Sheet metal fabrication is the process of molding metal material into final products. The final products from this process are known as fabrications. Both manual and automated processes are used during this process. Fabrication involves cutting, burning, machining, welding, and assembly to create the final output. Numerous items can be made from metal fabrication. Some of these items include windows, fences, kitchen countertops, machinery panel fascia, and even aluminum doors.
Companies that specialize in these processes have the required equipment, tools, and specialists to generate custom solutions. Examples of these companies include Metal fabrication dallas. Metals used during this process include mild steel, aluminum, brass, stainless steel, and various types of alloys that may contain iron and copper. Here are some of the types of metal fabrication.
- Machining
Machining involves shaping the metal by getting rid of any unwanted element from it. There are a variety of machining processes such as turning, milling, and even drilling. A rotary tool is used in drilling to cut a hole in the metal. The drill bit presses against the metal while being turned at a faster rate to create a circular hole. Turning makes use of a lathe to turn the metal while a cutting gadget moves in a linear motion to get rid of the metal along the diameter hence creating a cylindrical shape. The cutting tool can be positioned at different angles to create a variety of shapes. Milling uses a turning multi-point cutting gadget to remove material from the working area until the required shape is obtained. Milling can be done manually or with the use of a CNC milling machine. The various types of milling include form milling, climb milling, angular milling, and even plain milling.
- Forging
In forging, a compressive force s used to form the metal into the desired shape. A hammer is used to strike the metal until the desired outlook is achieved. Forging can be done with metal heated to a range above or below room temperature. When the metal is heated to its recrystallization temperature level, then this process is referred to as hot forging.
- Casting
Casting involves pouring molten metal into a die and then it is allowed to cool and harden into the required shape. This type of metal fabrication is ideal for bulk production of parts because there will be the reuse of the same mold to create identical shapes. The types of casting include: Die- casting. This is whereby liquid metal is forced into the die. The compressive pressure applied maintains the metal in shape until it hardens into the desired shape. The permanent mold casting involves placing the molten metal into a mold instead of a die. In some instances, a vacuum is used during casting.
- Cutting
Cutting involves cutting the metal into smaller elements. Modern methods of cutting include laser cutting, water jet cutting, and plasma arc cutting. Die cutting is also another cutting method that uses a die to cut the metal. The rotary die cutting uses a spinning cylindrical die to slice the metal.
Wrapping up
In conclusion, there are many types of metal fabrication. The above article illustrates some of the examples. It is always advisable to hire a reputable dealer to give the desired end product of the metal.
