Sheet metal
fabrication refers to the process in which metal of any type is stretched and
manipulated into the form of a sheet before being designed and assembled into a
particular product. While the definition of sheet metal fabrication is pretty
basic, the processes involved the take a company from the ideation point to a
finished product can range from the intricate to the straightforward.
Regardless, precision and accuracy are required throughout for a satisfactory
end result.
1. Sheet Metal Fabrication Processes
When a company
contracts with a sheet metal fabricator, there are a number of processes
involved in delivering a product that exceeds the customer's expectations:
·
Design
Working in partnership, the client and the contractor hammer
out the details of the sheet metal project. These details include items such as
the product's quality and its end specifications.
·
Development
Using the latest 3-D technology, the development phase
allows the client to visualize the end result as skilled workers manipulate the
parameters of the material in a digitalized environment with the goal of
delivering a visual perception of the final product.
·
Prototyping
The designs from the 3-D development phase are used to
create a prototype of sheet metal, stainless steel or another non-ferrous
metal. This step in the process is crucial as it is often the first time that
the client's ideas become physical reality.
2. Sheet Metal Fabrication Methods
The method that a
contractor uses to fabricate sheet metal depends on a number of factors such as
the type of metal, its thickness, the finish desired and the end product's
quality. These methods can include the following:
·
Punching
·
Laser
cutting
·
Turning
3. Materials Used in Sheet Metal Prototyping
As might be expected
with the technology that is used in today's sheet metal fabrication
environment, a variety of materials can be used to design and develop
prototypes. While aluminum and stainless steel are used often in a variety of
industries that rely on sheet metal fabrication for their parts and processes,
other materials such as copper, zinc, steel and more can also be fabricated.
4. Surface Finishes
Sheet metal
fabrication is the actual forming of the chosen material while the surface
finish provides the finishing touches on the final product. These finishes are
designed to enhance the materials appearance, resistance to corrosion,
conductivity, and adherence to other materials as well as other properties as
they pertain to the environment that the product will be used in.
5. Finding the Right Sheet Metal
Fabricator
Sheet metal
fabrication is a process that requires accuracy and precision. No two projects
are exactly the same so they need to have specific skill sets dedicated to
them. For example, one company might already have a design and simply need it
to be developed. Another might need to have a viable prototype of their design
delivered within just a few days to meet their deadline.
3ERP is dedicated to providing sheet metal fabrication services
that are tailored to their customers' needs. From conception to prototype
delivery, 3ERP has the skilled technicians and industry-leading technology to
deliver end results that exceed their clients' expectations. Contact 3ERP
today to learn how their sales and engineering teams can fulfill your needs.
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