Sheet metal forming involves a number of manufacturing processes. The following list contains some of the primary sheet metal forming operations:
Curling is a process that adds a circular, hollow roll to the edge of sheet metal. This is done to deburr the edges, but also to add strength and make the sheets safer to handle. Metal sheets are usually fed into specialized machines that gradually roll or bend the edges to form a smooth, rounded profile.
Curling is commonly used in HVAC, appliance manufacturing, and architectural applications to create edges on panels, trim, or housings. Most metals can undergo curling, depending on their ductility and thickness, including: steel, aluminum, and brass.
Curling adds strength to the edges of parts and improves rigidity and safety. Complex shapes or tight rolls can be challenging to achieve through curling. Specialized tooling and machinery may also be required to perform curling, depending on the application.
Laser cutting is a process of using a high-powered laser to cut shapes into sheet metal. A sheet metal blank is fastened onto the laser cutter machine bed. A computer numerical control (CNC) system controls the movement of the laser beam, performing precise, clean cuts in a pre-programmed pattern.
Laser cutting is used in applications that require precise shapes, patterns, or holes to be cut into sheet metal. It is commonly used in the automotive, aerospace, and electronics industries. Laser cutting can be applied to many metals, such as: steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or copper. Galvanized steel can be cut with laser cutting, but this is not recommended, as the high heat can lead to the protective coating being damaged, as well as toxic zinc-oxide fumes being released.
Laser cutting offers high accuracy, versatility, and repeatability. Minimal post-processing is needed, and there is minimal material waste. However, the initial equipment cost can be high.
Bending involves using bending tools in order to create bends or curves along a straight axis of the metal sheet. Press brakes are commonly used, into which the metal is set or clamped and then bent to the desired angle. Bending is commonly used for making automotive body parts, enclosures, and electrical components. The process is suitable for most types of metals commonly used in sheet metal fabrication, such as: stainless steel, brass, aluminum, and galvanized steel.
Sheet metal bending is quick, accurate, low-cost, and requires fairly simple tooling. Some disadvantages include limitations to the thickness of metal that can be bent, as well as the need for consistent thickness.
Ironing is a process used to improve the surface finish of sheet metal parts and achieve uniform thickness. A metal part is pressed through a die or series of dies which incrementally reduces clearance. By passing through the die, the walls of the part are thinned and elongated, without altering the shape significantly.
Ironing is used for producing aluminum cans, but also for other applications in which a consistent thickness and a good surface finish are required. Metals with high ductility are suitable candidates for ironing, including steel and aluminum.
Ironing improves dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and thickness uniformity in metal parts, but requires specialized tooling and machinery. It is also unsuited for parts that require significant shape changes.
Hydroforming is a process of shaping metals into complex forms by using high-pressure fluid. A metal blank is placed within a die cavity, whereafter high-pressure fluid is pumped onto the blank, forcing it into the shape of the die.
Hydroforming is commonly used in the automotive, medical, and aerospace industries, for which complex shapes are often required. Metals with high ductility are suitable for hydroforming, like: aluminum, stainless steel, and brass.
Hydroforming can create complex shapes with uniform wall thickness, with reduced waste and relatively low cost compared to other forming methods. Disadvantages of hydroforming include the specialized equipment that is needed, which requires a high initial investment, as well as the specialized expertise needed to perform hydroforming.
Deep drawing is a process used to create hollow cylindrical shapes. It works by placing sheet metal over a die and pressing the metal blank into the die cavity using a punch, resulting in a hollow cylindrical shape with no reduction in the thickness of the sheet metal.
Deep drawing is used for creating containers, beverage cans, and automotive parts such as door panels. The process can be suitable with any metals with high ductility and malleability. Aluminum, stainless steel, copper, and brass are commonly used in deep drawing.
Deep drawing allows for the creation of complex hollow shapes with consistent wall thickness and precise dimensions. It requires minimal labor and is cost-effective at high production volumes.
Shearing is a cutting process used to cut sheet metal along a straight line. The sheet metal blank is positioned on a shearing machine, which has two blades that slide past each other to cut the metal. The blank is clamped in place, and the upper blade of the shearing machine is lowered onto the blank to make the cut.
Shearing is used to cut metal sheets into smaller pieces or to trim edges. It is widely used in the manufacturing, construction, and automotive industries. Steel, aluminum, and stainless steel, along with most other metals can be sheared. The thickness of the metal and the capability of the shearing machine are the limiting factors as to what can be sheared.
Shearing is a rapid process, produces minimal waste, and is cost-effective at high volumes, but can cause edge deformation and burrs, especially in thicker materials. Shearing only cuts along a straight line, and must be combined with other processes to produce complex shapes.
Punching is the process of removing material from sheet metal to create holes, slots, or specific shapes. Sheet metal is placed between a punch and a die. The die supports the sheet metal, while the punch is forced through the sheet metal into the die to create the hole or shape.
Punching is also used for creating enclosures, brackets, and panels. Most metals can be used for punching, with the thickness of the sheet and the capabilities of the punching machine being the limiting factor.
Punching is an automated, rapid process. It has good repeatability and is a highly efficient process, especially for high-volume production. On the other hand, tooling costs can be high, especially for custom shapes. Some post-processing may also be required, especially for intricate designs.
