What Are the Steps Involved in a Metal Fabrication Project?

Each fabrication project requires a different type of sheet metal. Steel, aluminum, copper, bronze, and magnesium are examples of durable metals in use today. Each one has specific qualities ideal for certain projects. Fabrication transforms them into products that benefit many businesses in different industries. If you want to learn more about sheet metal fabrication, let us review its basic steps.

Cutting

This process depends on the type of metal you choose. The end goal of the company influences the cutting process. In this step, sheet metal companies use different cutting methods. To produce small rectangles from a large metal sheet, shearing is the proper cutting type. This method of cutting is like using a huge pair of scissors. A shearing machine’s blade cuts through the metal sheet.

Laser cutting is for more challenging projects. It can cut complex shapes and produce metal blanks for bending.

Punching creates holes in metal sheets. Using a turret punch, you can create a complex design by punching several holes. Blanks from a turret punch or a laser are usually all set.

Forming

The ultimate goal of metal fabrication is to create the shape that you want. To realize this, sheet metal fabrication companies form sheet metals via bending and assembly. A press brake is a machine that bends sheet metal. The machine operator places the metal sheet in a position above a vee-shaped channel. Then the operator brings down the press brake, which pushes the sheet into the vee. The sides of the sheet move up as it bends into the vee.

The operator should manage spring backs during sheet metal bending. When this happens, the sheet metal tries to revert to being flat. Overbending resolves this. Enough experience and skill allow the sheet metal to bend at the right angle and stay bent. Certain kinds of metals become stiff when bent. Hardening usually leads to cracking.

During assembly, every piece stays in a position that allows proper clamping. Tack welds fasten the sheets together. Other projects do not need welding. A company that specializes in sheet metal fabrication may also use bonding, riveting, or screwing to join sheet metals together.

Finishing

After assembly, the next step in sheet metal fabrication is finishing. This can involve polishing the product to a shiny mirror finish or cleaning up the welds. You can also choose from a wide variety of coating and painting options. Finishing helps protect the fabrication against deterioration. Finishing includes changing some of the product’s properties by using different treatments. This process makes the final product viable in the market.

Expert Sheet Metal Fabrication Companies Can Help Realize Your Vision

Fabricating high-quality metal parts involves basic processes. Cutting the sheet of metal is important in starting the shape that your project needs. Forming the product by bending and assembly gives you a rough final shape of the product. To make the fabrication commercially viable, it needs finishing. Weldflow Metal Products is a respected and trusted provider of sheet metal fabrication. Contact us today if you want to know more about the way we produce high-quality metal parts.