Metal fabrication refers to the creation of metal parts, components and machineries by cutting, forming and other like processes. The common fabrication techniques include lathing, welding, grinding, broaching, honing and milling through many shops which are engaged in metal fabrication. A lot of shops also offer variety of specialties which can be well suited to the specific needs that you have. Metal fabrication is an important process for virtually all of manufacturers in different industries ranging from electrical to automotive and even to beverage. Through the years, the use of popular raw materials resulted in the standardization of a lot of fabricated parts and components. Even before a metal fabrication process is began, it is quite helpful to understand the materials which are appropriate and available for your unique application. The following are raw materials which should be readily available from different metal suppliers: fittings, castings, plate metal, hardware, expanded and formed metal, flat metal, sectional metal and welding wire.
Casting Raw Materials
Casting is a type of fabrication process which has been in use for more than 6,000 years now and involves forcing liquid metal on a mold and then allowing it to cool and then harden in its desired shape. Since casting has a high degree of custom flexibility, it makes it an ideal choice for applications which require complex geometries. Raw materials which are used in this process typically include the molten metal, concrete, epoxies and clay. Common metals which are used in the process of casting include aluminum, gold, silver, steel, copper, magnesium, iron, stainless steel.
Expanded and Formed Metal Raw Materials
The expanded metal derives its name from the process by which it was created: stock metal sheeting is sheared on a press in order to create diamond-shaped holes which are in turn surrounded by interlinked strands of metal. The resulting grate-like aesthetic makes the expanded metal ideal for fencing, outdoor furniture, and screen doors and in various architectural details. It is also being used as guarding on machineries in order to avoid contact with surfaces which are hot. The expanded metal raw materials also come in different variety of standard thicknesses and also grating sizes.
Different Types of Raw Materials
When metal fabrication is dealt with, hardware is defined as different standardized parts or fittings which are used in making a product stronger, much functional and easier to fabricate. Categories of metal fabrication hardware come in great numbers and include the following basic materials like corners, locks, handles, keys, latches, wires and chains.
Different Types of Sectional Metals
Sectional metals are composed of steel and are also available in different standardized shapes. They are widely used in construction and engineering industries. The ASTM or American Society for Testing and Materials rigidly defines the physical and chemical properties for every type of sectional metal. I-beam and Z-shape are among the popular types.