How prototypes are fabricated
Prototypes often serve as a sample custom metal fabrication Toronto that can be replicated or it can be studied so that errors can be discovered and corrected. Fabricating the prototype calls for sufficient preparation and considerable planning to ensure that all product weaknesses, improper dimensions and unwanted attributes that can impact on quality are avoided. CAD plays a very critical role in the development of a prototype. The development can be tedious and time consuming but it simplifies custom metal fabrication. For example, a prototype for the aircraft industry can cost several million dollars and the product has to be designed properly and accurately to ensure that the investment is not wasted.
Aside from the actual layout of the product, software is used to determine precise specifications from measurements, volume and weight prior to fabrication. Instead of 2-D representation of a product, CAD provides fabricators and design engineers with a computer-generated three dimensional representation of the product. It also provides a general idea on how the product will look after custom fabrication including its strength and versatility.
The process of custom metal fabrication
The process of custom fabrication is the same as the usual fabrication of mass produced metal parts and products but sometimes secondary operations are required like finishing treatments so that the client’s requested specifications can be achieved. Since assembly is a critical part of custom metal fabrication, the right process must be carefully evaluated to combine two or more metal parts into a single functional component.
Welding is the most typical fabrication process to join two or more metal components but there are other methods like adhesive bonding and riveting. When metal is combined with another substrate, good bond strength can be achieved through adhesive bonding. Riveting on the other hand requires a metal pin that will pass through holes to hold two or more metal pieces together. The pin has a head at one end with the other end secured into the head after careful inspection.
Most of the metals used in custom metal fabrication are chosen prior to fabrication. There are many common metals and alloys but they have to be suitable to the client’s requirements. Custom fabricators that have established a name in the industry can suggest the most suitable metals for the prototype. They usually have all the right tooling and equipment for the custom job as well as the specific metals that will work best for the product. There are many factors that will influence the outcome of the project which requires careful consideration particularly in the choice for the right custom fabricator.