Large-scale fabrication projects are demanding as they often involve the fabrication of large and heavy components. High-quality heavy metal fabrication requires proper facilities with experienced fabricators to handle both custom and large-scale projects with high efficiency and accuracy.
Methods of Heavy Metal Fabrication
Cutting
The initial process of heavy metal fabrication involves cutting metal pieces into their required shapes and sizes. This is done using saw cutting, gas or flame cutting, laser cutting, waterjets and/or plasma cutting.
Drilling and punching
Drilling and punching are done to allow sections to be bolted together. Drilling involves the use of high-speed rotating twist bits that cut through the metal while punching uses a mechanical component that is forced through the metal under high pressure.
Bending and rolling
Some parts are made of bent or cylindrical metal which will need to be shaped as such. Bending or rolling in heavy metal fabrication is done using section bending, plate bending, tube bending, press braking and tee splitting. In these methods, bending is achieved by passing metals plates through a set of bending rolls that are shaped to the cross section of the bar.
Welding
Welding is used to prepare connection joints to attach fixtures and fittings. Here several methods are used that include stick welding, TIG welding, MIG welding, flux-cored arc welding and submerged arc welding among many others.
Painting
Once your welding/fabrication project is complete you will have the option of having it blasted or painted as a final touch. Custom painting can transform the look of a given project and significantly improve its visual appeal. Simply alert us as to the color that would best fit your application and we will do the rest.
Requirements necessary for a successful heavy metal fabrication
Not just any fabrication shop can handle the fabrication of heavy metal components. This is why it can be difficult to find a proper heavy metal fabrication facility for your project. Apart from having experienced fabricators, the company you hire will need to have the equipment necessary as well as a proper facility to house it in.
Proper handling and transportation of metalwork within the facility are crucial. Heavy metal fabricators will be well equipped with cranes that can safely move these large metal fabrication components. Doorways should also be large enough to allow easy transportation of hoppers and other large components. Transportation of normal, abnormal and special order forms can also be a challenge given weight and height restrictions that can create road maneuvering problems. However, for a company equipped to handle such matters these difficulties will prove to be far easier to manage.
Your heavy fabrication projects are important, and as such you will need to locate a reputable heavy metal fabrication facility to help you carry them out. Ideally you will want to find a company that has the right infrastructure and uses the best techniques and equipment to produce quality metal components. Fortunately you already have, so no matter what the size or scope of your fabrication project might be contact Swanton Welding today.
