Metal fabrication

Metal fabrication is the process of constructing metal structures via the use of cutting, bending, and assembly techniques. Making machines, components, and structures from different raw materials is considered to be a high-value addition to the overall manufacturing process.

Typically, a fabrication shop bids on a project, which is typically based on engineering designs, and if the bid is accepted, the fabrication shop produces the product under contract. Large fabrication shops use a wide range of value-added operations, such as welding, cutting, shaping, and machining, to create their products.

Similarly to other manufacturing processes, both human labour and automation are often used in this process. A fabricated product is referred to as a fabrication, and businesses that specialise in this kind of work are referred to as fabrication shops. Aspects of fabrication include the finished products produced by other common types of metalworking such as machining and metal stamping as well as forging and casting, which may be similar in form and function. However, these operations are not included in the fabrication classification.