If you are thinking about getting involved in metal fabrication, it helps to know a little more about what is involved and the different processes you might work in. With metal fabrication, you are taking raw materials and using a variety of tools and machines to create different textures and products. While steel is a common metal to use, other metals may also be used. Here are some things to know about metal fabrication.
A Variety of Methods Are Used
The first thing you should know about metal fabrication is that many different methods are processes are used with this type of metal work. The types of processes used depend largely on the type of metal being used and in what industry you work. For example, there is stamping, where a stamp and die is pressed into the metal, while punching creates holes in the metal for different types of parts and materials. Some other processes include machining, welding, shearing, and folding. You might specialize in one type of metal fabrication or use multiple processes based on the machinery and tools you have access to.
Multiple Types of Metal Can Be Fabricated
During metal fabrication, you will use different types of metals for casting. This includes high-end metals like iron and steel, and medium-grade metals like aluminum, gold, silver, and copper. Through metal fabrication, these metals are used with other raw materials including fittings, castings, plate metal, and expanded metal. You might also be working with flat metal, hardware, and sectional metal.
Other Raw Materials Are Involved
In addition to the main types of metals include other raw materials for metal fabrication. As with the processes, the raw materials also vary based on the type of industry you work in and what metal parts you are fabricating. For example, your company might specialize in fabricating metal to make hardware products, such as latches, keys, and locks. You may make handles, corners, chains, or wires for homes or commercial properties. Flat raw metals include leaf metal, sheet metal, and plate metal.
You Might See Fabrication in Different Industries
When you begin working in metal fabrication, you may work in different types of industries as well. For example, you might be working with large metal pieces, including making parts and hardware for large structures and production plants. Other industries are more commercial, where you are making metal items for retail stores, like appliances, tools, and automobiles. There is also the industrial industry, fabricating mostly equipment and machinery parts.
