Operating a Processing and Manufacturing Facility

Steel Forming Techniques Used In Fabrication

6 January 2021 by Todd West

The metal fabrication sector has grown modestly but steadily in Australia in recent years. This is because the industry can support so many different sorts of projects, largely due to the adaptability that is inherent with modern steel forming techniques. Thanks to the myriad of different forming processes that go on in steel fabrication these days, almost all projects can be delivered using this highly versatile and durable metal. What are the most common steel forming processes that fabricators use? Read on to find out.

Roll Forming

This is a method for altering the cross-section of a piece of steel until it conforms to the desired thickness. Although roll forming is often conducted by steelmakers, it may also be used by fabricators to achieve non-standard dimensions of steel. Essentially, it involves squeezing the metal between rollers so that it becomes ever thinner, a bit like a heavy-duty pasta-making machine.

Stamping

This process is used to cut components from sections of sheet metal. A die is forced down onto the metal to form a stamp which then pushes right through the sheet. The material that falls away will then be used by fabricators to act as components or to provide decorative elements. When stamping is used in reverse so that the section of metal that was not cut away is retained, then the forming technique is known as blanking.

Extrusion

Although extruding metal is often reserved for materials which are more ductile than steel, steel fabrication companies will extrude certain workpieces, especially those which have complex internal arrangements. For example, some beams are extruded from single sections of steel so that they can bear great loads without being too heavy because unnecessary quantities of the metal are done away with as they are extruded.

Bending

As the name implies, bending a section of metal will alter its shape. Steel fabrication projects often rely on bending sections of tubular steel, for example. Various angles and radii of bends can be achieved nowadays, usually by utilising hydraulic pressure to force the metal into its desired position.

Press Braking

This is a forming technique used by nearly all steel fabrication firms. It involves bending sections of metal to the desired angle by applying a heavy force over a die. This technique is ideal for shorter runs than might be used in manufacturing settings, so it is perfect for fabricators. Architectural products are often made using this method, but some brackets and cable mounting systems are also formed from steel using the press braking process, too.

To learn more, contact a steel fabrication company.

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