The Difference Between Metal Fabrication and Machining

If you are a purchasing agent, business owner, or innovator, your knowledge is in the capabilities a product needs to have for your business success. You probably don’t have knowledge in the engineering, design, fabrication, and machining that might be necessary to create the end product. 

It is our job to take the guesswork out of your project, but it can also be helpful to understand some of the terminology. Some of the things that many people confuse are metal fabrication and machining. Some people think these are the same, but they are distinctly different.

What is metal fabrication?

Amtex Precision is primarily a metal fabrication company. Metal fabrication refers to metal processes that create products, equipment, or tools to exact specifications using bending, punching, cutting, and welding of sheet metal, usually stainless steel or aluminum. Metal fabricators start with a flat sheet of metal and manipulate it into the desired shape. 

What is machining?

Machining is another way of turning metal into usable equipment and parts. Machining starts with a block of metal rather than a sheet. Using different types of drills and boring tools, machinists will carve out the product or part that you need for your business. 

Similarities

Both metal fabrication and machining can be planned and engineered using the best CAD software. Some fabrication or machining products may also be manufactured using computerized tools that follow the CAD plans exactly to ensure precise and accurate designs.

Differences

The best way to think about the difference between fabrication and machining is to think of it in terms of art. Machining is similar to a sculptor carving out a face from a block of stone. Fabrication is similar to origami, folding and bending a sheet into recognizable or usable shapes.

If you are interested in metal fabrication or light machining projects, contact us today for information about how we can assist you.