When developing a new product for market, custom metal fabrication provides an ideal solution for getting from concept to physical product. Custom fabrication is also the best process for improving a product’s existing design, lowering production costs, enhancing quality, or addressing defects.
Custom Metal Fabrication vs Stock Metal Fabrication
In the fabrication process, metals are cut, shaped, or molded to create a number of stock metal components. These include sheet metal, metal rods, and metal bars in a several dimensions and sizes. These stock metal components are widely available from most fabrication shops. However, custom fabrication shops can create non-standard metal products for clients with unique specifications. Our services include both design and production assistance for built-to-order parts.
Metal Fabrication Concept Services
All stages of the product development process benefit from custom metal fabrication services. This can involve assistance with the design of a single part for an assembly, or a full production run of components. Widely-used types of fabrication services include concept and design, building of product, finishing, and assembly.
New product design fabrication should include considerable engineering and planning. Insufficient planning result in problems such as structural weaknesses or incorrect dimensions. As a result, the product quality can be compromised.
These custom metal fabrication services can prevent such issues:
- Computer-Aided Design (CAD) – CAD programs allow manufacturers to create a computer-generated three-dimensional representation of a product. This reveals potential structural weaknesses before actual production begins.
- Tooling Design – Custom metal fabricators can develop specialized production tools that can enhance product quality and increase production efficiency.
Custom Metal Fabrication Build Services
Selecting the right fabrication method for a project depends on parts structures, the desired product characteristics, and the materials used to make it. Fabrication processes can include:
- Assembly – Two or more components may need to be combined in an assembly.
- Bending – Sheet and plate metal is transformed into custom V or U shapes, or channels.
- Custom Finishing – Often a secondary finishing treatment is needed.
- Drawing – Tensile force allows molten metal to be drawn into a tapered die.
- Drilling – Various drill bit designs can be used to bore circular holes into the metal.
- Electronics – Electronic components are integrated into the design of the product.
- Milling – Non-circular holes can be added to metal using a milling process.
- Punching – Custom designed turrets punch the metal to create decorative features.
- Turning – The metal workpiece is rotated on its axis while a cutting tool shapes the material.
- Welding – Through a combination of heat and pressure, two or more pieces of metal are joined.
Do you need custom metal fabrication services? Winston Manufacturing is your experienced and equipped partner for both custom metal fabrication and production fabrication. Contact us to discuss your project needs.
