Metal cylinder fabrication: Techniques and uses
Circular metal cylinders are useful in many different industries. They come in handy when designing aeroplanes, vehicle components, HVAC systems and parts of industrial equipment.
As opposed to traditional straight-shaped fabrication techniques, cylindrical metal fabrication requires a detailed and quality process. The cylinder should maintain its structural integrity long after fabrication is completed. To end up with a reliable structure, you need both a reliable fabrication and welding process. You also need quality materials, such as copper, steel, aluminium and other sturdy metallic components.
Understanding the process
Before diving into the uses of cylindrical fabrications, it's first important to understand how the process is carried out. This will help you identify a quality fabricator who can produce strong and reliable products for your applications.
When fabricating metal cylinders, you first need quality input materials. Metal sheets are a useful starting point. These metals are rolled into flat, level sheets to ensure that the cylinder is stable and has an even surface. Next, the sheets are rolled into a round shape. They're often wrapped around a surface that resembles the final product.
If any design features are necessary, they will be incorporated into the supporting surface. For example, side holes, ribs and customised ends may be embedded into the supporting surface (so that your metal sheets may acquire those features)
After the fabrication process is complete, the cylinder will need to be welded to keep its structure. TIG welding is one of the most reliable techniques for completing the weld and ensuring structural integrity. Depending on the nature of your end product, different processes will be used to ensure accurate dimensions, metal finishing methods and stability.
Uses of Metal cylinder fabrication
Metal cylinder fabrication is used across a wide variety of industries. From single flange metal cylinders to custom ribs, each cylindrical component is used as part of an end product. For example, in vehicles, the piston used to transfer pressure across various parts of the engine relies on metal cylinder fabrication techniques. Pistons are part of the hydraulic braking system of most vehicles.
Metal cylinder fabrication also comes in handy when designing stainless steel cones. These cones form parts of industrial blenders, air dryers, storage tanks and commercial auger feeders. Through an accurate fabrication process, the steel cone is capable of working with high accuracy. In HVAC systems, cylinder fabrication is used to design components of the compressor, evaporator coil and ducts/vents.
Share