Grinding
- Hot blackening
Every industry benefits from metal fabrication. At DCS Manufacturing. we have been a leader in metal fabrication for more than a decade. As a result, we can deliver high-quality metal-fabricated parts, custom gates, fences, and much more to our clients.
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