From Sheet Metal to Finished Part: Understanding the Fabrication Process
Sheet metal fabrication is a critical part of manufacturing for products and components used across a wide range of industries. From simple brackets and enclosures to complex formed assemblies, fabricated metal parts need to meet precise specifications while holding up to the demands of their intended application.
Producing a quality finished part involves much more than simply cutting and bending a piece of metal. The right combination of forming equipment, skilled welding, finishing capabilities, and quality control can make a significant difference in the final product.
At AWC Industries, we provide sheet metal fabrication and finishing services designed to help manufacturers move efficiently from raw material to finished component.
What Is Sheet Metal Fabrication?
Sheet metal fabrication is the process of transforming flat sheets of metal into functional components or assemblies. Depending on the requirements of a project, fabrication may involve several different processes, including forming, bending, welding, and finishing.
Each step plays an important role in determining the accuracy, durability, and appearance of the finished part.
The fabrication process can vary significantly depending on the material, thickness, design, tolerances, production volume, and final application. That’s why having access to experienced fabricators and a range of manufacturing capabilities is important when developing or producing sheet metal components.
Forming and Bending With Precision
One of the most common steps in sheet metal fabrication is forming. Press brake equipment is used to bend sheet metal into specific angles and shapes according to the part’s design.
At AWC Industries, we utilize Accupress, Verson, and Dreis & Krump equipment to produce precise and repeatable formed parts. Consistent bending is especially important when components need to fit with other parts during assembly.
Accurate forming can help:
- Maintain consistent dimensions across production runs
- Improve part fit and assembly
- Reduce rework and material waste
- Meet project specifications and tolerances
- Create repeatable results for ongoing production
Whether a project involves relatively simple bends or more complex formed components, precision equipment and experienced operators work together to achieve reliable results.
Welding Brings Components Together
Formed sheet metal components may require welding to create a complete assembly or add structural strength.
AWC Industries has certified MIG and TIG welders capable of working with various types of alloys. MIG and TIG welding each offer different advantages depending on the material, application, and desired finish.
MIG welding can be well suited for a variety of fabrication applications and production environments, while TIG welding provides precise control for applications where weld quality and appearance are particularly important.
By offering welding alongside sheet metal fabrication, AWC can help customers move from individual fabricated components to completed welded assemblies without having to coordinate additional outside processing.
Finishing Protects and Completes the Part
Once a component has been formed and welded, finishing may be necessary to provide the desired appearance, protection, or performance characteristics.
Coatings and other finishing processes can help protect metal components from environmental exposure, improve durability, and provide the appearance required for the final product.
At AWC Industries, our finishing capabilities allow us to provide a variety of coating options as part of an integrated manufacturing process. This means fabricated and welded components can move through additional finishing steps before being delivered to the customer.
The result is a more complete part that can be ready for assembly upon delivery.
Why Combining Processes Can Improve Production
When fabrication, welding, and finishing are handled by separate suppliers, manufacturers may need to coordinate multiple schedules, shipping arrangements, and quality requirements.
Working with a supplier that can provide multiple services under one roof can simplify that process.
An integrated approach can help manufacturers:
- Reduce the number of outside vendors involved in a project
- Minimize transportation between manufacturing facilities
- Simplify communication and project coordination
- Reduce handling of parts between production stages
- Improve consistency from fabrication through finishing
- Keep production moving toward final assembly
For manufacturers managing tight production schedules, reducing unnecessary steps can be an important part of maintaining efficiency.
Fabrication for Prototypes and Production
Sheet metal fabrication may be required at many different stages of a product’s lifecycle. A manufacturer may need a small number of components for a prototype, followed by larger production quantities once a product moves into manufacturing.
A capable fabrication partner should be able to understand the requirements of both.
At AWC Industries, our combination of equipment, skilled personnel, welding capabilities, and finishing services allows us to support a variety of fabrication requirements. Whether you’re developing a new component or producing parts for an established product, our goal is to provide consistent, quality results while helping you meet your production needs.
Quality Fabrication Starts With the Right Capabilities
The quality of a finished sheet metal component depends on every step of the fabrication process. Precision forming, skilled welding, appropriate finishing, and careful attention to specifications all contribute to a part that performs as expected.
Choosing a fabrication partner with these capabilities under one roof can also make the overall manufacturing process easier to manage.
At AWC Industries, we combine precision equipment and experienced craftsmanship to provide sheet metal fabrication, welding, and finishing services for manufacturers across a range of applications.
From the first formed component to the finished part ready for assembly, we’re equipped to help keep your production moving.
Get Started With AWC Industries
AWC Industries is your one-stop source for metal fabrication and finishing. Our sheet metal fabrication capabilities, certified MIG and TIG welding, and finishing services allow us to provide manufacturers with quality components and assemblies while helping simplify the production process.
If you’re looking for a reliable partner for your next sheet metal fabrication project, contact AWC Industries to learn more about our capabilities or request a quote.
