Me & the Boss

Me & the Boss

Saturday, June 1, 2013

The Process Of Industrial Metal Fabrication

By Ladonna Chambers


The process that adds value to various raw materials through the creation of construction and machines is industrial metal fabrication. It is an old process that since time immemorial was a specialty of blacksmiths. These blacksmiths made native apparatus from unrefined ore by having it subjected to intense heat and hammering. They held a coveted place in society.

The fabrication procedure involves cutting, bending and joining to form the desired product. There are companies dealing with the above processes. This has ensured satisfaction of consumer needs through supplying the service at favorable prices. The customers receive quality products at competitive prices at the right timing.

The resources consumed in the process include industrial plate steel, welding rods and castings. Through the application of highly computerized processes, these raw materials are converted to various molds and structures.

At the start of the process, the raw materials are cut to specified sizes using various tools. Strong saws and hot gas-powered cutting torches are used for this activity. Man does not play any role in this due to the extremely high temperatures involved.

Inspection of the end commodity for flaws and non-adherence to the stipulated customer directives then follows. The chief shortcoming in this process is the wrapping of metal as a result of exposure to extreme heat. The remedy to this is using fewer welds and alternating the heating process. Unbending the end product is also an applicable solution.

The warped products get straightened by use of an oxyacetylene torch. This process requires a lot of expertise. Heat is then selectively applied to the steel in slow, linear sweeps. On cooling, the metal will contract in the direction of the sweep. Skilled welders remove substantial twisting using this method.

Once the material cools, it passes through other processes as directed by the customer. First is sand blasting to polish it to the customer's desired texture. There after priming and painting in the customer's color of choice follows. After all activities pertaining the manufacturing process, the quality control department inspects, packages and finally ships the finished product to the buyer.

Industrial revolution causes the emergence and death of industries as better and easier ways of doing things are found. However, the fabrication industry has not been affected in any way. Its prominence has not declined. The importance and respect which the blacksmiths of the olden days enjoyed are the same enjoyed by present fabricating and machine shops. Machines of all sizes, generations and use, are in one way or the other dependent on this very important process. This has led to intensive investment in this industry since with all other factors remaining constant, such investments will enjoy a perpetual positive cash flow.

As with all other establishments, industrial metal fabrication has its share of challenges. Inconsistency in quality has been an outstanding problem for ages. Fortunately, this is now a problem of the past. Introduction of computer programs in the manufacturing process has remedied the problem. Besides, flaws are also recognized early in the manufacturing process and corrected.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.