The process of shaping raw metals into parts or products is known as metal fabrication. It is used in a wide variety of businesses, from agriculture and construction to the automotive and aerospace industries. Here is what you need to know about the fabrication process and its benefits.

A Guide to Metal Fabrication

What does the process involve?

There are many different types of fabrication, each involving slightly different processes but all achieving the end result of transforming raw metal into a new part or product. Some of the more common types include cutting, in which sheets of metal are pared down into smaller pieces with handheld tools or more sophisticated technology like lasers or plasma torches; folding, wherein a metal sheet is engineered to form specific angles; and machining, a controlled process that cuts metal to a final shape and size with a lathe.

What items can be made with fabrication?

Any parts or products that demand strength, reliability, and longevity can be fabricated out of metal. For instance, in the agricultural sector, the above processes are employed to create grain bins, feeders, steel rollers, and tractor parts. Metal is so strong and resilient that it is even fabricated for building construction; metal structures are especially popular as small barns or commercial locations.

Is there a difference between fabrication and welding?

Welding is a type of fabrication. It uses heat to join multiple metal parts together. Gas metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, shielded metal arc welding, and flux cored arc welding are the four most common methods. They each utilize a different medium to transfer weld materials.

What are the benefits of metal fabrication?

Metal has long been prized for its durability, and fabrication gives you customized parts and products that meet your needs and stand the test of time. Metal is also extremely versatile; it can be cut, shaped, folded, and transformed in countless ways without losing its shape or strength. When you buy fabricated metal items, your investment will more than pay for itself, as you'll save on frequent repair and replacement costs.

Enjoy the benefits of metal fabrication for your next project. Since 1997, Pipe Plus Inc. has been the fabrication shop of choice for customers in Willow Springs, MO, and throughout the United States. They provide steel piping and structural steel for grain bins, hay feeders, tubing, culverts, and other agricultural and construction needs. Call (417) 469-5292 to request an estimate.