Industrial Fabrication Key Steps

As a manufacturing craft, industrial fabrication plays a crucial role in the modern economy. It refers to transforming raw materials into finished products using sophisticated machinery and tools. This post will discuss industrial fabrication key steps and the importance of the process for various industries and everyday life.

From appliances and electronics to automobiles and construction materials, industrial fabrication is the backbone of manufacturing and production. 

Brief History of Industrial Fabrication

The history of industrial fabrication dates back to the Industrial Revolution. This was the time when sheet metal was in high demand. In the 18th century, the mechanization of production processes revolutionized manufacturing. 

Before this era, the majority of goods were produced manually and with the help of simple tools. The development of new machinery and steam power made production processes much faster and more efficient, capable of mass production. 

The invention of the hydraulic press contributed to the advancement of the metal fabrication industry. This time period marked the beginning of industrial fabrication as we know it today. Over time, the technology and practices for industrial fabrication have significantly evolved. 

Industrial Fabrication

Industrial fabrication refers to manufacturing large-scale products and equipment for various uses. It involves a combination of human labor and automated processes to create parts and machines from raw metal materials. 

The process of industrial fabrication requires skilled and experienced workers and the use of advanced technology and equipment. The finished products are durable and lasting. Therefore, finding a reliable company that performs industrial fabrication is essential. 

At Craftsmen Industries, an experienced and professional team provides products for various segments. This includes power distribution, water treatment, offices, command and control centers, mobile laboratories, and more. We are committed to providing outstanding quality and adhering to safety measures.

In continuation, you will discover the industrial fabrication services and benefits provided by Craftsmen Industries, Inc. 

Industrial Fabrication Key Steps

The industrial fabrication key steps may vary depending on the industry and the nature of the product that is being fabricated. 

It is important to note that the specific sequence and details may vary depending on the industry and the product's complexity. Here are the essential stages of industrial fabrication. 

•  Design and planning

The first step to industrial fabrication is the designing and planning phase. This is when detailed drawings and CAD models of the product are made. The engineers use CAD software to develop a design which later will be used for fabrication. 

At this stage, the fabrication specialists also determine the materials and the manufacturing techniques they will use. The engineers and designers collaborate to optimize the design for manufacturability, functionality, and cost-effectiveness. 

• The selection of materials

After the design is finalized, the workers select the appropriate materials based on their properties, suitability, and cost. They may consider factors such as strength, heat and corrosion resistance, durability, electric conductivity, etc. 

Among the common materials used during industrial fabrication include stainless and carbon steel, aluminum, copper, and titanium. The selected materials may be used based on the requirements of the final products. 

• The preparation of materials

Once the materials are selected, they are prepared for fabrication. This process may involve cutting, shaping, and sizing raw materials to the required dimensions. The workers may employ shearing, sawing, and machining techniques to achieve the desired shapes. 

• Fabrication process

The design specifications and selected materials carry out the actual fabrication process. These processes involve casting, forging, machining, welding, and forming. 

Each process is intended to shape, join, or modify the material based on the design requirements. Industrial fabrication specialists use equipment such as brake presses, plate rollers, and metal fabricators. 

• Assembling

Assembling is among the industrial fabrication key steps. After the individual components are fabricated, the fabricators then assemble them to create the final product. 

This step includes welding, fastening, soldering, and using adhesives. This process may include integrating additional components such as electrical wiring, circuity, and control systems. 

• Finishing touches 

After the assembly, the product then undergoes finishing processes. The goal is to enhance its appearance, functionality, and durability. Finishing includes surface treatments such as sanding, deburring, polishing, painting, and coating. 

Such treatments can not only improve product aesthetics but also protect against corrosion. Surface treatments may involve heat treatment and techniques such as plating and anodizing to achieve specific properties. Finishing also makes the product resistant to environmental and electric threats. 

• Quality control

Throughout the fabrication process, quality control is implemented to ensure the product adheres to the required standards. Quality control involves inspection, testing, and verifying product dimensions, material properties, and tolerance.

This is one of the crucial phases in manufacturing fabrication, as it helps identify any defects and deviations. It allows for corrective applications to be taken before the final product is released.

• Packaging and shipping

After the product passes quality control checks, it is ready for the market. Hence, the workers package the product and prepare it for shipping. 

For the packaging, the workers may use containers, crates or protective materials to protect the product during transportation and storage. 

They also prepare proper labeling and documentation to ensure accurate identification during the shipping process.

• Installation

Industrial fabrication may also involve installation activities. Certain products and equipment require specialized knowledge and expertise for proper assembly and commissioning. In addition, ongoing service and maintenance activities may be provided for the product’s optimal performance. 

Key Aspects of Industrial Fabrication

One of the main aspects of industrial fabrication is the utilization of specialized equipment and techniques for turning raw materials into finished products. 

Various manufacturing processes such as casting, forging, machining, and welding are employed depending on the nature of the product. These processes have different characteristics and requirements, ensuring the desired outcome. 

Cutting

Cutting is a crucial fabrication process during which the sheet metal turns into a piece of the required size and shape. This can be accomplished by laser, waterjet, shearing, sawing, or flame cutting. 

Casting

Casting is a widely used manufacturing process. It involves pouring molten material into a mold in a cavity, enabling it to solidify and take the desired shape. 

The process allows intricate designs and complex shapes to be created with high precision. It is a commonly used process to produce metal components like engine blocks and turbine blades. 

Forging

This is a process that involves shaping metal by applying compressive forces through the use of hammers and high-press machinery. It is commonly implemented in producing components that require high strength and durability. These include gears and crankshafts. 

Forging can be performed at different temperatures depending on the materials and desired properties.

Machining

Machining is another key aspect of industrial fabrication. The process involves removing material from a workpiece using cutting tools. This is possible using different methods like milling, drilling, turning, and grinding.

The machines enable precise shaping and finishing of components, ensuring smooth surfaces. Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines have revolutionized machining by enabling automated and highly accurate operations.

Welding

Welding involves joining materials by melting them together using heat and pressure. It is widely used in constructing structures, vehicles, and metal products. 

Multiple welding techniques can be employed. They range from traditional methods like arc and gas welding to modern ones like laser and electron beam welding. Each of the methods is selected based on specific applications and its advantages.

Forming

Forming processes such as bending, stamping, and extrusion are used to reshape materials into desired forms. They commonly produce sheet metal components like car body panels and appliance castings.

The material undergoes plastic deformation by applying force pressure and takes the desired shape without removing any material. 

Additional industrial fabrication processes

Other metal fabrication process types include:

• Bonding - refers to creating a single metal piece from two different ones using an adhesive; once the adhesive is placed, heat or pressure is applied to the bonding location
• Extrusion - this process focuses on making cylindrical items, typically used for piping or wiring
• Punching - involves using specific machinery to create multiple holes in the raw material
• Stamping - this is a similar process to stamping; however, instead of holes in the raw material, it includes the creation of a dent in the piece
• Drawing - involves pulling metal through a tapered die to stretch the material into thinner shapes
• Shearing - this process is a variation of cutting resulting in one long cut in the piece

Structural and Commercial Fabrication

Compared to industrial fabrication, structural metal fabrication involves bending, cutting, and modeling steel to provide metal components for forming large-scale structures such as buildings and shops. 

Structured steel is the most common material used in metal fabrication for structural purposes. In contrast, commercial metal fabrication involves creating parts used for appliances and cars. It includes metal parts installed in commercial venues. 

Industrial Fabrication Benefits

The advancement of technology and automation has greatly influenced industrial fabrication. The introduction of AI, robotics, and computer-aid design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems have revolutionized the manufacturing industry.

Automation has increased productivity and improved precision. It allows machines to complete projects with minimal involvement from human workers. It also reduces the risk of human error, resulting in higher-quality products and cost savings. 

Industrial fabrication has also benefited from integrating 3D printing and laser technology. Additive manufacturing has found application in various industries. It has opened new possibilities for design freedom, rapid prototyping, and customization. 

Conclusion

Industrial fabrication has a pivotal role in modern manufacturing. The process involves transforming raw materials into finished products through various processes. 

In this post, we provided industrial fabrication key steps. Industrial fabrication is embracing technological advancements and automation to improve efficiency and quality. As technology advances, industrial fabrication will continue to drive economic growth, enabling the production of innovative products.