How Custom Metal Fabrication Complements Plastics Fabrication in Modern Manufacturing

Custom fabrication provides solutions that are uniquely suited to the needs of a particular project. It goes beyond off-the-shelf components and offers a level of precision that is crucial to industries like aerospace, automotive, and medical. Custom Material, Inc utilizes a variety of techniques that transform flat materials into precise 3D shapes, including laser, plasma, and waterjet cutting, welding, bending, machining, and assembling.

Metal Fabrication

Metal fabrication involves working with raw materials to create custom-crafted products that meet specific specifications. From building frames and staircases to work truck toolboxes, the resulting metal products are used across a variety of industries and applications.

The metal fabrication process is often complicated, but it’s essential for ensuring high-quality products that last. Whether it’s for industrial use or consumer goods, a metal fabricated product must be able to endure extreme environments and rigorous testing.

To ensure this, metal fabricators rely on various techniques and equipment to get the job done. The three primary functions of the metal fabrication process include cutting, bending, and assembling. Cutting involves shearing and slicing raw metal stock using specialized saws and other machinery. It also includes laser and waterjet cutting, which can provide greater precision. Other types of specialized machinery is utilized for bending and forming the metal into desired shapes. This can include press brakes and other specialized machines that can offer precise bends at different angles.

Plastics Fabrication

Businesses in a variety of industries need quality plastics for their construction projects, industrial facilities, and other needs. These companies require fabrication services to design and create plastic components that meet their precise specifications. This includes selecting the right materials, creating unique shapes, and using specialized techniques to create durable, high-performance parts.

A variety of shaping and molding methods are used to turn raw plastic materials into finished products, including pultrusion, injection molding, blow molding, vacuum casting, lamination, and plastic machining. These processes are ideally suited to a variety of applications, but it is important for clients to choose a fabricator that has experience working with their specific industry.

Other considerations include the volume that the client plans to produce, as certain methods — such as CNC routing — are best suited for large volumes and can save money by eliminating the need for initial setup costs. Other processes — like hand lay-up — can work well for lower volumes, but may take longer to complete due to slower production rates and manual labor.

Fabrication Processes

In metal fabrication, there are a variety of processes that can be applied to turn raw materials into a functioning product. These include stamping, welding, cutting and bending, which can be done manually or mechanised using tools such as metal cutters, chisels, shears, drills, lasers or milling machines. These tools can also be used to produce intricate designs and patterns, as well as offer precision measurements and tight tolerances.

Bending is a fundamental metal fabrication process that involves forcing a sheet or solid piece of metal to take a new shape without damaging it or compromising its structural integrity. This can be achieved with a press brake or other specialised machinery, and is often followed by other shaping techniques like notching, shearing, punching and forming.

When selecting a fabricator, look for one with experience in your industry and knowledge of the specifics of your project. Ask for references and reviews and ensure the fabrication company’s capabilities align with your specifications.

Fabrication Materials

In metal fabrication, the material that’s used for the product being built will impact its durability, success, and longevity. This is because each type of metal offers unique properties that are ideal for specific applications.

For example, aluminum is a popular choice for fabricating products because it’s lightweight and resistant to corrosion. It can also be shaped into custom designs to create products like metal frames for walls and doors, gutters and stairs, metal cabinets, and more. It’s important to consider your fabrication materials early on in the product design process so you can select the right ones for your project.

Regardless of your project’s application, working with a full-service fabrication shop will make the entire process easier for you. They’ll help you refine your product design, identify any potential issues that could occur during the fabrication process, and find solutions that will get the job done. This makes partnering with an experienced, full-service metal fabrication company well worth the investment.