Metal fabrication includes everything concerning raw metals, cutting, shearing, drilling, punching, notching, and other metal fabrication processes. These processes involve working around metal and require a perfect blend of engineering, craftsmanship, and innovation. From forming raw metal into intricate shapes and structures, metal fabrication plays a pivotal role in shaping the world.
In this blog, you will learn about metal fabrication processes, including metal shearing in Albuquerque, and how these processes create a finished product.
Metal Cutting
Cutting is the first step in metal fabrication which cuts the raw metal into smaller shapes. Cutting involves different methods to sort out raw metal:
Laser-Cutting: In this method, a high-powered laser beam is used to cut through metal.
Plasma Cutting: An electrically conductive gas creates a plasma arc that cuts through metal.
Waterjet Cutting: In this method, a high-pressure jet of water mixed with abrasive particles cuts through metal.
Different methods are suitable for distinct thickness and required preciseness of the cuts. So, choose an expert for metal shearing in Albuquerque who can offer great service.
Other Cutting Methods
Cutting is not the only method of cutting metal into smaller pieces. Several other methods are used in modern metal fabrication.
Metal Shearing: Metal shearing refers to the process of shearing metals into various shapes. It is used for flat sheets that can be placed in the machine and are sheared uniformly. One must choose the right method suitable for metal shearing in Albuquerque.
Notching: Notching refers to making precise cuts at the metal’s periphery, which are impossible with shearing.
Punching: Punching refers to creating holes in sheet metal or metal rolls for assembly. A punch-and-die method is used for metal punching.
Forming
Forming is the next process which is a very crucial one when it comes to metal fabrication. Forming includes different techniques, including:
Bending: Metal is bent to achieve different angles and shapes.
Rolling: Rolling is the method deployed to achieve cylindrical and curved shapes.
Press Brake Forming: A press brake machine bends metal using a punch and die.
Welding
Welding is the process of fusing metal parts together. Welding comes into play once the metal is cut, formed, and bent into desired shapes. The various welding methods are:
MIG Welding (Metal Inert Gas): A consumable wire electrode and shielding gas is used.
TIG Welding (Tungsten Inert Gas): Employs a non-consumable tungsten electrode and filler material.
Arc Welding: Uses an electric arc to melt and fuse metal.
Casting
Casting refers to molding different metal parts useful for further processing. The molten metal is poured into the casts to form complex shapes. There are various types of casting:
Sand Casting: It can be understood that the metal is poured into a sand cast. It is suitable for delicate shapes.
Investment Casting: Also known as precision casting or wax casting, it uses a wax pattern to shape a ceramic mold.
Die Casting: The molten metal is poured into the die at high pressure and speed to create molded products.
Joining
Joining refers to joining two metal parts without altering their shapes or melting the metal. Some methods are used for the same:
Brazing: A filler metal is melted and flows between two metal pieces.
Soldering: Similar to brazing, but with lower melting temperatures.
Adhesive Bonding: Industrial adhesives are used to bond metal components.
Stamping
Stamping involves using dies to create shapes, patterns, or designs on metal surfaces. This technique is commonly used for creating coins, nameplates, and sheet metal components.
Assembly
Assembly refers to combining all the metal parts to create the final product. Each piece has its importance and is created using one or more processes mentioned above. With the proper metal fabrication, all pieces fit together perfectly.
Finishing
Metal products are used in different ways and require different finishing types. For example, some products require rust-proofing, others require glazing and stamping, etc.
Final Words
Metal fabrication is not a straight process wherein you use methods individually. It is as diverse as the products it creates. Whether you are working on a huge machinery for a factory or an architectural piece, the metal fabrication processes can be used in multiple ways to obtain the desired results.
Innovation, craftsmanship, precision, creativity, knowledge, etc., are crucial to distinguish a metal fabricator from an expert fabricator. So, be it metal cutting or metal shearing in Albuquerque, choose the expert with all the required qualities who can deliver the desired results.
