The metal fabrication industry requires a significant amount of skill, patience and training. Making mistakes is part of the process of becoming a master metalworker. However, there are certain types of mistakes that can also be dangerous or extremely costly. These are the kinds of mistakes you should try to avoid at all costs.
With this in mind, here are some of the common metal fabrication mistakes our team of metal fabricators in Phoenix, AZ works hard to avoid every day:
- Improper storage of filler material: The filler material is used during welding to join two pieces of metal together. This material helps you limit the usage of binder, which will in turn decrease costs in your fabrication project. However, these fillers are susceptible to corrosion just like other types of ferrous (iron-including) metals. This means that if you store them in moist areas, they could develop rust. If you attempt to use a bad filler, the resulting product will be defective and more likely to have problems such as excessive spatter. As such, you might need to purchase entirely new metals and start the process from scratch, which will at least double your costs. Therefore, keep all fillers in a dry, protected place.
- Incorrect arc striking: Striking the arc produces the heat you need to complete the weld. This process must be done exactly correctly, where you wish to start the weld. This will help you get the best beads possible without doing any damage to the metal. Lots of times, welders will make the mistake of striking the arc somewhere else, such as on a piece of scrap metal or on a welding table, before they move on to the weld plate. You must pull your welding rod away before it sticks itself onto the weld plate, but pulling it away too far will eliminate the arc. Therefore, make sure you strike the arc exactly where it needs to be.
- Always using the strongest metal: You do not always need to use the strongest metals in your fabrication processes. In fact, some fabrication processes will actually be easier and better if you use materials with a little more flexibility. Otherwise, if you have a material that is too strong for your specific application, you might have a hard time manipulating it to your desired specifications. This is especially true if you have a design that has a variety of complicated sizes and shapes.
- Rushing the job: There’s no need to be in any hurry during the metal fabrication process. In fact, trying to hurry through the process is only likely to result in a poor job or even some potentially dangerous accidents. You owe it to yourself to have the best quality fabrication work possible, so take your time. There’s no rush.
For more information about some of the most common examples of metalworking mistakes and how you can avoid them, contact Metal Pro Inc. to speak with one of our metal fabricators in Phoenix, AZ.