When you need to have custom metalwork done, be it for new fencing, an ornamental feature, balustrading and more, you could be thinking of hiring a welder. However, while welding services are readily accessible, they do not offer you the same polished and unique finished product as metal fabrication. The option of manufacturing metal products is not only convenient but also is highly versatile too. And although metal fabrication may cost more than conventional welding, you can be assured that it is a worthwhile investment if you are venturing into industrial and manufacturing. Here is what to expect when you hire metal fabricators for the first time.
Designing your products
You may have an idea of what the finished product should look like, but a lot of planning and designing goes into creating it. For instance, you need to know how the corners, if any, should be assembled, how multiple parts of the product should work together and so on. Rather than hire a graphic designer for this, a metal fabricator will do it for you as part of the fabrication process! A reputable professional will draw up plans for you to review and determine if they match what you had in mind. Moreover, if you want some changes, the fabricator will perform them before you approve the final draft. Not to mention that the professional will also help you select the appropriate metal supplies, depending on the primary application of the product!
Cutting and machining the chosen metal
Once you have made the final decision on what the product should look like and how it will function, the metal fabricator will proceed to fabricate the metal using two main techniques. These techniques are cutting the metal and machining it. While cutting may seem straightforward, the value of a metal fabricator is that they will utilise the right tools for the end product as well as the density of the material. For instance, while sawing may work on some supplies, laser or water jet cutting may be better for other metals. Once the metal is in the right sized sheets, they can then be shaped and holes created via machined. Machining is undertaken with the use of power tools to transform the basic shape into a complex product.
Finishing the product
Once the metal fabricator is done with forming the intricate details of your product, they will then employ finishing treatments to complete the appearance of the item. For example, you could have the product powder coated to enhance its visual appeal while protecting it from corrosion. Your metal fabricator will advise on what treatments will be best in regard to the item's application.
