Metal Fabrication Techniques

During the metal fabrication process, expert technicians create pre-made parts for assembly out of raw metals. Fabrication usually happens in a dedicated facility before it goes to an assembly plant. The process of metal fabrication involves multiple techniques that shape and connect materials into a part. In addition to foundational methods such as cutting and folding, professionals use the below approaches.

Metal Stamping

Fabricators use a die for a variety of metal shaping applications. During metal stamping, the die raises parts of the metal sheet to create the specified structure and appearance. Common metal stamping techniques include:

• Sheet metal stamping: When a project needs simple shapes, sheet metal stamping uses repetitive die stamping.
• Progressive die stamping: In progressive die stamping, the machinery uses multiple dies to create a more complex shape.
• Precision metal stamping: Operators use a press to complete precision stamping for three-dimensional designs, surface engraving and other advanced specifications.

A fabrication plant utilizes a variety of dies to perform multiple metal stamping services. The stamping process involves complex punches, bends and embossing to achieve the specified results.

Welding

To create more complicated metal shapes, a fabrication facility can weld two parts together. The welding process involves joining two pieces of metal together with extreme heat. Depending on the nature of the project, a technician can weld metal by hand or utilize advanced welding machinery including:

• Manual welding: Manual welding techniques include MIG, TIG and spot welding, and each has different applications for various industries.
• Robotic welding: When a project involves a large volume of parts, robotic welding can automate the welding process with high precision.

Facilities with both methods at their disposal can combine the two techniques to create highly specified parts for assembly.

Sheet Metal Punching

When a sheet of metal requires holes, a technician performs punching to create them. Traditional punching involves a die and a drill. The technician places the sheet metal under the die, then slots the drill through for precise results. An advanced approach called CNC turret punching automates the punching process at a high level of precision. This method suits high-volume jobs because of its speed and accuracy.

Metal and Tube Bending

Tubes and sheets created from metal require precise bending for proper assembly. Machinery techniques such as press brake metal bending and advanced CNC tube bending offer the highest levels of accuracy. Discover more details about these metal bending processes:

• Press brake sheet metal bending: A press brake can bend metal to complex specifications with high precision for both large and small volumes.
• Tube bending: CNC tube bending machines use bending dies to shape tubes and pipes at a specified angle.

Highly-skilled operators can perform metal bending at a level of quality that ensures structural integrity and accurate shaping.