There are a few basic
machines and techniques that are used for metal fabrication. The metal that
needs to be shaped, formed, and joined will often be sheet metal.
Fabrication is necessary for building or repairing a basic part or component.
Review some of the basics of metal fabrication.
Metal can be shaped or formed
in one of four different ways. A fabricator may bend, fuse, stretch, and cut
metal to form into any shape. Shaping metal can be done using a variety of
tools and techniques for the best results.
Bending Metal
Form Bending – This is the
easiest method to bend a piece of metal. Pressure can be applied to an item of
metal over some shape or edge, such as a table. Another option is to use a
hammer to form the metal to any shape that is needed.
Metal Brake – Making a clean
and precise bend in metal will require a metal brake. Many metal brakes are
able to make a bend in a piece of sheet metal that is 90 degrees. The metal is
bent over a secure bar that has been placed on the metal. Activating the
machine will force the metal to bend.
Cutting Metal
Hand Shears – Cutting metal
with hand shears is a manual method. A pair of hand shears should be the first
thing a metal fabricator needs to purchase for their shop.
Power Shears – These are a
type of powered scissors that can be used to cut metal. Less effort needs to be
applied and the process is much quicker than the manual method. You have the
option of an electric shear or pneumatic shears. However, this tool cannot be
used to cut an intricate shape.
Angle Grinder – Angle
grinders with the proper attachment can be used to cut any piece of metal. This
tool if often noisy and can create sparks when metal is being cut. A cutting
wheel is optimal attachment that is needed with this tool.
Plasma Cutter – This is a
tool that can be used to make cuts that are straight and long that may be hard
to accomplish using other tools. Adjustments can be made to cut thin and thick
pieces of metal.
Stretching Metal
Hammer and Dolly – Striking
metal which has been placed over an object will compress the metal and make it
stretch.
Stretcher – This is a tool
that is mechanically operated that will pull on a piece of metal. A foot pedal
is used to activate the machine.
English Wheel – Rolling a
piece of metal through a set of wheels will eventually stretch sheet metal to a
desired size. This machine is typically used to smooth imperfections in a piece
of metal and to create a crown that is uniform.
Fusing Metal
The basic concept of fusing
metal is known as welding. There are three types of welding that offer you a
way to fuse metal together. This includes Oxy Acetylene welding, TIG welding,
and MIG welding.
Welding will also be the best way to make repairs and fill holes in metal.
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