Fabrication Definition
Fabrication is constructing or producing something by assembling elements or materials.
What is fabrication?
This is the process of converting raw materials or semi-raw materials to form a finished product. It can be helpful to produce products using manufactured pieces such as steel, which can be assembled to create a larger metal structure.
It also helps build components for machinery, household appliances, and engines.
Before we delve into fabrication, let us understand where the word fabrication originated.
In the fifteenth century, the word fabrication arose from the Latin word Fabricationem, which means ‘construction’ or ‘structure’.
This word emphasises making or creating something, reflecting its historical connection with building or construction.
However, the word fabrication has a more abstract sense, referring to the creation of deceiving stories or false information. This word came into use in the late eighteenth century.
How does fabrication work?
Design is the initial stage of any kind of fabrication process. Although the fabrication process could involve various steps, it depends on what type of product is produced from what materials.
This manufacturing methodology is done by both human labor as well as technical advancement. This fabrication process includes everything from hand-crafted blueprints to high-tech designs, or CAD. CAD (computer-aided design) programs can be developed and tested for progressively complex or detailed designs. However, hand-crafted representations can be used for simple work.
A fabricated product is also known as fabrication, and this type of work is done at fab shops. Fabrication procedures may differ depending on the product type and material. The vast majority of the finished goods are metalworking processes, such as machining, stamping, bending, casting, and combining.
The above figure is just a process of fabrication
The primary fabrication processes are
Cutting
Cutting is the most fundamental and prominent step in fabrication. Cutting the raw materials into different manageable shapes to form a product.
The traditional technique includes sawing, chiselling, and shearing via manual power, enabling precise cutting of metals.
However, the modern approach is done by advanced technology like CNC (computer numerical control) using laser cutting, plasma cutting, and waterjet cutting, which provides a higher level of precision and speed, resulting in increased efficiency in production.
Bending
Bending is essential for shaping metal and forming angles and intricate forms.
It is accomplished by hammering or using press brakes; tube benders and various other tools have also been used.
Modern techniques make use of press brakes to stamp or air-bend metal into sheet form. CNC is also utilised to create the desired angles and shapes.
Forming
Forming converts flat sheet metal into 3D components using force without adding or removing substances.
Forming can be accomplished with the help of tools such as punches and dies. It also includes the methods of stretching, bending, and spinning to generate the metal into different forms and shapes without eliminating any materials.
Machine forming is repeatable when done accurately and with the appropriate tools and machinery, which produces a product that is suitable for use in construction, jewelry, civil engineering, and architecture.
Machining
Machining is the technique of removing parts of metal or material from its surface in order to achieve a desired shape or form.
Metal or material removal is often accomplished by the use of sharp cutting tools that shear off the materials.
Fab shops typically have metal machinery that includes milling, drilling, turning, lathes, and various other tools. Each machine possesses a distinctive function.
Punching
Punching is a technique that involves generating holes or indents via press and die.
Small fab shops might utilize hand-powered or machine-punched presses; however, larger-scale manufacturing industries tend to utilize CNC-programmed presses that are capable of producing intricate designs at rapid rates.
Welding
Welding is the fundamental fabrication process in metal fab shops. This is basically a fusion of metal pieces.
Highly skilled welders will combine the formed and machined parts using blueprints provided by engineering or their own discretion and experience if no details are provided.
This conversion process is especially crucial when creating a product structure that is both sturdy and long-lasting. Some of the welding technologies that include welding are metal inert gas welding, tungsten inert gas welding, and arc welding.
Differences between Fabrication and Manufacturing
Fabrication and manufacturing possess similarities, but they still diverge in several aspects. Fabrication is the process of constructing or creating a product from raw or semi-raw materials. It requires excellent manpower and specific expertise, which involves cutting, bending, and assembling various parts to make a final product.
Manufacturing, on the other hand, is the larger-scale conversion of raw materials into finished goods on a bulk scale. It encompasses multiple processes such as planning, designing, quality control, production, material sourcing, and distribution. It also utilises automated machinery, mainly to enhance productivity.
Fabrication vs. Manufacturing
Definition
Scope
Scale
Processes involved
Customisation
Flexibility
Time
Complexity
Quality control
Cost
Conclusion
To summarise, fabrication and manufacturing are two entirely distinct processes with their own methodologies, attributes, and advantages. Fabrication is particularly suitable for custom-made or unique products that require customisation, flexibility, attention to detail, and precision. Manufacturing, on the other hand, focuses more on large-scale production that adheres to established processes while offering scalability, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency through enhanced consistent quality control and output on economic scales. Although it may lack flexibility and customisation compared to fabrication, the decision between fabrication and manufacturing depends on the needs and objectives of the industries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does fabrication mean?
Fabrication is the process of creating products or structures from raw materials through various techniques like cutting, welding, and assembling. It often involves turning raw materials into parts or components that will be used in larger constructions.
What is the difference between fabrication and manufacturing?
Fabrication involves creating specific components or structures from raw materials, often in smaller quantities or custom projects. Manufacturing refers to mass production, typically on an industrial scale, focusing on producing large quantities of finished goods using standardized processes.
What are fabrication techniques?
Fabrication techniques include cutting (laser, plasma), welding (TIG, MIG), forming (bending, rolling), machining (milling, drilling), and casting (pouring molten material into molds). These processes shape, join, or alter raw materials to create finished components.
Why is fabrication important?
Fabrication is vital for industries requiring custom parts, prototypes, or specialized components. It enables precision in construction, supports innovation, and provides flexibility in design, essential for sectors like automotive, aerospace, construction, and manufacturing.