What is Bespoke Fabrication & Pre-Assembly?
Bespoke fabrication is the process of designing and manufacturing custom parts from materials, like metal, to meet a unique specification. This personalised process involves a consultation, with you (the client), a prototype is created, and then a tailored structure is crafted, to fit the client’s functional or aesthetic demands.
What Are the Benefits of Bespoke Metal Fabrication?
Bespoke fabrication is most predominantly used in industries like construction, engineering, and design. However, with the rise of the ‘industrial look’ trend, bespoke fabrication is becoming increasingly popular in office spaces and the food industry.
Customisation
One of the biggest benefits of choosing bespoke fabrication is the ability to have your project designed and manufactured exactly how you want it. You can specify the dimensions, the materials, the style, shape and layout, all the way up to the finish of the end product. This means that your piece will not only look exactly how you want it, but it will function perfectly in your business.
High Quality
Using quality materials, optimal manufacturing techniques, and rigorous quality control measures and testing – you can be assured that your finished product is of a high standard. This process creates a product that is strong, resilient, and has longevity, making it a reliable choice for construction projects.
Flexibility
Bespoke fabrications can address unique challenges and diverse requirements with ease. This makes the process an attractive choice for those who require a more custom design or structural solutions that will work in a specific environment.
Our Latest Projects
We work with a diverse range of clients to create unique Unistrut Support Systems and bespoke prefabrications tailored to their specific needs.
Bespoke Fabrication Services We Offer
Established in 1951, WEB is now an established fabricator of bespoke supports for the offsite prefabrication industry. We specialise in metal framing and supports in building services but can also cater to any bespoke requirements within the industry.
MIG Welding
Metal inert gas (MIG) welding is an arc welding process, which uses a continuous solid wire that is heated and fed into the weld pool from a welding gun. The melted filler material then bonds the two base materials, forming a join.
When is MIG Welding Required?
MIG welding is a good choice for larger jobs that need long-pass welds. MIG welding is often more effective with thicker metals, and MIG welding often costs less than TIG welding and is arguably more accurate.
Semi-Automated Welding
Semi-automatic welding uses a machine to control the arc and weld speed, while the operator guides the equipment. This method is commonly used in metal inert gas (MIG) welding and tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding.
When is Semi-Automated Welding Required?
It’s a popular choice for many welding projects because it offers more precision and accuracy than manual welding. It is often chosen for large-scale tasks, as automation can enhance the weld quality and speed of the project.
TIG Welding
Tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode that delivers the current to the welding arc. An inert gas, typically argon, protects and cools the tungsten and weld puddle.
When is TIG Welding Required?
TIG welding is ideal for thin sheet metal, usually made from aluminium or stainless steel, and detailed high-precision work. It is known for its clean and precise welds, providing optimum quality and splatter-free weld seams.
Laser Cutting
Laser cutting is used to cut and etch patterns, shapes, and lines into flat material. This is done by a high-powered laser precisely melting, burning, or vaporising materials, to create clean cuts.
When is Laser Cutting Required?
Laser cutting is used in bespoke fabrication when intricate cuts or precise designs are needed on various materials. This ensures the material has clean-cut edges and minimal waste is produced.
CNC Folding
Computer numerically controlled (CNC) folding is a manufacturing process carried out by a CNC machine and CNC press brakes. It can also sometimes be referred to as CNC bending. This manufacturing process is capable of bending sheet metal with ease, as the press brake machine has a bending force of 32 tonnes.
When is CNC Folding Required?
Folding metal is a quick way of moulding large metal products into a desired shape using machinery. It is a widely used process, to form beams, joists, parallel flange channels, and other structural metals.
Punching
Punching is a process where a punch press forces a tool, called a punch, through the workpiece to create a hole by shearing the material.
When Is Punching Required?
Punching is an essential process in bespoke fabrication as it allows for precise cutting of holes, slots, and notches in the metal.
Swaging
Swaging can transform a piece of metal into a desired shape, giving it a ridge or a groove. This process works by applying pressure to the metal or by hammering it.
When Is Swaging Required?
Swaging is used when metal parts need to be shaped, reduced, or joined without welding. Using swaging in bespoke fabrication can ensure a secure fit and enhance the structural integrity of the finished product.
Milling and Turning
Milling is a machining process that uses rotary cutters to remove material from a workpiece to create precise dimensions, shapes, and finishes. Differently, turning uses a lathe to rotate the metal, while a cutting tool removes material to create cylindrical shapes.
When Is Milling and Turning Required?
Milling and turning are required in bespoke fabrication when precise drilling, shaping, and cutting of cylindrical or flat metal parts are needed for designs.
Powder Coating
Powder Coating is a dry finishing process created by an electric charge that causes a dry powder to fuse to the surface of the metal. This is then baked in a curing oven to achieve a smooth coating.
When is Powder Coating required?
It is usually used to create a thick, tough finish that is more durable than conventional paint. Powder coating is mainly used for coating of metal objects, particularly those subject to rough use.
Get in touch
Have any questions or queries? Get in touch with us today!
Call us
01274 743177
Give us a call Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. We are happy to answer any of your questions or queries.
Email us
enquiries@web-ltd.co.uk
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Do you accept projects of all sizes?
We pride ourselves on meeting the specific needs of each project, ensuring it is of high quality and precision. That’s why we only accept projects that can be completed to this level of quality in our space. Please get in touch to see whether we can accommodate the scale of your project.
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How long does it take?
The timeline of your project depends on several factors, including the complexity of the design, the manufacturing processes used, the size of the project, the level of customisation, and the materials chosen. Once these elements of the project have been discussed, you will be provided with an estimated timeline upfront.
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Can you help with the design?
We can listen to your needs and offer professional advice and suggestions. However, any technical spec decision-making would be required to come from yourself as the customer.
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How is quality ensured?
There are multiple quality assurance practices in place throughout the bespoke fabrication process. This includes reviewing designs, material inspections, the monitoring of processes, documentation of quality control checks, and client approval on the prototype.
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What industries use bespoke fabrication?
Bespoke fabrication can be used in a number of industries from automotive, construction, agriculture, food and beverage, rail, medical, hospitality, marine, motorsport, and architecture.