Fabrication involves the construction of structures utilizing various processes. Steel fabricators employ steel to construct components for structures and machinery. Depending upon the customer, they may employ various techniques and methods including:
- Bending
- Cutting
- Punching
- Welding
Increasingly, as the craft embraces the latest trends in technology, the steel fabrication industry is looking at additive manufacturing (AM) to enable them to increase their production capabilities and speed of production.
Additive Manufacturing
In many types of manufacturing, AM is becoming the normal way of producing extremely accurate and very functional prototypes. In metal fabrication, shops increasingly are realizing the capabilities of this type of technology to provide innovative solutions and unique options for their production of simple and complex parts for different industries. In fact, 3D printing – aka AM, with its diverse variety of 3D printers, is offering a potential to alter the way metal fabrication produces even its most common components.
Why So Popular?
AM has been gaining in popularity among many industries for a number of reasons. Steel fabricators can rely on its ability to create with accuracy and repeatability of certain parts. The inclusion of laser technology in AM increases the ability of fabricators to slice through a broader assortment of metal materials.
One other factor has an impact on users. 3D printing results in less waste and decreased energy usage. This affects the bottom line in a positive way. Moreover, as those producing parts for aerospace companies note, the final components of such technology are lighter, – an advantage for this industry.
Industrial Steel Fabricators and AM
AM using 3D printing is increasingly establishing itself as a means for improving production methods and productivity. Although manufacturing surges ahead in its employment of this technology, steel fabricators are increasingly realizing the advantageous potential of AM and utilizing it with increasing frequency. By employing both traditional and AM processes, metal fabricators of all stripes can advance their business, taking on their competition with confidence.
