Through this article, readers will understand more about the sheet metal fabrication process. Besides, the processes and the types are also discussed & how the products are produced using different manufacturing methods.

The sheet metal fabrication forms a crucial part for many sectors. Some of them include aerospace, construction, and automobiles as well. Without the fabrication process, these industries will find it difficult to survive. The sheet metal fabrication process is a manufacturing method where several products are produced on a regular basis.

The products find their application in several areas of human life. It is interesting to note that the metal fabrication process is not new and has been around for several centuries. However, the process is evolving on a regular basis due to technological advancements. Some of them include designing precision parts and producing metal structures for buildings. Moreover, they are utilized for designing bridges too.

What is Sheet Metal Fabrication?

Custom metal fabrication is a process that involves turning flat sheets of steel into metal structures. This is achieved through cutting, punching, and folding. The sheet metal is cut, stretched, and even bent if required into any shape that is required according to the specific requirements.

This is achieved through cutting and burning of the metal during the process. There are some special tools that are used to achieve the fabrication process. They include band saws, chops saws, and similar equipment for the sheet metal fabrication process. In some cases, the cutting torches are also throughout the process.

With the help of the cutting torch, large sections of the metal can be cut using a minimal effort. Through the sheet metal fabrications use press brakes, which ease the process of sheet metal fabrication, by helping to create sharp bends and angles within the metal.

There are a variety of different press brakes, which have different functions and are used for different purposes. Welding is another process that is commonly used in sheet metal fabrication.

When the components of the metal are produced, they are assembled and welded into the desired position. Several welding techniques are used in sheet metal fabrication. This is done so that there are no abnormalities found in the produced metal.

Some methods include covering the metal with sand, welding using a stout fixture, and a special straightening process. The metal is then finished using a sandblasting process, and then it is primed and painted.

This process helps in the texture of the metal, ready to sell in the market or to be delivered to the client.

How Does the Sheet Metal Fabrication Process Work?

The process begins with the processing of the raw materials. They are large and thick, including steel, aluminium and copper. These metals can be bent, cut, and stretched.

  • Design: The design of the metal is the first stage, where the initial process is undertaken. The project designers come up with sketches or 2D/3D models. This can be done with the help of computer-aided design (CAD) software.
  • Cutting: The actual step in the production of the metal would be laser cutting. Here, the metal is cut precisely according to the needs of the manufacturer. That is because it is done using a programmed design and cutting through the material.
  • Bending: It is also called CNC folding and can be done with the help of a wide range of machines. The manual press brake bending machine is used to clamp the sheet metal by applying pressure to get the desired curvature.
  • Forming: The forming process helps in bending the material into the desired shape. This is entirely from cutting because it reshapes the material without decreasing the shape.
  • Welding: Several welding techniques are used including MIG welding, TIG welding, robotic MIG welding and spot welding.
  • Finishing: Finishing is the last step where the products are made resistant to corrosion. It is done by adding another layer for durability. This helps make the metal appear somewhat attractive. They include surface preparation, polishing and powder coating.

Types of Sheet Metal

Below are some of the sheet metal fabrication types:

  • Aluminum: This is a very common metal that finds use in several applications like automobiles, airplanes, electrical devices, and even cooking vessels. Besides, being lightweight, it also comes with high conductivity.
  • Aluminised steel: This metal has a high strength of carbon steel that contains the metal’s exceptional corrosion resistance. The aluminum sheets can find use in producing several kitchen appliances.
  • Carbon steel: This is used in the industrial and consumer markets. With the help of the carbon steel, it helps in enhancing the thickness of the metals that it is used, and this helps in the heat treatment.
  • Copper: Copper is a popular metal that is used for a wide range of applications. Some common uses are sinks, roofs, rain gutters, and doors. They have a high thermal conductivity, and electrical capability. However, it is quite expensive compared to other metals.
  • Galvanized steel: The sheets are used to produce the water pipes, bodies of the automobiles, roofs, and staircases. When zinc is coated with steel, then the galvanized steel is produced, making it more corrosion-resistant.
  • High-strength steel: The high-tensile steel finds use in military armour plates & other purposes as well. The material can be produced by alloying steel with several elements including carbon, manganese, and copper.
  • Stainless steel: This is another common metal that finds use in producing many kinds of kitchen vessels. Besides, storage tanks that are used for chemicals and also in the food processing machinery.
  • Titanium: This is a hard metal that is found used in aviation parts, medical components, and construction equipment. The hard components make it recyclable.

Benefits of Metal Fabrication

There are several benefits of sheet metal fabrication. Here are some of the primary benefits of the process.

  • They provide businesses a firm & reliable method. When done properly they are looked after well, metal fabrication can last for many years. The method does not need to be replaced. This is suitable for projects that need long-term durability.
  • They are versatile as they can be used for a wide range of different projects. This makes them a valuable product for many businesses.
  • They are simple to maintain. The metal fabrications do not get corroded easily and are resistant to fire and heat. This makes it suitable for commercial settings.

Conclusion

From the above article, it becomes obvious that the custom sheet metal fabrication process is an exceptional choice for industrial usage. The process offers several benefits like accuracy, efficiency, and fabricating lightweight components. There is also compatibility with several materials and techniques.

When a firm or a business wants to embark on a new project then it is critical that they understand the different procedures, methods, and applications involved in the process. This ensures that the project is a success.