Welding and metal fabrication have some aspects in common, but these different processes are not quite alike. Whether you’re interested in hiring a professional for custom metal work or just want to learn more about the field, here is what you should know about these two important operations.

Welding

Welding is the process of combining two metal components together to create a single, permanent piece. During this job, the metal pieces are heated until they reach the melting point. Then, they’re bonded. As they cool, they fuse and transform into a single item.

The beauty of this task is in its inherent simplicity. Machine shops may employ one of several different methods. Tungsten inert gas (TIG) is among the most popular; it uses an electrode to heat the metals and create a single weld. Another common option is metal inert gas (MIG), which utilizes shielding gas with a wire electrode to warm the metals to melting point.

Fabrication

While welding involves shaping and forming metals to create a single piece, metal fabrication refers to the entire life of the piece from initial design creation, to layout, to building, to completion. Think of it as the creative step that brings a product to life. Welding is, in essence, just a part of the fabrication process. While the former involves the use of very specific tools, fabrication is a more intuitive practice that depends on those tools and many other pieces of equipment, including benders, grinder discs, and wire cutters. Fabricating metals may include many different tasks, including shrinking, cutting, bending, stamping, and stretching to create a particular object, and the tools that machinists use are designed to adjust and recompose the metal as needed.
 

If you’re seeking a reliable professional for custom metal work in Fairbanks, AK, turn to Alaska Tool Company Inc. Serving the community since 1976, the company provides dependable welding and metal fabrication services for projects of any size. Their mission is to complete your job in a prompt and efficient manner, and they’ll work closely with you every step of the way to bring the project to life. Visit their website to find out more about their process or call (907) 479-5354 to request a quote.