Find the Best Metal Fabrication Contractors Near You

Metal fabricators are responsible for cutting, shaping, positioning and aligning different types of metal. The metals used for metal fabrication is generally used in building structures; therefore, metal fabricators are usually hired for projects put forth by construction and manufacturing companies.

Metal fabricators also work on cars, aircraft and even electronic devices. Metal fabricators must be knowledgeable in reading and interpreting blueprints, cutting, aligning and welding metal, and performing quality controls. Since there have also been many technological advancements in this industry, they need to learn how to operate the machines or equipment and be comfortable using them.

Some metal fabricators may include welders, blacksmiths, ironworkers, boilermakers and other professionals that work with metal engineering - converting raw metal materials into final products.

Metal fabrication is the process of cutting, burning, machining, welding, forming or assembling raw metal materials to build machines and structures. These raw materials include plate metal, castings, fitting, welding wires, and metals formed, expanded, section, or flat. Metal engineering projects vary from hand railings to heavy machinery or equipment. Here are a few examples: cutlery and hand tools, hardware manufacturing, architectural and structural metals, spring and wire manufacturing, forging, stamping, and screw, nut, and bolt manufacturing.

Below is the list of materials that are readily available from various suppliers for metal works:

• Castings
• Formed and expanded metal
• Fittings
• Plate Metal
• Hardware
• Sectional metal
• Welding wire

This next list is the raw materials used for the casting process (where liquid metal is forced into a mould and metal fabricators allow it to cool and harden to a specific form or shape):

• Aluminium
• Copper
• Iron
• Gold
• Steel
• Stainless steel
• Silver
• Magnesium

In metal fabrication, "hardware" is known as the standardised fittings or parts used to make the product stronger, more functional and easier to fabricate. Below are the basic hardware raw materials:

• Corners
• Chains
• Handles
• Locks
• Keys
• Latches
• Wires

Metals commonly used in engineering and construction industries are usually sectional metal. These are raw materials made of steel and are also available in a range of standardised shapes.

• I-beam: A long steel cross-section beam shaped like the letter "I."
• Z-shape: Shaped like the letter "Z" with half a flange protruding in opposite directions.
• Hollow structural section (HSS): Composed of hollow piping and which has shapes that can be angled, channelled, T-shaped or asymmetrical. These standard shapes can be either square, circular, rectangular, and elliptical.
• Bar: A flat, long, piece of rectangular cross-sectioned metal.
• Rod: A circular or square-shaped long piece of metal. Rebar, for example, is a type of rod sectional metal.

A metal that has been pressed or rolled into very thin, flat pieces is Flat Metal. Its thickness can vary from less than a millimetre to several centimetres. Usually, it is measured in gauges. Here are the three general categories of flat metal:

• Foil or leaf metal: The thinnest type of flat metal.
• Sheet metal: The most common type of flat metal, with a thickness of less than 6mm in size.
• Plate metal: A type of flat metal that is thicker than 0.25 inches.

There are four factors to consider when calculating the cost of metal manufacturing or fabrication. These are (1) materials, (2) labour, (3) services and (4) overhead. Materials are the raw materials such as sheet, bar and rod stocks. Labor has two categories to consider, direct and indirect labour. Direct labour is the labour cost is the labour efforts made in making the products while indirect labour is the cost related to running the business itself. Services are dependent on whether the fabrication company fabricates the metals themselves or chooses to outsource the job somewhere else. Finally, overhead costs are needed to run the business itself, including sales, general and administrative costs.

iseekplant has a nationwide network of quality metal fabrication suppliers operating in all Australian capital cities from Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne to Darwin, Perth and Adelaide. We also offer metal fabrication in all major towns and cities from Cairns down to Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Newcastle, Central Coast, Geelong and Hobart.

Find metal fabricators on iseekplant by doing a simple search on our marketplace. You can also save time by using our Get a Quote tool, and we'll send your request to your nearest suppliers. Those metal fabrication companies will then contact you directly with their best rates. You can contact us directly by calling 1300 691 912 or emailing projects@iseekplant.com.au.

Metal fabrication is the building of metal structures by cutting, bending, and assembling processes. The process involves the creation of machines, parts, and structures from various raw materials. In steel fabrication, the fabricating material will be steel.

Industrial metal fabrication plays an essential role in the safety of many industries, from aerospace and automotive to defence and medical. This is because metal fabrication can be used to create a variety of parts, components, and structures that meet exact requirements for design, strength, and precision.

Sheet metal fabrication involves forming and manipulating thin sheets of metal, commonly used in various industries. HVAC Systems: Crafting ductwork and other components for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Automotive Parts: Manufacturing body panels, frames, and other vehicle parts.

The process starts with sheet metal around a quarter of an inch thick or less. At this thickness, the metal is pliable enough to assume different shapes. Using this metal, fabricators alter the sheet to create a specific shape. This takes place through cutting, stamping, shaping, folding and welding.

Shears, rollers, press brakes, laser and plasma cutters, and beam coping machines are great additions to your shop. With these tools, you'll be equipped to handle various metal fabrication projects and ensure high-quality results for your clients.

The essential framework for buildings, bridges, warehouses, and numerous mega structures is made with the steel beams, girders, ladders, handrails, and platforms that metal fabricators produce.

In fabricating metal, there are many benefits to this process that can be attributed to it. Metal fabrication provides a means of creating custom products or parts suitable for various uses. Additionally, metal fabrication can be used to develop more robust and durable products than those made from other materials.

Metal fabrication covers a range of processes used to cut, shape, join, and finish metal into products or components. Common types include:

1. Cutting

• Laser, plasma, and waterjet cutting: High-precision methods for sheets, plates, and tubes.
• Mechanical cutting: Shears and saws for smaller sections or standard lengths.
• Punching: Creating holes in metal sheets.

2. Welding

• MIG (Gas Metal Arc Welding): Fast, continuous welding using a consumable wire and shielding gas.
• TIG (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding): Precise welding with a non-consumable electrode, ideal for thicker metals.
• Stick (Shielded Metal Arc Welding): Uses a consumable electrode to form the weld.
• Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW): Similar to MIG but more portable due to flux-cored wire.

3. Forming

• Stamping: Pressing metal into shapes, often with raised or indented designs.
• Bending: Folding or curving metal into angles or curves.
• Rolling: Shaping metal by passing it through rollers.
• Extrusion: Forcing metal through a die to create consistent cross-sectional shapes.

4. Casting

• Sand casting: Molten metal poured into a sand mold.
• Die casting: Molten metal forced into a metal mold under pressure.
• Permanent mold casting: Molten metal poured into a reusable metal mold.

5. Other processes

• Machining: Removing material to create precise shapes using cutters or lathes.
• Forging: Shaping metal through compressive forces like hammering or pressing.
• Shot blasting: Cleans, strengthens, or polishes surfaces using high-speed abrasive media.

These processes can be combined depending on the product requirements, complexity, and material type.

The lead time for fabrication work varies depending on project complexity, materials, and finishing requirements. Simple projects, such as standard sheet metal fabrication, can typically be completed within one to four weeks, while complex or high-spec projects may take several months. Factors influencing lead time include design intricacy, material availability, labour capacity, equipment, and any specialised processes like cutting, bending, welding, or coatings.

Lead time is generally calculated by combining the time needed for material sourcing, production steps, and final inspection or delivery. It can also be affected by order size and the current workload of the fabrication facility. Smaller, more frequent orders can sometimes be completed faster than large, bulk orders. This ensures that all stages—from pre-processing to post-processing—are accounted for in the overall timeframe.

Some fabricators offer installation services, but it depends on the company and the type of project. While many focus solely on manufacturing components, others provide end-to-end solutions, including on-site assembly, fitting, or full installation.

When installation is available, it typically covers transporting the fabricated items to the site, correctly positioning and securing them, and ensuring compliance with safety or building standards. Customers should confirm with the fabricator whether installation is included or offered as an additional service.