What is sheet metal fabrication?
Sheet Metal fabrication is the process of transforming flat metal sheets into a net shape or near-net shape part. Sheet metal, in either blank or coil form, is placed into a stamping press, with specially designed tooling and/or dies that blank, bend, punch, draw, flange, emboss, or otherwise alter the material into the desired shape.
In a single-stage metal fabrication process, each stroke of the power press produces a part; in a multi-stage metal fabrication process, the material moves through a series of stamping stations, each of which performs a different forming process and takes the material one step closer to its final form. Progressive stamping uses one tool that performs multiple operations on one hit to make a complete part.
Sheet metal fabrication processes can mostly be placed into two categories – forming and cutting. Forming processes are those in which the applied force causes the material to plastically deform, but not to fail. Such processes can bend or stretch the sheet into the desired shape. Cutting processes are those in which the applied force causes the material to fail and separate, allowing the material to be cut or removed.
Sheet Metal Fabrication at IronCrafts
At IronCraft our sheet metal fabrication process ranges from handy tools to highly gift-operated automatic machinery overseen by an expert. With a team of skilled technicians and technologically advanced tools, we always believe in giving our customers customized services. We can deliver the desired part as per customer requirements. Our fabrication process generally includes the following steps:
Drawing
Customers provide IronCraft with either a product sample or a product drawing. If a sample is provided by the customer, our engineers first make product drawings based on the sample. Drawings and calculations are then checked and rechecked with the customer to ensure that the final product meets all necessary customer specifications and requirements. Final shop drawings are then made and include product dimensions, calculations of sheet metal stress levels, and load limitations.
Determine Fabrication Steps
Final drawing information is used to determine the number and sequence of steps of the fabrication process in which exact steps and the order in which they will be performed to manufacture the product are specified.
Dies and Tools
Our expert dies makers will then make stamping dies. A stamping die is a special, one-of-a-kind precision tool that cuts and forms sheet metal into a desired shape or profile. The die’s cutting and forming sections typically are made from special types of hardened steel called tool steel. Dies also can contain cutting and forming sections made from carbide or various other hard, wear-resistant materials. In addition to ties, special tools or fixtures may be required for some products.
Fabrication
We then fabricate the metal based on the specified steps which could involve press machine, drilling, welding, manual hand bend etc.
Inspections
Our sheet metal fabrication process is subjected to our stringent quality assurance standards. IronCraft utilizes the following quality assurance programs to meet the strictest of quality standards:
- Material testing certificate from manufacturer/supplier.
- Material thickness and quality report.
- First 5 manufactured pieces inspection data.
- Final manufactured pieces inspection data.
- Dye penetration test.
- Calibration database.
- Corrective action.
- Preventive action.
- Any special tests required by customers.
Other processes like welding, drilling, product assembly etc. are also subject to similar stringent quality standards. All parameters involved in welding, drilling etc. are recorded.
Finally, all products are visually inspected at the packing time to ensure that final product meets our strictest of quality standards.
Machines
- Sheet Metal bending machines.
- CNC cutting machines.
- Power Press Machines ranging from 10 Tons to 150 Tons.
- Drill machines.
- Mig welding.
- Spot welding.
- Lathe machines.
- Pipe Cutting and bending machines.
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