The Basics Of Custom Fabrication
Custom Fabrication is the process of building bespoke items, structures and parts from raw materials. It's used in a range of industries, from manufacturing and construction to scientific studies and medical procedures. In fact, without it, many of our modern conveniences, engineering projects, and architectural features would not be possible.
Custom Material, Inc process starts with the design stage. Architects, designers and engineers use computer-aided design software to create blueprints of the products they intend to manufacture. These blueprints show the dimensions, specifications and other key details of the finished product. They also give the fabrication team an idea of what type of metal will be needed, what tools and machinery will be required, and how long the project is expected to take.
Once the designs are finalized, the machining process begins. Depending on the project, this could include cutting, drilling, milling, forming, welding, and/or other alterations to the original flat piece of metal. For example, cutting may involve using a shear or other industrial machine to cut the metal to the desired size and shape. Grinding, polishing and the application of coatings can also be included in this step. Drilling is a common method for creating holes in the metal, while milling accentuates or enlarges specific features of the part.
Forming is another vital part of the custom fabrication process. This is where the metal is shaped into its final, functional form. Industrial machines such as presses and brakes bend the metal into various shapes. Metals can also be rolled into cylinders or curves, and angles can be created with cold rolling.
Welding and finishing are also important steps in the fabrication process. Welding involves fusing the pieces of metal together with techniques like MIG, TIG and spot welding. Finishing includes grinding, polishing and applying coats to the metal, as well as a thorough inspection of all the components to ensure they meet the necessary standards.
The Advantages of Custom Fabrication
When a business needs a particular size or shape of a component that off-the-shelf solutions can’t provide, custom fabrication is the answer. Not only is it more cost-effective than purchasing ready-made components, but it also ensures that the part will be able to withstand environmental or operational stresses.
In addition to transforming raw metal into custom-designed components, the fabrication process can also be used to make a wide range of plastic products and parts. These include everything from automotive parts to tool handles and hardware. Plastic fabrication uses a variety of methods to transform the raw materials into components that are both attractive and functional.