News
Metal Fabrication Technology: The Types And Their Uses
Metal fabrication technology consists of multiple techniques that shape the materials and/or connect them to create a single part. These processes, which take place at a dedicated facility, use forming, cutting, or joining (welding) to fabricate custom structures instead of assembling a group of ready-made parts.
Below is a list of metal fabrication technologies commonly used to create parts for a wide range of industries.
Bending
This manufacturing process uses ductile materials like sheet metals. To shape it into an angle, a press brake forces the metal between an upper punch and lower die, which work together to exert a bending force.
Rolling
With rolling, the metal is passed through rolls to evenly reduce its thickness. It is used to create cones, cylinders, and curved parts. The rolls are ground so that the center of the metal is thicker than the edging, offsetting possible deflection.
Welding
Welding is a metal fabrication technology that uses heat-generated fusion to connect metal materials. Popular methods include:
- Shielded metal arc welding, which uses a flux-coated consumable electrode to create the weld..
- Gas tungsten arc welding, which produces the weld using a non-consumable tungsten electrode.
- Gas metal arc welding, which feeds wire at an adjustable speed and uses a mix of argon and CO2 or argon-based shielding gas to protect the weld.
- Pulsed gas metal arc welding, a low-heat application suitable for aluminum and stainless steel.
Machining
Machining is an umbrella term that covers different processes in which computer-controlled tools (otherwise known as Computer Numerical Control, or CNC, technology) cut and shape raw materials. Common machining operations include
- Drilling: Using a drill bit to create holes in a metal piece.
- Countersinking: Sinking screw heads into the metal surface instead of letting them protrude.
- Laser cutting: High-accuracy cutting of metal, plasma, and other materials.
- Tapping: Adds internal threading so that fasteners can connect parts more effectively.
- Milling: Uses a rotating cutter to remove metal chips.
- Boring: Creates circular holes in a workpiece.
Not all fabrication shops offer all of these services at a single location, making it necessary for customers to locate multiple providers. VeriForm is an exception: at our 26,000-square-foot facility in Cambridge, Ontario, we fabricate custom orders for sectors that include machine building, mining, and forestry. We use the ISO 9000-2015 quality system, so when you work with us, you are guaranteed results that meet the highest quality standards. We’re ready to serve your metal fabrication needs, so contact us today!
