In the world of mechanical engineering, the terms welding and fabrication are most often used together. While this may make them sound like a single process, they are in fact distinctly different.
So, what is the difference between welding and fabrication?
Welding vs Fabrication
Both of these processes are essential in the creation of metal shapes and structures, from nuts and bolts to aeroplanes. Once you break them down you can easily see the symbiotic relationship between the two disciplines.
Welding
Welding is the process of joining pieces of metal together using heat. TIG welding is probably the most common technique, but there are others such as gas metal arc, oxy acetylene and MIG – the choice of which depends on the metal and its purpose.
Essentially, an electric arc is created between the welding rod and the work material which generates an enormous amount of heat. The heat acts upon the metals which would ideally have a similar melting point, and fuses these together.
Fabrication
Fabrication, on the other hand, is the over-arching plan for the end product; starting with a blueprint the fabrication process includes the layout, cutting, welding and assembling the individual parts.
Fabrication consists of many processes such as die cutting, bending, stamping, hydroforming, grinding, drilling, spinning, stretching, rolling and finishing.
Of course, welding forms an essential part of the entire fabrication procedure but is still simply one element.
As you can imagine, the tools required for each of these individual processes varies greatly, and a good welding and fabrication business will should be able to offer state-of-the-art tools to ensure speed and precision.
For those in the market for skilled welding and fabrication professionals in the Gauteng area, we’d like to encourage you to call on the Steelmor team. We’re certain that our extensive experience and friendly staff are exactly what you need for your next project.
