Metal fabrication is an umbrella term referring to multiple industrial processes used to shape metal. It is essential to the manufacturing sector and is vital in creating everything from engine components to metal roofs. If you are new to the subject, the following brief guide will familiarize you with the process of fabricating metal.

Your Guide to Metal Fabrication

What Processes Are Involved?

Any process in which metal is shaped or modified is considered fabrication. Therefore, it includes drilling, cutting, bending, flattening, and even assembly. Shops use a wide variety of machines to accomplish their goals. For instance, to remove metal, they use drill presses, circular saws, laser cutters, milling machines for cutting slots, and lathes—machines that spin a product against a stationary cutter. To shape it, they use stamping machines, hydraulic presses, and bending and creasing machines. Some fabrication shops also stretch and twist metal into shapes like springs or coils.

Other processes involve various types of casting and forging. Casting is the pouring of molten metal into molds and letting it cool. Die-casting is similar, except the molten metal is pressed against a die and held there instead of pouring it into a mold. Forging uses compressive force from a hammer or a die to shape the metal either at room temperature (cold forging) or when heated (hot forging).

Benefits of Metal Fabrication

Fabrication of metal offers multiple benefits over many other materials. Metal is strong and durable. It has a high melting point, is more resistant to heat, and is infinitely versatile. Metal fabrication is applicable for products as varied as cell phone components, appliance trim, medical devices, automotive parts, and household hardware. Hardly an industry exists that cannot benefit from this type of fabrication.

For reliable metal fabrication service, contact Alabama Metals, an experienced metal shop in Newton, AL. They serve clients throughout Houston County and Greater Dothan and specialize in metal roofs, structural steel fabrication, custom metal products, and welding. Reach out to them online through their Facebook page, or call (334) 299-0117 to discuss your metal fabrication needs.