Metal fabrication is a process that involves shaping, cutting, and assembling metal materials to create a wide range of products and structures. This field encompasses various techniques and processes, often performed by skilled professionals known as metal fabricators or welders. The goal of metal fabrication is to produce structures or components with specific shapes, sizes, and properties to meet the requirements of a particular project.
Key aspects of metal fabrication include:
- Cutting: Metal is cut into specific shapes using various methods such as sawing, shearing, or CNC plasma cutting.
- Forming: Metal is shaped into the desired form through processes like bending, rolling, or stamping. This step helps achieve the required dimensions and contours.
- Welding: Pieces of metal are joined together using various welding techniques, such as arc welding, MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding, TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding, or spot welding.
- Assembly: Individual components are assembled to create the final product. This may involve welding, fastening, or other joining methods.
Metal fabrication is widely used in various industries. At Bendalls it is used to manufacture bespoke products for our clients within the Nuclear, Defence, Oil & Gas, and Renewable industries. The process requires a combination of technical skills, knowledge of materials, and the use of specialised tools and equipment.
Please follow the link for full detail on the Apprenticeship standard – Metal fabricator / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education
CNC machining stands for Computer Numerical Control machining. It’s a manufacturing process that uses computerised controls and machine tools to remove material from a workpiece to create a finished product. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements:
- Computerised Control: CNC machining relies on computer programs and numerical code to control the movement of machine tools. These programs dictate the precise coordinates and movements that the cutting tools will follow.
- Machine Tools: Various machine tools, such as mills, lathes, routers, and grinders, are used in CNC machining. These tools are equipped with motors and actuators that precisely move and control the cutting tools.
- CAD/CAM Software: Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software play a crucial role. CAD is used to design the part, and CAM generates the CNC program that guides the machining process based on the design.
- Precision Cutting: CNC machining enables high precision and repeatability. The programmed instructions control the movement and speed of the cutting tools, allowing for intricate shapes and tight tolerances.
Overall, CNC machining is a powerful and versatile manufacturing method that combines computer control with traditional machining tools to produce accurate and complex components for various applications.
Please follow the link for full detail on the Apprenticeship standard – Machining technician / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education
Fitting is a hands-on engineering role focused on assembling, installing, maintaining and repairing mechanical components and systems. Mechanical fitters work with a wide range of machinery and equipment, ensuring that moving parts operate safely, efficiently and to precise tolerances. The role requires strong technical knowledge, attention to detail and the ability to interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
Mechanical fitters are responsible for building assemblies from individual components, often working on complex or safety critical equipment. In addition to fitting and assembly, this role can also include machining activities, where components are manufactured or modified to achieve the required accuracy and finish.
Key aspects of mechanical fitting can include:
- Interpreting engineering drawings: Reading and understanding detailed technical drawings, specifications and assembly instructions to ensure components are built correctly and to tolerance.
- Assembly and installation: Fitting together mechanical parts such as bearings, shafts, gearboxes, pumps and hydraulic systems. This may involve the use of hand tools, torque equipment and precision measuring instruments.
- Machining: Producing or modifying components using manual machines such as lathes, milling machines or drilling machines. This ensures parts meet exact dimensional requirements before assembly.
- Alignment and testing: Setting and aligning machinery to ensure smooth operation, followed by functional testing to confirm performance and safety standards are met.
- Maintenance and repair: Diagnosing faults, replacing worn components and carrying out planned maintenance to minimise downtime and maintain reliability.
Mechanical fitting is widely used across a range of industries. At Bendalls, mechanical fitters support the manufacture, installation and maintenance of bespoke engineered products for clients within the Nuclear, Defence and Renewable sectors. The role combines practical skill with technical understanding, ensuring high quality, compliant and reliable mechanical systems are delivered to meet client requirements.
Please follow the link for full detail on the Apprenticeship standard – Engineering fitter / Skills England
