Industrial fabrication refers to
metal making and processing, for the purposes of manufacturing a variety of
appliances and structures. Metal fabrication involves various activities such
as blacksmithing, sheet working, sawing, filing, hammering, welding, soldering,
cutting, drawing, forming or machining the metal. Metal fabrication may also be
done on precious metals such as gold and silver, for the purpose of
manufacturing jewelry.
Metal Working Tips
A few tips that can be followed
while metal working – to ensure that complicated layouts can be completed
comfortably and accurately; are discussed below.
The first thing that should be
ensured is to have a stable platform or work-bench that is big enough to
support the layout and the operations (that are to be performed on the metal).
This could ideally be made of a thick plywood framework to support the layout,
while also giving an option to provide storage space if required.
Pattern material, if made with
newspaper or cardboard, will not only be less costly but can also help save
time in the preparation. This however will only be useful if pattern reuse is
not required, and may even feel a little flimsy. But if the worker is not an
expert, it is still advisable to prepare such patterns, lest expensive sheet
metals may get wasted.
Pencil sharpener is a cheap yet
critical tool to have, as a sharp transfer pencil is an absolute must for
ensuring that thick lines do not ruin the transfer from the pattern to the
metal.
A similar tip applies to metal
scratch awls, as they can loose their sharpness with use. A good mill file will
however ensure that the awl does not become dull. Further, having awls of
different lengths, diameters and degrees of roundness, will also help in
creating design indents easily.
If working on the metal in a wet
and humid area, rust can be a real problem. It is therefore advisable to always
keep the shears dipped in oil.
Further, workers should also use
leather gloves while handling metal sheets. This will not only ensure that the
oil coating does not grease the hands or cause rashes or irritation, but also
that the hands are not cut by the sharp edges.
That said, a first aid kit
(including bandages, cotton and anti-septic) should always be kept handy.
Finally, it is always advisable
to repeatedly use the tape and be absolutely certain of the measures, before
cutting the metal or trimming the finished product.
0 comments:
Post a Comment