What are the applications of metal fabrication technology?
According to the Department of Industry (Ministry of Industry and Trade): “The domestic mechanical engineering industry has gradually mastered and improved the localization rate; creating incentives for the development of other industries and economies, thereby directly and indirectly creating jobs for millions of workers.” [1] The role of mechanical engineering in general as well as metal fabrication in particular is increasingly important, they strongly influence other industries. So what are the applications of specific metal fabrication technologies? Let’ s answer this question with RX Tradex!
Common applications of metal manufacturing technology
These leading technologies are used to fabricate metals.
Several types of metal fabrication technologies are popular today:
· CAD software: Computer aided design (CAD) software plays an important role in the design of metal fabrication projects. Engineers use CAD to develop designs that make it easier to refine parts and allow engineers to find important information quickly.
· Automation: Fabrication machines are increasingly being manufactured with programmability, allowing machines to automatically complete projects to specifications with minimal human involvement. Advanced robotics and automation technologies are rapidly being used in industrial sectors to speed up production, increase productivity, and limit human oversight. [2]
· 3D printing technology: It is a relatively new technology that has a significant influence. 3D printing has made it easier to manufacture and assemble entire buildings. They assist manufacturers in reducing waste and improving energy efficiency.
· Ultrasonic Machining: This technology is used to produce a wide variety of materials, including: silicon, ferrite, ceramics, glass and germanium,… New production methods will allow a wider range of materials to be used. Advanced manufacturing techniques allow manufacturers to use new materials and reduce dependence on steel.
· Hydroforming: A manufacturing process that uses high-pressure liquids to shape metals such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper and brass,…
· Laser cutting: A process that uses highly focused beams of light to penetrate and cut materials through extremely high temperatures. Laser machines provide light waves that are consistent in phase, frequency, and direction. Currently, fiber lasers are increasingly widely used.
· Advanced specification capabilities: CNC technology makes it easier to create extremely detailed component designs and high-precision fabrication techniques. They connect machines to computer software so that they can run automatically and perform accurate and consistent operations.
In addition, there are many other technologies such as: Sandblasting, robot welding, press braking, arc welding, grinding, centerless polishing and Hopping machine,… is commonly used in metal manufacturing technology.
Industries that use products made of metal.
Applications of metal fabrication technology include:
Manufacturing industry.
· Architectural and structural metal production: Fabricated metal is used to form the structure of large and small buildings such as: Foundations, columns, ceilings and floors,… help make buildings more structurally sturdy and fireproof.
· Manufacture of boilers, tanks and shipping containers: Metals are used in almost everything such as: Ship assemblies, retaining pins and cont hulls,…
· Manufacturing other prefabricated metal products: Metals are produced daily around the world for a variety of uses, and in many cases, metal fabrication serves as the backbone for other professions.
· Wire and spring product manufacturing: Welding wires are often used to help weld pieces of metal together. Springs and wires play an important role in industrial machinery.
· OEM parts: Original equipment manufacturing used in special production such as: Furniture, kitchen utensils, accessories and components,… They allow each part to be replaced separately.
· Parts for mass consumption and custom fabrication: These products have consistent requirements and are highly applicable because they are more likely to deteriorate than others, such as: Cans, screws, cutlery, pans, custom valves, auto parts and hardware, …
The industry produces hardware and hand tools.
· Hardware manufacturing: Metal fabrication technology has made computer systems fully functional and durable for home and office use. With products such as: Hard disk enclosures, motherboards, modems, monitors and computer cases,…
· Production of cutlery and hand tools: Metal fabrication processes are responsible first of all for the sharpness of the knives and the accuracy of tools and equipment. Most hand tools such as: Industrial pliers, wrenches, aperture heads, screwdrivers, pipe cutters, industrial cutters ,… applied in various industries.
· Production of turning and screw products, nuts and bolts: Products assembled from metal sheets or a part mass-produced from mold cuts such as screws, nuts and bolts,… is a popular product of metal fabrication.
Infrastructure engineering industry.
· HVAC industry: Metal fabrication processes create: Standard and specialized ductwork systems such as: Small HVAC accessories, heating and cooling equipment,…
· Transportation: Application of metal manufacturing technology such as: Vehicle shells, machine parts, equipment and accessories, couplings in most vehicles from bicycles, motorcycles, cars, trucks, planes or ships,…
Construction industry.
Ferrous metal, base metal is often used to serve construction projects such as houses, buildings, bridges and roads, various large and small structures,… Moreover, metal fabrication products in this industry such as emergency exits, metal stairs, catwalks, floors or custom pieces for use in construction projects,… They make structures that are solid and emergency ready, resistant to corrosion and durable.
Automotive and heavy equipment industry.
Metal fabrication is often associated with the automotive and heavy equipment industries. It is used to produce many types such as: Auto parts, engine parts, covers and valves,… This technology also produces other parts such as components or large parts for transport vehicles, spa machinery and heavy equipment,…
Energy industry.
The use of conductive metal sheets to create clean energy sources is a strong development. Solar energy is an ideal solution and metal stamping makes it easier to provide electricity to remote areas. In addition, metal fabrication is also applied in the production of alternative energy sources such as windmills, hydroelectric propeller forming and motors,…
Chemical industry.
Metals are also used to study and analyze chemical reactions. Since then, scientists have developed many other useful materials on the basis of metal elements to serve modern life. Commonly used metals such as: Aluminum, stainless steel, cast iron, magnesium, titana, copper and chromium,…
Aerospace technology industry.
It is one of the most demanding industries in terms of safety, thanks in large part to metal fabrication processes for creating the fastest form of movement possible. Various items manufactured by aircraft developers include metal-made parts such as: Engines/wings/heads/fuselages of spacecraft or rockets,…
Household and consumer industries:
Metal is used to create products for life such as: Tables and chairs, kitchen utensils, stairs, doors, gates, electronics, watches, jewelry, household appliances, furniture,… In addition, non-ferrous metals are also used in interior decoration, such as: Blinds, ions, handles, fireplaces, locks, keys, vases, pots, saucepans, tables, chairs, hinges, lamps, household appliances, knives, scissors, cables, screws, nuts, bolts and rivets,…
Paint, engraving, heat treatment and the like:
Metal fabrication technologies are used to make these items valuable. These include a lot of metal products with engravings: Abbreviations, names, photos and design motifs,… Metal fabrication is widely used such as metal trays, silverware, collections and souvenirs,…
Typical applications of metal fabrication technology in other areas of life and activity.
In the agricultural sector: Automated processing equipment and other machinery that use parts machined from metals usually cost less to maintain and repair, saving farmers and ranchers time and money. Metal fabrication application in: Agricultural equipment, replacement parts for old tractors, agricultural industry support equipment, tractors to Rogue Fab pipe bending machinery and machines,…
Military and defense sector: Metal fabrication technology is used in every field of military and defense, from making small, detailed parts to large tanks and even nuclear jets and missiles.
The trend of metal manufacturing in Vietnam today.
The fabrication trend is shifting from the use of base metals to alloys designed to meet specific features and performance. They are completely recyclable and can be reused many times and do not generate waste like plastics or polymers. Metalworking can sometimes lead to the production of harmful gases such as carbon monoxide. However, the metal fabrication industry is focusing on using recycling methods for metal products to minimize pressure on the environment.
Metal fabrication is an industry that has existed for thousands of years and long into the future. The metal fabrication industry will continue to change and evolve as technology continuously improves, enabling streamlined production processes, aligning with market demands, and adopting more sophisticated technologies.
Summary
Metal fabrication technology plays an important role and they are applied in almost all industries and fields. They have a particularly important position in the production of industries today. Therefore, learning and learning about industry-leading technologies, advanced metal solutions is really necessary.
Therefore, you should participate in leading international exhibitions such as the Metalex Exhibition organized by RX Tradex to better understand the importance and trends of the metals industry. Moreover, businesses can refer to other events created by RX Tradex in 2023 such as Vietnam Manufacturing Expo, Waste and Recycling Vietnam and NEPCON Vietnam to increase opportunities to learn, expand business and capture the market.
[1] Source: https://moit.gov.vn/
[2] Source: https://smartsheetmetal.com.vn
[3] Source: https://www.summitsteelinc.com/
[4] Source: https://www.roguefab.com/, https://athgroup.net/
[5] Source: https://www.tuckey.com/
