The ABCs of Metal Fabrication

Metal fabrication for an ordinary person is hard to understand. They may say, “Ok I got it “or “Yes I understand”. But the truth is they don’t really understand what metal fabrication is all about. The question is; “Is it essential for an ordinary people to know about this thing?” For me, it is a BIG YES. Why? Simply because we live in the age that we utilize the use of metals, where-in we use this hard thing as a solid foundation for modern day building and structures.

This is the very goal of this writing, for us ordinary peeps understand the process. So what really is metal fabrication? Here is its ABC’s – literally A-B-C but let’s get it this way, C – B – A

Metal fabrication is building of metal structure through CUTTING, BENDING and ASSEMBLING Process.

source: http://image.stockcarracing.com/

Cutting – this is done by sawing, shearing/chiseling, torching with the use of hand-held torches, and via numerical control cutters – using a laser, torch or water jet. This is the very first step. Through cutting you are preparing your materials.

source: http://www.barnshaws.com/

Bending – or can I say forming?? This is done by hammering either by manual or powered by press breaks and similar tools. Fabricators nowadays utilize the use of press brakes to either coin or air-bend metal sheet into form.    

source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/

Assembling – simply joining the pieces. This is the final part of the process. This is basically done by welding, binding with adhesives, riveting, threaded fasteners, and more bending in the form of a crimped seam. Structural steel and sheet metal along with the welding wire flux and fasteners that will join the pieces are the usual starting materials for fabrication.  

With this ABCs (or CBAs) we clearly sees what is metal fabrication and how is it done. Metal fabricators cut the metal, bend it to form the structural shape and lastly assemble them into the metal structure we desired. It’s very simple right? Where’s the hard stuff now? Metal fabrication is as easy as ABC!

For more cool stuff about metal fabrication you may click here.

Finding Your Metal Fabricator

source: http://www.atc-midwest.com.au/

If you are in the metal fabrication industry, your fabricator is your asset. He is your man! Every metal item you sell is a product of your fabricator. It is essential for you to have this kind of guy to increase sales and to have a good market reputation within the region.

How to find the right man for the job?

There is no specific, guaranteed ways to find him, but I got you some tips than sure can help!

EXPERIENCE

This is the number one qualification and requirement for your man, to be productive, as well as for you to have trust and confidence in him. It demonstrates his track record that holds the reason for his present success and reputation. This kind of a guy will definitely help you avoiding process errors that can lead in wasted time and money. Very unfortunate if happened, I hope not!

You and the company will surely benefit from a fabricator that has experience and knowledge in:

•       Industry Standards, Regulations, Relevant Codes and Ethics
•       Knows what is the most effective and efficient methodologies that will not suffer cost and quality

SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES

For your fabricator to be successful, he should have the set of skills as well as the right attitude in order for him to meet the specific challenges of the project.

Important areas to look for are:

Design capabilities -  he can understand and work from any drawing, whether digital or print copy, also has the ability to translate these drawings into shop drawings and most importantly, he can work a design from scratch.

Materials capabilities – he can work with available sufficient range of metals as well as range of sizes and thickness

             Production capabilities – a wide scope of skills and expertise, includes but not limited to the following:

source: http://www.fabricatingandmetalworking.com/

·         Cutting

·         Metal forming

·         Welding

·         Assembling

·         Fastening

·         Metal finishing – painting or blasting

·         Etch.

He must also produce quality outputs. You can check this by the following criteria:

·         Regular inspection and monitoring of the machinery and equipment

·         Quality Control monitoring of products

·         Meets Client and Industry standards

·         Work side by side with the upper management, clients and subordinates

Management Capabilities – it is not enough that your fabricator is skilled, it is essential that your man has also good management skills so that you will be properly informed about the status of the projects. Your man must provide:

·         Project Time Line and Deadlines

·         Project Status and Reports

·         Quick response to client’s issues and concerns

·         Trouble shooting and accurate problem solving

·         Proper Coordination with the clients and management

These are just some of the tips that definitely help you find the right man for your company. Will you consider them? I hope so.

Hiring this kind of fabricator is not easy at all, but it worth the patience, for this will surely increase your sales, profits, market value and reputation of your company.

This article is made possible by TKL Hardware and Construction.