An Insight Into Industrial Metal Fabrication

By Ladonna Chambers


The process that adds value to various raw materials through the creation of construction and machines is industrial metal fabrication. It is an old process that since time immemorial was a specialty of blacksmiths. These blacksmiths made native apparatus from unrefined ore by having it subjected to intense heat and hammering. They held a coveted place in society.

This whole process encompasses the activities of cutting, bending and putting together of the components to form the required product. Having all these activities under a single establishment eases the client's burden. Once the price is agreed upon, manufacturers see to it that they deliver the end product in time.

The resources consumed in the process include industrial plate steel, welding rods and castings. Through the application of highly computerized processes, these raw materials are converted to various molds and structures.

The whole process begins by having the raw materials cut to the required sizes. There after, welding of beams follows. This forms the basis of fabrication as it determines the tenacity and meticulousness of end products.

With the raw metal in required sizes, the welding process begins. Welding is the back bone of this whole process as it determines the strength of products. The welded parts are then inspected to ensure adherence to stipulated specifications and accuracy. A monotonous problem encountered is wrapping. The wrapping is as a result of intense heat. To solve this, welders use fewer welds or stagger heating the material. Straightening the welded steel is also a solution to warping.

The warped products get straightened by use of an oxyacetylene torch. This process requires a lot of expertise. Heat is then selectively applied to the steel in slow, linear sweeps. On cooling, the metal will contract in the direction of the sweep. Skilled welders remove substantial twisting using this method.

Welding is the first of many other activities. After the welded steel has cooled, it is sandblasted to polish the metal to specified texture. Priming and painting to the customer's specifications then follows. After additional manufacturing as stipulated in the tender, the manufacturers inspect, package and finally ship the finished product to the customer.

The dynamics of industrial revolution have led to death, and the emergence of industries as more effective methods of doing things are discovered. These have, however, not affected the fabrication industry. It still enjoys the same level of eminence as before. The respect accorded to blacksmiths long before industrialization is the same one accorded the current fabricating and machine shops. Every machinery and vessel on the face of planet earth is an end product of this important process. This has led to heavy investments in this sector. With all other factors remaining constant, such investments will enjoy continuous cash inflow.

As with all other establishments, industrial metal fabrication has its share of challenges. Inconsistency in quality has been an outstanding problem for ages. Fortunately, this is now a problem of the past. Introduction of computer programs in the manufacturing process has remedied the problem. Besides, flaws are also recognized early in the manufacturing process and corrected.




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