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# What is Metal Fabrication?
Metal fabrication refers to the process of creating products or structures by cutting, bending, and assembling metal materials. It typically involves working with raw materials such as metal sheets, expanded metal, welding wires and rods, cast metal, and more. The goal is to transform these raw materials into functional and durable products that meet specific requirements.
## The Metal Fabrication Process
The fabrication process generally includes three main stages:
1. **Design** - During this initial phase, a metal fabrication shop collaborates with clients to develop detailed blueprints and specifications. These plans outline the precise measurements and requirements for the project, ensuring accuracy and alignment with client expectations.
2. **Fabrication** - This is where the actual transformation of raw materials occurs. Machines are used to cut, bend, shape, and assemble the metal components into the final product. Advanced technologies like CNC machines and laser cutters are often employed to ensure precision and efficiency.
3. **Installation** - Once all components are ready, they are assembled either partially or fully to form the completed structure or product. This stage may involve on-site assembly depending on the nature of the project.
### Common Custom Metal Fabrication Processes
- **Casting**: Pouring molten metal into molds to create complex shapes.
- **Forging**: Shaping metal through heating and hammering.
- **Milling**: Removing material using rotating cutters.
- **Drilling**: Creating holes in metal.
- **Turning**: Spinning metal while cutting tools shape it.
- **Bending**: Deforming metal into desired forms.
- **Drawing**: Pulling metal through a die to reduce its cross-section.
- **Punching**: Using dies to punch holes or patterns into metal.
- **Welding**: Joining pieces of metal together using heat and pressure.
## Types of Metal Fabrication
### Industrial Metal Fabrication
Industrial metal fabrication focuses on integrating parts or assemblies into large-scale industrial products. Sheets or plates of metal are commonly used in this field. Industries such as aerospace, energy, material handling, and automotive rely heavily on industrial fabrication for producing essential components. Examples include large tanks, silos, and heavy machinery parts.
### Structural Metal Fabrication
Structural metal fabrication involves creating metal parts that support buildings and other structures. Steel is the most popular choice due to its excellent strength-to-weight ratio. Common structural elements include I-beams, stairs, walkways, towers, platforms, trusses, girders, and beams.
### Commercial Metal Fabrication
Commercial metal fabrication caters to retail, hospitality, and public spaces. Products range from decorative items like awnings and shelves to practical ones such as guardrails, sinks, appliances, and conveyors. These items are typically smaller and more precise compared to industrial and structural applications.
### Custom Metal Fabrication
Many projects require tailored solutions to meet unique customer needs. Custom metal fabrication shops specialize in designing and manufacturing bespoke products. They often utilize Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools to conceptualize and specify detailed plans before moving into production. The methods used depend on the project's specifics, including materials and intended functions.
## Metal Fabrication Glossary
- **ARC Welding**: Joining metals by melting them with electricity to form a strong bond upon cooling.
- **Assembling**: Combining, bending, and welding materials into their desired configuration.
- **Base Metal**: The original metal to be worked on during fabrication processes.
- **Bending**: Shaping metal sheets by hammering or using press brakes.
- **Blanking**: Cutting out a part from sheet metal and discarding the surrounding material.
- **Brinell Test**: Measuring the hardness of steel by pressing a steel ball into it and observing the mark left behind.
- **CNC Cutter**: Automated machine tools programmed to perform precise cuts.
- **Cutting Torches**: Tools used to slice through large sections of sheet metal effortlessly.
- **Fab Shops**: Shortened term for metal fabrication shops.
- **Hydroforming**: Shaping metals using high-pressure fluids.
- **Laser Cutting**: Piercing and cutting materials using concentrated beams of light.
- **Metal Punching**: Creating holes or shapes in metal using specialized equipment.
- **Milling**: Removing material from metal using rotary cutters.
- **Plasma Cutting**: Cutting materials via hot plasma.
- **Press Brakes**: Machines used to bend sheet metal into various forms.
- **Robotic Welding**: Precision welding executed by automated systems.
- **Roll Forming**: Shaping metals by passing them through rolls.
- **Sand Blasting**: Removing unwanted layers from surfaces.
- **Weld Pass**: Single progressions along joints or substrates during welding.
- **Yield Point**: The deformation point beyond which a material cannot return to its original shape.
## Fascinating Facts About Metal Fabrication
Here are some intriguing facts about welding and metal fabrication:
- **Welding and Earth’s Atmosphere**: On Earth, a layer of oxidation prevents metals from naturally bonding. Outside Earth’s atmosphere, however, uncoated metals would fuse upon contact without needing welding. While this sounds futuristic, it highlights the importance of atmospheric conditions in our daily lives.
- **Welding Everywhere**: Over half of America’s manufactured goods involve some form of welding. From bridges and ships to electronics and vehicles, welding plays a critical role in modern life. Even robots were first introduced to spot weld in factories back in 1961!
- **Impressive Records**: Underwater welding holds numerous records, including the deepest dry weld at 1,075 feet and the deepest wet weld at 2,000 feet. Additionally, the largest welding lesson involved 275 participants!
- **Ancient Origins**: Welding isn’t new; ancient civilizations like Egypt practiced it thousands of years ago. Their techniques laid the groundwork for today’s advancements.
## Why Choose TYMETAL for Your Metal Fabrication Needs?
At TYMETAL, we pride ourselves on providing top-notch metal fabrication services. Our skilled welders and advanced robotic welding capabilities allow us to handle high volumes efficiently and precisely. Whether you need plasma cutting, CNC machining, bending, or laser cutting, we’ve got you covered.
Our team leverages extensive experience and cutting-edge technology to deliver cost-effective solutions tailored to your project’s demands. Want to learn more? Ready to schedule a consultation? Contact us today—we’d love to hear from you!
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June 22, 2025