Sheet Metal Fabrication: An Overview

Sheet metal fabrication involves taking thin sheets of metal and turning them into objects or structures. While it's a simple concept, there are actually a lot of different steps and techniques that go into fabricating sheet metal. This blog post aims to give you a brief overview of the sheet metal fabrication process.

The sheet metal fabrication process

There are three main steps in the sheet metal fabrication process: cutting, bending and joining. Below is a closer look at each method.

Cutting

The first step in any sheet metal fabrication project is cutting the metal to size. This can be done with a variety of tools, but the most common method is using a shearing machine. A shearing machine works by using two blades that come together to cut through the metal like a pair of scissors. The advantage of using a shearing machine is that it can cut through metal quickly and accurately. However, it is vitally important to make sure that the cutting blades are sharp and in good condition, as dull blades can cause the metal to deform or break.

Bending

Once the metal has been cut to size, it needs to be bent into the desired shape. Bending can be achieved using various methods, but the most common is brake forming. Brake forming works by clamping the metal down and then using a punch to push the metal into the desired shape.

Joining

The last step in sheet metal fabrication is joining the pieces together. This can be done with welding, riveting, or bolting. Each way of working offers benefits and drawbacks, so it is worthwhile taking some time to find the right one for your project. Welding is popular for joining sheet metal because it produces a strong, permanent bond. However, achieving a clean weld on thin sheet metal can be difficult, and the heat from welding can warp the metal.

Riveting is another option for joining sheet metal, and it has the advantage of being much simpler than welding. However, riveted joints are not as strong as welded joints, and they can be difficult to align properly. Bolting is the simplest way to join sheet metal, but it produces the weakest bond. However, bolts are easy to add and remove, making them ideal for projects that may need to be dismantled at a later date.

For more info, contact a company that supplies sheet metal today.

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