A Simple Guide to Sheet Metal Fabrication
Sheet metal fabrication is getting more and more popular. It enables companies to design, cut, bend, weld and form metal into sheets.
Here, we’ll touch on a couple of processes in the industry. Hopefully, you’ll get a better understanding of what it takes to fabricate sheet metal.
For a simple guide to sheet metal fabrication, keep reading.
What Is Sheet Metal Fabrication?
Sheet metal fabrication is a vital part of the economy. According to field experts such as Zach Mottl, it helps our nation to stay competitive.
Sheet metal fabrication involves the forming of metal sheets. It enables manufacturing services to create desired shapes and products for clients.
Usually, the process involves several methods. It also usually takes multiple steps to create a finished product.
These steps may include cutting and bending. They may also include surface treatment and assembly.
A firm can use a variety of methods to make a similar end product. The right processes help clients to save on costs.
Sheet Metal Fabrication Benefits
Sheet metal is a very flexible material. Clients can request a range of functions when ordering sheet metal products. The material leaves room for many solutions.
For example, a client might order a sheet metal project for a one-off run. They might also need a product designed for high-volume production.
Companies use tech like 3D printing for a fast turnaround time. This kind of solution is ideal.
It works well with rapid prototyping. Businesses use the rapid prototyping process to get products to market quickly.
With sheet metal fabrication, it enables products to go from design to production easily. It’s prototypes that set the baseline for what’s expected from large quantity orders.
Types of Sheet Metal Fabrication
All sheet metal designs start with a computer-aided design (CAD). Designers create CAD models of the products that clients order.
Next, the designer will create the prototype. The model helps everybody in the project to figure out what’s needed for mass production.
Once the project owner approves the prototype, it’s time for production. At this stage, a metal fabrication firm will put the sheet metal through any needed processes.
A couple of processes are more common than others. For example, fabrication services use thermal cutting and laser cutting processes often. Metal stamping is also a popular process.
Consider Sheet Metal for Your Next Project!
Now you know a bit more about the world of sheet metal fabrication. Sheet metal is a great material for many products. More importantly, it’s strong and light.
These benefits are essential in fields such as transportation. A little extra weight in each unit of material can result in large long-term losses. With sheet metal fabrication, firms can overcome these kinds of problems.
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