Understanding Sheet Metal Works Basics
Contents
Understand the Different Types of Sheet Metals
Know the Common Tools Used in Sheet Metal Work
What is Bending, Cutting, and Flattening
Consider the Benefits of Working With Different Metals
Using standard thickness metal plates can reduce costs
Learn all you need to know about sheet metal works – from tools and techniques to choosing the right material. Get your basics here! Modo Rapid is a company that offers sheet metal fabrication services to customers who require precision metal parts for their products. They specialize in providing custom metal fabrication solutions using cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art equipment.
Sheet metal works refer to the fabrication of metal parts and products by bending, cutting and shaping thin sheets of metal. Sheet metal is typically made from materials like steel, aluminum, brass, copper or tin. The process involves using specialized tools and equipment to cut and shape the metal into the desired form for a wide range of applications such as HVAC systems, automotive components, electronics enclosures, roofing and siding materials, and more. Sheet metal works require skilled craftsmen who have experience in reading technical drawings and using precision measuring tools to ensure that each part meets exact specifications.
Understand the Different Types of Sheet Metals
Sheet metal is available in a wide variety of metals, ranging from aluminum and copper to stainless steel and even galvanized steel. Depending on the project you are working on, it’s important to understand the different types of sheet metal so that you can choose the right one for your needs. Be sure to research which metals are stronger or more durable than others before making your final choice.
There are many different types of sheet metal available, each with its own unique properties and characteristics. Here are some common types:
Aluminum: Aluminum is relatively light, corrosion resistant and easy to handle. It is one of the most widely used metals and is commonly used in aerospace, transportation and packaging applications.
Steel:This is the most commonly used sheet metal due to its strength, durability and versatility. It is commonly used in construction, automotive parts and appliances.
Copper:Copper is widely used for its excellent electrical conductivity. It is commonly used in electrical wiring and plumbing systems.
Brass:Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. It has a bright metallic appearance and is often used for decorative purposes, such as door handles, hardware and musical instruments.
Tin: Tin is very soft and it is often used as a protective coating for other metals or as a component of alloys.
Titanium: Titanium is known for its high heat resistance. This lightweight metal has an excellent strength-to-weight ratio and is often used in aerospace applications.
I am just a few examples of the many types of sheet metal that can be used for various industrial applications.
Know the Common Tools Used in Sheet Metal Work
Modo Rapid has been in the sheet metal manufacturing field for 18 years, and before starting a sheet metal project, it is important to become familiar with the common tools used in sheet metal work. These tools include hand tools such as hammers, chisels and pliers, as well as power tools such as drill presses, shears and grinders.
What is Bending, Cutting, and Flattening
After becoming familiar with the most basic tools, it is time to understand the actual techniques of sheet metal working. This is the same technique that we discuss with you as a supplier like us. Common forming techniques used are bending, cutting and flattening. Bending involves applying a physical force to a specific area of the material, such as using an appropriately sized hammer to produce an air bend or box bend; both methods involve “flattening” the pressure area in the material. A power scissor or chisel is used to make the cut before the two pieces of metal are separated by hand pressure. Flattening is usually accomplished with large grinding wheels and abrasive belts. The thicker the plate, the more likely it is to crack and develop cracks. You should be able to imagine thick metal cracking during the bending process.
Consider the Benefits of Working With Different Metals
There are many factors that we should consider when choosing a metal material, such as, price, metal properties, and processing difficulty. The types of metals used for sheet metal projects vary greatly in terms of time, effort and cost. Aluminum, steel, stainless steel and brass all have their advantages and disadvantages – aluminum is light but prone to corrosion, while steel is strong and cost effective – so it is important that you are aware of your options before starting a project. It helps to consider various factors such as workability, corrosion resistance or strength when choosing the material to use. Knowledge of basic metal preparation – including cleaning and deburring – should also be considered!
Major Aluminum Grades
Aluminum is a popular material choice for many applications due to its lightweight, corrosion-resistant properties. Here are some of the major aluminum grades:
1000 series: This grade of aluminum is pure and contains at least 99% aluminum. It is soft and ductile, making it ideal for applications such as electrical wiring.
2000 series: This grade of aluminum contains copper, which increases its strength and hardness. It is often used in aerospace applications.
3000 series: This grade of aluminum contains manganese, which improves its strength and workability. It is commonly used in heat exchangers and cooking utensils.
5000 series: This grade of aluminum contains magnesium, which makes it stronger and more corrosion-resistant than the 1000 or 3000 series grades. It is often used in marine applications.
6000 series: This grade of aluminum contains both magnesium and silicon, making it strong and easily weldable. It is commonly used in architectural applications such as window frames and door frames.
7000 series: This grade of aluminum contains zinc, which increases its strength but also makes it more difficult to weld. It is often used in high-stress structural applications such as aircraft parts.
These are just a few examples of the major aluminum grades available for various industrial applications.
Major stainless steel Grades
Stainless steel is a popular material choice for many applications due to its strength, durability, and corrosion resistance. Here are some of the major stainless steel grades:
Austenitic stainless steels (300 series): This group includes grades such as 304 and 316, which contain nickel and chromium. They are non-magnetic and have excellent corrosion resistance, making them ideal for use in food processing equipment, chemical tanks, and architectural applications.
Ferritic stainless steels (400 series): This group includes grades such as 409 and 430, which contain chromium but little or no nickel. They are magnetic and have good corrosion resistance but lower ductility than austenitic steels. They are often used in automotive exhaust systems.
Martensitic stainless steels (400 series): This group includes grades such as 410 and 420, which contain higher levels of carbon than ferritic or austenitic steels. They have good strength but lower corrosion resistance than other stainless steel grades. They are often used in cutlery blades and surgical instruments.
Duplex stainless steels: These grades contain both austenitic and ferritic microstructures, giving them a combination of high strength and excellent corrosion resistance. They are often used in chemical processing equipment, oil & gas industry components, and seawater applications.
Precipitation-hardening stainless steels: These grades can be hardened by heat treatment to achieve high strength while maintaining good corrosion resistance. They are often used in aerospace components such as landing gear systems.
These are just a few examples of the major stainless steel grades available for various industrial applications.
Major Brass Grades
Brass is a popular material choice for many applications due to its corrosion resistance, machinability, and attractive appearance. Here are some of the major brass grades:
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- Beta brasses: This group includes grades such as C99700 (yellow brass) and C69400 (naval brass), which contain between 45-50% zinc. They have higher strength than alpha brasses but lower ductility. They are often used in marine applications, such as propellers and fittings.
- White Brass: Also known as nickel silver or German silver, this alloy contains copper, nickel, and zinc in varying proportions. It has a silvery-white color and is often used in decorative applications such as tableware, jewelry, and musical instruments.
- Lead-free brasses: These grades have been developed to eliminate the use of lead in plumbing fixtures due to environmental concerns. They typically contain bismuth or silicon instead of lead.
- High-performance brasses: These grades include alloys with additional elements such as aluminum or manganese to improve their strength, corrosion resistance, or wear resistance. They are often used in aerospace components or high-stress industrial applications.
Alpha brasses: This group includes grades such as C26000 (cartridge brass) and C23000 (red brass), which contain up to 40% zinc. They have good ductility and are often used in plumbing fixtures, electrical components, and musical instruments.
These are just a few examples of the major brass grades available for various industrial applications.
Using standard thickness metal plates can reduce costs
As a professional manufacturer of sheet metal parts, enclosures, we know from experience that there are many applications where using standard thickness sheet metal can really reduce costs. Standard thicknesses are readily available from suppliers, which means they can be produced in large quantities and at a lower cost than custom thicknesses. This can result in cost savings for the manufacturer or customer.
In addition, by using standard thickness sheet metal, we as a supplier can also streamline the manufacturing process by reducing custom tooling or machining. This can reduce production time and increase efficiency.
However, it is important to note that in some cases, custom thicknesses may be necessary to meet specific design requirements. In these cases, the additional cost of producing custom thicknesses may be justified by the benefits they provide.
Overall, the use of standard thickness sheet metal is a good strategy when designing products or selecting materials for industrial applications where tight tolerances are not critical and cost is the primary consideration.
Work with Modo Rapid
Their sheet metal fabrication services include laser cutting, CNC punching, bending, welding, surface finishing and assembly. These processes are used to create a wide range of products such as enclosures, brackets, housings, frames and other components for various industries including automotive, aerospace, medical devices and electronics.
Modo Rapid’s team of experienced engineers and technicians work closely with their clients to ensure that each project meets the highest standards of quality and accuracy. They also provide design assistance to help optimize parts for manufacturability and cost-effectiveness.
Whether you need a prototype or high volume production runs, Modo Rapid can deliver your parts quickly and efficiently. With their commitment to quality, competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, they are a reliable partner for all your sheet metal fabrication needs.
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