There are 7 main types of Metal Processing I have experience with, these are:

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• Machining 

  • processed by machine (normally CNC) to create a form, hole or intricate pattern by cutting material away

  • price is linked to the time involved which in turn is linked to the complexity which also impacts jigs/fixtures

  • more extensive machining and surface finishing can have many defects caused by the cutting tool

• Casting

  • liquid metal is poured into a mold and cooled until becoming hard

  • the most widely used process as consistency is high and the cost is relatively low

  • cannot achieve high levels of surface finishing and is unsuitable for mating additional components

• Stamping

  •  produces shapes by hitting metal through a die to bend the material into shapes

  • used widely for housings or enclosures, shells, automotive and DIY components such as clips

  • cheap and easily repeatable in high volumes but it is limited in the shapes it can produce

• Forming

  • bending metal into alternative shapes by means of clamps or presses

  • used for curved tubes or relatively flat consistent shapes

  • expensive to produce but with little waste material and high strength

• Punching

  • produces holes by hitting metal through a die​

  • simple and cost-effective method for high-volume units but limited in its complexity and material thickness

• Extrusion

  • hot material is forced through a die at high pressure forcing the material into the die shape

  • used for shelving and tubes mainly, can then be paired with stamping or forming as secondary processes

  • very low cost for all aspects and highly repeatable but limited in uses due to simple 2D shape

• Welding

  • joining multiple pieces of metal together through high temperature and pressure

  • mainly used with steel and aluminium but aluminium requires special training to achieve

  • welded parts support complex designs and are strong while after processing can be almost invisible
    but the joins can crack when exposed to weathering/erosion over time without protection

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The best method depends on the design and its final use along with what material is desired, each method is useful in its own way