Sheet metal fabrication is a process of shaping sheet metal into usable parts and products. But to realise the final product, certain steps must be followed during the fabrication process.
Below is an overview of those steps.
Measuring and Marking the Metal
The first step in sheet metal fabrication is to measure and mark the metal according to the specifications of the desired product. This is done by using a tape measure and a permanent marker. The technician first measures the dimensions on the sheet metal and then uses the marker to draw lines where the metal needs to be cut, bent, or drilled.
Marking is important since it ensures that the final product will be the correct size and shape. It also minimises the wastage of material due to the added precision.
Cutting the Metal
The next step is to cut the sheet metal along the lines marked in the previous step. This is usually done with a power saw, although a hand-held sheet metal shear can also be used for smaller pieces. The type of saw used will depend on the thickness of the sheet metal and the desired precision of the cut.
Laser and plasma-cutting techniques might be better suited for a project requiring a very high degree of accuracy. These specialised cutting processes are usually used for sheet metal that will be used in highly visible or structurally important applications.
After cutting, any rough edges are smoothed out using a grinding wheel or sander. This allows for a cleaner finish and prevents sharp edges from causing injuries.
Bending and Forming the Metal
The next step is to bend and form the sheet metal into the desired shape. This is done using various tools, such as sheet metal brakes, presses, and forming dies. The sheet metal is placed between the dies and then pressed or hammered into the desired shape.
The metal brakes work by clamping the sheet metal down and then bending it along a pre-determined line. This step is important to create products with the correct dimensions. It is also necessary to create complex shapes that cannot be created through cutting alone.
Bending sheet metal by hand is also possible, but it requires a great deal of strength and is not recommended for large or complex projects.
Welding the Metal Pieces Together
The final step is to weld the sheet metal pieces together. This is done using an electric arc welder, which creates an electrical current that melts the metal and joins the two pieces together. The welder must have a great deal of skill and experience to create a strong, durable weld.
After the pieces are welded together, any rough edges are ground down, after which the final product is ready for use. The sheet metal fabrication process is now complete.
As you can already tell, sheet metal fabrication is a complex process that requires a great deal of skill and experience. However, by following these steps, you can be sure that your project will be successful. For more information on sheet metal fabrication, contact a professional near you.
