Precision sheet metal fabrication?
Taking any metal that can be stretched out and manipulated into a metal sheet and finally assembling into a product is known as precision sheet metal fabrication.
Still confused?
We can help you clearly understand by showing the processes involved and the tools used for the same.
Precision Sheet metal fabrication comprises of 5 major processes as listed below:
Step 1:
Design and Development
This is the initial phase where the client will work with the design team to outline the precision sheet metal project in detail. At this stage, the specification including measurements and quality of the sheet metal are discussed. Once the specifications are confirmed the designers develop the design and get the approval from the client.
The development is done in a 3D environment where the clients can see their designs getting a life. This stage of the project is exciting as the client can view the designs as a digitized, provisional perception of the final sheet metal product.
Step 2:
Prototyping
This is a very crucial stage in development because at this stage the client’s thoughts become a tangible reality for the first time. A prototype is created using stainless steel, sheet metal or non-ferrous metal, using the 3d designs in the developmental stage. Prototyping plays a major role in precision sheet metal fabrication.
Step 3:
Manufacturing
The lengthiest and most important phase starts here. This stage can be broken into different phases, wherein every phase require different tools and different skilled labor. The main phases are Shearing, laser cutting, NC Punch press, cleanup, forming, hardware, welding, inspection, ship to an outside process. All these processes finally give a precision sheet metal product.
Step 4:
Quality
At this stage, the final sheet metal products are inspected by a quality inspector to make sure they meet the standard precision sheet metal fabrication quality requirements and are defect free.
Step 5:
Logistics
The final stage of development is shipping. Tools like ERP, MRP and dynamic inventory modeling are mostly used to do this process. At this stage, various packing techniques are used to ensure the safety of the sheet metal parts during the transit.
That’s interesting that when you do a sheet metal project that the customer can see it as a 3D environment before deciding to proceed further. My son mentioned to me about sheet metal cutting projects and how that is what he wants to work with after he graduates college. I wonder what kind of projects you can make with them and how big and small they can be.
Very useful steps. I was really needing this knowledge
I love what you said about prototyping and how it’s a crucial stage of sheet metal fabrication. I think that sheet metal is versatile, especially when it comes to architectural purposes. If I were to need such a product, I would contact a reputable supplier that is known for their fair rates.
I liked how you mentioned quality control and how you have an inspector come in to check everything. I am always curious how this works out with controlling quality of different products. It’s good to know that there is a whole step where this is taken care of.
I love that you said that the manufacturing stage is the lengthiest and most important phase in metal fabrication. Truth be told, sheet metal fabrication is endless. There are a lot of factors needed in the process such as weldability, machinability, and ductility. Thanks for mentioning that clients can actually see in the 3D environment the development if they would still want to push through with the project or not.
With sheet metal, you really can make whatever you want. As you listed here, there is a process to it all as you can’t just start cutting and putting things together. If I needed something done up, I would first do what you said and design it. That way, everything can be laid out to ensure that it would fit the given application.
It’s awesome that the first step in sheet petal fabrication is detailing the project. My boss has been telling me about how he wants to get a new machine built, and he wants to use sheet metal for it. I’ll share this information with him so that he can get into contact with a professional who can help him with this.
I never knew that prototyping happened in steel metal fabrication where it is able to help develop thoughts on what you want. My husband is looking to get some things made in steel fabrication for his business, so he asked for my help. We will keep these tips in mind after we find a professional that can help him out.
It’s good to know that the first step in metal fabrication being deciding on the specifications. My brother has been telling me about how he wants to get a new project built soon. I’ll share this information with him so that he can use the right metal forming techniques.
That’s good to know you can work with a company to get the project down in detail. My boss needs some new ducts made. We’ll have to look into sheet metal fabrication.