A metal fabrication shop is a workplace that shapes metal parts. It uses cutting, bending, welding, and assembly to turn sheet or structural metal into final products. Workers follow technical drawings and use tools like laser cutters, press brakes, and MIG welders.

The press riveting joining process fastens materials together by pressing rivets into holes. It involves placing a rivet in a pre-drilled hole and then applying pressure with a press machine. This causes the rivet to expand, creating a tight and permanent bond between the materials.

This method ensures a strong and durable bond without high heat or complex equipment. It’s commonly used in industries like automotive, aerospace, and electronics, where strength and precision are required.

‌Material choice, design complexity, labor, and production volume directly impact costs—thicker metals like stainless steel cost more than aluminum. Simple bends and standard hole patterns reduce machining time, and bulk orders often lower per-unit prices. To save money, simplify designs early and compare quotes for material grades and finishing options.

Automotive sheet metal fabrication uses cutting, bending, and welding techniques to shape metal into car parts. Common materials include steel, aluminum, and titanium. Each material has unique properties that suit specific parts, like body panels or frames.

Notching refers to cutting away specific sheet metal sections, typically at corners or edges. The process creates deliberate gaps that facilitate bending, joining, or interlocking with other components. A well-executed notch reduces stress concentration and strengthens structural integrity.

The main difference between 303 and 304 stainless steel is their composition and properties. 303 contains added sulfur for improved machinability, while 304 offers better corrosion resistance and weldability. Your choice depends on your specific application needs, such as machining requirements or exposure to corrosive environments.

TPiercing, punching, and blanking are three key metal fabrication techniques. Each method has unique characteristics and applications. TPiercing creates holes without removing material. Punching cuts out shapes from sheet metal. Blanking produces separate pieces from a larger sheet.

Stretch forming is a metal fabrication technique that stretches and bends metal over a die to create curved shapes. It uses tension to pull the material taut while forming it around a mold, resulting in uniform thickness and minimal spring-back. This method produces large, contoured parts with high dimensional accuracy.

Both 304 and 430 stainless steel offer unique advantages. 304 excels in corrosion resistance and strength, making it ideal for harsh environments. 430, however, provides good formability and magnetic properties at a lower cost. Your choice depends on your specific application needs.

Q235 steel is a Chinese standard carbon structural steel. It is known for its good performance in tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation. This steel grade is widely used because it is easy to weld, cut, and machine, making it ideal for construction and manufacturing.

6061 aluminum is known for its versatility, good mechanical properties, and weldability. In contrast, 7075 aluminum is renowned for its strength and toughness, ideal for high-stress applications.

Nibbling in sheet metal is a technique that creates overlapping holes through punching. Various cuts and contours can be produced by combining these overlapping holes. Nibbling in sheet metal is commonly used to create irregular contours or shapes with large rounded corners.

Hot-rolled steel is processed at high temperatures, making it easier to shape and form. On the other hand, cold rolled steel undergoes processing at room temperature, resulting in a smoother, more precise finish. Both have their unique advantages depending on the application.

A sheet metal flange can be a projection, a rim, or both. It adds strength, attaches a part, or creates a flat surface. The edges of sheet metal are usually bent or welded to create flanges. These flanges are used in many different applications, including manufacturing and design.

Structural steel fabrication is a complex process that transforms raw steel into ready-to-assemble frames for buildings and structures. This process involves cutting, bending, and assembling steel to create various shapes and sizes essential for constructing sturdy, reliable frameworks.

Iron is a heavy, sturdy element prone to corrosion and rust. Steel is a mixture of iron and carbon, sometimes with other elements, to improve its properties. Because of this mixture, steel is more resistant to corrosion and more durable than pure iron.