Sheet Metal Fabrication vs Structural Fabrication: Key Differences
Two main branches often get confused: sheet metal and structural fabrication. Though both work with metal, they differ in materials, methods, and applications.
At Taylor Pressform, general presswork is the core of what we do. With over three decades of experience, we provide precision-formed metal components using mechanical and hydraulic presses ranging from 20 to 600 tonnes. This allows us to manufacture everything from small, intricate parts to larger and more robust components with consistency and reliability.
What is Sheet Metal Fabrication?
This process involves shaping thin metal sheets, usually under 3 mm thick, into parts or products. Common sheet metal fabrication processes include cutting, bending, stamping, and welding. It’s widely used in sectors such as automotive, electronics, and white goods.
What is Structural Fabrication?
Structural fabrication processes involve working with heavier steel components like beams, channels, and girders. This type is often used in construction, especially with structural fabrication for construction projects like bridges and buildings.
Techniques and Tools
Sheet Metal:
- CNC punching
- Presswork
- Spot welding
Structural Fabrication:
- MIG/TIG welding
- Plasma cutting
- Heavy-duty drilling
Structural Steel Fabrication Techniques
Some common structural steel fabrication techniques include:
- Cutting-to-length
- Bolt-hole drilling
- Notching
Applications and Industries
| Fabrication Type | Industries |
| Sheet Metal | Automotive, White Goods, Boilers |
| Structural |
Construction, Infrastructure |
Choosing the Right Fabrication Service
Understanding your project’s size, load requirements, and finish quality will help you decide. Taylor Pressform focuses on sheet metal fabrication, offering custom solutions for parts up to 3 mm in mild steel, 1.5 mm in aluminium, and 1.2 mm in stainless steel.
Our press beds support sizes up to 3×2 metres, giving us the capability to produce larger, high-strength components often required in sectors like automotive, white goods, heating systems, boilers, and industrial machinery. We regularly work with customer-owned tooling, and can also help design and source tools when needed, through close collaboration with UK-based toolmakers.
Each job is managed through transparent job sheets, ensuring full visibility from start to finish. Our ISO 9001-certified quality systems guarantee that all parts are inspected and documented according to your specifications.
Each fabrication method has its place, choose based on your project’s technical and structural needs.
Need precision sheet metal fabrication? Get in touch with Taylor Pressform today and receive a quote within 48 hours.
