Metal fabrication describes any process of using raw metal materials to build final components. This encompasses everything from cutting to shaping to assembly. Different types of custom metal fabrication methods can handle projects as simple as part casting to major projects like fabricating an entire machine.
Learn more about custom steel fabrication, including metal forming and rolling, as well as the capabilities we offer here at Fabrication Services, Inc. (FSI)
Custom Steel Fabrication: Metal Forming
Metal forming is a fabrication method that shapes metals in their solid state. The process relies on the metal’s plasticity. To change the metal’s shape, fabricators must apply a stronger force than the yield strength of the metal.
Fabricators can permanently stretch, bend, or compress the metal to the desired dimensions. The extent of the change is dependent on the amount of force applied to the material. The experts at Fabrication Services, Inc. are highly experienced in metal forming, where we punch-press metal sheets on a die to bend them to the desired shapes.
Benefits of Metal Forming
The following are the main benefits of metal forming:
- Durability. Sheet metal forming produces high-quality products that can withstand high pressures, temperatures, and corrosion.
- Easy maintenance. Workers do not have to dismantle the entire structure to inspect or repair any damage to the metal sheet.
- Affordability. Sheet metal forming is a cost-effective way for customers to source components for industrial applications.
- Efficiency and precision. Through CNC technology, sheet metal forming has greater efficiency and accuracy compared to other conventional methods.
Applications of Metal Forming
Metal forming is a crucial process for fabricating a variety of products, including:
- Door components
- HVAC parts
- Railing
- Mounts
- Tracks
- Elevators
- Windows
- Construction equipment
- Ladders
- Tubing
Custom Steel Fabrication: Metal Rolling
Metal rolling is an important manufacturing process for many industries, such as materials technology, aerospace, and gas. Metal rolling fabricators provide expertise in specific materials and specialized capabilities to meet customer demands. FSI is a top industrial steel fabricator that offers metal rolling services for a wide range of applications.
During metal rolling, we form the shape of the raw material so it achieves optimal structure. The goal is to change sheet or plate metal into cylindrical components. Bending must subject the metal to forces great enough to permanently change its shape.
There are two main types of metal rolling: hot metal rolling and cold metal rolling. Hot rolling involves heating the metal stock above its recrystallization temperature and using less force and pressure to change its thickness. Due to the high temperatures, the metal becomes soft and easier to roll.
Cold rolling is done below the crystallization temperature of the material. It requires more force to turn the metal into the required shape. Although there can be more internal stress in cold-rolled metal, cold rolling is more cost-efficient than hot rolling because no pre-heating is required. Cold rolling also increases the strength of the material by approximately 20% and produces a better surface finish.
Benefits of Metal Rolling
Advantages of metal rolling include:
- High efficiency
- Ideal for mass production
- Can easily produce complex cross-section profiles
- Saves time
Applications of Metal Rolling
Metal rolling can be used to manufacture the following metal products:
- Kiln shells
- Vessel shells
- Tank shells
- Storage tanks
Custom Steel Fabrication: Specifications
At FSI, we provide in-house steel rolling and forming. We take complete control of quality and delivery so that products are delivered on time, every time. With our 2” Bertsch plate, we can roll metals up to 2” thick and 10’ wide. Our equipment can also produce outer diameters down to 30”. With our hook heights, we can handle up to 15’ in diameter.
Our ⅝” Bertsch plate can roll ⅝” metal as wide as 10’. This metal rolling machine can achieve 18” outer diameters and up to 15’ diameters, depending on your requirements. To ensure top-notch quality, all our rolling and forming services are performed in-house. We also offer 24/7 customer support to guarantee customer satisfaction.
Custom Steel Fabrication: Differentiators
Fabrication Services, Inc. has been a leader in industrial steel fabrication for more than 50 years. Our team has the required skills and experience to work on a diverse range of products to meet the needs of the current industrial market. Our technicians can work with a wide range of alloy and carbon steel materials.
Here are some of our differentiating factors:
- 1,000-ton Pacific Brake Press with 4” thick capacity
- 2” thick, 10’ wide plate rolled in-house
- Can fabricate up to 15’ diameters
- 25,000-square-foot facility with 40-ton overhead lifting
- Our facility sits on 120 acres with vast storage space
- All heavy rolling and forming processes are carried out in-house so we can oversee quality, delivery, and overall cost
- Exceptional safety record: no reportable accidents for more than 15 years
- Unmatched quality at affordable rates
- 24/7 customer service for rush jobs and emergencies
Custom Steel Fabrication From Fabrication Services, Inc.
With more than 50 years of experience in industrial fabrication, Fabrication Services, Inc. has the necessary experience and expertise to handle all your fabrication requirements. We are driven by safety, quality production, and ensuring customer satisfaction. At FSI, we consider your application, materials, and budget to determine the right processes for your projects.
Contact us today to learn more information about our capabilities and how our team can serve you. If you’re ready to start your solution, request a quote.
