Custom metal fabrication is a general term that refers to the steel modification processes such as cutting, molding, and shaping of metals. The process is important in building a plant structure and the equipment to use. They all have to be configured to suit the plan of your plant and your overall objective. Custom plant and equipment fabrication processes are very involving. You have to plan for the metal pieces to use, their dimensions, shape, and thickness. The customization is important in almost all the fabrication processes of the plant. However, you first need a design of the plant before you do the actual custom fabrication.
The Designing
In the designing phase, you are required to create a plan for your plant and the equipment to use. A good plant design protects you from using improper materials and dimensions as they contribute to structural weaknesses. This phase involves the following:
• Conceptualizing: This involves identifying the materials to use in the project in terms of their strength, appearance, and function.
• Tool designing: This involves scheming the tools that you’ll use in the building of your plant and some of the equipment.
• CAD Programs: Computer-Aided Designs help to create a 3-dimensional display of your plant’s layout.
Once you’ve got the steel materials, the 3D layout, and the tools ready, the next step is the custom fabrication. The process involves two major phases: building andfinishing.
1. The Building Phase
The plant and equipment fabrication designs come into full effect in this phase. Here, the practical construction of your plant begins. The materials and tools identified in the design phase are used to build your plant. The custom fabrication practices at this stage include:
• Casting: Where melted metal is forced into a specific shape and let to cool and harden.
• Forging: Where the metal pieces are deformed and reshaped.
• Welding: Where different metals are joined by heat and force.
The Finishing Phase
After your plant structure is erected and the equipment assembled, you’ll need to customize the post-fabrication processes. The processes include bonding, sawing, bolting, screwing, grinding, riveting, and painting.
Final Thoughts
From a simple design, you can apply custom fabrication to build steel gates, jolt tables, heavy duty equipment and multicompartment metal bins. You’ll, however, need a custom fabricator to translate your idea into an operational plant. Like any other services out there, you can only get the most out of your fabrication project when you hire the experienced fabricator. Accordingly, do some background checks on the fabricator before hiring him or her.
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