Project Case
WHAT IS SHEET METAL FABRICATION?
Sheet metal fabrication refers to the various metalworking processes—e.g., bending, cutting, forming, rolling, and welding—used to turn sheet metal into the desired parts, products, and structures by removing, deforming, or joining the material. Each process may employ specialized equipment (e.g., the bending process uses press brakes) and can be combined with other processes to meet more complex design specifications. Once the sheet metal undergoes all necessary sheet metal fabrication requirements, it is generally subjected to finishing techniques (e.g., sanding blasting, priming, and painting) to improve the functional and aesthetic qualities.
Below we provide a brief explanation of some of the most commonly used sheet metal fabrication processes.
APPLICATIONS OF THE SHEET METAL FABRICATION PROCESS
Sheet metal fabrication operations create elements that find use in a wide range of applications. The strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness offered by fabricated metal parts makes them highly suitable for virtually every industry, including, but not limited to, the following:
- Aerospace and aviation
- Appliances
- Automotive
- Chemical
- Construction
- Consumer goods
- Electronics
- Energy generation and distribution
- Hardware
- Marine
- Manufacturing
- Medical and dental
- Military
- Mining
- Oil and gas
- Piping
- Tools
- Transportation
Some examples of typical sheet metal fabricated industrial components include:
- Automobile parts (e.g., bodies and engines)
- Containers (e.g., barrels and cans)
- Electrical and electronic parts (e.g., wires and piping)
- Enclosures and housings
- Energy equipment (e.g., generator parts and power lines)
- Equipment hardware (e.g., brackets and handles)
- Medical equipment (e.g., patient handling devices and surgical instruments)
- Tools (e.g., hammers and saws) and fasteners (e.g., bolts and screws)
COMMON MATERIALS USED FOR SHEET METAL FABRICATION
Sheet metal fabrication processes accommodate a variety of metal materials. The metal employed—as well as the part and production specifications—largely determines which process or processes are most appropriate for the project. In turn, the ideal material depends on the part and production specifications and the intended use of the finished component. For example, copper is suitable for applications requiring electrical conductivity, while stainless steel is an appropriate option for environments involving corrosive compounds.
At Pro-Type Industries, some of the metals that we regularly use in our sheet metal fabrication operations include:
- Aluminum
- Brass
- Bronze
- Copper
- Nickel
- Stainless steel (303, 304, 316, 15-5, and 17-4)
- Steel and steel alloys
- Titanium
We also offer fabrication capabilities for non-metallic substrates, such as acetal, acrylic, nylon, polycarbonate, composites (e.g., G-10), and fiberglass-reinforced plastics (FRP).
With a vision of boosting thermal management through innovation, Metalli is dedicating to creating a better thermal management solution for your application.
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Address: NO. 12 East mozhou road, Jiangning development zone, Nanjing, China