The sheet metal production process provides the power for the industry, and almost every type of customizer relies to some extent on the parts, specialized components, structures or equipment directly resulting from sheet metal manufacturing. From large industrial structures and supports to the most sensitive digital components, sheet metal plays a key role.

What is the sheet metal process?

In precision machining factory, sheet metal fabrication consists of almost as many individual processes and tools as the applications it serves. Their common goal, from laser cutting to stamping, is to turn a piece of metal material into something specific. This can be done in a variety of ways.

Bending forming & Laser welding

The bending process in sheet metal utilizes unique tools such as a bending machine to create U, V, and custom shapes from flat sheet metal. Folding, machining, and stamping are all common methods of bending or forming metal. Rotary bending and elastomer bending can create new shapes even when the surface is finished and fine, while punching is an example of precision manufacturing using a die.

Cutting

The sheet metal cutting process can involve a variety of tools, from basic to advanced. Custom cutting of special alloys, precious metals, and especially hard materials usually requires the use of laser cutting. This process can improve precision and precision when cutting products, and increase efficiency, as computer aided programs can ensure that the most efficient graphics are used.

Joint

Usually, a part cannot be created from a single, flat sheet of metal - some form of welding process or assembly must combine two or more separate parts together. Riveting, bonding, brazing, and welding are all different ways of creating individual bonded metal components.

Once a piece of metal has been cut, shaped, bent, or otherwise finished, it can be finished and protected with paint, powder coatings, screen, and other customized finishes. Some of these automated finishes are designed to give the metal unique properties, such as added strength, electrical conductivity, resistance to corrosion or specialty chemicals.

Finish

Material selection

Some materials are easier to process for precision parts than others, making material selection an important step in any sheet metal manufacturing process. In addition to obtaining the best final cost and performance match, precision machining manufacturers can save a lot of money, time and effort for a project by carefully researching material selection.

Material selection also helps determine the best manufacturer for the project. Many parts customizers specialize in specialized materials or pride themselves on offering a full service in one facility. Fine tolerance sheet metal machining such as precision machining, precision forming and laser cutting are just some of the unique services offered by professional manufacturers.