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“Metal fabrication” and “production welding” in Manitoba are often used interchangeably. While both operations might have similarities, they do still have distinct differences. Fabrication is an entire process, while welding is part of that process. We’ll go into further details here.
What Metal Fabrication Is
Speaking broadly, metal fabrication is the process of converting raw material into a finished product. Many industries depend on metal components to thrive, so much so that metal is an inextricable component of our modern, everyday lives.
Metal is involved in the production of different products, from the bearings on wheels to the internal structure of commercial buildings. To get the products that make such things, metal manufacturers have to use several different procedures to get the proper results.
Metal fabrication is a multi-faceted, process-oriented field. The primary steps in fabrication are cutting, bending, and assembling. All of these processes are assisted by sophisticated technology and heavy-duty equipment.
Where Welding Comes Into Play
Welding uses the application of heat to fuse metal parts. In the fabrication process, a manufacturer might use production welding during the assembly phase. There are many different welding methods, just as there are types of welds. However, welding cannot create a finished product on its own.
Simply put, you can think of production welding as a step in a process. Conversely, fabrication refers to the entire process. Depending on the project, a manufacturer might not require welding parts together at all. It is this ability to adapt that makes metalworking such a versatile field.