What is Sheet Metal Forming?
A metal formed by an industrial process into flat and thin pieces. The sheet metal used in metalworking, where it is possible to cut and bend the metal into different shapes. Sheet metal forming is a group of complementary process used to form the metal parts. One or more processes may be used to take a flat sheet of ductile metal and modify the shape of the metal by deformation processes.
Sheet metal operations are done on a press and can be differentiated into 2 categories such as:
- Cutting and
- Forming operations
Cutting Operations
One can see the workpiece stressed beyond its ultimate strength. The stresses caused in the metal by applying forces are also known as shearing stresses. Operations include,
- Slitting
- Trimming
- Notching
- Shaving
- Punching
- Lancing
- Perforating
- Blanking
Slitting
It is a type of metal cutting process where huge coils, or rolls of sheet metal stock cut using sharp rotary blades. The blades design depends on the requirement of the job. A shearing operation, cuts a huge roll of material into narrower rolls. 2 types are available:
- Rewind
- Log
Process
- Generally, needs high quality production tool to assure consistent quality in controlling the metal width
- Involve ferrous and nonferrous metals
- Restricted to cutting thin metal materials
Trimming
It is a cutting process – some of the material is removed from a piece of sheet metal by applying enough shearing force.
Process
For removing flash – A manufacturing process used as a finishing operation for forged parts. Often it is desirable to perform the operation while the work is hot for maximum efficiency, usually incorporated into larger production processes.
Notching
It is a shearing (metal cutting) process, during a metal scrap piece removed from outside edge of a metal workpiece. It is a manually operated, low-production process.
Shaving
It is a secondary process used to improve the edges of the cuts that already been made. At the end of the edge, shaving uses a small clearance to perform a smooth and accurate cut.
It is a chip removal type process and should not be used to cut enormous amounts of materials.
Punching
It is a forming process using a punch press that forces a tool, via the workpiece to create a hole through shearing. Punch passes via the work into a die.
Lancing
It is a cutting process where the material is cut or sliced without producing a slug or separating the workpiece.
A hole is partially cut and bent down to form a sort of tab.
Perforating
It is punched to create a pattern of holes or possibly to make some decorative shapes.
What are the materials used to manufacture perforated metal sheet?
- Tinplate
- Plastic
- Stainless steel
- Aluminum
- Titanium
- Cold rolled steel
Variety of industries using this perforated metal method include:
- Architectural
- Automotive
- Food & beverage
- Construction
- Chemical and energy
Blanking
It is a metal fabrication process, during this process a metal workpiece is removed from the primary metal strip when punched. The removed material is new metal workpiece or blank.
Conclusion
UK Pressings is an arm of J&J Engineering, based in the West Midlands, has been using the most modern metal sheet forming methods since 1978; Our metal formers are able to ensure the clients projects are turned around efficiently within scheduled time-frames. We are experienced in providing all kinds of metal tooling. Quality assured, cost-effective and quick delivery has led to our successful growth.