Understanding Sheet Metal Processing and Its Applications
Sheet metal is a widely used material in many different industries. Therefore, sheet metal processing is one of the methods to increase flexibility and durability, helping sheet metal to be applied more in production and life. In order to help businesses better understand what sheet metal processing is and the application of sheet metal processing, RX Tradex presents the article below.
Learn what sheet metal processing concept is. How is the application of sheet metal processing?
What is sheet metal processing?
This is one of the most popular types of mechanical processing today. Sheet metal processing is a method of using techniques such as cutting, peeling, punching, and bending to transform the shape and size of flat metal sheets to create the desired shape, using traditional or high-tech processing machines such as CNC machine tools.
This processing process requires high technical level as well as high-tech machine, to form absolutely accurate mechanical products. Common materials used in sheet metal processing include Steel, aluminum, brass, copper, copper, magnesium and others,…
5 advanced and modern sheet metal processing methods.
Sheet metal processing by cutting method.
Sheet metal cutting technology offers a flexible choice of shape as well as product size. Advanced CAD/CAM system can output CNC machining codes that allow the equipment to be programmed quickly and accurately, thus ensuring that the cutting process is done quickly. There are three popular cutting methods:
· Traditional sheet metal cutting methods.
· Sheet metal cutting technology uses Plasma-Oxy/gas on plasma cutters.
· Sheet metal cutting technology uses laser technology on CNC Laser cutting machines.
Sheet metal processing by punching method.
This method offers highly accurate and cost-effective shaping solutions with fast processing speeds. Metal stamping machining is a process of turning flat sheet metal into specific patterned shapes based on pestles and stamping dies.
Common punching and stamping techniques include chiseling, bending, casting, embossing, with various types of moldsThe punching and stamping techniques used to shape metal can be mentioned: Chisel, bending, casting, embossing,… with molds such as:
· Simple stamping mold.
· Coordinated stamping molds.
· The mold punched continuously.
Sheet metal processing by CNC folding method.
CNC folding, or bending with CNC bending machines, involves deforming angular edges or bending the edges of metal sheets based on computer-programmed drawings. The machines ensure even advancement of the shock blade on the workpiece, creating straight lines on the metal surface to meet different shapes as per customer requirements. The 4 methods of sheet metal folding include:
· Free metal folding shock.
· Metal edge folding.
· Profiled metal folding.
· Bending of sheet metal.
Sheet metal processing by welding method.
Welding in sheet metal processing requires high technology and techniques due to the thin metal surface. MAG and TIG high-quality welding are commonly used sheet metal processing methods in metalworking production technology. This is the process of joining fixed parts after going through previous processing steps such as cutting, folding or punching to form a finished product. Common metal welding methods:
· MIG Welding – MAG.
· TIG welding.
· Rod welding.
Sheet metal processing by surface treatment methods.
Surface treatment and product finishing include all methods that allow changing the surface properties of metal workpieces. These sheet metal manufacturing methods will contribute to the diversity and aesthetics of the product. These methods contribute to higher quality and use value of metalworking products. Popular methods of surface treatment of sheet metal such as:
· Surface removal (polishing method).
· Surface coating processing, namely: Paint, powder coating, nickel coating, chromium coating, galvanizing, aluminum anode, black dyeing …
· Mechanical surface treatment such as: Shot peening, flat grinding, chamfering C.
· Chemical surface treatment includes cleaning and cleaning.
Some advantages and drawbacks of sheet metal processing.
Since sheet metal fabrication involves many methods and techniques, the benefits and drawbacks will vary based on the process used in the fabrication process.
The advantages of sheet metal processing include:
· The sheet metal fabrication process is fast and efficient with high productivity and can produce batch quality parts.
· High automation ability, precision machining level, machining materials of different thickness or complexity ensure aesthetics.
· Several methods can be used with a variety of sheet metal materials.
· Parts made of sheet metal have a high strength-to-weight ratio.
· Ability to work both in air, vacuum, liquid, solid.
Some of the limitations of the sheet metal fabrication process are usually:
· Each fabrication process has its own limitations.
· The initial cost to set up equipment and tools is quite high.
· Each step requires the use of specialized labor.
Some applications of sheet metalworking.
Today, sheet metal processing technology is widely applied in the mechanical industry, and processing workshops are developing strongly.
Sheet metal processing is applied in a variety of fields, specifically including:
· Application in mechanics: Producing machine chassis, fasteners, bolts, and parts with intricate details.
· Applications in the automotive industry: Manufacturing vehicle parts, components for heavy-load resistance, fenders, hoods, doors, lighting devices, and road barriers.
· Application in industrial plants: Creating decorative partitions, stainless steel working tables, worker cabinets, and iron boxes.
· Application in interior decoration, construction: Door frames, windows, shutters, railings, cabinets, cutting and carving architectural models, houses, types of interior walls,…
· Application in the field of communications: Manufacturing telecommunication cabinet boxes and assembling communication equipment.
· Application in military field: Applied in sheet metal processing products and assembly products in clusters for military vehicles and systems,…
· In addition, sheet metal processing is widely applied in other industries such as refrigeration technology, pharmaceuticals, medical, air conditioning ,…
Application of sheet metal processing in life:
· Make brand logos, labels, billboards of companies, shops, supermarkets, fashion shops,…
· Use sheet metal processing to finish other products in homes, school agencies, hospitals such as: Kitchen hoods, sinks, freezers, tableware, kitchenware or household appliances,…
Companies providing sheet metal processing machinery and equipment in Vietnam 2023.
Currently, sheet metal processing is becoming a spearhead of the mechanical industry of Vietnam. Companies specializing in the field of sheet metal processing in our country have several advantages that contribute to the steady development of the mechanical engineering industry. Some specific examples of these companies and their offerings are as follows:
· AN PHAT EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES CO., LTD: With nearly 30 years of development, An Phat Equipment and Spare Parts Co., Ltd. is proud to be a reputable supplier of equipment, industrial supplies, automation solutions with more than 20,000 customers nationwide in many key manufacturing fields. Diverse products such as: Paint spraying equipment, pipes and connectors, air compression and portable instrument equipment, pneumatic diaphragm pumps, hydraulic pumps, oil cooling equipment,… Reference: anphat.com
· CDC PNEUMATICS: The CDC Pneumatics brand has been a leading global manufacturer of pneumatic, food and beverage propulsion equipment for connecting accessories since 1983 in Korea. This brand has a variety of products such as: Pneumatic equipment, air compressors, valves, cylinders, connectors ,… Reference: cnc.com
· CHANGZHOU JUREN PRECISION TOOLS CO.,LTD: Juren brand specializes in manufacturing leading five-axis CNC machines in Europe, precision tool testing equipment, professional production and after-sales team. With leading CNC products, including: CNC milling machines, machine tools, CNC machining centers, CNC machine equipment,… Reference: juren.com
· DONGGUAN PERFECT MOULD CO.,LTD: Dongguan brand is a professional precision mold parts manufacturer established in 2014. Equipped with advanced equipment and standardized production methods, this brand can produce a wide range of products such as: Precision connector insert mold, precision plastic mold parts, precision stamping tool parts, die casting parts, industrial LED lights,… Reference: dongguan.com
Summary
Although some mechanical processing units still use traditional cutting technologies. But sheet metal processing by traditional technology has not been able to meet strict requirements in automated, mass, medium-scale, large-scale production lines. Innovating processing plans, renewing production thinking, innovating machinery and learning new technical technologies are sustainable development directions, long-term.
To learn about new and effective solutions, businesses can participate in leading international exhibitions on mechanical engineering such as METALEX Vietnam 2023, organized by RX Tradex company . The event will help businesses grasp the latest technologies applied to the sheet metal processing process, improve accuracy and optimize productivity. In addition, in 2023, RX Tradex will also organize leading international exhibitions such as Vietnam Manufacturing Expo, Waste and Recycling Vietnam and NEPCON Vietnam , which are places for businesses to connect, trade or find strategic partners and potential customers.
