What is metal fabrication? Process and Applications
Metal fabrication is the process of creating an end product from raw metal materials. The process includes cutting, burning, welding, machining, forming, and assembly to create the final product.
SRS has fast become one of New Zealand’s most trusted high-end metal fabricators, and it’s our end-to-end service that makes us such a great option for all your metal fabrication needs.
There is a difference between metal fabrication and custom metal fabrication. With metal fabrication, the end product can be fabricated from ready-made components. At SRS, our custom fabrication process is completely bespoke and depends on the metal selected as well as the desired end product. We use materials and designs crafted specifically for each individual project, so no two jobs will ever be the same.
The process of metal fabrication
Metal fabrication is the process of manufacturing sheet metal and other flat metals to make them conform to specific shapes.
The sheet metal used in metal fabrication processes is typically around a quarter of an inch thick or thinner because, at this thickness, the metal is pliable enough to assume different shapes.
At SRS, we use a number of different metals in our custom metal fabrication work including:
- Stainless steel
- Mild steel
- Aluminium
- Corten steel
- Brass
- Copper
You can find out more about the metals we use in our custom fabrication in a recent post.
Once we have identified the best metal for the job required, the sheet metal is then altered in order to create a specific shape, and this is done by metal fabricators using a number of techniques depending on the shape required.
These fabrication processes include:
- Cutting
- Folding
- Welding
- Machining
- Punching
- Stamping
- Shearing
- Forging
- Casting
- Extrusion
You can learn more about the different types of metal fabrication processes in a recent post.
All metal fabrication work is carried out by metal fabricators – highly skilled specialists who are trained to work with precision in order to achieve the desired end product.
The applications of metal fabrication
The applications for metal fabrication work are wide-ranging from specialist medical and IT equipment to every day items such as hand tools or screws and nuts.
At SRS Group, we focus on the industrial applications of metal fabrication and work across a number of sectors within New Zealand to deliver a customer-focused, solution-orientated service.
Our metal fabrication applications include:
Civil and Infrastructure
We work on large and complex construction projects, partnering with lead and sub-contractors to deliver high-end, custom fabrication solutions including significant roading and bridging projects.
In 2020, SRS Group was hand-picked to join an exclusive panel of experts as bridge design consultants for Auckland System Management (ASM). We work with Waka Kotahi (NZTA) and Panuku Development Auckland, offering our design expertise in the production of bridges across our regional transportation systems.
Read more about our projects working on the Tirohanga Whanui Bridge and Kirkbride Road/SH20A Intersection.
High-end Residential Fabrication
As well as working on industrial projects, our metal fabricators enjoy the challenge of working in high-end residential properties to create bespoke metal fabrication projects including metal kitchens, atrium lighting, bath sleeves, and fireplace surrounds.
Read more about our work on the premium luxury living apartments – 59 France Apartments – where we were contracted to fabricate an extensive weaving corten planter box system.
Balustrade Fabrication
Another area of our business that has gone from strength to strength is high-end balustrade fabrication. Whilst their primary function is for safety, they need to look the part too and our in-house team of fabrication specialists have worked on both civil and commercial balustrades, bringing design ideas to life.
Check out our project working on the Westhaven Promenade to install a stainless steel cable balustrade with timber handrail and corner posts for fall protection on both the seaward and landward sides of the wide timber boardwalk.
Get in touch
If you are looking for high-end, custom metal fabrication work – whether commercial or residential – talk to the team today and find out how we can help to bring your design ideas to life.