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Sheet Metal Fabrication Overview

Sheet metal fabrication is an essential aspect of any manufacturing process. Whether it is a small scale manufacturing of toys or large scale manufacturing of airplane parts.In other words, it has a wide range of applications that you cant avoid. From metal sheet fabrication, you will be able to create hardware components and even complete systems.

Despite the massive popularity of metal sheet fabrication, do you know what the process is and how it is done? Are you planning to have your metals fabricated? Spare a few minutes on this white paper as we will guide you on everything that you should know about sheet metal fabrication service.

What is Sheet Metal Fabrication?

Sheet Metal Fabrication is a comprehensive process of designing and cutting sheet metal. The fabrication ensures that the sheet metal attains a particular shape and size. the fabricated metal sheet can be used as a component of another product or it can be a complete product by itself.

As long as your production process requires the use of metals, then you will have to get the metal fabrication service. It is advisable to get it from reputable sheet metal fabrication companies.

Types of Sheet Metal Fabrication

There are different types of metal sheet fabrication processes that you should know. Here are some of them:

1. Cutting

This is a common metal sheet fabrication process. It entails cutting or trimming metal sheets into different shapes and sizes. The metal sheet can be cut into halves or even smaller sizes depending on your needs.

Would you like your metal sheet to have a particular size? The fabricator will have to cut it as per your requirement.

There are many different methods of cutting a metal sheet for fabrication. They include using a saw, lasers, plasma torching among others.

As expected, some methods of cutting are better than others.

2. Folding 

As a method of metal fabrication, folding entails forcing the sheet of metal to take a particular shape or angle. The shape of the metal sheet should perfectly suit the desired areas of application.

The folding process must be done using advanced machines that are well programmed to ensure that the metal sheet takes a particular shape and angle. In this case, a well-equipped metal sheet fabricator.

The folding method can also be used to bind two pieces of a metal sheet at an angle.

3. Machining

The machining process of metal fabrication entails r trimming off or getting rid of some sections of the metal sheet. This process is usually done on a lathe whereby the metal sheet material is made to rotate against the cutting tool. Another option is where the cutting tool is made to rotate as it cuts the stationary metal sheet.

Drills can also be used during the machining process. The cutting motion during the machining is already systematic. It is pre-programmed to move through particular axes. This results in the uniformity of the process.

4. Punching

Punching is a metal sheet fabrication process that entails creating holes on the metal sheet. The metal sheet is placed on a die and drill punches the holes through it. The hols created on the metal sheet should be of the same shape and size.

In most cases, the hols created through this method will, later on, be used for fastening the metal sheet onto other tools and components. High-tech equipment is used for creating punches. It ensures that the holes created are uniform and of the desired sizes. It also ensures that the punches are at the right positions of the metal sheet.

5. Shearing method

Shearing method is used on metal sheets that require long and accurate cuts. The shearing machine is designed in a way that it allows the metal sheet to be fed into it while in a horizontal position. However, some machines can still cut the metal sheet vertically.

As a method of metal sheet fabrication, shearing is applicable when you want to trim the edges of the metal sheet. It can still be done on any section of the metal sheet.

6. Stamping 

Just like punching, you will also need a die when stamping a metal sheet. The only difference is that here there are no holes created. The main purpose of stamping is to raise a section of the metal sheet without causing penetration.

Through stamping, you will be able to create different shapes, images and even letters out of the metal sheets. Stamping can b compared to the wood carving. An example of stamping for metal fabrication can be seen on the coins. The images and texts on the coins are created out of stamping.

7. Welding

Welding is a method of metal fabrication that involves joining pieces of metal sheets. There are different types of welding methods that are used for fabrication.

8. Casting

Casting a is an old-age metal fabrication method that is still popular. It entails pouring hot molten metal into a mold then left to solidify. As the metal cools, it will take a particular shape.

Metal Sheet Fabrication: Step By Step Procedure

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Do you want to learn how a metal fabrication process takes place? Well, here are the steps that a reputable metal fabricating shop follows:

1. Metal sheet design

The first step of the metal sheet fabrication is to create a design of the product that is to be fabricated. If the product is already in existence, you can give us the sample and we will use it to create the design of the final product.

If the product is totally new, then you will explain the rough idea of the product then our designers will come up with possible designs. Essentially, the design stage of sheet metal fabrication involves creating a blueprint. The rest of the fabrication process will be depending on this blueprint for reference.

However, designing is not a mandatory step for all the sheet metal fabrication projects. This is because some clients come with metal sheets that are pre-designed.

2. Cutting

Once you have the designs in place, the next step is to do blank-cutting. The process involves cutting the metal sheet into sizeable sizes and desired shapes.

Different metal sheet fabrication tools are used for cutting the metal sheets. The cutting methods used include plasma cutting, jet cutting, laser cutting, and even shearing machines.

3. Punching 

After cutting the next sheet metal fabrication stage is punching. This process entails creating holes on the metal sheet. These holes come in different sizes and designs.

A punching machine that has punch and dies is used for performing this task. Most punching machines utilize laser technology although there other technologies that are used for achieving this task.

4. Bending

After punching, the next step of fabrication is bending the sheet metal. In this stage, various points of the metal sheet are bent so that they conform with the design specifications. The measurement and angles are the main properties that are given top priorities during the bending procedure.

Because of the complexity involved, advanced machines such as a press brake are used for bending the sheet metals.

5. Assembling the sheet metal 

After working on each part of the sheet metal, the next step is to assemble them. The process involves bringing all the components together so that they form a single homogeneous unit.

Probablly you are familiar with welding as it is among the most popular methods that is used for assembling the sheet metal. Other methods include the use of rivets and adhesive bonds.

6. Finishing sheet metal fabrication

The final step involves finishing up or polishing the fabricated sheet metal. The primary aim of finishing is to improve the appearance of the product. It also improves the durability of the metal.

Some of the basic final procedures include painting, coating, galvanizing, plating among others.

Quality control is just part of the final steps for sheet metal fabrication. Here, the specifications of the fabricated sheet metal are matched against their requirements.

After inspection and everything is okay, the fabricated sheet metal is packed and ready to be delivered to the client.

Sheet Metal Fabrication Tools

In order to execute the above fabrication process, there are several tools that sheet metal fabrication companies use. Here is a brief overview of these tools:

Wirecutter: This tool is used for snipping the edges of the metal sheets.

Oxy-fuel torches: for welding and cutting the metal sheet. The gases for these torches include gasoline, acetylene, propylene among others

Magnetic drill; The drill is used for creating holes on the metal sheets. It is an ideal tool for heavy heavy metal sheets that cannot be easily lifted.

Cold saw: this is a portable saw that provides a cost-effective option for cutting sheet metals. It has a rotating blade that cuts the metals with the highest levels of accuracy.

Shot blaster: This tool is mainly used at the finishing stages of metal sheet fabrication. It cleans the surface of the metal sheet in preparation for coating and other finishing options.

Ironworker: This is a versatile sheet metal fabrication tool that is designed to perform quite a number of tasks. Some of its functions include punching, notching, cambering and bending metal sheets.

Press Brake Machine: This tool is used for bending and folding the metal sheets. It does so by clamping the metal sheet between a die and a munching pair.

Cambering Machine: This machine works like a press brake only that instead of bending the metal sheets, it modifies the sections of the beam into horizontal arcs.

There are many other sheet metal fabrication tools that we have not mentioned here. A reputable sheet metal m, the manufacturer should be properly equipped with all the essential tools. This will ensure that the clients get quality sheet metal fabrication services.

Metal Sheet Fabrication vs Welding

Metal sheet fabrication vs welding are two terms that are usually confused. Do they refer to the same thing or are they different?

Even though the two are activities that involve metals, they are totally different. Metal fabrication entails a series of many different activities. Welding is just one of the activities that are carried out during metal fabrication.

Practically, welding involves combining or joining two pieces of metals s that they form one metal. Metal sheet fabrication is more than just joining two metals. In the fabrication process, a piece of metal is shaped, designed, cut welded until it meets the set requirements.

Metal sheet fabrication requires high levels of accuracy and preciseness. This is why the task is usually carried out by experts. Metal sheet welding, on the other hand, tends to be more relaxed.

The difference between welding and metal sheet fabrication is based on the types of tools that are used. Fabrication requires many different tools since the process entails doing different actions on the metal sheet. On the other hand, welding requires a few specific tools.

Metal Sheet Fabrication vs Machining

Another common area of confusion is between sheet metal fabrication vs sheet metal machining. Although the two terms are both related to metals, there are very different. Here are some major differences between sheet metal fabrication vs machining.

The first difference is in terms of the operation. CNC machining entails cutting off parts of a metal. On the other hand, sheet metal fabrication has got everything to do with designing metal sheets into more usable forms. Fabrication is characterized by a series of activities such as cutting, bending welding, etc.

Another difference is in terms of the shape and material of the sheet metal. CNC machining is well-suited metals that are solid and round. On the other hand, sheet metal fabrication can be used on any shape of metal.

sheet metal fabrication

There is also a difference in terms of accuracy of the processes. Machining requires a higher level of precision than metal fabrication.

I hope that this brief explanation of sheet metal fabrication vs machining has given you valuable insights.

Sheet Metal Fabrication vs Manufacturing

Sheet metal fabrication vs manufacturing are two industrial terms that are somehow related since both entail manufacturing and production. In the real sense, the two are very different.

In terms of definitions, manufacturing is the process of creating a product using different raw materials. On the other hand, fabrication entails making a product by assembling different standardized parts.

In the manufacturing process, raw materials are converted into final products while in the fabrication, parts are combines into one product.

Both metal sheet fabrication vs manufacturing is applicable in both small scale and large scale production.

Can I Have Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication?

There are several scenarios where you will want more than an ordinary metal sheet fabrication. Maybe you want to use the metal product in a special area of application.

If you find yourself in such a situation, then you should consider getting custom sheet metal fabrication.

Custom sheet metals may be used on electronics, jewelry, computers and any other application of sheet metal. To get a custom metal fabrication, you simply need to send us the design of the product and the material of the metal.

Advantages of Sheet Metal Fabrication Services in China

Should I get sheet metal fabrication services in China? This is one of the questions that you may be asking yourself. Probably you are considering other options of working around with the metal sheets.

There are tons of advantages that you stand to gain from sheet metal fabrication services. Here are some of the benefits:

1. Save cost

Outsourcing sheet metal fabrication services will save you a significant amount of money. This will happen in many different ways.

First, you will not spend money on buying the expensive and sophisticated sheet metal fabrication tools. The fabricating company has ll the tools for doing the job. Secondly, you will not cater for the cost of hiring professional sheet metal fabrication technicians.

Another way in which sheet metal fabrication services can reduce the cost is in terms of the transportation and storage of the partially finished metals. The effect of cost reduction will be felt by your customer. You will put friendly price tags on your products.

2. Quality fabrication

Sheet metal fabrication services are provided by experts. The company that handles the job does not only have the right tools but also the right people who know ins and outs of metal fabrication.

The best fabricators will come up with innovative designs for the sheet metals. They also implement the fabrication process with utmost care to ensure that everything is done properly.

What do you expect from quality workmanship? Well, nothing but superior quality work. This will directly improve the quality of your products.

3. Gives you a competitive advantage

Quality sheet metal fabrication services will give you an edge over your competitors. This is because your products will stand out from the rest, which might be poorly fabricated. Under any circumstances, customers will choose quality.

The low cost of production means that you will not overprice the products that you have made out of fabricated metal sheets. This, again, will attract more customers and edge out your competitors.

4. Save time

Sheet metal fabrication is quite a time -consuming activity. If you do it yourself, then you should be ready to spare many hours into it. Things will be different if you go for quality sheet metal fabrication services in China.

Another person will take the task of fabricating the sheet metal. This will allow you to concentrate more on other aspects of production.

Choosing a Reliable Sheet Metal Fabrication Company

Would you like to enjoy the benefits of metal fabrication services to the fullest? Consider choosing the best sheet metal fabrication company in China. This is the surest way to get services that are worth the cost.

How can I know that a metal sheet fabrication firm is the best? There are various ways of vetting the sheet metal fabricator. One way is by finding out the capacity of the sheet metal fabrication companies. Do they have the best metal fabrication tools? Hat about then technicians?

You can also check the reviews on the internet. Just type “sheet metal fabrication near me,” and you will be able to check out different companies. Choose the ones that have many positive reviews.

You should also consider asking other people close to you about the best fabricating firm. There is a high chance that h they will recommend sheet metal fabrication firms that offered them the best services.

Roche Industry: Sheet Metal Fabrication Shop

At Roche Industry, we specialize in providing all types of sheet metal fabrication for different industrial applications. We are well equipped to fabricate sheet metals for automotive parts, electronics, building and construction, medical industry, energy industry among others.

Whichever application that you want, we will be able to fabricate the metal sheet with the highest level of precision. Even if it means getting custom sheet metal fabrication.

We are a reputable metal sheet fabrication shop that is fully dedicated to meeting the needs of our clients. We use high-tech metal fabrication tools and equipment to get the job done. We also boast of having reliable technicians who are experts in sheet metal fabrication.

In case you find yourself typing ‘ custom sheet metal fabrication near me?’ Don’t hesitate to contact us. We have everything that it takes to deliver quality metal sheet fabrication service in China.

Rocheindustry specializes in high quality rapid prototyping, rapid low-volume manufacturing and high-volume production. The services of rapid prototype we providing are professional Engineering, CNC Machining including CNC Milling and Turning, Sheet Metal Fabrication or Sheet Metal Prototyping, Die casting, metal stamping, Vacuum Casting, 3D printing, SLA, Plastic and Aluminum Extrusion Prototyping, Rapid Tooling, Rapid Injection Moulding, Surface Treatment finish services and other rapid prototyping China services please contact us now.

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