Over our three decades in business, we’ve seen the rise of many different tools and technologies in the sheet metal fabrication industry. Developments and innovations show no signs of slowing, with the increasing sophistication of robotics and automation technologies and, more recently, the proliferation of AI.
Metal fabrication – by which we mean turning sheets of metal into specific components, parts and products for specific use or application – is constantly evolving in the face of technological advances.
Various technologies enable greater precision, efficiency, and productivity across a range of metal forming, cutting, rolling, machining, and welding services. We’re also seeing a whole host of new products and techniques making the metal fabrication process more environmentally friendly and sustainable. In this blog, we delve into some of the technologies shaping the future of the industry.
The rise of robotics and automation has been instrumental across a broad range of industries, and metal fabrication is no exception. Automating the operation of metal fabrication tools and machinery enhances precision, speed and accuracy while reducing the likelihood of human error. Some techniques we deploy include:
These processes ensure the metal is fabricated to match exact specifications and can also reduce production costs, as they require less time and manual intervention and help to reduce waste.
Some robotic and automated tools are also deployed across the industry for painting and finishing. In some instances, we’re seeing robotics paired with AI and machine learning technologies to carry out certain tasks, using intelligence and predictive analytics to act without the need for specific instructions or programming.
Sometimes referred to as ‘additive manufacturing’, 3D printing is being used across steel fabrication and other metalworking projects to produce complex and intricate designs. This computer-controlled process adds material layer by layer to create a specific shape, part or component. While certain machining processes are subtractive – essentially, they achieve their intended shape by removing material from the original metal sheet – 3D printing is additive, creating only the parts it needs, and therefore reduces waste.
Computer Aided Design (CAD) software has been used in metal fabrication for many years, but – like many technologies – it’s becoming increasingly sophisticated. CAD software enables sheet metal fabricators to create a detailed 2D or 3D image of the desired product with the required measurements and dimensions.
This advanced software enables precision engineering, and in some instances, can directly programme CNC cutting machinery to enable a smooth process from concept to reality. CAD software can save teams a great deal of time in the planning stages while improving accuracy and reducing waste.
With metal supply reportedly accounting for around 10-17% of global greenhouse gas emissions, the industry must be more mindful of its impact and proactively implement more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.
As awareness and education around the importance of more sustainable manufacturing increase, we find that more customers consider environmental impact in their design decisions. At CSM, we work with customers on a range of fabrication projects using steel, copper and aluminium – metals often chosen for their durability and infinite recyclability.
However, the focus should go beyond the choice of metal itself and how it’s extracted and manufactured – it must extend to how it’s fabricated and finished to reach its intended final form.
Alongside technologies like CNC machining and CAD software that help to reduce waste, we’re also seeing a rise in eco-friendly paints and metal finishing products. While traditional coats and sealants tend to contain toxic and polluting chemicals, more fabrication specialists are opting for non-toxic and water-based alternatives to eliminate exposure to potentially harmful materials and reduce their environmental impact.
The technologies and innovations shaping metal fabrication not only provide efficiency and productivity benefits to fabrication specialists, but the cost and time efficiencies can also be passed onto the end customer, resulting in more competitive pricing and shorter lead times.
However, many machines and technologies can be costly to deploy, and as they rapidly improve and advance, they quickly become outdated.
Plus, while new tools and technologies bring a wide range of benefits, the human touch and attention to detail cannot be underestimated in complex and intricate custom metal fabrication projects. At CSM, we invest a lot of time and effort into quality assurance, and each and every product must pass our rigorous quality checks before delivery and installation.
The team at CSM make a concerted effort to stay abreast of technological advancements and new products so we can be confident we’re offering the best possible, high-standard, efficient service to our customers.
Our customer-centric approach, along with our decades of experience, fabrication skills, and industry-leading equipment, mean there’s no better team to take on your next custom metal fabrication project from vision to reality.
Take a look at some of our past projects to see what we can do, or to get the ball rolling with your bespoke metal product, get in touch.