Looking for Strength? Planning stage. So there you have it, the entire steel making process in 6 steps! For cutting a large sheet into smaller rectangles shearing is the way to go. Cutting 3. Again, this step is overarching and may be more or less complex depending on the item being fabricated. Only then are the long welds made that join the pieces together. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Finishing generally means undergoing processes that make an item commercially viable—such as an acid wash bath, heat treatment, coatings, painting and more. Now let’s add some detail. The above steps should be followed in order to create a transparent working relationship between the client and the fabricators. This gives the flat shapes a third dimension. In any case, everything must be done to the exact specifications of the blueprint. 8 Steps in the Sheet Metal Fabrication Process 1. In other words, manufacturers start with a rectangular metal sheet and, based on the customer’s part design, the material is cut to size. Fabricators often start with stock metal components, such as sheet metal, metal rods, metal billets, and metal bars to create a new product. Metal stamping is a cold-forming process that makes use of dies and stamping presses to transform sheet metal into different shapes. The cutting process of sheet metal fabrication can be accomplished through multiple methods, including sawing, torching, or numerical control cutting. Also, the sheet metal cutting process is performed using a variety of basic to advanced cutting tools. Specialized metal fabricators are called fab shops. Likewise, fabricators who understand their process thoroughly will be able to better streamline their operations, cutting down on everything from turn times to material waste. In fact, depending on the nature of the item being created, there are different levels of fabrication that may be required and various methodologies for customization that can be deployed: Again, blueprints will dictate the demands of the fabrication process. Then tack welds are made to hold everything together. After assembly or joining most fabrications get some finishing. Founded in 1941 by L. Silverberg, Quality Metals, Inc. is a thriving and expanding business that has been dedicated to quality metal services for over 75 years. CNC Sheet Bending Process. Pieces of flat sheet metal, typically referred to as blanks, is fed into a sheet metal stamping press that uses a tool and die surface to form the metal into a new shape. Your email address will not be published. The design stage also allows the metal fabrication plant to plan the manufacturing process, including... 3. Something simple like HVAC ductwork may only require basic bending and joining, whereas a complex item may require multiple forms of fabrication. Allow us to summarize. One of the biggest challenges in bending is managing springback. Before the process of fabricating the metal can begin, engineers usually come up with drawings... 2. Extrusion 7. Machining 8. As the name clearly indicates, it consists of cutting the metal sheet. Sheet metal fabrication is the process of forming metal sheets to the desired shape using different manufacturing methods.The completion of a product usually comprises of many steps – from cutting and bending to surface treatment and assembling. Step 6 – The manufacturing, fabrication and finishing process. Cutting can be done using various methods. These usually have two objectives: protect the fabrication against corrosion, and provide whatever finished appearance is needed. The holes are formed on these sheet metal when the sheet metals expand around the expansion machine’s “knife” and no metal is lost in this process. If you’re a metal fabricator that’s obvious, but most of our customers aren’t, and that’s okay. Stamping 11. There aren’t any short cuts. Drawing 4. In fairness though, just because something is obvious to us, it doesn’t mean it’s obvious to other people. Just about every sheet metal fabrication goes through those four steps. Breaking down the fabrication process also allows individual steps to be evaluated for improvement, leading to an overall better product. Finishing can also include establishing the properties of the product being fabricated, including making it inert to certain elements or dampening its conductivity through specialized treatments. Sheet metal fabrication refers to multiple processes that alter a metal sheet’s original shape to produce desired parts and products. Folding 5. This is a step that requires skill, precision and patience. Working with blueprints But this step is far from an inclusive one! This ranges from cleaning up welds to polishing to a mirror finish, (like truck bumpers.) These sheets are rectangular and flat. Designing the product. Between those extremes there’s a range of painting and coating options. The process for sheet metal fabrication may seem generalized and straightforward, but it’s of the utmost importance to suppliers and fabricators alike. Each of these methods has multiple possible tools that can be selected depending on the particular specifications of a custom metal fabrication job. Suppliers who understand the nature of their customers’ fabrication operations are better able to meet their needs upfront—such as through value-add services or inventorying. If anything is sub-par, overlooked or incorrect, there’s an opportunity to fix it or scrap it. Punching 9. Remember Lois Lane? We could buy material in coil form but it’s a lot easier to handle in sheet form. Not every customer or job needs welding. Metal fabrication is also key in aviation instruments. Every fabrication starts with a plan. Putting the pieces together starts with fit-up. Like a giant pair of scissors, the shearing machine has a long blade that makes a straight cut through the sheet. biggest challenges in bending is managing springback, 5 MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY TRENDS FOR FUTURE SUCCESS, Understanding Temper and Tolerance in Extruded Aluminum, FIVE COMMON APPLICATIONS OF ALUMINUM EXTRUSION, In Search of Building Better Truck Trailers. Metal fabrication is key in producing aviation gauges, such as the casing for these meters. In this process, a metal sheet is cut or removed by applying a strong force. Depending on the final application, riveting, screwing or bonding might be more appropriate. For cutting a large sheet into smaller rectangles shearing is the way to go. Like a giant pair … Casting 2. by Ben Wiley | May 8, 2017 | Assembly, Bending, Custom Metal Assembly, Cutting, Finishing, Metal Fabrication, Metal Fabricators | 0 comments. © Quality Metals, Inc. 2016 All rights reserved, Step-by-Step: The Sheet Metal Fabrication Process, Get Familiar with the Different Types of Workable Steel, Getting to Know Common Structural Steel Shapes. It’s dealt with by overbending, but getting the bend to finish at exactly the right angle takes skill and experience.