What Is Metal Fabrication?
Metal fabrication is creating metal parts, structures, products, or machinery by hand or by water jet cutting, shaping, welding, assembling, or bending a piece of metal into the desired shape. Depending on your specific needs, there are several fabrication processes and technologies used to deliver the final products.
There are several types of metal fabrication projects. Sheet metal is commonly used for wall systems and roofing because of its durability and attractive appearance. Custom metal projects are ideal for creating stand-out roofing, historical restorations, and one-of-a-kind sculptures, fountains, or art installations.
The Metal Fabrication Process
One of the keys to a successful metal fabrication project is having a proven process in place to steer you smoothly from conception to completion. Choosing a partner whose fabrication processes and technology are handled in-house significantly shortens lead times and often provides substantial cost savings.
From standard roofing jobs to highly customized metal projects, metal fabrication is used to craft a wide range of metals, including:
- Stainless steel
- Copper
- Brass
- Zinc aluminum
- Steel
A strategic fabrication process includes the following steps:
Consultation
Choosing a metal fabrication partner can be difficult if you’re not familiar with the processes involved. Whether you have a standard or custom metal project in mind, the first step in the fabrication process is a consultation.
No metal fabrication job is the same, so they shouldn’t all be treated the same. Your partner should work within your budget and timeframe to deliver precisely what you need and want. A reliable fabrication shop should also offer insights into the feasibility and cost of your project.
Design
After a consultation, engineers and designers draft the designs and layout for your metal fabrication project. A fabrication shop with extensive experience in fabrication processes and technology adds tremendous value to the design phase, because they can provide the most effective ways to achieve your project’s objectives.
At times the design step includes renderings of your roof, wall system, sculpture, or fountain. Once you’ve viewed the drawings, you can work with the engineer and designer to finetune the renderings until they fit your concept.
Fabrication and Installation
Once you’ve approved drawings and specifications, the next step is for the fabrication shop to get to work. Timelines of metalwork services vary depending on your metal fabrication project, but are almost always less expensive and timely when done on location.
After your sheet metal has left the machine shops, welding tables, and skillful hands of metalworkers, it’s time to install.
Maintenance and Repair of Fabricated Sheet Metal
Once your sheet metal project is completed and installed, the best way to ensure you get the most out of your investment is preventative maintenance. Walls and roofs that receive routine care last longer, require fewer repairs, reduce long-term costs, and adequately protect your building.
A comprehensive maintenance contract includes the following:
- Roof system cleaning
- Removal and remediation of ponding water
- Fastening flashings and loose sheet metal components
- Inspection of the entire system
Do you have a standard architectural or custom metal project in mind? Explore Rainville-Carlson’s metal fabrication services.
Benefits of Custom Sheet Metal Projects
Working with a reputable custom sheet metal fabricator that has experience with a wide range of metals presents many advantages, including:
The Perfect Fit
Cookie-cutter solutions can be convenient, but they also leave you susceptible to awkward gaps and size differences. Custom sheet metal fabrication ensures your metal parts form a seamless fit on your roof and walls.
Creating a one-of-a-kind fountain or sculpture often leads to highly complex pieces of metal that must connect precisely.Water jet cutting and precision welding produce a final product that wows onlookers and owners alike.
Time Savings
Custom in-house metal fabrication substantially shortens project timelines. Custom fabrication processes and technology are more efficient and eliminate the wait for prefabricated sheet metal to be shipped and modified during installation.
Variety
Artistic vision, historical roofing, and curb appeal require various materials to become the reality you’ve envisioned. Whether it’s eye-catching copper or personalized panels that match your company’s color scheme, custom metal projects deliver the variety you need to see your vision through.
Take Advantage of Rainville-Carlson’s Metal Fabrication Services
Rainville-Carlson sets itself apart from the competition in Minnesota by providing reliable, custom metal fabrication for a wide range of projects. We work with you from our first consultation to your final product installation and beyond. As you can see, our in-house team and fabrication shop produce long-lasting and impressive metal parts for anything from sculptures to historic roof renovations. Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation for your next metal fabrication project.
