Sheet Metal Forming Making Manufacturers More Efficient

The use of sheet metal forming has transformed manufacturing into a modern engineering marvel.  Before this technology was unleashed all shapes and developments using metal fabrication were left to be done manually at a much more expensive cost in both time and labor.  By utilizing this practice items can now be mass-produced with precision quality and unparalleled accuracy.

In forming, the sheet metal can be found in the form of a roll or coiled strip, or as a flat piece.  The thickness of the metal varies and is called the gauge of the metal.  The gauge can be anywhere from 8 to 38.  The higher the gauge number the thinner the sheet metal.

There are a number of metals that can be used in forming.  Some of the most common ones include aluminum, nickel, tin, brass, copper, steel and titanium.  These are your industrial metals and are mostly used for manufacturing reasons for parts on airplanes, homes, cars and appliances.  When you get into the manufacturing of decorative items you will typically be using gold, silver and platinum.

Manufacturers use a number of processes to accomplish sheet metal forming.  The metal can be stretched over a form, which is called deep drawing.  Coining involves stamping an impression on the metal.  Embossing means drawing a shallow impression on the metal.

Metals can also be stretched and spun for such things as satellite dishes.  Perforating is the process where a series of small holes are punches to make certain hand tools.  The metal can also be cut for a specific shape and purpose or it can be bent, rolled or pressed.  Whatever you desire to make will depend on the process that you use to create it.