Types of fabrication processes
Bothe the metal and plastic fabrication will involve a wide range of distinct processes in manufacturing. The range will allow for a considerable number of selection and customization options in component design. Some of the common fabrication processes include the following:
- Cutting. This process involves different machines or tools which removes excess material from the work piece in order to meet shape and size requirements. Examples of cutting devices are the cutting torches and band saws.
- Forming. This process makes use of deforming equipment like hydraulic brakes, to press or bend products at some specified angles.
- Machining. Machining processes includes milling, drilling, lathing and honing, use manually or automated controlled equipment in order to shape materials.
- Welding. The process of welding refers to the method of joining two or even more work pieces by applying pressure or heat in order to form a single product.
The process of plastic fabrication in itself has several advantages including the following:
- Ease of formation. Since plastic has low melting point and is highly malleable compared to other materials, it can be easily formed into basic as well as complex geometries relatively easily.
- Reduced finishing. Unlike most metals which are fabricated, the plastics can be colored before being fabricated, which eliminates the need for some post-treatment processes like painting.
- Faster production. Plastic fabrication often involves quick cycle times as well as fast turnover rates.
- Lighter weight. Compared to metals, plastics typically weigh less.
- Chemical resistance. Plastics are usually less susceptible to damage from certain chemical reactions like rusting and oxidation.
Although plastic is usually useful when fabricating wide range of parts, it also has several limitation as something that is used as a production material. Here are some of the disadvantages of plastic fabrication:
- Limited wear resistance. Plastic has low resistance threshold when in elevated temperatures, other corrosive elements and acidity.
- Structural weaknesses. Most of the plastics are not suited for applications that require high structural strength like heavy equipment components and most materials for buildings.
Like the plastic fabrication, metal fabrication depends hugely on the family as well as the grade of metal which is used in production. Some of the metals which are commonly fabricated include magnesium, steel, aluminum, nickel and copper and each one of these have their own different grades. Metals typically provide improved strength, heat resistance, cost effectiveness and versatility.