The sheet metal production process powers the industry, and almost every type of customizer relies to some extent on parts, specialized components, structures or equipment that result directly from sheet metal manufacturing. Sheet metal plays a key role in everything from large industrial structures and brackets to the most sensitive digital components.

What is sheet metal processing technology?

        Sheet metal fabrication is made up of almost as many individual processes and tools as the application it serves. Their common goal, from laser cutting to stamping, is to transform a piece of metal into something that can be used for a specific project. This can be achieved in a variety of ways.

Bending & Laser Welding

        The bending process in sheet metal utilizes unique tools, such as bending machines, to create U-bends, V-bends, and custom shapes from flat sheet metal. Folding, machining, and stamping are all common methods of bending or forming metals. 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 dies.

cut

        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 often requires the use of laser cutting. This process can increase precision and precision when cutting products, as well as increase efficiency, as computer-aided programs ensure that the most effective graphics are used.

join

        Typically, a part cannot be created from a single, flat sheet of metal - some form of welding process or assembly must combine two or more individual parts together. Riveting, adhesives, brazing, and welding are all different methods of creating individual bound metal assemblies.

complete

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

Material selection. Some materials are easier to machine 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, careful study of material selection by precision machining manufacturers can save a significant amount of money, time and effort on a project. Material selection can also help determine the best manufacturer for a project. Many parts machining customizers specialize in special materials or pride themselves on providing a full suite of services in one facility. Sheet metal machining with precision tolerances such as precision machining, precision forming and laser cutting are just some of the unique services offered by professional manufacturers.