What is the difference between sheet metal and fabrication?
Sheet metal and fabrication are closely related terms, often used in the context of manufacturing and metalworking, but they refer to different aspects of the process.
Sheet Metal
Sheet metal refers to metal that has been processed into thin, flat pieces. It is one of the fundamental forms used in metalworking and can be cut and bent into a variety of shapes. Thicknesses can vary significantly; extremely thin sheets are considered foil or leaf, and pieces thicker than 6 mm (0.25 in) are considered plate.
Fabrication
Fabrication, on the other hand, refers to the process of constructing products by cutting, bending, and assembling metal. It involves multiple steps and techniques to create a finished product. Fabrication can include:
- Cutting: Using tools such as shears, lasers, or water jets to cut the metal into the desired shape.
- Bending: Using press brakes, rollers, or other tools to bend the metal into specific angles and shapes.
- Assembling: Combining different pieces of metal, often through welding, riveting, or using fasteners, to create a complete product.
Key Differences
- Material vs. Process: Sheet metal refers to the raw material, while fabrication refers to the process of making something out of that material.
- Scope: Sheet metal is a specific type of material. Fabrication is a broader term that can involve working with sheet metal, but also includes other forms of metalworking.
- End Product: Sheet metal is an intermediate product used in various applications. Fabrication is the creation of a finished product from raw materials.
In the context of your business, sheet metal would be the raw material you work with, and fabrication would be the various processes you use to create the final sheet metal parts.
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