English 
Español 
Português 
русский 
Français 
日本語 
Deutsch 
tiếng Việt 
Italiano 
Nederlands 
ภาษาไทย 
Polski 
한국어 
Svenska 
magyar 
Malay 
বাংলা ভাষার 
Dansk 
Suomi 
हिन्दी 
Pilipino 
Türkçe 
Gaeilge 
العربية 
Indonesia 
Norsk 
تمل 
český 
ελληνικά 
український 
Javanese 
فارسی 
தமிழ் 
తెలుగు 
नेपाली 
Burmese 
български 
ລາວ 
Latine 
Қазақша 
Euskal 
Azərbaycan 
Slovenský jazyk 
Македонски 
Lietuvos 
Eesti Keel 
Română 
Slovenski 
मराठी 
Srpski језик 
A systematic introduction of sheet metal fabrication and main production methods.
Today Peak Fasten will analyze how sheet metal fabrication is processed, and what the process and operation flow are. I hope the following can help you understand sheet metal fabrication processing. If you have any related needs, you can also contact Peak Fasten.
The basic process of sheet metal fabrication processing mainly includes four core steps: cutting, bending, welding/riveting and surface treatment. Specifically, it covers shearing, punching, laser cutting, CNC stamping, bending, welding, riveting, electrostatic powder spraying and other processes. Different process combinations depend on the complexity of the product and the characteristics of the material.
The operation process of sheet metal shell processing is roughly divided into the following steps:
1.Design + Drawing
Before processing the sheet metal shell, you first need to carefully design a suitable solution. According to the functional requirements and appearance requirements of the product, the technicians clarify the design parameters such as the shape, size and structure of the sheet metal shell, and use professional CAD software to make accurate design drawings. This link is like a blueprint for a building, providing precise guidance for subsequent processing.
2.Material preparation
Commonly used cutting methods include shearing machine cutting, laser cutting, CNC punching machine cutting, etc. Select suitable metal materials as the raw materials for sheet metal shells. Common materials include cold-rolled plates, hot-rolled plates, galvanized plates, stainless steel plates, etc. Cut and trim the materials according to the design requirements to make them into the required size and shape. Shearing machine cutting is suitable for straight-line cutting of plates. Laser cutting cutting has high precision and high flexibility, and is suitable for processing precision sheet metal fabrication products. CNC punching machine cutting can quickly punch out holes and contours of various shapes through programming to improve production efficiency.
3.Programming:
CNC programming is performed according to the design drawings and requirements. The programmer writes the processing path of the machine tool, determines the order and parameters of operations such as cutting, bending, and stamping, and makes full preparations for subsequent processing.
4.Cutting:
Use the laser cutting machine to precisely cut the prepared metal material fabrication. Operate according to the program set by the passport to cut the material into the required shape and size.
5.Bending:
The process of bending a flat sheet metal fabrication part into a specific angle and shape. The cut metal sheet is bent to form it into the required shell shape. This requires a professional bending machine. The operator adjusts the mold and parameters of the bending machine according to the drawing requirements, and accurately bends the sheet metal fabrication part. The bending operation is performed with the help of a CNC bending machine to ensure that the structure and size of the shell meet the design requirements.
6.Stamping:
Use CNC punching machines to perform punching, cutting, and other operations on the shell. Perform stamping operations according to design requirements and program settings to give the shell the required functions and assembly holes.
7.Welding and assembly:
Weld, splice and assemble the processed sheet metal shell. Assemble the various parts together and weld them together to ensure that the sheet metal shell structure is firm and well sealed. For some complex sheet metal fabrication structures, multiple sheet metal parts need to be welded together. Welding methods include argon arc welding, carbon dioxide shielded welding, etc. When welding, ensure the strength, sealing and aesthetics of the weld. Grinding may be required after welding.
8.Surface treatment:
According to the material and design requirements of the sheet metal shell, choose the appropriate paint for surface spraying to make the surface of the sheet metal shell smooth and flat. This can improve the corrosion resistance and aesthetics of the sheet metal parts. Common surface treatment methods include painting, powder spraying, etc.
Specific equipment and technology:
Shearing machine: used for straight-line cutting of sheet metal.
Laser cutting machine: high precision, high flexibility, suitable for processing sheet metal parts with complex shapes.
CNC punching machine: quickly punch out holes and contours of various shapes through programming.
Press brake: used to bend flat sheet metal parts into specific angles and shapes.
Argon arc welding machine and carbon dioxide shielded welding machine: used to weld multiple sheet metal parts.
Painting equipment: used for surface treatment to improve the aesthetics and corrosion resistance of sheet metal parts.
Next, Peak Fasten Tech will introduce the basic processes of sheet metal processing:：
1.Raw material preparation
Divide the raw material into the required shape and size through different methods:
Shearing: Cut the raw material into the required rectangular workpiece through a shearing machine. This process is also called "shearing".
Punching/Blanking: Using punch presses and dies for batch cutting, with high precision but high mold cost.
Laser Cutting: High-precision cutting of complex shapes, smooth cuts, suitable for carbon steel, stainless steel, etc.
Plasma Cutting: Suitable for fast cutting of thick plates, rough cuts.
Waterjet Cutting: Cold cutting process, no risk of thermal deformation, suitable for a variety of materials.
2. Preliminary forming
Cutting: Use LASER cutting or CNC punching machine to accurately punch the workpiece to obtain the required shape and size.
Punching: Use ordinary punching machine and die to process the required holes on the workpiece.
Bending: Use bending machine with die to bend the sheet, which is the core forming process.
Stamping: Includes stretching (such as automobile body parts), flanging, convex hull, etc., relying on punching die to achieve complex shapes.
Spinning: Spinning pressing process, used for cylindrical/conical parts (such as pipes).
Forming: Use die on ordinary punching machine or other equipment to deform the workpiece to form a specific shape.
3. Connection and assembly
Punching/flanging: The process of using a mold to turn up the edge of a circular hole on a workpiece, also known as "punching".
Welding: Argon arc welding, butt welding, carbon dioxide welding, etc., used for firm connection (such as mechanical housing).
Riveting: Including mechanical connection methods such as pressure riveting (nut/screw fixing) and pull riveting (pulling rivets to connect multiple workpieces).
Tapping/expanding/countersinking: Pre-treatment process for processing threaded holes or matching connectors.
4. Surface treatment
Pretreatment: degreasing, rust removal, phosphating cleaning, in preparation for painting.
Deburring: Use tools such as grinders and files to remove the burrs of the workpiece to make the workpiece smooth and flat.
Wire drawing: Use wire drawing machines and sanding belts to process the surface of the workpiece.
Polishing: Use polishing equipment to brighten the surface of the workpiece.
Electroplating: Plating a layer of metal on the surface of the workpiece to protect or beautify the workpiece.
Oxidation: Form an oxide film on the surface of the workpiece to protect or beautify the workpiece.
5. Post-processing and inspection
Welding: Select appropriate welding methods (such as arc welding, gas welding, etc.) to connect the workpieces according to the needs.
Grinding/polishing: Use tools such as grinders and files to remove weld scars, burrs or smooth the surface.
Pre-treatment: Before painting or powder spraying, use electrolytic solution to degrease, remove rust, add surface coating (such as phosphating film) and clean the workpiece.
Spraying/painting: Use a special spray gun to spray paint or powder evenly on the surface of the workpiece.
Silk screen printing: Use special ink to penetrate a special grid to form text or patterns on the surface of the workpiece.
Inspection: The quality inspection department will control the product production process in real time to reduce production losses and defective rates and ensure production quality. Correct deformation to ensure flatness.
Packaging and warehousing: Protect the workpiece. The products that have undergone the above processes have met the requirements for warehousing and preparation for shipment, and are packaged and stored for easy transportation.
The process selection depends on the material characteristics (such as thickness, material), batch requirements and design complexity. For example: laser cutting is preferred for small batches of complex parts, and punching is used for large batches of regular holes; bending accuracy depends on mold and equipment debugging.
In summary, the basic process of sheet metal processing involves multiple links, and each link requires strict control and fine operation to ensure product quality.
The above operation process of sheet metal shell processing is shared here. Through the above precise processing and assembly process, various sheet metal shell products that meet the design requirements can be produced to meet the various functions and requirements of mechanical equipment.
