Sheet Metal Fabrication Birmingham involves a set of processes that use sheet alloys to develop a variety of machines and structures. Fabrication involves the fabrication, shaping, and uniformity of the metal to create something useful from it. Professional skills are required to perform complex processes of metal fabrication.
Types of metals used in sheet metal fabrication
Sheet metal is available in many different types of metals and the manufacturing process can be customized according to the purpose for which you need it. Types of metals commonly used for construction include:
Steel: It comes in various types and is used for all types of purposes. However, this alloy is mainly used for its durability and strength factors.
Aluminum: Aluminum is a light alloy but is known for its strength which is similar to steel. It has excellent working ability in low temperatures which makes it suitable for aerospace and refrigeration use.
Magnesium: This structural metal has a low density and is an ideal choice when hardness is required.
Brass: Brass is known for its acoustic properties but is also used for fittings and components. Brass is a lightweight alloy that exhibits resistance to corrosion.
Copper: Copper is also a corrosion-resistant metal with characteristics of ductility, deformability, and electrical conductivity.
Bronze: This metal is stronger than copper and has a lower melting point. It is used in cookware, turbines and coins.
Various techniques are used for sheet metal fabrication
1. bow down
This process is carried out by press brakes or by hand to make alloy products that are comparatively stronger. But, with the introduction of advanced technology, this work is now done by machines that facilitate more precise and faster work. Sheet metal rolling also provides the same effect as bending, but in this process the sheet metal has to undergo a pair roll to obtain the correct size of the material.
2. Cutting
It is one of the most important processes for sheet metal fabrication. Without cutting, it is impossible to make things with sheets of metal. This work can be done manually using hand scissors but for large-scale presentations, advanced shear machines are required. Two types of cuttings are possible - shear and without shear. Shear cutting involves a few different processes such as cutting, shearing and blanking. It is used to produce non-industrial end products because they are less accurate than the shear process.
Non-shear cuttings are used for more precise and industrial products such as airplane wings. It is used for various processes including laser beams, waterjet cutting services, plasma and machining.
3. shrinking
Metals have the property of expanding upon heating and contracting upon cooling. When it comes to highly tensile metals, they have very high shrinkage properties and are used to make metal products. Various methods are used for this task, such as heating the metal and a heating process. Nowadays, shrinking discs are also available which are connected to an angle grinder which produces heat using friction. This does not include the use of flashlight or flames to heat and shrink the metal.
4. Stretching
In this process, a hammer and a dolly are used to draw a sheet of metal. Sandbags and plastic mallets can also be used to accomplish this task. Alternatively, a stretcher is used that follows the opposite principle of shrinking.
5. Metal Fusion / Joining
Joining is usually the final stage for the production of a product. In this process, welding of different pieces of metals is done together. Common methods used to join metals include TIG welding, MIG welding, and more. In addition to those, metal riveting is also used to join metals without using heat or adhesive agents.
Are you looking for a sheet metal fabrication company for your project? If so, research your options thoroughly and find a reliable company that has extensive experience in the industry and will provide you with quality work. Reputed metal fabrication companies are supported by highly skilled professionals specializing in handling various manufacturing processes including plasma cutting, bending, forming, sheet metal rolling and more.
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