English 
In the vast field of modern manufacturing,sheet metal fabrication has become an indispensable part with its unique technological charm and wide range of applications. Sheet metal products are everywhere from delicate electronic device housings to bulky industrial equipment components, and their quality and performance are largely determined by the materials used. So,What Materials Are Used in Sheet Metal Fabrication?This article will delve into this topic and take you into the rich world ofsheet metalmaterials.
What Is Sheet Metal Fabrication?
Sheet metal fabricationis a comprehensive cold working process for metal sheets. It processes metal sheets into required shapes and sizes through shearing, stamping/cutting, bending, welding and other means, and is widely used in many industries. It is widely used in the construction, automotive and manufacturing sectors, producing everything from building facades to complex machine components.
What Materials Are Used In Sheet Metal Fabrication?
1.Aluminum
Aluminum is popular in sheet metal fabricationdue to its lightweight and thermal conductivity. It is suitable for applications that require lightweight components and can quickly dissipate heat, making it very useful in the electronics and aviation fields.
2.Copper
The conductivity and thermal conductivity of copper materials have made them widely used in electronic sheet metal fabrication. It can ensure the good performance of circuits and is used for manufacturing wires and connectors.
3.Brass
Brass is a multi alloy metal typically composed of a mixture of copper and zinc, and its low friction coefficient makes it very useful in applications that require reduced wear and tear.
4.Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a type of low-carbon steelthat is highly favored in sheet metal fabrication due to its corrosion resistance and strength. It is commonly used in the production of food equipment, medical equipment, and chemical industry equipment.
5.Steel
Steel is a sturdy and durable materialwith high strength and durability applications, making it very suitable for producing complex designs and parts that require extremely high precision, such as mechanical components and building structures.
What Are The Advantages Of Sheet Metal Fabrication?
Sheet metal fabrication includes a variety of techniques that offer many benefits. The final parts have uniform wall thickness with remarkable mechanical properties. The following are some of the majoradvantages of sheet metal fabrication:
Accuracy and Efficiency
The accuracy and efficiency of sheet metal fabrication are top-notch. It is suitable for producing both prototypes and end-use parts.
Furthermore, it is critical to understand that most sheet metal techniques are automated. The use of CAD software andCNC machiningeliminates human errors. As a result, the final products usually have few or no deformations.
Versatility
The sheet metal fabrication process uses an array of techniques and tools. This makes it easy to choose the most suitable method for your project. Furthermore, metal parts fabrication does not limit the materials one can use. There are a thousand and more compatible metals. However, the application of the final part will influence the material you use.
High Capacity Production at Low Cost
With sheet metal fabrication, one can achieve a production capacity that is equal to the market demands. Though the initial cost may be high and the time of setting up may be long, it gets better when production begins. The more the parts produced, the more money one saves.
Manufacturing of Lightweight Components
Sheet metal fabrication produces lightweight yet durable parts. The excellent light-weight-to-strength ratio makes them useful in automotive and aerospace part manufacturing. Ultimately, it reduces manufacturing costs and improves fuel efficiency.
Custom-Built Designs
Sheet metal fabrication can be used to come up with innovative designs to build customized and unique parts. It is flexible and easily transforms metal sheets into personalized and aesthetically pleasing parts. Themetal sheet fabricatorcan come up with innovative ideas and produce functional customized products.
What Types Of Metal Plates Are Commonly Used?
Aluminum plate
aluminum sheet metalare widely used in the manufacturing industry due to their high strength-to-weight ratio and inherent corrosion resistance, catering to most applications. In aluminum plate manufacturing, usually Al1100 grade has strong corrosion resistance and easy formability. It has high thermal and electrical conductivity, making it suitable for use in transmission or grid lines. Grade 3003 is a medium strength alloy with good formability used in heat exchangers and cookware. Of the grades 5052 and 6061, the former is more common in sheet metal manufacturing due to its strength, formability, weldability and corrosion resistance. Grade 6061 is a structural alloy used in extrusion and high-strength applications such as truck and ship frames.
Galvanized sheet
The galvanized layer on the surface of thegalvanized sheet metalcan effectively prevent the steel sheet from rusting, extend its service life, retain the mechanical properties of the cold-rolled steel sheet, and have high strength. The surface is flat and smooth, suitable for occasions where appearance is required, the price is relatively moderate, and the price-performance ratio is high. Often used in the construction industry, automotive industry, household appliances, etc.
Copper/brass metal plate
Copper is an excellent conductor, and brass (copper-zinc alloy) also has good electrical and thermal conductivity, and is easy to cut, stamp and weld. Brass has better corrosion resistance than pure copper. Due to their different properties, copper and brass each have their own uses. Low zinc brass is easy to cold form, weld and braze. Copper sheet's high zinc content allows it to develop a layer of oxide or patina that will not continue to corrode and provide the desired appearance in applications such as construction and consumer products.
Titanium metal plate
Titanium metal sheets can be defined as thin, flat sheets of titanium, a metal known for its high strength-to-weight ratio and high corrosion resistance. These sheets are produced through processes such as hot rolling, cold rolling or powder metallurgy methods. Titanium metal sheets are widely used in the aerospace, automotive, medical and marine industries and their properties are highly appreciated. Due to its high strength, high temperature resistance and compatibility with the human body, it is used in the production of products such as aircraft frames, engine parts, human implants and marine products.
What Are the Common Types of Sheet Metal Fabrication Techniques?
There are manytypes of sheet metal fabrication technology. These technologies can be divided into the following common types based on different processing purposes and process characteristics:
Stamping
Stamping uses dies and stamp presses to shape metal coils and sheets. It uses both cutting and forming operations at room temperature to achieve maximum results. Stamping encompasses various techniques including piercing, blanking, drawing, coining, and embossing.
Piercing and blanking are simpler and are usually carried out as the first step in sheet metal fabrication. Drawing, embossing, and coining are more complex and can create intricate shapes and designs that do not require further processing.
Shearing
Shearing is the most common and basic process in sheet metal processing. It refers to the deformation form in which the cross section between the two forces is affected by the same transverse force, the opposite direction and the action line of the component is very close. Equipment such as plate shears are usually used to cut the plate into the desired shape and size through mechanical shear.
Laser Cutting
Laser cutting is the use of laser beam to illuminate the surface of sheet metal material, through the high energy density laser beam local heating and rapid cooling, so that the material melting, vaporization, ablation or reach the ignition point, at the same time with high speed air flow will melt or ablated material blown away, so as to achieve the purpose of cutting or drilling.
Bending
bending sheet metalis a processing methodthat causes plastic deformation of sheet metal parts. Use a bending machine tosheet metal bend the workpiece according to the dimensions of the bending diagram. The process involves using specialized tools to create angles and folds in sheet metal.Sheet metal bending is often used to create complex shapes and components.
Welding
The welding process joins two or more metal parts together using heat, pressure, or a combination of both. Usually, a filler material is added to give a strong weldment as it cools and solidifies.
The most common welding techniques used for metal parts fabrication include Metal inert gas welding, tungsten inert gas welding, and metal active gas welding. They are carried out in different ways and have unique advantages and applications.
Why is a Sheet Metal Gauge Chart Important?
Ensure processing accuracy:Thesheet metal gaugeprovides accurate sheet metal material thickness, bending radius and other parameters, which helps ensure accuracy during processing. These parameters are crucial for controlling the size and shape of parts, directly affecting the final quality of the product.
Improve production efficiency:By usingsheet metal gauges, you can quickly find and obtain the required material parameters and process parameters, reducing the preparation time before processing. At the same time, standardized parameter settings also help improve the automation of the production line, thereby improving production efficiency.
Optimize material usage:Material property information in sheet metal sheets helps designers and engineers make more informed decisions when selecting materials. By comparing the performance parameters and costs of different materials, the material that best suits the project needs can be selected, thereby optimizing material usage and reducing costs.
Promote collaboration between design and manufacturing:InCAD/CAM systems, sheet metal gauges can serve as a bridge between design data and manufacturing data. Designers can refer to the parameters in the sheet metal scale when designing, and manufacturing personnel can perform processing based on these parameters. This collaborative approach helps reduce errors and conflicts between design and manufacturing.
Supports quality control:Parameters in sheet metal gauges can be used in the quality control process. By comparing with the actual processing results, deviations can be discovered and corrected in time to ensure that product quality meets design requirements.
Factors affecting the cost of sheet metal Fabrication
Several factors are particularly important in the estimation of sheet metal fabrication costs that will directly affect the economy and final cost of the project.
| material cost | The cost ofsheet metal materials used in sheet metal processing accounts for a large part of the total cost. The cost of different materials varies greatly, such as stainless steel, aluminum alloy, carbon steel and other materials at different prices. |
| Processing process | Differentsheet metal fabricationprocesses will affect the cost, such as the complexity and time-consuming of stamping, welding, cutting and other processes will affect the cost. |
| Equipment cost | The investment cost of the equipment, machinery and tools required for sheet metal fabrication is also an important factor affecting the cost. Advanced equipment and tools may increase productivity, but they will also increase costs. |
| Labor costs | Labor cost is an important part of the sheet metal processing cost, including the wages, training and welfare of operators, technicians and managers. |
| design requirements | The design requirements of products will directly affect the difficulty and cost of fabrication Complex design requires more fabrication technology and precision, thus increasing the cost. |
| Purchase quantity | Mass production can usually reduce costs, because the cost ofsheet metal materials, labor and equipment can be saved through effects of scale. |
| quality requirements | High-quality products usually require stricter process requirements and inspection standards, which may increase costs. |
Tips To Reduce Sheet Metal Fabrication Costs
If you want to reduce the cost of sheet metal manufacturing, you do need to use some clever techniques. Give us a deeper understanding of the various ways to ensure that the project is more cost-competitive:
Select Raw Materials
We prefer cost-effectiveraw materials for metal fabricationsuch as aluminum or steel to more expensive materials such as stainless steel or titanium. In addition to making the design simpler, using economical and efficient materials can also significantly reduce the production cost of sheet metal. Although stainless steel or titanium may have its particular advantages, alternative materials such as aluminum or steel tend to exhibit similar excellent properties at a relatively low cost. When determining the most cost-effective material selection, specific functional requirements should be carefully considered and manufacturers consulted. Alternatively, note that the use of lower-cost materials may require subtle adjustments to their design to achieve optimal performance. By finding the correct balance between the function and the cost, we can effectively reduce the totalcost of sheet metal production.
Surface Preparation
Consider the cost-effective surface treatments such as powder coating rather than chrome plating and anodic oxidation, etc. In addition to the fabrication process, the surface finish selection also has a certain impact on the cost.Sheet metal material selection, we tend to choose cost-effective options, such as a powder coating instead of the more costly chrome plating or anodized treatment. We recommend that you consult the manufacturer and evaluate different options for functional and aesthetic requirements to find cost-effective and effective solutions to meet project requirements.
Tolerance Control
One key factor to be considered when reducing the cost of sheet metal fabrication is the tolerance requirement. While strict tolerances may be required for specific items, choosing looser tolerances can provide significant cost savings if they do not affect functionality or aesthetics. Before determining the tolerance level, the manufacturer must be consulted and all functional and aesthetic requirements carefully evaluated. Overall, realizing this can successfully reduce the cost of sheet metal fabrication.
Simplify Manufacturing Steps
In collaboration with sheet metal fabrication manufacturers. Establishing close cooperation with trusted sheet metal fabricationmanufacturersalso saves costs in the manufacturing process. Simplify the process and eliminate unnecessary steps can save time and money. Please make further contact with your manufacturer to identify potential areas of improvement and work together to find ways to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
Quantity Ordered
Make the most of economies of scale by ordering more quantities at once. Another cost-saving strategy in sheet metal manufacturing is to take advantage of economies of scale by ordering more quantities at once. This can reduce manufacturing and transportation costs, thus saving on overall costs. Project requirements and storage capacity must be carefully assessed before placing bulk orders, but doing so can have a significant impact on reducing thecost of sheet metal fabrication.
Invest In Technological Innovation And Sustainability
The introduction of technological innovation and sustainability practices is a long-term cost reduction strategy. The introduction of automation equipment can reduce labor costs and improve production efficiency. At the same time, the use of environmentally friendly materials and processes not only conforms to market trends, but also avoids additional costs due to environmental regulations. By constantly promoting technological innovation, enterprises can better adapt to market demand and improve competitiveness.
Longsheng: Your Trusted Sheet Metal Fabrication Design Company
At Longsheng, we are not only proficient in the various skills mentioned above, but we have a professional technical team that can provide leading sheet metal fabrication services to manufacture high quality parts for you at very competitive prices. As an ISO 9001:2015 certified company, we focus on the construction of quality management system to provide customers with reliable service.
Our team of experts has the experience to perform DfM (Design for Manufacturability) analysis to improve your design. We are not only a manufacturer, but also a partner, committed to providing full support and professional advice to our customers to ensure that the design can reduce manufacturing costs while still meeting high quality standards.
If you have a design model that needs to be manufactured, please upload it to us immediately and we will provide you with an immediate quote. Choose Longsheng, choose a quality, high technical level, cost-effective sheet metal fabrication partner, let us work together to create outstanding parts for your project to achieve greater success.
FAQs
1.What are the common materials used in sheet metal fabrication?
Aluminum, galvanized steel, stainless steel, and carbon steel are all commonly used materials in sheet metal fabrication. Each of them has its own unique characteristics and application advantages, and the selection of materials needs to be comprehensively considered based on specific product needs and use environment.
2.What are the responsibilities of a sheet metal fabricator?
Sheet metal fabricatorsare skilled professionals responsible forcutting, bending, and assembling metal sheetsaccording to design specifications. Their expertise ensures that the final product is both durable and precise.
3.What are the raw materials of metal fabrication?
There are many types ofraw materials for metal fabrication, covering almost all metals and alloy materials. Common metal processing raw materials include aluminum, iron, steel, stainless steel, copper, brass, magnesium alloy, etc. In addition, it also includes various metal plates, profiles, pipes, wires, etc. These raw materials are processed into various metal products throughcasting, forging, rolling, cutting, weldingand other processes.
4.What are the four types of metal sheet materials?
①Aluminum:In sheet metal manufacturing, aluminum is often used to make various lightweight structural parts, radiators, casings, etc. ②Galvanized steel: In sheet metal manufacturing, galvanized steel is often used to make parts and components that need to be rust-proof. ③Stainless steel: In sheet metal manufacturing, stainless steel is often used to make parts and components that require corrosion resistance, high temperature resistance and aesthetics. ④In sheet metal manufacturing, carbon steel is often used to make parts and components that need to withstand larger loads and stresses. The four types of metal sheet materials, aluminum, galvanized steel, stainless steel and carbon steel, have their own characteristics in sheet metal manufacturing, and the appropriate material should be selected according to specific application scenarios and needs.
summary
There are manytypes of materials used insheet metal fabrication, each with its own unique properties and application range. When selecting materials, it is necessary to comprehensively consider the function of the product, the use environment and cost factors. Stainless steel, cold-rolled plates, galvanized steel plates, aluminum and aluminum alloys are the most commonly used materials in sheet metal manufacturing. They each have excellent properties and a wide range of applications. At the same time, with the continuous advancement of technology, some special materials are gradually used in sheet metal manufacturing, bringing new opportunities and challenges to the development of the industry.
Disclaimer
The content on this page is for reference only. Longsheng does not make any express or implied representation or warranty as to the accuracy, completeness or validity of the information. No performance parameters, geometric tolerances, specific design features, material quality and type or workmanship should be inferred as to what a third party supplier or manufacturer will deliver through the Longsheng Network. It is the responsibility of the buyer seeking a quote for parts to determine the specific requirements for those parts.Please contact us for more information.
Longsheng Team
This article was written by multiple Longsheng contributors. Longsheng is a leading resource in the manufacturing sector, withCNC machining,sheet metal fabrication,3D printing,injection molding,metal stamping, and more.
