At Metal Works of High Point, we provide quality American craftsmanship to a global client base. As an ISO 9001:2015-certified facility, we use a combination of ERP technology and bar-coded scheduling software to provide a real-time look at each component we produce as it moves throughout the fabrication process. This process gives our clients accurate information on lead times and order tracking. Each project we work on is held to the highest possible industry standards, and all of our welders are D 1.1 certified.
Industrial metal fabrication services from Metal Works meet the needs of diverse industries, from transportation to telecommunications to material handling and much more. What is metal fabrication? On this page, you can learn more about the specific steps involved in these projects and how we serve our clients.
What Is Industrial Metal Fabrication?
Metal fabrication is the process of cutting, bending, and assembling raw materials into metal structures. Many technical skills are required, including a blend of hand-crafted techniques and advanced computer-aided processes. With industrial metal fabrication, these tasks are performed to meet high-volume, large-scale industry needs. Some of the most commonly fabricated industrial products include components for heavy equipment, vehicles, machinery, and industrial tools.
Industrial parts are often exposed to extreme temperatures, high-pressure environments, or corrosive substances. Therefore, industrial metal fabrications must be produced at a consistently high quality, according to exact specifications that vary by industry.
Industrial Metal Fabrication Process
The process of industrial metal fabrication involves a multi-step, sophisticated workflow. These projects feature four stages: design, prototyping, fabrication, and post-processing. At Metal Works of High Point, we rely on industry-leading technology and decades of experience to craft cost-effective, durable industrial components. Below, you can explore our metal fabrication process.
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Product Conceptualization & Design
In this first stage, product designers, engineers, and fabricators collaborate to conceptualize a design. Technologies like CAD (computer-aided design) software and CAE (computer-aided engineering) are used to develop a detailed product design.
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Prototyping
After the idea for a project is conceptualized, the next step is to manufacture a design prototype. Prototyping tests the feasibility of a design and allows adjustments before moving to mass production. Fabricated metal prototypes are important for testing and obtaining valuable feedback, and CNC machining is a common rapid prototyping method. Generally, multiple prototype designs are required before the final design is approved.
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Metal Fabrication
After a prototype is finalized, the fabrication phase of the project can begin. Our engineers and technicians create the final manufacturing drawings required for production. Depending on the project’s needs, one or more fabrication techniques might be used, including CNC machining, forming, cutting, welding, and more.
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Secondary Processing
After the final part has been formed, post-processing is sometimes required. These finishing processes include techniques like painting, powder coating, and polishing. Post-processing not only improves how a product looks but also enhances its durability and functionality.
Benefits of Industrial Metal Fabrication
Industrial metal fabrication allows businesses to make many types of robust metal structures for some of the world’s most demanding applications. This manufacturing technique has a long history of success and has remained popular due to its many unique benefits:
Cost Efficiency
Cost efficiency: Metal fabrication can be a highly cost-effective process since most metals are highly affordable at scale. With automation, metal fabricators can build highly complex structures quickly while reducing labor costs.
Durability
Durability: Industrial metal works create strong, durable objects that resist wear and tear. Many types of steel and other common metals can resist corrosion and endure challenging outdoor conditions. This level of durability is a necessity in industrial projects.
Versatility
Versatility: Metal fabricators can create highly diverse objects from an extensive assortment of metal types. Designs can be customized to each project’s needs.
Applications of Industrial Metal Fabrication
Many industries rely on industrial metal fabrication to produce reliable metal products. At Metal Works of High Point, we have decades of experience working with clients in industries like automotive, aerospace, construction, appliances, and more.
Automotive
Automotive
Any type of vehicle requires durable metal components that can withstand wear and perform reliably. In addition to the initial automotive manufacturing process, car repair is another common use of metal fabrication in the automotive industry. Most repair shops work with steel, copper, brass, and aluminum components. They can produce sheet metal parts using 600-ton presses.
Public Transportation
Public Transportation
The public transportation industry requires heavy-duty metal fabrication techniques to create railways, rail cars, wayside ladders, railway gates, and more. The trams and trains used in urban areas make up a lot of these projects. Many automated building methods are used for these applications, such as robotic welding. Robotic welding can handle heavy objects with a high degree of accuracy. It also meets the demands of mass production and makes the manufacturing process more efficient and reliable.
Aerospace
Aerospace
Aluminum, titanium, and carbon steel components are used throughout the aerospace industry. Examples of the most common fabricated aerospace products are aircraft wings, brakes, and landing gear.
Construction
Construction
Structural steel is an essential material in the construction industry, especially in building support structures for large commercial spaces. T-beams, H-beams, and I-beams must all be fabricated with a special density to ensure they can bear the required weight.
Appliance
Appliance
Stainless steel appliances are both functional and attractive. Their aesthetic qualities have led them to be the preferred choice for many consumers. For example, the fabrication of metal produces fridges and freezers from cold-conductive steel.
Medical & Pharmaceutical
Medical & Pharmaceutical
Metal fabrication creates many types of equipment that are critical to the medical and pharmaceutical industries. For instance, MRI machines need metals for magnetic resonance, and ultrasound equipment requires strong metallic materials for diagnostic imaging.
Energy
Energy
Wind turbines are one of the most reliable sources of renewable energy. These massive structures could not be built without metal fabrication techniques. Other energy sources, such as oil and gas, also require metal pipelines to transport materials. Industrial metal fabrication techniques can construct these large-scale, robust components quickly and cost-effectively.
Industrial Metal Fabrication Solutions from Metal Works of High Point
Industrial metal products are different from other types of metal components. In addition to often being large and challenging to fabricate, these components will be used in demanding environments and must perform reliably. Partnering with an experienced industrial metal fabricator is crucial to ensure each step of your project is handled correctly.
Metal Works of High Point has been a trusted contract manufacturing partner for industrial metal fabrication since 1992. We provide turnkey metal fabrication solutions for clients in the furniture, home appliance, transportation, and other sectors. To learn more about our custom metal manufacturing services, contact us or request a quote today.