Metal Fabrication Basics

Your guide to custom metal fabrication services

When you need fabricated metal products, it's important to find the right metal fabrication shop for your needs. While some larger fabrication vendors offer nearly any service imaginable, they may not work in the small quantities your business requires. However, smaller vendors don't always offer the exact services you need. The trick, then, is to research your needs carefully and find the best metal fabrication services available to you.

You can break down metal fabrication basics into three popular categories. Within those categories, there are often specialties. But when you begin your research for a metal fabrication service, first look for a company providing one (or more) of the following services:

1. Welding and assembly of fabricated metals

2. Punching and stamping of fabricated metal products

3. Plate rolling and forming for fabricated metal

 

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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.

 

• 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.

Copyright © 2011 Business.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

---