What are the Different Methods of Sheet Metal Processing?

Sheet metal processing refers to deforming metal in multiple ways to render it useful for further procedures.

In different industries, metal sheets are used in multiple ways. They are used to manufacture everything, from large machines to smaller components.

Thus, metal sheets must be transformed accordingly. You couldn’t be more wrong if you think that sheet metal processing is just a process. It is a conjunction of welding, punching, notching, stamping, etc. These processes carve, mold, cut, and shape the metal in different shapes and designs.

To learn more about these processes, read this blog and learn about the various methods.

Sheet Metal Processing Methods

Here are some of the metal processing methods that you should know about:

Metal Forming

Metal forming refers to changing the metal structure without cutting or removing material. This process relies on deformation through force and pressure.

The key processes that come under metal forming are:

Rolling: Rolling is the process where the metal is rolled between rollers to reduce the sheet’s thickness.

Deep Drawing: It refers to creating cylindrical components of the metal by pushing it into a die to alter its shape.

Spinning: Spinning is placing the metal sheet on a mandrel and rotating it to create an axially symmetrical part.

Metal Punching

Metal punching means carving holes or shapes in metal sheets. It is a process used to create designs in metal sheets, punch holes that help assemble different sheets, or carve the metal for further processes.

It is a very straightforward process that uses the shear force of a punch and a die to create the desired shapes in the sheet.

The major metal punching requirement is that the machine is up to date and doesn’t create burred edges. Precision and accuracy are paramount in this process.

In industrial settings, where thousands of sheets are processed, and there is a need for consistency and precision, CNC metal punching tools are used. These machines can carve simple holes and complex shapes without any quality issues.

Metal Stamping

Metal stamping refers to creating designs or shapes on metal sheets by pressing them between a die and punch. It is widely used in the automotive industry to make automotive parts, in the electrical industry to make electronic components, and in manufacturing industry to create different machine parts.

As it is used in large-scale industries, this method requires a skilled workforce and people aware of the industry requirements. Advanced machines have made the job easier as they can produce consistent quality products, which was a common challenge in manual operation.

There are different methods which are used in metal stamping, which are discussed below:

Blanking: Blanking refers to cutting out specific parts of the meal sheet. It is similar to metal punching.

Embossing: It is the process of creating raised or recessed designs on a metal sheet.

Coining: Coining refers to creating shapes or removing drafts by pressing the sheet between a punch and a die.

Metal Bending

The sheets are bent to form different shapes in several metal operations where welded metal isn’t useful. It is achieved through metal bending, where the metal is bent with the help of a press brake or sheet metal bending machines. The major consideration is ensuring that the metal is not distorted in the process and that the quality is kept intact.

The bend radius is determined after carefully studying the metal, its strength & malleability, and tolerance levels. Ignorance of these points can distort the final product, causing metal wastage.

Welding

Welding means joining two different sheet metals into a specific shape. Metal bending isn’t useful in all cases. That’s where metal welding comes in.

Heat and pressure are used to melt the sheet parts and join them together. It securely joins the parts and creates an even stronger bond. However, welding is not used in applications where aesthetics matter, as heat and pressure might tamper with the appearance.

Final Words

All these processes are used individually and together to create different parts, components, shapes, and designs. The required sheet metal processing methods depend on the industry requirements. However, it is also true that industries can’t operate successfully without sheet metal processing methods and advanced machines. Thus, they require quality metalwork.

It brings us to the point that sheet metal processing methods require investment in the right tools & machines and expert knowledge to produce the desired results.

At New Mexico Metals LLC, we are committed to delivering quality. We embrace technology, and thus, we have the machines and expertise to provide quality.

Call the store or visit us today if you want top-quality sheet metal processing in Albuquerque!