More about Metal Fabricators

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The process of constructing machines and structures from raw materials is called
metal fabrication. Metal fabricators (companies that specialize in this process
) are called fab shops. Metal fabricators are referred to as a value added proce
sses because they add additional value at a certain stage of production.
Contractors, equipment manufacturers, and resellers have metal fabricators work
on a variety of projects for them, including hand railings, stairs and structura
l frames for buildings and equipment. Often metal fabricators bid on jobs by sub
mitting drawings, and if they are awarded the contract, they build the project.
Most metal fabricators and machine shops share many of the same capabilities, wi
th fab shops concentrating primarily on the forming and welding of metal.
Once a contract has been awarded, metal fabricators begin the planning stages. T
his involves ordering the correct materials and having a manufacturing engineer
program CNC machines for the project. Some of the work may be sub-contracted out
depending on the size and specialized needs of the project.
Some of the raw materials used by metal fabricators are: plate metal, pre-formed
and expanded metal, welding wire, fittings and castings. To begin, these raw ma
terials need to be cut to the correct size. This is done with tools like a speci
al band saw or with cutting torches. Metal can then be formed using dies. Tube b
ending machines and rolling machines are also used to bend and make round sectio
ns of metal. Parts are welded together, and then after cooling the machine or st
ructure is usually sand blasted and painted. This final product is thoroughly in
spected before it is shipped off to the client.
Many metal fabricators specialize in specific processes based on their clients'
needs and their own expertise. These could be punching, welding, forging, castin
g, brazing, shearing, drawing and spinning. Even higher levels of specialization
include electrical and hydraulics services.
More about Sheet Metal Fabrication
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Sheet metal fabrication is using sheet metal to build metal machines and structu
res. It can be a complex process involving many different professionals. Busines
ses that specialize in sheet metal fabrication are commonly referred to as fabri
cation shops, or fab shops for short.
Sheet metal fabrication generally involves cutting and burning the sheet metal.
Special tools, such as band saws, are used to cut the sheet metal. Band saws hav
e special hardened blades and are capable of feeding the sheet metal to ensure e
ven cutting.
Chops saws are also used in sheet metal fabrication. Chop saws are similar to mi
ter saws, but they have an abrasive disk specifically made for cutting sheet met
al. Cutting torches are also used in sheet metal fabrication. Cutting torches ar
e cable of cutting large sections of sheet metal with very little effort.
Sheet metal fabrication also involves the use of hydraulic breaks. With hydrauli
c breaks, sheet metal fabrication is simplified, as they help create bends at pr
edetermined angles. Rolling machines are also used in sheet metal fabrication to
form steel into round sections.
Another main focus of sheet metal fabrication is welding. After the sheet metal
parts are formed, they are assembled and tack welded into place. Various welding
techniques can be used in sheet metal fabrication to avoid warping or other vis
ual defects. These include using a stout fixture, welding in a staggered manner,
covering the metal with sand during the cooling process, and special straighten
ing processes.
Straightening warped steel during sheet metal fabrication is accomplished with a
n Oxy-acetylene torch. With straightening, heat is applied to the metal in a slo
w, linear fashion. Using this method, a highly skilled welder can remove even si
gnificant warpage.
To finish the sheet metal fabrication process, the metal is usually sand blasted
, then primed and painted. Then, the finishing touches are placed according to t
he customers specifications, and the piece is inspected and shipped.