What is Metal Fabrication?
Metal fabrication is all around us. From metal roofs to weather vanes, many of the objects that we see each day were produced through metal fabrication. At its most basic, metal fabrication is the process of using a variety of cutting and molding techniques to transform raw metal materials into functional pieces. In this article, we’ll share a brief overview of the types of metals used for fabrication, how they are shaped into products, what to expect from the process, and why you may need a fabrication service.
Types of Metals Used in Fabrication
The most common types of metals used in fabrication are:
- Aluminum
- Stainless steel
- Copper
- Pre-finished and galvanized steel
How Fabricators Shape Metals
Fabricators use a combination of cutting, welding, and forming techniques that are completed by hand or machinery, depending on the type of product. Metal fabrication methods differ significantly between projects as they can span from industrial products and commercial roofing to small custom products. Among the techniques used at Formwell Industries are MIG and TIG welding, folding with a CNC folder, and cutting with a water jet cutting machine. These processes play an important role in the fabrication process as they cut and mold raw materials into specialty products that are built to last.
What Types of Products are Created from Metal Fabrication
Fabricators can make almost anything out of metal. Take your home, for example—metal roofing, gutters, and weather vanes are all products made through metal fabrication. Metal projects can scale anywhere from a retail shop’s metal sign to a piece of sheet metal for a commercial roofing project.
Here are a few other examples of metal fabrication products:
- Roof flashings
- Wall flashings
- Ornamental metalworkd
- Custom architectural features
- Spires
- Finials
- Weathervanes
- Cornices
- Gutters
- Column covers
- Metal logos and signs
- HVAC curbs and adapters
- Industrial products (hoppers, containers, safety guards, etc.
What to Expect from a Metal Fabrication Service
When you have a metalwork project in mind, you can come to a fabricator to discuss that project from the beginning. This step may include CAD plans that you have created or a simple blueprint of your design. The fabricator will walk through the process with you to identify materials needed, create a final design, and ask any questions that they may have about your project’s goals.
Next, the fabrication process begins, as the team uses this design to shape the pieces needed for the final product. The parts are then assembled, and finally, finishing techniques are done to ensure that the final product is polished and ready for use or display.
Why People Choose Metal Fabricators
People often seek out a metal fabrication partner because it can be an easier, one-stop option, rather than working through someone who ultimately outsources their metalwork—making the process faster and often less expensive.
Contact your local fabricator, Formwell Industries, today to talk about your next metal project.
Share:
We’re Here for You
Our team is here to answer your questions, complete your projects, and help you reach your goals.