Today, it is almost impossible to produce a component or structure without the help of the skills and expertise of those who practice metal fabrication. These professional craftspeople work hard in metal working shops to produce reliable and sound results. While some are generalists – producing standard or standardized products, others provide specialized or custom services. Both types of fabricators are essential for modern manufacturing concerns.
The Relationship between Industries and Metal Fabricators
In the past, manufacturers took on all aspects of the process. Their plants were giant structures containing every trade and tool essential to producing a product. However, in today’s industrial world, manufacturing operations have come to adopt a leaner and simpler approach. Rather than burden themselves with the construction of every aspect of their final product, they choose to contract segments out. This reduces their overhead and capital costs for material costs, specialized or skilled labor as well as for modern machinery and factory space.
The contracted or outsourced components and structures often end up in metalworking shops. Metal fabrication produces a large percentage of basic and customized components and workpieces for a diverse manufacturing base. They are capable of providing parts and other products for the following industries:
- Aerospace
- Agriculture
- Automotive
- Defense
- Electronic
- Medical
- Mining
- Oil and Gas
- Power Generation
- Railroad
- Signage and Displays
- Transportation
- Water Treatment
This indicates the scope of the bonds between industry and fabrication. It also indicates how industry is now dependent on external production concerns and fabrication shops.
Metal Fabrication
The term refers to a broad range of processes and procedures. It indicates a company that cuts, shapes and/or molds metal into components or structures. Using basic or fine metals, it welds, bends, folds and/or machines metal into a standard or customized result. Today, metal fabrication shops are not individual producers. They rely on the contracts from manufacturers. They work together, an integrated unit, to provide consumers with the products they need.
