Sheet metal fabrication is an umbrella term for a group of processes that use sheet metal to build machines and structures. It can be a complex process involving many different professionals. Businesses that specialize in sheet metal fabrication are commonly referred to as fabrication shops, or fab shops for short. Although we’ve already covered types of metal fabrication on a broader level, this article will focus on the materials, processes, and tools related to sheet metal fabrication.
Sheet metal can come in a wide variety of types, and fabrication can adapt the metal to whatever purposes you may need. Types of common metals used in sheet metal fabrication include:
- Steel. There is a multitude of types of steels for all sorts of purposes, but the metal as a whole is known for its durability and strength.
- Aluminum is more lightweight while also sharing some of steel’s strength. It’s good for lower temperatures, which partially accounts for its use in aerospace and refrigeration.
- Magnesium is a structural metal with a very low density, excellent for when stiffness is needed.
Brass has useful acoustic properties, but is also used often for fittings and components. It is lightweight and corrosion-resistant.
- Bronze has a low melting point and is stronger than copper, with applications in coins, cookware, and turbines.
- Copper is ductile, malleable, and electrically conductive, as well as corrosion-resistant