What are the sheet metal processing technologies?

Sheet metal processing, as the name suggests, involves the creation of custom items from sheet metal. Common examples of sheet metal products include computer cases and cabinets, TV back panels, car exteriors, air conditioner housings, integrated terminal enclosures, and charging station housings. So, what are the various sheet metal processing techniques? A summary is as follows:

Sheet metal processing primarily involves cutting, CNC bending, punching and shearing, stamping, rolling, riveting, and welding. This can also be described as the working principles and operation methods of various equipment.

All sheet metal processing techniques require a sheet metal engineer to carefully design and specify product drawings before any operation.

Main process terms include: cutting, riveting, bending, shearing, blanking, punching, expansion riveting, rivet drawing, riveting, chamfering, forming, embossing, tearing, stamping, reaming, mesh punching, chamfering, threading, drilling, tapping, leveling, drilling, countersinking, flattening, welding, spray painting, and assembly.

Common processes include:

1. Blanking:

Blanking can be performed in a variety of ways, referring to the process of punching a workpiece through laser cutting, CNC punching, or shearing. NC and laser cutting are suitable for thicker and more complex sheet metal parts; shearing machines can produce workpieces with larger dimensions, length, and width; and punching machines can be used to create contours and holes in batches.

2. Hole Forming

Hole forming, also known as flanging, refers to the process of using a die to create a raised edge on a workpiece using a conventional punch press or other stamping equipment. This involves creating a hole of a specified size in a pre-punched hole, which increases the strength of the workpiece tapping. It is generally used on workpieces with a thickness of less than 1.5 mm.

3. Riveting

This generally refers to the process of securely riveting rivet studs, rivet nuts, and rivet screws to a workpiece using a punch press or hydraulic riveting machine.

4. Bending

Bending is the process of shaping a workpiece using a bending machine and associated bending dies. This process can significantly enhance the strength of the workpiece.

5. Welding

Common welding methods include shielded arc welding, argon arc welding, electric welding, robotic welding, and butt welding. These processes primarily involve welding two or more parts together to create a finished product or assembly. Alternatively, the edges of individual parts may need to be welded to achieve a precise bend and enhance strength.

6. Surface Treatment

Surface treatments include phosphate coating, powder coating, electroplating with iridescent zinc, chromating, baking varnish, and oxidation. After phosphate coating, workpieces can be electrostatically powder-coated for cold-rolled and galvanized sheets. Iridescent zinc coating is generally used for the surface treatment of cold-rolled sheets and machined parts. Chromatization and oxidation are generally used for the surface treatment of aluminum and aluminum profiles. Surface treatment enhances the overall aesthetics of sheet metal parts and provides protection. The specific surface treatment method is determined by the customer's material requirements.

7. Assembly

This involves assembling multiple parts or components into a complete workpiece according to the drawing specifications. The assembled workpiece may be a finished product or a semi-finished product.

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