The 4 Stages of Custom Metal Fabrication Projects

Custom metal fabrication projects involve the manufacturing of products designed to cater to the needs of a customer’s exact specifications. These are not standardized mass-produced products but precisely tailored pieces in complex forms that can fit unique structures.

Custom fabrication can be done using any metal, like steel, aluminum, or stainless steel. It offers the flexibility of design and material selection instead of relying on available products that may not fit into the project requirements.

Four Important Steps of Custom Fabrication

There are four important steps involved in the process of custom metal fabrication projects. Each of these steps serves a unique purpose and ensures that the specific size and shape requirements of the client are met.

Step 1: Design and Review

The project drawings are the foundation of any custom fabrication project. Therefore, the first step is to create and assess the blueprint of the intricate designs being fabricated. This helps in understanding the entire process, including what material will be used to make the component and how it will be installed.

Advancements in technology have made it easier to see virtual prototypes. High-quality 3D CAD modelling is usually employed for making the drawings. These digital 3D models are helpful in attaining precise measurements for complex shapes and identifying potential flaws before full-scale production begins.

Step 2: Building the Product

Depending on the product, the building process can vary in complexity. To execute a flawless project, advanced technology and sophisticated equipment for laser cutting, punching holes in metal, welding, shearing, etc., are required.

The techniques used also differ with product design and material used. This means the metal fabrication shop must be familiar with diverse cutting methods like plasma cutting, waterjet cutting, etc., to cater to the specific requirements of the project.

Step 3: Assembly and Finishing

After component completion, the next important step is the assembly and final finishing touches for high-quality results. In this stage, the multiple components of the product need to be joined in accordance with the blueprint.

Here welding and joining play a pivotal role. The fabricator will decide whether to use MIG/TIG welding process, spot welding, or arc welding methods to achieve durable connections. Bolts, fasteners, adhesives, may also be needed depending on the final design of the custom project.

The finishing process includes common methods like:

• Grinding & Polishing: Smoothens rough surfaces of the raw material and weld seams.
• Powder Coating: Adds a protective, durable color finish that gives resistance to corrosion.
• Electroplating: Deposits a thin layer of metal to improve corrosion resistance and withstand extreme conditions.
• Anodizing: Increases durability and corrosion resistance for aluminum parts.
• Sandblasting: Prepares metal surfaces for painting or coating.

Step 4: Packaging and Delivery

The safe delivery of finished products is an important step in the successful completion of metal fabrication. For proper packaging, the products may need tailored crates, skids, pallets, etc. The wooden packaging materials must adhere to the domestic and international industry standards for compliance and stress-free delivery.

Benefits of Custom Fabrication

Custom fabrication has multiple advantages:

1. Innovative Solutions

With custom fabrication, it is possible to obtain unique designs that require intricate shapes and precise fittings. It allows for innovation to create unique structures that may not be conceivable with off-the-shelf products obtained from mass production.

2. Fine Craftsmanship

Custom fabrication is all about attention to detail. A dedicated team of engineers and skilled craftsmen work on the project to ensure impeccable standards and high precision. This level of skill and detailing cannot be matched by mass-produced products.

3. Durability

When clients opt for custom fabrication, they have complete control over the quality and type of materials used. This allows clients to make an informed decision about the best materials that perform well on the parameters of strength, corrosion resistance, weight, etc. The end result is a robust fabricated product with metal components that promise durability and longevity.

Conclusion

Custom fabrication is a complex process that requires advanced knowledge of the design and manufacturing process. At Klassen Custom Fabrication, we are a metal fabrication company with over 40 years of experience in designing, coordinating, fabricating, and installing all kinds of steel/aluminum / metals projects.

With a wide range of custom metal fabrication services and unwavering commitment to quality, we help our clients achieve their desired products in a timely manner.

Choose us as your metal fabrication partners and get the your custom metal fabrication projects delivered within your budget!