Metal fabrication is complicated and encompasses a wide range of processes. Whether you desire something made as a once off, or you desire something mass produced, it is important that one to understand fabrication and the many processes that go into it.
Below can be an outline of the three main fabrication processes that are used for metal. You will find details about how these processes work and some of these primary uses. In addition to this, you will find a brief description of finishing touches and protective coatings that can be put on fabricated metal products. It is a guide using the practices of professional operators and should not be utilized as instructions for DIY jobs.
Cutting
In the same way the name suggests, this fabrication process relies on cutting. It sounds heavy handed, yet it really is one of the most technical and accurate processes available.
The initial variant of cutting techniques is the physical shearing or sawing of metal, generally done by large machines, nonetheless it is also possible to do manually. Furthermore, it is also possible to cut metal using Oxyacetylene or plasma torches to manually cut using heat.
The aforementioned methods have their place, however the most common method of cutting metals during fabrication has been CNC machining. These machines may use manual tools, laser cutting, or water jets. The desired design is programmed in to the CNC machine and the metal is shaped by one of the aforementioned tools, in to the shape specified by the computer design. Obviously, Silverline Structures is particularly ideal for intricate, or highly detailed projects.
Joining
Silverline Structures is one of the most commonly used ways of fabrication. Fabrication processes that fall under the broad category of 'joining' include welding, riveting or bonding with adhesives. If click here look around you right now, you should be able to spot one or more items constructed using these procedures.
Welding, because you can already know, is joining two bits of metal together using heat and a filler material. Riveting also joins two bits of metal together, but with a metal rivet - no heat required. For a few items, it is also possible to utilize an adhesive glue to become listed on different components. Each one of these methods have their very own strengths and weaknesses, so depending on the task, a fabrication plant will recommend one of these methods over the others.
Bending
Bending, as the name suggests, is really a fabrication process which involves bending metal in to the desired shape. While it is possible to do this manually, modern machinery has largely replaced the more traditional manual bending methods. The absence of joints can make items created by bending much tougher and more durable.
Final Touches
The ultimate touches to any fabricated product are applied once all of the joining, cutting or welding has been completed. This may range between paint applied purely for aesthetic reasons, to protective coatings such as powder coating or sandblasting. In consultation with the maker, you should be in a position to find a coating that's befitting your purpose and budget.
To learn more about fabrication, or even to have an item fabricated, you need to contact your nearest specialist workshop. They will be able to show you through the fabrication process and come out a quality finished product.