Metal fabrication is the creation of metal structures by cutting, bending and assembling processes. It is a value-added[1] process involving the creation of machines, parts, and structures from various raw materials.
fabrication
Typically, a fabrication shop bids on a job, usually based on engineering drawings, and if awarded the contract, builds the product. Large fab shops employ a multitude of value-added processes, including welding, cutting, forming and machining.
As with other manufacturing processes, both human labor and automation are commonly used. A fabricated product may be called a fabrication, and shops specializing in this type of work are called fab shops. The end products of other common types of metalworking, such as machining, metal stamping, forging, and casting, may be similar in shape and function, but those processes are not classified as fabrication.
Burn tables are CNC (computer-operated) cutting torches, usually powered by natural gas. Plasma and laser cutting tables, and water jet cutters, are also common. Plate steel is loaded on the table and the parts are cut out as programmed. The support table consists of a grid of bars that can be replaced when worn. Higher-end burn tables may include CNC punch capability using a carousel of punches and taps. In fabrication of structural steel by plasma and laser cutting, robots move the cutting head in three dimensions around the cut material.
Welding is the main focus of steel fabrication.[8] Formed and machined parts are assembled and tack-welded in place, then rechecked for accuracy. If multiple weldments have been ordered, a fixture may be used to locate parts for welding. A welder then finishes the work according to engineering drawings (for detailed welding) or by their own experience and judgement (if no details are provided).
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As with other manufacturing processes, fabrication can be done manually, but the processes are often automated these days with the use of computer aided designs (CAD) that can be programmed into computer numerical control (CNC) technologies that can communicate directly with machines on the shop floor, reducing lead times, costs and material usage while improving accuracy and quality.
Fabrication uses semi-finished or raw materials to make something from start to finish, as opposed to simply assembling it. This work is typically completed by a fabrication shop (or fab shop) that will bid on the contract for the job based on engineering drawings and specifications.
Although it is possible to use hand-drawn diagrams for simpler work, more complex or detailed designs can be created and tested with computer aided design (CAD) programs. More complex fabrications will also often involve prototyping, which helps with visualising and testing product iterations.
Once a product has been formed, it will often have coatings or other finishing processes applied to improve appearance and improve durability. Many fabrication shops will offer associated processes such as casting, powder coating, powder metallurgy, machining and welding.
As highlighted above, there are a range of different fabrication processes that can be used according to the materials being used and the desired outcome. Fabricating something from wood, for example, requires different processes from fabricating something from steel.
Another process frequently used with metal fabrication, machining involves the removal of material from a solid block to create a desired shape. Most fabrication shops have machining capabilities including the use of lathes, mills, drills and other machining tools. Solid items like bolts, screws and nuts are made through machining.
Punching involves using a press to create holes in metals. The finished product created by punching could be an item with fastening holes punched out or the pieces of metal that are punched out themselves, known as blanks. Smaller fabrication shops may use hand powered or mechanical punch presses, but most large scale industrial facilities will use CNC programmed presses that can produce complex designs at high outputs.
Being the main process used by steel fabricators, welding is part of many fabrication jobs. Whether it is joining formed and machined parts based on engineering drawings, or a highly skilled welder using experience to fabricate a unique part, welding will need to take account of the material and the desired finish, avoiding problems like warping or burn through.
There is a lot of cross-over between fabrication and manufacturing, which can make it difficult to understand the difference between the two. Fabrication is using processes to create component parts that can be used to make a product or structure, as well as the process of constructing an item from standardised parts. Manufacturing, meanwhile, is the processing of raw materials into a finished product that can be sold to a consumer.
Fabrication services tend to be offered by a fabrication shop to produce products and parts. These include processes such as cutting, stamping, punching and forming, and will tend to be related to working in metals such as mild steel, stainless steel or aluminium. The services may be aligned to design and engineering advice and can be provided for clients across a range of industries.
Fabrication ESTmep, CADmep, and CAMduct are used to estimate, detail, and drive fabrication for mechanical building systems, components, and parts to LOD 400.\n"}]},"@type":"Question","name":"Who uses Autodesk Fabrication?","acceptedAnswer":["@type":"Answer","text":"MEP specialty contractors, including detailers, estimators, fabricators, and installers, use Autodesk Fabrication.\n"],"@type":"Question","name":"Does Autodesk Fabrication work with Revit and AutoCAD?","acceptedAnswer":["@type":"Answer","text":"Fabrication products offer integration and import/export capabilities with Autodesk BIM and CAD products for MEP design, including Revit and AutoCAD.\n"],"@type":"Question","name":"How do I access the free Fabrication Review viewer?","acceptedAnswer":["@type":"Answer","text":"Fabrication Review is included in the download of the free 30 day trial of Autodesk Fabrication products CADmep, ESTmep, or CAMduct. Fabrication Review will continue to function after the product trial has expired.\n"],"@type":"Question","name":"Which versions of Fabrication can I use if I subscribe to the current version?","acceptedAnswer":["@type":"Answer","text":"Your Fabrication subscription gives you access to install and use the current product release and 2 previous versions. Available downloads are listed in your Autodesk Account after subscribing. See also previous releases available for subscribers.\n"],"@type":"Question","name":"Can I install Fabrication on multiple computers?","acceptedAnswer":["@type":"Answer","text":"With a subscription to Fabrication software, you can install it on up to 3 computers or other devices. However, only the named user can sign in and use that software on a single computer at any given time. Please refer to the\u202f Software License Agreement for more information.\n"],"@type":"Question","name":"How do I convert my Fabrication free trial to a paid subscription?","acceptedAnswer":["@type":"Answer","text":"Launch your trial software and click Subscribe Now on the trial screen or buy Fabrication here. When buying your subscription, enter the same email address and password combination you used to sign in to your trial. Learn more about\u202fconverting a trial to a paid subscription.\n"],"@type":"Question","name":"How much does a Fabrication subscription cost?","acceptedAnswer":["@type":"Answer","text":"The price of an annual Fabrication subscription is\u202f\u202fand the price of a 3-year Fabrication subscription is\u202f. If you have infrequent users and are interested in a pay-as-you-go option, please visit www.autodesk.com/flex to learn more.\n"]],"@type":"FAQPage","@context":" "} Save when you buy Fabrication CADmep as part of the collection (AEC Collection) Compared with purchasing each product separately. Architecture Engineering Construction Collection
INNOVATIVE WHAT MAKES OLSON STRONGER? At Olson Fabrication, we are experts in custom light to heavy metal fabrication and machining. Our combined experience gives us the finesse to work to your specifications, while offering enhanced methods to increase efficiency. We work closely with our customers to help them solve problems, finalize designs, and deliver industry-leading products. 2ff7e9595c
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