Fabrication and machining are terms used to describe the various processes involved in transforming metal into something useful. Often, these processes are purely mechanical or automated, depending on the product being produced.

Some of these processes include milling, drilling, and turning. Other techniques like bending and extrusion are also standard.

Processes

There are several processes involved in metal fabrication and machining. These include cutting, shearing, and punching.

Cutting is the most common of all metal fabrication and machining processes. Sheets of metal are cut into pieces of different sizes and shapes, depending on the project.

Shearing is another cutting process involving a machine that cuts the material into long pieces by applying pressure from below and above.

Shearing can be done on machinery, including lasers, plasma torches, and more high-tech machines like waterjets. However, shearing also requires a lot of precision, so experienced workers best do it with the right equipment.

Engineering

In metal fabrication, several processes shape and cut the raw material into the desired part. These include cutting, punching, forming, shearing, and welding.

Cutting is one of the most intuitive fabrication processes and can be done using various tools, including power scissors, lasers, waterjets, and plasma machines. This form of manufacturing is a very efficient and cost-effective way to produce large volumes of products.

This process is compatible with all types of metals and produces near-net shape products that require almost no finishing. In addition, it is very productive and able to handle complex geometries.

Fabrication

Metal fabrication involves removing or adding raw materials to create a finished product. It is one of the most popular and cost-effective ways to manufacture custom parts for various industries.

Fabrication also requires a lot of precision and can be challenging for specific materials. That’s why it’s essential to work with a fabricator that understands the needs of your project.

Machining is a metal fabrication method that uses machines to cut and shape raw materials. It involves various processes, including drilling, turning, and milling.

It’s important to note that the machining processes used for a particular metal will depend on its thickness, flexibility, and softness. A fabrication shop with more experience working with your chosen metal can help you select the proper machining process for your project.

Design

The design process in metal fabrication and machining is critical in creating a finished product. It consists in determining project requirements, manufacturing approaches, and areas of improvement.

The fabrication team then works with the customer to finalize the design for manufacturing. It can be accomplished in several ways, including using CAD software to produce designs.

A final design is then incorporated into the computer programming for any automatic cutting, punching, or turning machines used in production. It is typically the most time-consuming step of this stage, but it is essential for efficient metal fabrication.

After the CAD design has been finalized, fabrication engineers often use rapid prototyping technologies to test and refine the design before moving into mass production. These methods are increasingly becoming famous for metal fabrication because of their speed, cost, and flexibility.

Materials

Many different types of metals can be used for fabrication purposes. These materials range from solid aluminum to softer brass, copper, and magnesium.

Steel is the most common and popular material for sheet metal fabrication. It can be machined to produce various shapes and sizes and is ideal for creating aerodynamic parts.

Another common material is fiberglass. It is also famous for its space-ready designs due to its lightweight nature.

Regardless of which raw materials are chosen for a project, fabricators use different methods to transform them into the desired structural forms. These processes include milling, drilling, turning, and extrusion.