Action Steps
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Find a metal fabrication service for welding and assembly

Some fabrication services only do traditional cutting and welding, while others offer precision metal fabrication with laser tools. Others prefer to work with certain types of metals. For example, many shops specialize in sheet metal fabrication. Once you determine what type of assembly your project requires, seek out a provider who specializes in it.

I recommend: For a good article explaining what fabrication is and can do for you, read "What is Fabrication, What Does it Have to Do with Manufacturing?" at BusinessKnowledgeSource.com. Washington Metal Fabricator offers a wide range of metal fabrication services, including laser cutting, traditional welding and robotic welding.

Locate punching and stamping services for custom metal fabrication

When your project requires punching and stamping, not everyone can do the job. Some projects require special machinery, and it may take some research to find just the right provider for your project. Almost every provider offers a list of capabilities on their website; but call for specifics if necessary.

I recommend: Read a great introductory article on what punching and stamping are, the different types of machines used to do it and more at eFunda. Chicago Metal Fabricators offers a wide range of services, including CNC punching and stamping with a variety of machines.

Seek out plate rolling and forming for fabricated metal products

Whether you need pipe, angle, beam, square or rectangular tube or other type of rolling, find a provider who specializes in forming services. Talk to the provider about your specific job to ensure they are confident in their ability to serve your needs.

I recommend: NationMaster.com offers good, basic information about the rolling process. Jorgenson Metal Rolling and Forming specializes in heavy-duty plate rolling and forming, sheet metal rolling and flat bar rolling.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When seeking a metal fabrication shop, one of the most important things you can do is ensure the company has ample experience in the sort of work you require. Ask for testimonials or references, as well as actual samples of work, before hiring any fabrication services.

Action Steps
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Analyze your process and determine your custom metal fabrication requirements

You know your business inside and out, so no one knows better than you what supplies you need. The manufacturer you choose must provide exactly the products you specify, or you're just throwing money away. Lots of companies specialize; somewhere out there is a precision metal fabrication shop that's perfect for you. You just need to find it.

I recommend: Start by investigating a few metal fabricators. Keep your search wide at first with sites like Thomasnet.com, where you can get an idea of your choices and find suppliers in your area at the same time. As you search, keep in mind the product you need; a diversified manufacturer like Industrial Fabrication Company has several metals options.

Determine the cost of fabricated metal products you require

Whether you need custom-cut plate metal, special welds or made-to-order metal pipes, there's going to be a price specific to your request. Some jobs cost more than others. Explain exactly what you need and have a good estimate of what it will cost when you make your order.

I recommend: Obtain a few quotes rather than signing with the first company you talk to. You might find a better price with the next one. Most fabricated metal products companies, such as Chicago Metal Fabricators, will quote you a price for your project. Fabrifast has a list of products along with a "Rapid Quotation" table; download a free brochure while you're at it.

Combine your sheet metal fabrication needs and quotes and choose the right company for your business

Now that you have a knowledge base, determine which supplier is your best bet. If you have very specific needs, and there's a fabricated metals company that specializes in that area, it might be your best option. Take into account the quality of the work and prices of all your options. The bottom line is, you need the best quality for your process and the best price for your profit margin.

I recommend: Seeing an operation up close sometimes gives you a better idea of its quality and reliability. Arrange a personal visit to a few of the plants, keeping your needs and price range in mind; this will help you pick the right company for your business. Manufacturers like Washington Metal Fabricators and Tesko Enterprises allow on-site tours of their facilities.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Testimonials are often helpful. See if you can contact a few clients of some of your choices. Find out what the company fabricated for them and whether they were satisfied with the service and the sheet metal fabrication results.

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Attend custom metal fabrication workshops

Metal fabrication workshops are ideal for established professionals who want to hone or learn new skills. These workshops typically offer several areas of study over the course of a few days. Workshop instructors generally combine classroom instruction with hand-on-experience using metal fabrication equipment.

I recommend: Attend a three-day metal shaping course offered by Fournier Enterprises. Students learn custom metal fabrication by studying traditional English techniques, including an in-depth study of the proper use of the English wheel. Learn how to correctly use TIG welding in custom sheet metal fabrication by attending an EAA SportAir Workshops. The workshop offers both classroom and hands-on training.

Complete college-level courses on precision metal fabrication

Many colleges, universities and technical schools offer metal fabrication education and training. Depending on the school, students can earn an undergraduate degree or diploma after completing a metal fabrication program. Students study the mathematical and scientific theories behind metal fabrication in the classroom and learn hands-on skills in the school's metal fabrication lab.

I recommend: Earn a technical diploma in metal fabrication/welding from Fox Valley Technical College, located in Wisconsin. The 36-week program teaches students how to repair metal machinery parts and create custom fabricated metal products. The Meridian Technology Center in Oklahoma offers a full-time career program in precision metal fabrication. Kwantlen Polytechnic University offers several metal fabrication classes, including safe working procedures and mathematics/science of metal fabrication.

Gain on-the-job experience by apprenticing with a metal fabrication shop

Apprenticeship programs place students in metal fabrication shops, which provide on-the-job training that can't be learned in a classroom or lab. These programs typically require several years of commitment from the student and the successful completion of an undergraduate program. Students can expect to continue their classroom education throughout the apprenticeship.

I recommend: The sheet metal fabrication apprenticeship offered by Palm Beach Community College is a four-year program that combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Wisconsin's Technical Colleges also offer a four-year metal fabrication apprenticeship program. In this program, students receive nearly 7,500 hours of on-the-job training and an additional 576 of related instruction.

Earn a welding and metal fabrication certificate from a college or university

Earning a certificate in metal fabrication can be a less time-consuming process than completing an undergraduate program from a college or university, although the required classes are similar. Many times, full-time students opt to simultaneously complete a certification program while earning their degrees.

I recommend: Earn a Certificate of Applied Science in welding and metal fabrication from Montana State University Billings. The one-year program's curriculum includes welding, manual and machine cutting and metal fabrication design. Minneapolis Community and Technical College offers a welding and metal fabrication certification program that prepares students for entry-level positions in various manufacturing industries.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Because completing formal metal fabrication education and training can be a time-consuming and expensive process, take the time to research the training organization. Speak to students who have completed the workshop or program and meet with knowledgeable career counselors.

Action Steps
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Angle iron

An angle iron is a piece of iron or steel that is bent, cast or rolled at a right angle along its length, so it forms an 'L' shape. Angle irons are a support or a part of a structural framework.

I recommend: Hossfeld Universal Benders illustrates and describes several types of angle iron tools.

Press brake

A press brake, also called a bending brake, is a machine that cold forms, or bends, sheet, strip or plate steel into panels, boxes and similar shapes.

I recommend: "MetalForming Magazine" explains the basics of using a press brake.

Burring

Burrs are any raised, sharp ridges on the edge of sheet metal blanks or forgings. Burring means to smooth these rough edges.

I recommend: "Essentials of Sheet Metal Work and Pattern Drafting" published by BiblioBazzar explains what burring is and how to do it. Futura Industries offers information on burring and deburring.

Punching

A punch is the male part of a die. Punching refers to the act of creating a hole with the die.

I recommend: LVD Strippet highlights typical punching tools and includes photographs and descriptions.

Shearing

Shearing cuts metal by using two moving blades or a single moving blade and a fixed edge. The blades might be either curved or flat.

I recommend: Advantage Fabricated Metals further explains the process of shearing, including shearing types, common metals used and an illustration of the shearing process.

Automatic welding

Automatic welding is welding by equipment or robot. The robot welds without the operator having to adjust controls frequently, and the equipment adjusts joint alignment by the use of automatic sensing devices.

I recommend: You can read about automatic welding at "Assembly Magazine," which discusses the pros and cons of automatic welding.