What is the Best Way to Shape Metal? | Metal Shaping Services

 

March 6th, 2025, Metal Shaping

 

Metal shaping is a process that deforms the metal to create a specific shape. Although a simple process on the surface, there are a plethora of metal shaping techniques actively used in the industry. In this article, we’ll explore the most popular techniques and discover what is the best way to shape metal for metal shaping services.

 

Looking for a metal shaping service provider that’ll bring your project to life? Request a free quote!

 

 

Exploring Metal Shaping Services and Techniques

 

Metal shaping services are sought after in industries such as construction, automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing. It continues to be an effective and highly demanded manufacturing service in 2025. The components metal shaping creates are structurally reliable in a variety of applications.

 

There are many techniques used today to shape metal, including:

 

• Rolling: Rolling works by passing the workpiece through a thin gap between two rollers rotating in opposite directions. The rollers are controlled by a high-power motor and apply compressive stress to the metal, making it thinner. 
• Bending: Bending deforms metal by applying an extraneous force that exceeds the metal’s elastic limit. This prevents it from returning back to its original shape. It’s done in a controlled manner to prevent the metal from cracking. 
• Coining: Coining is a type of closed die forging process primarily used to fabricate complex parts with high accuracy. In this process, the workpiece is heated and inserted between two shaped dies which press it into a shape. 
• Welding: Welding fabricates metal using high temperatures and pressure to fuse two different metals together. 
• Forging: Forging is an all-encompassing term to describe many metal shaping techniques, including open-die forging, upset forging, hot forging, and much more. It can be described as a metal shaping technique that utilizes compressive forces to shape the metal. 
• Casting: Casting is very different from the other metal shaping techniques listed here. It uses molten metal that is then poured into a pre-shaped mold. 

 

 

 

 

What Metal Shaping Technique Is Best?

 

There is no single metal shaping technique that’s considered better than the others. Metal shaping services typically encompass a wide range of techniques. Utilization of each technique depends on the application, as some are more effective in certain cases. Many metal shaping techniques can be used in tandem with each other. 

 

Rolling can create thin sheets and specific profiles efficiently. Thanks to its quick turnaround time, it works well for high volume productions that require uniform metal thickness.

 

Bending performs best when using metal sheets or plates to create angular shapes. It is commonly used for fabricating structural components. 

 

Coining is highly controlled, enabling the tight tolerances needed for small and intricate parts such as gears, washers, and clips and fasteners. 

 

Welding assembles complex structures and components that aren’t able to be produced with a single metal piece. Its ability to join metal together is unique and what defines it most in the metalworking space. It’s best utilized in low volume productions and custom projects. 

 

Forging is the most used metal shaping technique when projects are prioritizing strength and durability over design. It works for projects of varying volume, producing strong and tough components with excellent mechanical properties. 

 

Casting works best in low volume productions, creating complex components that require very specific and intricate shaping that cannot be achieved with other methods. 

 

 

Applications for Metal Shaping

 

Metal shaping is vital in industries across the world. Even industries like aerospace, which require utmost precision to ensure the safety of their components. The aerospace industry utilizes metal shaping for aircraft components.

 

Manufacturing

• Automotive: Shaping techniques are used to produce parts like brackets, mounts, and dolly carts to carry car doors.
• Heavy Machinery: Metal shaping manufactures large components that make up heavy construction and agricultural machinery, such as seed drills and planters.

 

Construction

• Structural Elements: Beams, columns, trusses, frames, joists, and girders are all examples of structural components manufactured through metalworking. 
• Architectural Features: Metal is carefully shaped for decorative elements, railings, fencing, gazebos, and windows frames.

 

Oil & Gas

• Tank bases, compressors, and miscellaneous supports for pumps are designed using metal shaping techniques. They are vital for the smooth operation of the oil & gas sector.

 

 

Choose BSG: Metal Shaping Services in Kitchener Waterloo

 

Looking for a qualified team of custom metal fabricators? Since 1987, Ball Service Group has manufactured the highest quality metal components with techniques like rolling, bending, and welding. Our end-to-end metal shaping services combine precision and accuracy with competitive pricing, best-in-class manufacturing equipment, and timely delivery. 

 

Start your project with top quality metal shaping services. Request a quote today!