Types of Automated Fabrication

• • There are several different types of 2D cutting processes, each with their own set of characteristics and key distinctions. Some common 2D cutting processes include:

    • Plasma Cutting: This process uses a high-velocity stream of ionized gas (plasma) to cut through a wide range of materials, including steel, aluminum, and copper.

      1. Plasma cutting is known for its high cutting speeds, low cost, and ability to cut through thick materials.

    • Laser Cutting: This process uses a high-powered laser beam to cut through materials such as steel, aluminum, and plastic.

      1. Laser cutting is known for its high precision and ability to cut intricate designs. It is also able to cut thin materials with high accuracy.

    • Waterjet Cutting: This process uses a high-pressure stream of water to cut through materials such as steel, aluminum, and composites.

      1. Waterjet cutting is known for its ability to cut through a wide range of materials without causing heat distortion, and it's also good for cutting materials that are sensitive to heat.

    • Flame Cutting/Burning: This process uses an oxy-fuel mixed gas, high-temperature melt & burn to cut through ferrous materials such as steel, cast iron, etc.

      1. Flame cutting is known for its ability to cut through extremely thick pieces of ferrous metals, that other 2D Cutting process might struggle with or simply be unable to do.

    • Knife Cutting: This process uses a sharp blade to cut through materials such as paper, cardboard, and foam.

      1. Knife cutting is known for its ability to cut through a wide range of materials, including materials that are difficult to cut with other methods, such as fabrics and textiles.

    • Routers: This process uses a spinning cutter to remove material and create precise cuts.

      1. Routers are commonly used in woodworking and sign making, and they can also be used to cut softer materials such as plastics and composites.

  • These are some examples of the main 2D cutting processes, each process has its own strengths and weaknesses and are suitable for certain applications, so it's important to choose the right process for the job.

• • Forming is a broad category of manufacturing processes that shape material without removing significant amounts of it. Instead of cutting or machining away stock, forming relies on applying controlled force—through mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic means—to permanently deform the material into a desired shape.

    • Common forming processes include bending, rolling, braking, hydroforming, and various stamping or pressing operations.

  • In bending, a workpiece (often sheet metal or tubing) is positioned against a die or form, and force is applied—typically by a press brake, roll bender, or similar machine—to achieve a specific angle or curvature.

  • Braking generally refers to press brake bending, where a punch and die work together to create precise bends in sheet metal.

  • Rolling uses a set of rollers to gradually curve or form material into cylindrical or conical shapes, which is common in making tanks, pipes, and structural components.

  • More advanced methods, like hydroforming, use high-pressure fluid inside a die cavity to shape ductile metals into complex, lightweight forms with exceptional strength. This is often used in the automotive and aerospace industries for structural components such as frame rails, suspension parts, and aerospace panels.

Arc Welding Processes