When we delve into fabrication and its intricacies, how do you know which fabrication process is right for your project?
The processes that will deliver the right outcome? Provide you with optimal benefits? Meet your design specifications and more?
In this post, we have a closer look at both sheet metal stamping and fabrication, so you have
All the information you need to make the most informed decision for your next fabrication project.
Of course, our team at Morfabrication Ltd is always on hand to answer any questions and to provide further information. We work hard to meet all of our client’s needs, tailoring processes and providing the most appropriate fabrication services to meet the requirements of the product.
We also stay up to date with the latest technology, using the best equipment and the tools required to produce high-quality parts.
Why not check out our latest article on the emerging trends in the fabrication industry and how you can maximise the benefits these trends have to offer?
Sheet metal stamping and fabrication
Both sheet metal stamping and fabrication are manufacturing processes that help to provide parts and products for various applications across numerous industries.
Each process has its advantages and disadvantages, and both methods achieve different results and finishes, which must be considered when choosing the right process for your project.
Depending on your design specifications, the complexity of the project, the volume of parts required, and the outcome of the final piece will all impact which process is right for you.
Fabrication and sheet metal stamping
Sheet metal stamping is a form of fabrication that involves bending or punching large sheet metal with a stamping press.
Throughout this process, the sheet metal will go through a series of steps as the press creates formations with the progressive die or simultaneously shapes the metal into the desired specification.
We typically use this type of process if large volumes of parts need to be replicated for consistency, making it cost-effective as the parts move through the process, with each area helping to contribute to the end component.
For all quite repetitive and a simplistic process, you can achieve precision stamping if you have specific design requirements and detailed drawings and specifications (working with
Experienced and knowledgeable metal fabricators will help in this area).
Metal fabricators often opt to use CNC equipment for two- or three-dimensional products to reduce human error, improve time efficiency, and generate a high degree of quality over large volumes.
This makes sheet metal stamping cost-effective and invaluable for large-volume parts. And a quick solution, even when working on more complex projects.
However, it’s important to note that metal stamping is not cost-effective for short production runs.
Is metal stamping for you?
Sheet metal stamping is great for:
- Simple products
- Products and parts with minimal customisations
- Achieving lower costs with larger runs
- Highly repeatable products
Downfalls of sheet metal stamping:
- The level of control is not as extensive as with fabrication
- It can be more expensive for shorter production runs
- Tooling expenses can begin to creep up over time
- It can take considerable time to make design changes
- It can often have long lead times.
Sheet metal fabrication
Metal fabrication is a broad manufacturing term with fabrication involving numerous processes such as cutting, drilling, welding, use of CNC cutters, and more.
It can also involve tapping, rolling, folding, and assembling all the separate parts, joining them together to form the final product.
This makes fabrication much more labour-intensive and requires varying levels of skill.
With metal fabrication, you have the capability to achieve diverse customisations, lead times are much lower compared to metal stamping, and you have a high degree of flexibility, so any tweaks or changes to designs can be made and adjusted quickly and efficiently.
Ultimately, with metal fabrication, you can receive good design to production timescales and have prototypes of your design manufactured with ease.
Is metal fabrication for you?
Metal fabrication is great for:
- Complex products and designs
- Cost-effective and efficient for low-volume production pieces
- Rapid prototyping
- Versatility
- Products that require a high level of customisation
- Fabrication can include laser cutting and shearing for precision
- Short lead times
- Making necessary design adjustments ASAP
- Cost-effectiveness even on short production runs.
Downfalls of metal fabrication:
- Labour costs can be high
- Material costs tend to be higher
- Less compatible with high-volume production runs
- Repeating a process with a high degree of accuracy is not as easy as it is with stamping
- The level of consistency is not as dependable.
Metal Fabricators Near Me
Both sheet metal stamping and metal fab are common practices in the world of fabrication.
The best process for you depends on your project requirements and design specifications.
It’s also important to consider the circumstances surrounding the parts, i.e. how will they be used? The volume of your production, shipping, assembly, etc.
Our team is only a phone call away.
Dependable, skilled, precise, and providing high-quality consistently.
Call 0191 816 2718 or email your project requirements to info@morfabrication.com, and we’ll design the right fabrication solution for you.