Metalbewerking

Metalbewerking, also known as metalworking, is the process of shaping and forming metal into useful objects. This broad field encompasses a wide range of techniques, both traditional and modern, used to create everything from intricate jewelry and functional tools to large-scale structural components.

The fundamental aim of metalbewerking is to alter the physical properties of metal, often through the application of force, heat, or chemical processes. Common methods include casting, where molten metal is poured into a mold; forging, which involves shaping metal with hammers and dies, often while heated; and machining, using cutting tools to remove material and achieve precise dimensions. Welding and brazing are essential techniques for joining pieces of metal together.

Other important metalbewerking processes include stamping, which uses dies to press a shape into sheet metal, and extrusion, where metal is forced through a die to create a desired cross-section. Surface treatments, such as plating, painting, or heat treating, are often employed to enhance durability, appearance, or other characteristics of the finished product. Metalbewerking is a foundational industry, supporting manufacturing, construction, automotive, aerospace, and many other sectors by providing the essential metallic components that form the backbone of modern technology and infrastructure.