Which of the following is NOT typically classified as a metal fabrication technique?

• A. Annealing
• B. Metal-forming methods
• C. Casting
• D. Powder metallurgy

Answer: (A)

Metal fabrication is about creating or shaping a part’s geometry through forming, casting, or building up material. Annealing is a heat treatment that changes the material’s internal structure to modify properties like ductility and residual stress, without primarily changing the part’s shape. So it’s not considered a fabrication step. Fabrication techniques include metal-forming methods (rolling, forging, extrusion, bending) that shape the metal, casting that creates geometry by pouring liquid metal into a mold, and powder metallurgy that builds parts from pressed and sintered powders. Annealing is commonly used after forming to relieve stress or soften the material, but its main purpose is property modification, not shaping, which is why it’s the correct distinction here.