On site we have 2 Trumpf laser machines and recently a Bystronic Fiber laser which provides precision cutting technology ensuring that parts are cut to customer specification.
What Is Sheet Metal Fabrication?
Metal fabrication plays an important role in numerous sectors. From aviation to manufacturing, fabrication ensures your machines and complex operations have the parts needed for ongoing success.
Metal fabrication refers to a set of methods used to shape metal materials. More specifically, sheet metal fabrication companies use a range of tools and techniques to alter and control the shape of material, creating new components and custom parts.
The key distinction is that fabrication is not about producing complete machinery or complex products. It is a method of creating components to exact specification, using raw materials that have the desired qualities. It is often used with sheet metal, for example, because various metals have unique qualities, in addition to strength and durability, that are ideal in various industries and sectors.
Who Needs Sheet Metal Fabrication Services?
There are many sectors that can make use of fabrication services. Any company that is involved with complex machinery – particularly those with prototypes or custom solutions – often need unique parts that can’t be produced or reliably secured elsewhere.
Fabrication is useful for people who require specific, custom made parts where the exact specifications matter. This can include complex machinery, engines and other technical designs, where a secure fit is essential. Companies can’t risk using pre-made parts that were not designed for them, so these sheet metal operations serve to provide exactly what they need.
What Types Of Sheet Metal Fabrication Are Available?
There are many types of sheet metal fabrication services available, depending on the desired outcome. These can include:
- Cutting – as it implies, this involves cutting material down to exact length and specification.
- Forming and Shaping – this is where metal is coerced into a new shape, often through a press brake, or rolling it into a curved form.
- Machining – in this method, metal is removed from key areas, creating holes and other forms. This is done through various cutting tools, using hardened materials to cut the metal to specification.
- Grinding and Finishing – Grinding can be used to ensure a smooth, level shape or surface, while additional finishing techniques, such as coating or galvanising, can add the final qualities needed.
- Punching – this involves using specialised machines to punch shapes directly into sheet metal, creating the desired components quickly. This is ideal for batch orders.
- Welding – there are a number of techniques, including Mig and Tig, but welding nonetheless serves to join separate pieces of metal together.
Which materials can Grenville Engineering fabricate?
- Stainless Steel
- Steel
- Aluminium
How Can Grenville Engineering Help?
In addition to our skilled team, Grenville Engineering strives to offer a fantastic local service. We understand the exact needs of metal fabrication, so we’ve built up a reputation for ensuring we produce exact parts to meet your expectations.
We have a wide range of experience and knowledge in the metalworking sector, which we are happy to share with you. If you are not sure what you need, tell us your current specifications and we can narrow down your search by materials, fabrication method and more.
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Metal Fabrication.