Metal fabrication is the term used to describe the process of bending, cutting, and assembling metal structures from various metal parts and pieces. The process of cutting the metal during fabrication is generally done through sawing or shearing, laser cutting or punching. The process of bending is done through press brakes. Press brakes use various dies to be able to achieve the different types of bends that are required by a project. Both the cutting and bending of the metal during fabrication are the first steps. Once each pieces of metal are cut and bent to their appropriate sizes and shapes, they are assembled together through welding.

Stamping is another process in metal fabrication that is used for large quantities of the same part. The first step is creating a stamp, or mold which is used in a stamping machine to stamp the parts out of a piece of sheet metal . This process is used for making a large quantity of the same part. It is expensive to build the mold, but once the mold is obtained, many parts can be made quickly thus decreasing the cost per part. Stamping is often used for items such as vents, panels, hinges, and much more.

While various types of metal are used in metal fabrication, steel is by far and away the most common. Steel is an alloy of primarily iron with varying amounts of carbon added, generally 0.2% to 2.1%. Carbon is the most common alloying element due to it being the lowest cost and adding desirable traits to the metal such as increased strength, malleability, and hardness depending upon the amount of carbon added. While carbon steel is extremely useful and versatile, one problem with it is that it corrodes and rusts. If that is a concern for the project, then the item must be either coated or painted for protection, or instead can be made of stainless steel for corrosion resistance. An alloy of steel, chromium and nickel creates the most common type ofstainless steel fabrication which is Type 304, or "surgical steel". The alloys described above just a few of the vast array of metals that are available for use. When planning a project that involves metal fabrication, one should be able to count on their metal fabricator to recommend and obtain the best type of metal for their purpose.

Metal fabrication is an industry that is growing. There is a wide varietyof fabricators and it's important to select the company that will best serve your needs. A good fabricator will be able to recommend the best metal, be able to design your project for manufacturing, and have a capable manufacturing facility in order to provide you with the best product at the best price.