Important Basics Of Sheet Metal Fabrication

August 6, 2020 Off By

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Important Basics of Sheet Metal Fabrication

by

KrisA

Sheet metal fabrication is a step-by-step process employed for transforming a piece of sheet metal into a finished or semi-finished part/component. Thus, it is evident that sheet metal is the starting material in this process. The gauge of sheet metal denotes its thickness. And, the thickness of the sheet of metal often determines the structural strength of the ultimate product or component being fabricated.

If you are reading this on a desktop computer, chances are your CPU enclosure has been made by fabricating sheet metal. In a restaurant, the refrigeration units and metal cabinets are a result of stainless steel fabrication. As you drive back from work, observe your car and you shall notice that the body panels and other automotive components have been fabricated using sheet metal.

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And, it s not just stainless steel fabrication that is popular. There are several other metals such as carbon steel, aluminum, brass, and other alloys that are available in sheet form. All of these sheet metals can be fabricated using various fabrication techniques.

Important stages in the sheet metal fabrication process

The process of fabricating sheet metal takes a well-defined approach. Before the actual fabrication process is initiated by a fabrication firm, the parts and components are modeled in 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional forms using engineering software such as AutoCAD and SolidWorks. Once the drafting and design has been approved, the fabrication firm then goes ahead with these stages:

  • The sheet metal needs to be first cut to size. This is done via shearing and cutting. A metal shear, which is basically a giant scissor, does a good and fast job of making straight cuts. If a curved cut is desired or needed, then computer-numerically-controlled (CNC) laser cutting is a widely used cutting method. Laser cutting provides clean-cut contours and shapes.
  • For other applications, sheet metal can be notched or perforated. Perforated metal is often used for aesthetic reasons or for design-specific reasons, such as grills, grates, or industrial uses such as in food production. This process of perforating and/or notching is collectively, is referred to as punching. A CNC turret punch is commonly used for this process.
  • After the sheet metal is cut or punched to the desired shape, it reaches the forming stage. As the name indicates, the sheet metal gets an actual form or shape. As part of this process, the metal undergoes bending or rolling. CNC press brakes are the machines of choice for making specific and accurate bends in the metal. For more gentle or arched bends, a simple roller can be used.
  • Machining is another process that is used for drilling and/or tapping holes in the metal. Often this is done on bar stock or other thicker metal stock to which the sheet metal may be attached.
  • Finally, the sheet metal components are assembled most often by welding, although they could be assembled with metal fasteners (screws, nuts, or rivits). Welding is a process which truly melds two or more pieces of metal together resulting in a strong, aesthetically beautiful piece, provided it is accomplished by a highly skilled certified welder.

    • A final finishing process may or may not be performed. Finishing could include operations such as powder coating, painting, polishing, brush-finishing, plating and so on. Whether it is stainless steel fabrication or any other metal fabrication process, these stages are common. Sheet metal fabrication, thus, is indispensable to several industry sectors.

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