Metal fabrication is an evolving trade and industry. Over the past few decades, several advancements in technology are changing progressively and irrevocably the face and the workspace of traditional fabrication. Gone or severely reduced are manual welding and fabrication methods. Instead, equipment and tools are integrated into automatic, computerized and/or robotic systems.
Cutting Tools
In cutting tools, fabrication companies continue to welcome alternatives to traditional cutting equipment. Today, modern fabrication shops embrace the latest methods of removing metal efficiently and effectively. They turn to two main types of cutting edge (pun intended) technology:
1. Laser: Modern lasers offer various advantages over traditional cutting tools when it comes to sheet metals. They
* Cut extremely clean
* Are very precise
* Replicate the same cut every time
* Produce parts that do not require the further step of machining
* Last longer than standard tools
* Easily and quickly produce and reproduce the most complex shapes and intricate designs
2. Plasma: This method is best for thick, plate metals of all types. Using plasma to cut is simple. They
* Cut very quickly
* Are precise and clean
* Are less costly than other types of metal cutting methods
When it comes to cutting tools, technology is providing various benefits to metal fabrication shops that choose to adopt it.
Computers and Metal Fabrication
However, the greatest technological impact on this industry or shop is not the cutting tools. Computers indubitably are continuing to have a significant effect. Through the integration of computers and computer programming, fabrication shops are opening up their capabilities and improving their production rates, methods and results. Metal fabricators are utilizing computers in a variety of ways. They are readily employing computer-aided design (CAD) often in conjunction with computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) to operate equipment more efficiently, accurately and effectively. This adoption and even adaptation of new technology is certain to continue to influence metal fabrication processes over the coming years.