The three primary types of metal fabrication are:
🛠️ 1. Cutting
Cutting involves slicing raw metal into the desired shape or size. This is typically the first step in most fabrication processes.
🔧 Common Methods:
- Laser cutting
- Plasma cutting
- Waterjet cutting
- Shearing
- Sawing
✅ Applications: Used in making metal panels, frameworks, and structural parts.
🔩 2. Forming
Forming means reshaping the metal without removing material, often by applying force. It includes bending, stamping, rolling, and stretching processes.
🔧 Common Methods:
- Press brake bending
- Roll forming
- Stamping and punching
- Spinning
- Deep drawing
✅ Applications: Used in making enclosures, tanks, furniture frames, and complex curves in automotive/aerospace parts.
🔗 3. Assembling (Joining)
This step brings multiple metal parts together to create a final product. It’s done via welding, riveting, adhesives, or fastening.
🔧 Common Methods:
- Welding (MIG, TIG, Arc)
- Brazing and soldering
- Fastening (screws, rivets, bolts)
- Adhesive bonding
✅ Applications: Fabrication of machinery, railings, gates, structural frames, etc.
🧭 Summary Table
| Type | Description | Common Tools/Methods |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting | Removing material to size/shape | Laser, plasma, waterjet |
| Forming | Shaping without cutting | Bending, stamping, rolling |
| Assembling | Joining pieces together | Welding, riveting, fasteners |
Would you like a visual flowchart of the metal fabrication process or a detailed PDF guide covering each method and when to use it?