A Guide On Sheet Metal Fabrication

19 January 2023
 Categories: Industrial & Manufacturing, Blog

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Sheet metal fabrication is your best bet for making various metallic components, such as garage doors, car parts, appliance panels, and household fixtures. However, many clients do not comprehend the sheet metal fabrication process. Below are some pointers to help you in your sheet metal fabrication journey. 

Always Engage Professionals

Some people prefer to use internet guides when fabricating sheet metal. Nevertheless, you should avoid DIY projects if you do not have any training in sheet metal fabrication. You risk injuries as you cut or bend the metal. Moreover, design and fabrication oversights could complicate the functionality of the item. To find a fabrication company, use the following information:

  • Start with internet and professional reviews to establish the competence and experience of the various fabrication companies in your locality.
  • Assess the fabrication company's resources. The rule is to consider companies with modern fabrication equipment such as CNC machines, robotic welders, press brakes, laser cutters, and robotic welders.
  • Examine the company's conditions. For instance, does it supply the raw materials for your project? Does the company offer warranties and guarantees to its clients? Will the company offer installation and shipping services?
  • Examine the fabrication costs. As a thumb rule, do not shy off from spending more if the company offers high-quality services. 

Consider Functional Designs And Materials

Once you find a suitable fabrication company, the fabricators ask you how you would want the item designed. If possible, you should have a sample to ease the design and fabrication process. Most experienced designers will suggest improvements to the existing designs. For instance, they could adjust the dimensions to ensure excellent fitting. Alternatively, they could recommend new bend angles to improve durability. 

What happens if you do not have a sample? Most designers develop blueprints to give clients an idea of how the item will look after production. Typically, these blueprints detail the various features of the object, including its size, fold angles, perforations, and finishes. The fabricators then create and present a prototype to you. Ideally, you should assess the prototype and suggest improvements to ensure it is the right fit. 

Assess whether the material used suits your needs. For example, aluminium is suitable when you need a lightweight object. Conversely, steel suits heavy-duty applications such as construction and mining sites. How will the fabricators assemble the component? They could weld or bolt the various parts. Assess and test the finished component to ensure the assembly guarantees reliability. You must also assess the recommended finishing. For instance, powder coating and galvanisation help prevent rusting and wear. 

For more information, contact a company like Beta Metal Spinning.