Types of Metal Fabrication Process and the Applications

The metal fabrication is a broad term referring to every process where the metal material is cut, formed and molds into the final product. The fabrication process creates an end product from raw or half-finished materials instead of assembling an end product from ready-composed components. For example, panels that contain a automobile frame are made by specialised metal fabrication processes that typically take place in a factory and then are delivered to the car installation. The processes involved are, however, complex and diverse. There are several types of metal fabrication and its process include: –

1. Cutting

The most common processes of metal fabrication service involve cutting, where metal workpiece is divided in half, third or smaller parts. Modern techniques include laser cutting, waterjet cutting, power scissors, and plasma arc cutting, while sawing is the oldest method of cutting process. The metal being cut is made freshly in many applications and in particular still needs to be shaped. Preformed metals such as bars and panels shall be submitted for cutting.

2. Casting

One of the oldest types of metals fabrication is cast, where molten metal is poured into a mould and solidified into a certain shape and allows the desired form to cool and harden. Casting is one of the most flexible methods for metal fabrication and is ideal for a large variety of complex forms. There are various casting types. Die-casting happens if liquid metal is forced into a die rather than a mold, and it remains in place with the applied pressure until it is hard. Sometimes casting provides a solution to manufacturing issues, which otherwise would require several other methods for solving them, such as folding, shearing and stamping. Steel, iron, gold, copper, silver and magnesium are the most common metals used in this application.

3. Machining

In Malaysia, the process of shaping metal involves machine fabrication by removing the undesired material. It can be done in a wide range of ways. Machining processes, such as drilling, turning and milling.

For drilling the rotational cutting tool and drill bit is used to cut the material into a hole.

Turning is used to remove parts from a piece of metal. The process is typically carried out on a lathe, which rotates metal against instruments that cut corners and edges to cut the part to the desired form or measurement.

In order to progressively remove material from the workpiece, milling is done using turning multi-point cutting tools to achieve the desired shape.

Summary

The choice of a custom metal fabrication manufacturer that will best meets the needs of a project is an important choice, which can affect the factory’s production rate, quality and cost efficiency. This guide provides an overview of the fabrication manufacture, different methods and considerations of a manufacturer ‘s choice. See other product guides and services from top engineering company in Malaysia, General System Engineering Sdn Bhd for more information on related services to find possible sources or view details on specific products.