Metal fabrication in Phoenix, AZ is a trade with boundless possibilities. With the right material, skill and equipment, you can make just about anything! It’s an industry that dabbles in everything from art to chemistry, and the science behind metal fabrication is amazing in its own right.
Even more amazing than the act of fabrication and the specifics behind it is the origins of this industry. Many people don’t realize that metal fabrication has come a long way! It’s actually one of the world’s oldest trades and professions, and has seen tremendous evolution since the days of smithing. Take a look at six fun facts about metal fabrication and learn a little bit more about what makes this intriguing profession even more amazing:
- The earliest known records of metal fabrication actually date back to around 4000 BC, to the ancient Egyptians. The Egyptians used heat to bend metal into intricate shapes for jewelry and accessories. Over time, their craft got better and better, allowing them to fabricate elaborate designs and even work with more volatile materials, like pure gold!
- Did you know that humans have attempted to weld in space? It may sound crazy, since oxyacetylene torches specifically use oxygen! But, for what it was worth, Russian cosmonauts attempted to weld while in orbit in 1969. They attempted electron beam welding, low-pressure plasma arc welding and welding with consumable electrodes. It didn’t go well.
- As a follow-up, did you know that welding in space is actually possible? It sounds crazy, but NASA has found several ways to enable fabrication in space. Friction stir welding, ultrasonic stir welding, and handheld laser welding are all viable options. That being said, welding in space is rare and generally left to emergencies.
- Want a fabrication tidbit that’ll really blow your mind? The Empire State Building was constructed in 1930, using 57,000 tons of steel and 62,000 cubic yards of concrete. Advancements in fabrication since then allowed the Burj Khalifa (the world’s tallest building) to be built using just over half the steel content! Oh yeah, it’s also 1,263 feet taller!
- Many people think of large-scale projects when they think of metal fabrication. But, consider this: a NASCAR race car only hits the track after about 950 hours of custom fabrication work. This includes everything from custom-machining parts, to fabricating and installing roll cages, to reinforcing the chassis and more. How’s that for a large-scale project, wrapped up in a relatively small package?
- Do you think metal fabrication is just for industrial products? Think again. More than half of all consumer metal goods we purchase go through some form of fabrication. This includes computers and phones, cutlery, furniture, appliances and much, much more.
The world of metal fabrication in Phoenix, AZ is bigger than most people can conceive. From welding in outer space to fabrication for the very devices we hold in our hands, without metalworkers, we wouldn’t have a fraction of the civilized world we live in today! To learn more about the processes, reach out to the team at Metal Pro Inc.