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The process of constructing machines and structures from raw materials is called metal fabrication. Metal fabricators (companies that specialize in this process) are called fab shops. Metal fabricators are referred to as a value added processes because they add additional value at a certain stage of production.

Contractors, equipment manufacturers, and resellers have metal fabricators work on a variety of projects for them, including hand railings, stairs and structural frames for buildings and equipment. Often metal fabricators bid on jobs by submitting drawings, and if they are awarded the contract, they build the project. Most metal fabricators and machine shops share many of the same capabilities, with fab shops concentrating primarily on the forming and welding of metal.

Once a contract has been awarded, metal fabricators begin the planning stages. This involves ordering the correct materials and having a manufacturing engineer program CNC machines for the project. Some of the work may be sub-contracted out depending on the size and specialized needs of the project.

Some of the raw materials used by metal fabricators are: plate metal, pre-formed and expanded metal, welding wire, fittings and castings. To begin, these raw materials need to be cut to the correct size. This is done with tools like a special band saw or with cutting torches. Metal can then be formed using dies. Tube bending machines and rolling machines are also used to bend and make round sections of metal. Parts are welded together, and then after cooling the machine or structure is usually sand blasted and painted. This final product is thoroughly inspected before it is shipped off to the client.

Many metal fabricators specialize in specific processes based on their clients' needs and their own expertise. These could be punching, welding, forging, casting, brazing, shearing, drawing and spinning. Even higher levels of specialization include electrical and hydraulics services.