---
title: What's The Difference Between Welding and Fabricating?
description: Understand the key difference between welding and metal fabrication, how each works, and the benefits welding and fabricating provide for manufacturers.
---

[Thoughts and Insights from ReNEW Manufacturing Solutions ](https://www.renewmfgsol.com/blog)

# [What's The Difference Between Welding and Fabricating?](https://www.renewmfgsol.com/blog/whats-the-difference-between-welding-and-fabricating)

 Written by [ReNEW Manufacturing Solutions](https://www.renewmfgsol.com/blog/author/renew-manufacturing-solutions) | 6/3/24 4:00 AM

While welding and fabricating are overlapping terms that may, at times, be used to refer to the same process, there are actually distinct differences.

- [**Fabrication**](https://www.renewmfgsol.com/fabrication-services) is a more inclusive term that refers to the overall process of metal manufacturing. It may or may not include metal welding. Put simply, fabrication is making a product out of metal.
- [**Welding**](https://www.renewmfgsol.com/capabilities) involves joining together two pieces of metal — forming a permanent bond — with an application of heat to the contact area between the parts. Welding is one type of metal fabrication process.

A welder and fabricator often work together to complete work as many projects require both. In some cases, one person may have experience as both a welder and fabricator.

Let’s take a closer look at the processes involved in welding and metal fabrication to get a better idea of what’s involved.

## **Metal Fabrication Techniques & Machinery**

Each fabrication service provider may offer different capabilities, but here are some of the most common options along with the tools used:

- **Cutting:** Shears, saws, lasers, or plasma cutters
- **Bending: **Press brakes or roll benders
- **Punching: **Punches or dies
- **Drilling: **Drill presses or CNC machines
- **Shearing: **Shears or guillotine shears
- **Forming:** Roll forming, stretch forming, or hydroforming machinery
- **Stamping: **Mechanical or hydraulic presses
- **Machining: **Lathes, mills, or CNC machines
- **Grinding: **Surface grinders or belt grinders
- **Finishing: **Painting, powder coating, or plating

## **Key Benefits of Metal Fabrication**

Below are the core benefits of utilizing metal fabrication in parts manufacturing:

| **Customization** | Allows for the creation of custom-designed products tailored to specific requirements or applications. |
| --- | --- |
| **Precision Engineering** | Enables the production of intricate components with high precision and accuracy, ensuring quality and reliability. |
| **Innovation** | Facilitates the development of new technologies and products by pushing the boundaries of material capabilities and manufacturing processes. |
| **Material Versatility** | Can work with a wide range of metals to suit various project needs. |
| **Cost-Effectiveness** | Cost-effective for both small and large production runs depending on the complexity of the design. |
| **Strength and Durability** | Offers exceptional strength and durability for long-lasting applications. |
| **Design Flexibility** | Can produce complex shapes and designs that might be difficult or impossible with other methods. |
| **Sustainability** | Adaptable to incorporate recycled metals, reducing environmental impact. |

## **Metal Welding Techniques**

Metal welding processes can take different forms depending on the needs of metal fabricators and welding requirements. The most common are variations of solid-state welding or fusion welding. Fusion welding heats metal pieces and then adds a filler to join them together. Solid-start welding does the same but without needed additional additives.

These two types of metal welding may use different techniques and tools, such as:

- **Metal Inert Gas (MIG)**
- **Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG)**
- **Brazing**
- **Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)**
- **Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)**
- **Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)**
- **Plasma Arc Welding**
- **Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)**
- **Submerged Arc Welding (SAW)**
- **Laser Beam Welding (LBW)**

Welding may be done by hand or robotics. [Robotic welding](https://www.renewmfgsol.com/capabilities) automates the process to save time and produce better results. There is also less material waste. Humans still supervise the process and you get consistent and high-quality results each time from robotic welding.

## **Key Benefits of Metal Welding**

| **Permanent Joining** | Creates strong, permanent joints between metal components. |
| --- | --- |
| **Versatility** | Can be used to join various metals and thicknesses. |
| **Strength** | Joints can be as strong, or even stronger, than the base metal. |
| **Efficiency** | A fast and efficient method for joining metal components compared to other techniques like riveting. |
| **Sealing** | Certain techniques can create airtight or watertight seals. |
| **Heat Distribution** | Allows for controlled heat application, minimizing distortion in the surrounding metal. |
| **Automation Potential** | Can be automated for high-volume production and improved consistency. |
| **Repair Applications** | A valuable tool for repairing cracks, breaks, and other defects in metal components. |

From laser cutting to forming to machining and welding, ReNEW Manufacturing Solutions has cutting-edge tools and highly skilled operators to bring your designs to life. You get affordable, high-quality components that meet the most exacting specifications.

Need metal fabrication and welding from industry-leading experts? Contact ReNEW today to [request a quote](https://www.renewmfgsol.com/get-a-quote).

[View full post](https://www.renewmfgsol.com/blog/whats-the-difference-between-welding-and-fabricating)

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