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In the world of industrial manufacturing, not all fabrication is created equal. While both heavy metal fabrication and light metal fabrication involve cutting, welding, shaping, and assembling metal components, the scale, materials, and applications can vary dramatically. If you’re sourcing custom fabrication for industrial equipment, structural components, or pressure vessels, understanding the difference between these two fabrication categories is critical especially when precision, safety, and performance are on the line.
What Is Heavy Metal Fabrication?
Heavy metal fabrication refers to the process of fabricating large-scale, high-strength components typically used in industrial or infrastructure-related applications. This includes the fabrication of pressure vessels, tanks, large structural supports, skids, and heavy-duty machinery components. These parts are often crafted from materials such as carbon steel, stainless steel, or alloy steels — metals that offer enhanced durability, corrosion resistance, and the ability to withstand extreme conditions.
Heavy fabrication often involves thicker metal gauges, advanced welding processes (such as MIG and TIG), and large-scale forming, rolling, and machining equipment. It also requires strict compliance with ASME codes and other industry standards.
What About Light Metal Fabrication?
Light metal fabrication, on the other hand, deals with thinner-gauge metals like aluminum or sheet metal. It is commonly used in industries such as electronics, HVAC, automotive parts, and consumer goods. The processes are generally more focused on speed, precision, and mass production rather than the structural integrity required in heavy-duty environments.
While both types of fabrication demand technical expertise, the scale of heavy metal fabrication makes it uniquely challenging. It requires not just specialized equipment but also a deep understanding of material science, stress tolerances, and regulatory compliance.
Why It Matters
Choosing between heavy and light fabrication isn’t just a matter of size it’s about finding the right fabrication partner for your application. At Boardman Inc, we specialize in heavy metal fabrication for industrial markets that demand long-lasting performance under pressure. From custom pressure vessels to massive welded structures, we bring decades of experience and certified capabilities to every project.
If your business requires metal components that can stand up to intense physical, chemical, or environmental stressors, heavy fabrication is not just preferred it’s essential.
Interested in learning more about Boardman Inc’s heavy metal fabrication capabilities? Reach out to our team today to discuss your next industrial project.
