In our modern society, metal plays a vital role in our daily lives. From the homes we live in and the buildings we work at to the vehicles that transport us everywhere and the devices that we spend our days glued to, just about everything has metal in it. There are many different ways to work metal into the forms we use. Here are four of the most common types of metal processing in fabrication shops.
Welding
Welding is the practice of linking two separate metal parts, and skilled professionals often accomplish it by applying heat to the joints they’re creating. Welding is interesting because it enjoys a large following as a hobby. People often consider welding as a doorway into metalworking, and it’s indeed responsible for the beginning of many people’s love for metal fabrication.
Cutting
One of the most common fabrication methods is cutting. This is the process of taking metal sheets and cutting them into smaller sections. There are many different tools that metal shops need to help cut the metal to the right specifications. People often cut metal before shaping it to keep the process simple. There are also occasions where someone uses a plasma torch or laser to cut pre-shaped bars or panels to meet exact specifications.
Machining
Machining is another one of the common types of metal processing that many industries practice. The process of machining is when a person removes material from the workpiece using machine tools so that they can shape it into a specific design. The majority of metal products and components require machining during production. There are many different tools machinists use, including drills, lathes, and sanders.
Casting
The last metal processing form on our list is casting, which is one of the oldest ones we still use today. It’s the process of pouring molten metal into molds and leaving it to solidify into the desired design. One of the best things about casting is that it makes complex shape-making much easier.