The term metal fabrication relates to the process of cutting, shaping or molding the metal material into the desired final product. Fabrication helps to create the final product from raw materials rather than the end product being developed from pre-made components. The metal fabrication is manufactured by various processes and used for custom and stock products.

Metal fabricated products are made using popular and commonly used materials such as metal and its alloys. Metal fabrication starts by using metal components such as rods, billets, bars, and sheets to make a new product. Metal fabrication is a popular industry for contractors, tools manufacturers and others that use fabrication for various projects. The final product is created by fabricators using various processes to serve their customers and finishing services such as polishing, coating and painting the products. 

Types of Metal Fabrication

Selecting the best-suited metal fabrication method is determined by many factors, such as the purpose intended to serve, geometry and the material used. 

•  Casting

This method includes the molten metal being put in a mold, dyed and allowed to cool down, and once it hardens, it forms the desired shape. Similar products are made using the same for mass production of parts; this metal fabrication is ideal. Casting can be of many types, such as die casting, permanent mold casting, semi-mold casting and sand casting. These types of casting processes are used when intricate designs are required.

• Cutting

This is the most commonly used casting, which includes metal into two smaller pieces. Some cutting methods involve sawing, laser, water jet, or power scissors. Cutting is the first stage of the longer fabrication process, which can be of two types, i.e., die cutting, rotary die cutting and flatbed die cutting. 

• Drawing

The drawing method uses the strength to pull the metal into a tapered die, which later stretches the metal to a thinner shape. This method is used at room temperature and for custom sheet fabrication that is turned into box or cylinder shapes. 

• Forging

The blacksmiths use a hammer or other tools to use compressive force to give the metal the desired shape. Forging is done at room temperature, which is called cold forge. When the metal is heated above room temperature, and with the help of tools, the desired shape is given, it is called hot forging, which is suitable for large metal fabrication. 

Selecting the metal fabricated that best suits and fulfills your project’s need is crucial as it impacts the cost, manufacturing process and product quality. Check out Six Gen Forge's unique metal decorative fabricated items made using blacksmith techniques and classic craftsmanship that are visually appealing, along with other customized hand forged items. 

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