With advances in technology and the availability of high-performance equipment, the complex sheet metal manufacturing process is becoming increasingly sophisticated.
Sheet metal processing has a wide range of applications across various industries.
It is an essential component in industries such as electronics and household appliances, automobiles, communications engineering and medical devices.
Sheet Metal Fabrication Techniques
Sheet metal manufacturing technology covers a wide range of sheet metal cold processing techniques.
As the use of sheet metal components continues to grow, sheet metal processing technology has become an integral part of product development.
Designers must have a good understanding of sheet metal properties to balance functional and aesthetic requirements, as well as to simplify design and streamline the production process for savings and efficiency.
This article will provide an overview of 24 common processes in sheet metal manufacturing.
Suppression
The laser cutting machine or punch press operates based on file programming to process materials.
The laser cutting machine is capable of cutting parts of various shapes, while the punch press excels in processing bulk materials.
Doubling
The bending machine is used to bend and form the part according to the dimensions specified in the bending drawing.
The bending die consists of an upper die and a lower die, and different shapes require different dies.
The accuracy of the bending dimensions depends on the quality of the die.
Forming
A die is used in a standard punch press or other equipment to form the part into the desired shape.
Most shapes are obtained through stamping, which is widely used in the automotive and electronic sheet metal industries.
Playing
A corresponding internal thread is created in the workpiece according to the bottom hole.
Threading has requirements for plate thickness, as very thin plates can slip easily.
Undercut
Tapered holes are machined into the workpiece. To have a presentable appearance without an exposed screw head, the workpiece is often equipped with counterbores.
Press Riveting
The hydraulic punch or press is used to firmly press fasteners, such as rivet nuts, screws, or nut columns, into the workpiece.
A bottom hole must be pre-drilled in the part for pressure riveting, and fasteners are pressed into the part during bending, reducing the need for welding and preserving the appearance of special parts.
Perforated Convex Hull
A hydraulic punch or press uses dies to shape the part into a convex shape, like punch shutters.
Different molds are needed for different shapes, and the result is generally aesthetically pleasing and functional.
Characters, symbols or other shapes are stamped onto the workpiece using a die, typically including the company name, logo, website and contact number.
An advantage of this process is that the information is permanently printed on the piece.
Drilling mesh
Mesh holes are drilled into the workpiece using a die on an ordinary punch press or CNC punch machine.
The mesh of the piece serves both as a decorative element and as a means of heat dissipation.
Deburring
Rough edges on the surface of the workpiece can be smoothed and flattened using a grinder, file or other tools to avoid cuts or scratches.
Argon Arc Welding
The connection between two workpieces is welded at the edge or joint using an argon arc welding machine, which can be performed as intermittent welding or full welding.
The method must be clearly indicated on the drawing.
Argon arc welding is known for its stable arc combustion, high production efficiency, minimal welding deformation, and ease of operation and observation.
Planting welding
The planting welding bolt is securely welded to the workpiece using a planting welding gun.
Plantation welding is often used on parts that experience low stress and require a pristine outer surface.
Welding and grinding
Welding scars on the workpiece are smoothed and flattened using a grinder, file or other tools to obtain a better forming surface and improve adhesion for later plastic powder spraying.
Pretreatment
Before painting or spraying with powder, the processed part must be degreased and derusted with an electrolytic solution. A coating, such as a phosphating film, is added and wiped onto the surface of the part to increase the adhesion of the plastic powder spray.
Dust scraping and grinding
Defects on the surface of the part, such as welding gaps or pits, are filled with atomic ash, and the surface is polished after scraping with a flat grinder or abrasive cloth to increase the parallelism, appearance and adhesion of the plastic powder spray.
Wire drawing
A texture treatment is applied to the surface of the part using a wire drawing machine and abrasive belt to improve aesthetics and market appeal, particularly for stainless steel surfaces.
Polishing
Polishing equipment is used to polish the surface of the part, improving the aesthetics and smoothness of the surface, especially for stainless steel surfaces.
Heat treatment
Heat treatment is carried out to improve the hardness of the part and improve its mechanical properties, such as hardness, wear resistance and strength.
Fuel injection
The paint is evenly applied to the surface of the workpiece using a spray gun, providing a convenient, quick and easy-to-use method.
Plastic spraying
The powder is sprayed evenly onto the surface of the part using a gun and baked in the oven, providing better wear and corrosion resistance.
Darkening treatment
A chemical surface treatment is used to produce an oxide film on the metal surface, isolating it from air and preventing rust.
Screen printing
Special ink is used to create words or patterns on the surface of the piece, penetrating through a special grid.
Screen printing is known for its durability, variety of applications, and fast and convenient operation.
Laser marking
A surface treatment based on optical principles, where a laser beam is used to engrave permanent marks of various shapes into the surface of the part.
Conclusion
With the rapid progress of industrialization, the processing and manufacturing of sheet metal parts are also becoming more and more advanced and intelligent.
As the outer layer of mechanical products, the quality of sheet metal parts plays a critical role.
To ensure that the surface conformation of sheet metal parts meets standards, it is necessary to guarantee quality from two perspectives: surface quality and internal quality.
