Machining and Fabrication—What’s Their Difference and How Do They Work Together?

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machining and fabrication differences

Machining and fabrication are essential processes in manufacturing or industrial operations. They handle most metalworks, which are necessary for shaping products and components. However, many people inside and outside the industry might still need clarification about the two concepts. 

As business owners, you must understand machining and fabrication as individual processes and how they can optimise your production and produce high-quality results. 

This article will cover all that, especially the specifics of machining and fabrication, how they can work together, and their wide range of applications. 

What is Machining?

Creating complex and high-accuracy forms from metals, plastics, or composites can be challenging. Fortunately, machining already exists to help with these kinds of tasks.  

Machining is a process that involves removing excess material from a solid block or cylinder workpiece to produce accurate, detailed shapes and dimensions. Several machining techniques are used to cut metals in a controlled manner; the most common are turning, milling, and drilling.

Moreover, this metalwork method uses various tools and equipment for cutting, shaping, and finishing materials. One standard machine in this process is the CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine. This is where movements are automated, and instructions are programmed. 

What is Fabrication?

Unlike machining, which solely focuses on cutting excess material for precision, fabrication zeroes in on shaping, assembling, and joining several raw materials to complete components or structures. 

Companies commonly use this manufacturing process to create larger, more robust parts for larger-scale use. Although it might seem as familiar as machining, fabrication uses more than cutting. Some standard techniques used in fabrication are bending, welding, and assembling. The use of these techniques still depends on the complexity and scale of the project.  

Regarding materials and tools, fabrication uses multiple tools, such as press brakes, welding machines, laser or plasma cutters, rollers, and shears. 

Machining vs. Fabrication: Key Differences

Starting materials are considered to be the main difference between machining and fabrication. However, there is more to their differences than materials. Let’s discuss them below. 

Techniques: 

  • Machining’s main techniques are cutting, milling, and turning, which remove excess materials for better accuracy. 
  • The assembly and forming of materials into shapes are the core techniques of fabrication, which involve welding and bending.  

Starting Materials: 

  • Machining: Solid block or cylinder type of metal.
  • Fabrication: Sheet metal or bar stock.

Tools: 

  • Machining uses lathes, mills, and CNC machines. 
  • Fabrication uses welding machines, presses, and laser cutters. 

Applications:

  • Machining is best used if the outcome requires tight tolerances and intricate details. 
  • For larger structures that need durability and strength, fabrication is the more fitting process.  

How Machining and Fabrication Work Together

As previously mentioned, although machining and fabrication are two different processes, they still complement each other to improve manufacturing workflows. 

In many instances, industrial operations use both machining and fabrication, like creating aerospace or car parts. You first start with metal fabrication of rough parts and machining them to come up with precise details. 

Combining the two allows an outstanding balance of robust structure and precise details. So, if you want to integrate machining and fabrication services into your system, you can expect immense product quality and production efficiency. 

Applications of Machining and Fabrication in Industry

Machining and fabrication are crucial in many industries. Check some specific industries below and how these two are applied and integrated into their workflows. 

  • Automotive: Vehicle frames are created through fabrication, while machining ensures engine components meet precise specifications. 
  • Aerospace: The creation of aircraft structures relies heavily on custom engineering services, like fabrication, and the parts that need more fine-tuning, like turbine blades, rely on machining. 
  • Construction: Fabricated steel beams are used for the framework, and machining provides the detailed connections or brackets. 

Optimising Your Projects with Machining and Fabrication

Understanding machining and fabrication is critical to the right approach for your metalwork projects. Knowing their differences lets you leverage their strengths in your production processes and achieve optimal results and high standards. 

Ready to integrate machining and fabrication into your system? Partner with trusted experts like AECSS.

We are an engineering solution provider in Singapore that offers state-of-the-art end-to-end machining and fabrication services customised to your business needs. We also provide automation & engineering services to help your business further. 

Contact us today and explore our offerings to equip your business for the future.

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