Fabrication workshop: Theory

1. What is metal fabrication?

Metal fabrication is the creation of metals structures by cutting, bending, and

assembling processes. It is a value-added process involving the creation of
machines, parts, and structures from various raw materials.

2. Write the general processes involved in metal fabrication?

Cutting and Burning

A variety of tools are used to cut raw material. The most common cutting
method is shearing. The cutting can either be computer operated or
manual.

Forming
Forming converts flat sheet metal into 3-D parts by applying force
without adding or removing material. The force must be great enough to
change the metal's initial shape. Forming can be controlled with tools
such as punches and dies.

Machining
Machining is a specialized trade of removing material from a block of
metal to make it a desired shape. Fab shops generally have some
machining capability, using metal lathes, mills, drills, and other portable
machining tools.

Welding
Welding is the main focus of steel fabrication. Formed and machined
parts are assembled and welded in place, then rechecked for accuracy.

Final assembly
After the welded work piece has cooled, it is generally sandblasted,
primed and painted. Any additional manufacturing is then performed, and
the finished product is inspected and shipped.
3. What is welding? Explain its types.
Welding is the process by which two pieces of metal can be joined
together through the use of extreme heat and sometimes the addition of
other metals or gases that causes the metallic structures of the two pieces
to join together and become one.
Two types of welding have been explained here:
a. Gas welding:
It is the process of joining metal pieces by heating with one or more
gases flames with or without filler material. Self-burning gases like
hydrogen or acetylene are used to generate heat along with oxygen.
b. Arc welding:
It is the process of joining metal pieces by heating by electricity with
filler material.

4. Differentiate arc and gas welding?

The differences between gas welding and arc welding are as follows:

S.N. Arc welding Gas welding

1. In the arc welding, electricity Fuel gases like acetylene and
is used to generate heat. hydrogen are used.

2. Generates higher temperature. Generates lower temperature.

3. Creates stronger joints. Creates weaker joints

compared to arc.
4. It gives poor surface finish. It gives good surface finish.

5. Consumable electrode is used. No such electrode.