Humans have been milling and turning metal for the past 10 millennia, as proven by an archaeologist’s copper pendant found in northern Iraq dating back to approximately 9,000 BCE. Fabrication shops like we see these days were first established in the Industrial Revolution, when sheet metal was in much higher demand than prior to. The invention of the hydraulic press which enabled manufacturers to apply tremendous pressures to pieces of metal, transformed the metal manufacturing industry.
Metal fabrication on a large size was needed to construct the railroads as well as telegraph lines, tools, weapons, printing presses and other equipment that has been so instrumental in our history. These advances depended on machine shops which performed joint cuts, bends, and other the forming process, exactly as it they do today. The advent compression air makes the process of riveting, another important part of fabrication, much easier and more efficient.
As we enter the 20th century, Metal Fabricating Manufacturing has become a more prominent factor in our lives. Today, we perform machining on grand scales which range from small family-run operations to large manufacturing facilities employing thousands of people.
Technologies Used in Metal Fabrication
While metal fabrication has been in some form for millennia, the practices and technology have advanced considerably over time. The basic methods have been used for centuries, however there are significant advancements which have revolutionized the method we create metal products in the contemporary world. The most important varieties of metal fabrication technology which are leading the fabrication process include:
Software for CAD: Computer-aided design (CAD) software plays a major role in the design of metal fabrication projects. Engineers use CAD software to create plans, which then can be used by a fabrication firm during the process of fabrication. The software system permits the production of 3D models and rapid updates and changes in the designs. CAD software also facilitates easy translations into programming languages for manufacturing machinery that can be programmed. Computer-aided design has made parts easy to tune, and it allows engineers to determine vital information in a matter of minutes, including details on areas that could be weak structurally.
Automation is revolutionizing the fabrication process in recent time. Manufacturing equipment is being manufactured with programming capabilities, which allows the machine to finish projects according to specifications with minimal human involvement. This allows for round-the-clock work, as well as improved reproducibility and precision. Automated tools are available for various techniques, including cutting welding, folding and various machining processes.
Machinery: Machineries are also evolving with time. Laser technology is now being utilized for cutting, which allows for faster cutting through thicker materials. Other cutting-edge technologies, such as plasma cutting and waterjet cutting, are increasingly accessible. These techniques are beneficial to a wide range of project and material types.
These technologies are likely to grow in the next years, especially as fabricators seek to improve the flexibility of their equipment.
The different types of metal fabrication processes
There are various processes involved with metal fabrication. The specific mix of metal and stainless steel processes will vary with the geometry of the piece and the type of usage it will get and what it is composed of. Here are examples of some possibilities for various kinds of fabrication methods:
Cutting cutting is the most fundamental procedure in metal fabrication. It can be done by laser cutting, waterjet cutting, sawing, shearing or cutting. This is the process that transforms the sheet of metal into an item of the desired dimensions and shape. Today, laser and waterjet cutting are the most advanced technology available.
Casting: A die is an elongated mold. The fabricator pours the molten metal into it. This metal is then cooled and becomes into a solid part, and remains after removing the die.
Forging: High-pressure machinery is used to compress the unfinished metal and allows a fabricator to bend and form it.
Punching: Turrets punch patterns that are pre-designed into the metal whether for ornamental reasons or for utility.
Drawing: This process utilizes tension to draw liquid metal into a tapered die.
Milling or milling device bores perforations into the metal that, due to the nature of the machine, can be non-circular.
Drilling: A drill makes holes in the metal with a circular drill.
turning: This piece metal goes onto spinners, allowing the technician to cut it radially with the help of a tool while it spins.
Extrusion: A ram pushes billets to be pushed through a die. The extrusion process creates circular parts, like electrical wires or pipes.
There are a lot of metal fabrication terms used during the planning stage during this metal fabrication process, therefore it is vital to become familiar with these common processes and some of the machinery involved.