Fabrications
Fabrication
is a very commonly used industrial term that refers to the process of
casting, forming, machining and welding of metals. It implies the process of
cutting, shaping and assembling metal components for the making of
structures, buildings and other equipment. In any kind of manufacturing
process, fabrication is a part of the process. Although a manufacturing
plant and a fabrication plant can work independently, it is a must that a
manufacturing establishment should have close ties to a fabrication shop.
Nowadays, almost all manufacturers have their in-house fabricators because
most manufacturing processes require the services of a fabricator.
Metal Fabrication Process
Fabrication has a great deal to do with manufacturing. Steel, iron and
other metals are cut and given shapes during the fabrication process. The
process basically comprises the following steps:
- Engineering: First the fabricator requires the drawing of the
object which needs to be formed.
- Cutting and burning: The raw material has to be heated and
cut to size using variety of tools.
- Forming: For forming metal, hydraulic brake presses with
v-dies are used where the cut plate is placed in the press and a
v-shaped die is pressed at a predetermined distance. This helps in
bending the plate to the desired angle.
- Machining: Usually a fabrication shop has limited machining
capability like mills, magnetic based drills, metal lathes, and other
portable metal working tools. Using the different tools, the cut pieces
of the metal can be machined.
- Welding: Welding is the main process of metal fabrication.
The formed and machined parts are assembled and welded into place. The
welding is done as per the engineering drawings. They are then
re-checked for accuracy.
- Final assembly: The last step is the assembling of the
fabricated parts. After the welding components are cooled, they are sand
blasted, primed and painted. The finished product is then inspected and
shipped.
Materials used in Fabrication
Fabrication involves the utilization of many different materials. Common
metals used in the fabrication process are formed metal, plate metal,
expanded metal, hardware, welding wire, castings and fittings.
Tools used in Fabrication
The tools used to transform these metal objects like band saws, cutting
torches, laser cutting tables, water jet cutters etc.
Application
- Cylinders
- Hoppers
- Ladders
- Platforms
- Racks
- Ductwork
- Railings
- Residential Hydronic Boilers
- Saddles
- Skids
- Steps
- Tanks etc
