What Are The 6 Most Common Types Of Metalworking?

The process of shaping and reshaping metals to produce vital machine components and large-scale structures is called metalworking. Metalworking is a diverse process, and it is used for designing massive ships and buildings, delicate jewelry, and small essential metal parts.

Description Of A Metal Fabrication Process

Metal fabrication or metalworking is the process of manufacturing sheet metals and other flat metals to turn them into a specific shape and design. The metal sheet should be of a width of around a quarter of an inch or less, and with the help of fabricators, you can alter it to create a specific shape. Our professionals can help with the installation and sheet metal services in San Luis Obispo, CA.

The Different Processes Used For Metalworking

Here is how different metal fabrication processes differ from each other:

Cutting: Cutting is one of the earliest processes used to shape and cut metals for fabrication. Cutting involves cutting equipment, metal pieces, and a work desk. The process aims to remove unnecessary and extra metal parts, whether ferrous or non-ferrous. After cutting the metal piece the desired way, it is ready to use in the machine.

Metal Stamping: The metal stamping process is primarily used in the automotive industry. It is used for automotive component manufacturing and assembly. The metal stamping process is best for creating a unique, custom-based design.
This process is limited to only distinct sheet metals of stainless steel, aluminum, copper, brass, or galvanized alloys.

Welding: You must be familiar with the welding process. Welding is used to join or combine two metals. The welding process requires welding equipment, shielding gas, consumable or non-consumable electrodes, fillers, and flux.

Extrusion: The extrusion process can be used to design and shape metals, polymers, and plastics. It is widely known to be used for aluminum extruded profiles that are used for window and door frames, mullions, railings, and louvers.
A metal billet is passed down through a tooling die with a distinct cross-section in the extrusion process. A high-powered hydraulic and high-pressure system is used to shape the metal. After the excursion, post-processing techniques refine the extruded product.

Forging: Forging is another oldest technique used for metalworking, apart from cutting. The process uses compression force in forging to shape and bend the metal into a desired form.
The forging process has evolved with time, and there are three different types of forging process:

• Hot forging
• Cold forging
• Open die forging

Casting: The metal casting process is widely used in automotive, aerospace, farming, computer, and various other industries. It is because it delivers the quality output with minimal issues.

The metal casting process includes heating the metal until it melts. The melted metal is poured into a cast of a specific design, and the metal is allowed to cool until it solidifies.

The Bottom Line

The metalworking industry plays an essential role in developing vital components, machinery, and structures, not only for industrial sectors but in ways that are helpful in our everyday life. Metal fabrication is a work of artistry. Precision and accuracy play an integral part in designing.

That's why you should hire highly-skilled professionals with the precision to cut and shape the metal components. If you are looking for sheet metal services in San Luis Obispo, CA, Pacific Heating and Sheet Metal experts can help you! Call and explain your metalworking needs and requirements to our experts.