Metal fabrication is a critical skill used to fashion raw metals into pre-assembled shapes or forms. The long-drawn process aims to create durable products and long-term value. Standard metal fabrication procedures include cutting, welding, folding, shearing, stamping, punching, and much more. Most panels used in framing heavy vehicle components are pieced together from custom metal fabrication.
Established in 1982, Wiley Metal Fabricating Inc continuously invests in the latest manufacturing and pre-fabrication equipment to deliver top-notch automotive industry products. The fabricators at Wiley Metal Fabricating Inc, offering custom fabrications, are adept at building semi/truck trailers, utility trucks, motorhomes, high precision, avionic structures, and alternative fuel fabrications. Here are four ways custom fabrication techniques provide long-term value.
1. Setting The Design Intentions At The Planning Stage
To achieve the desired fabrication outcome and value addition, you need to have the right design and intention. For bigger or more complex projects, the design process may entail refinement and testing to meet the recommended project size. The custom fabrication process can begin with deploying AutoCAD files, MTC Shape cutting, or the timeworn drawn-out plan. Irrespective of the techniques used at the onset, engineering expertise can create a perfect platform to start the fabrication process and add value to the final product.2. Metal Cutting And Forming Process
Metal cutting is a delicate process that requires close assessment of the metal and its thickness. The forming process can be highly detailed if it entails metal bending, rolling, plating, or punching. For effective results, you need to pick the right machinery for the job. One of the most effective equipment for conducting delicate metal fabrication is the laser cutting apparatus. The equipment is very effective for cutting and shaping heavy steel plates.However, the laser technique falls short when cutting metallic materials with lots of composites and impurities. The other popular metal cutting technique is waterjet cutting, which utilizes pressurized water with speeds as high as 60,000 pounds per square inch. Waterjet cutting is ideal for making a finished cut. The following industrial-scale metal equipment can also be used in the metal cutting and forming procedures:
- Plate rolling and angle rolling machine
- Hydraulic press brakes, both mechanical and CNC based
- CNC punching and beam punching machines
- Multi-use ironworkers for conducting procedures like punching, bending, and sheering
3. Custom Welding And Assembling Procedures
Skilled and certified welders know what it takes to fabricate metals to meet project specifications and industry standards and add much-needed value to the project. Also, access to custom welding services and professional assembling services can minimize the project expenses and ensure project timelines are met.During the welding process, numerous techniques and tools are often used to join separate pieces of metal. Quality control procedures must be instituted during this stage to ensure the finished product works perfectly as intended. In the same breath, knock-down kits destined for shipping must be compartmentalized for easy reassembly at the delivery point.
4. Expert Finishing Enrichment Procedure
The other strategy to use custom fabrication techniques to add long-term value is choosing a fabricator capable of covering the entire ground from surface preparation to final finishing. The latter is a critical step that preps metal products for use. Depending on the metal used, a finished product will possess several attributes such as higher electrical and chemical utilization and corrosion and tarnish resistance. In addition, durable finished products create a refreshing appearance that helps enhance product value. When picking a finishing option for an upcoming project, you need to ask the following pertinent questions:- What finishing process aligns best with your intention?
- Are you using the most cost-effective finishing method for your project?
- Are you using a finishing method that aligns well with the project materials?
- Is the technique being applied in the production up to the desired speed?
High Utility Metallic Components And Machining
Metals are customarily fabricated based on the final product application. Some of the ready metals used in the process include sectional metals, expanded metals, welding wire, and flat metals. Before moving to the assembly stage, the metals can be formed into various pre-made parts that can later be turned into machines, appliances, and other valuable products. Wiley Metal Fabricating Inc provides quality fabricated metallic products for diverse industries, such as building, construction, and automotive. Equipment used in punching includes Finn Power C-5 and Finn Power P-5. For machining purposes, Wiley Metal Fabricating Inc utilizes Elumatec SBZ 122/31, Index Super 55, and much more.