Metalworking

In its simplest terms, metalworking is the process of forming and shaping metals to create useful tools, objects, equipment parts, and structures. The term ‘metalworking’ covers a huge variety of work across multiple industries and sectors, which includes residential projects. Metalworking projects generally fall under the categories of forming, cutting, and joining. It may also involve techniques such as cutting, welding, casting, and molding. Materials used for metalworking include ferrous and non-ferrous metals such as steel, aluminum, gold, silver, bronze, iron, and more.

If you have a metalworking project in mind, turn to Bobco Ornamental. We have the tools and skills necessary in order to complete the project and meet your standards.

3 Branches of Metalworking

There are three major branches or components make up the art and craft of metalworking. Those three branches are metal forming, metal casting, and metal joining.

1) Metal Forming: Metal forming is the process of shaping and reshaping metal using mechanical force or heat. The shape and structure of the piece of metal are altered without adding or removing any materials. It is similar to shaping a piece of Play-Dough, where the metal becomes malleable to bend to certain shapes and sizes. Metal forming is an essential part of metalworking, as it provides the main pieces that make up larger components of the project.

2) Metal Casting: Metal casting is an aspect of metalworking that has made mass production of metal products possible and more affordable. The process of metal casting involves creating a mold that molten metal can be poured into and allowed to dry. The final product of this step is a new and standardized shape of metal that can be specialized in any way needed.

3) Metal Joining: Once essential metal parts have been formed and cast, there also needs to be a way to join them together. The process of metal joining can be done in different ways. Ultimately, the choice may depend on the type of metal in use or the way a product will ultimately be used. Joining may be done through heating and melting metals to act as a solvent to create a bond. In some other cases, metalworkers will use a process called riveting. This creates special holes and assembly points to bring parts together. Riveting is an ancient process of metal joining that is still sometimes used today, particularly in artisan metalworking.

3 Most Common Metalworking Processes

Since metalworking is used so diversely it includes a wide range of skills, processes and tools. Most commonly metalworking is divided into the following three categories:

1) Cutting: Cutting is a collection of processes where material is brought to a specified shape by removing excess using various kinds of tooling.

2) Forming: Forming modifies metal by deforming it, which means it does not remove any metal. This is done with a system of mechanical forces and, especially for bulk metal forming, with heat

3) Joining: Joining brings two or more pieces of metal together by way of one or more different processes, which includes welding, brazing and soldering.

At Bobco Ornamental Iron, we use these processes to the best of our abilities. And we will choose the right process for the job at hand.

Commonly Used Metalworking Tools

There are many different commonly used metalworking tools ranging from the simple, but effective, hammer and anvil through to complex tools including fiber lasers, punch presses, and MIG and TIG welding equipment. All of which the team at Bobco can use and operate on a project-by-project basis.

Of course, working with metalworking tools are the people that operate them. The skills of these workers are as important as the tools and equipment they operate. At Bobco, we are very fortunate to have a skilled team to help our clients achieve their goals each and every time we start a project.

Get a Quote Today!

Over the years, we have become a trusted name for many across Nassau County, Long Island when it comes to metalworking. Our shop is located right in Franklin Square, New York. Get a quote for our custom iron railings today. From homes to businesses, we are your metalworking and ornamental iron specialist!

Get Railings Quote

Our metalworking services are second to none! So please, reach out today to learn more about our ornamental iron services! When you contact us, we can provide you with a free estimate for any of the services you are looking to have done. Also, please check out our Facebook page for more details about our projects.