How Metal Fabrication Works

Metal fabrication in Houston, TX, is the process of turning raw metals into shapes that are ready for assembly. For instance, the panels that comprise a car's frame are made with custom metal fabrication processes, which are typically done at a fabrication shop and then sent to an auto assembly plant. To gain a better understanding of how metal fabrication works, here are five major parts of the fabrication process:

 

Cutting

 

This process is where sheets of metal are split into smaller sections. Sometimes, the metal being cut is freshly made, and other times, it is pre-shaped metals like bars or measured panels submitted for cutting.

 

Folding

 

This metal fabrication process is where a metal surface is manipulated to form a certain angle. Some folding makes the metal surface fold at a 90-degree angle; however, in many cases where a fold is needed, the joining of two metal panels at a select angle is the more practical alternative.

 

Welding

 

Welding is a highly developed skill and a craft within metal fabrication. It involves joining two separate metal parts, whether they are sheets, panels, bars, or shapes. A weld is achieved by applying heat to where the two metal pieces are to be joined. This heat melts the metals together.

 

Machining

 

Machining is when steel fabricators remove portions from a piece of metal. Usually, the process is performed on a lathe, which will rotate the metal against tools that trim corners and edges to cut the piece to a desired measurement or shape.

 

Punching

The punching process in metal fabrication is when holes are formed in a piece of metal. This is where metal is placed under a die and submitted to a punch-through by a drill. In most cases, the intent is to punch holes into a metal panel to fasten latches or other parts.