As highlighted in the TechZone360 article “These are the three main types of sheet metal fabrication,” CNC machining isn’t the only versatile term in the metalworking realm. Sheet metal fabrication encompasses various techniques, and the pivotal role it plays in shaping the industry is evident.
Forming:
In this method, material isn’t subtracted; instead, it’s reshaped to desired contours. Processes like stamping, stretching, bending, and roll forming fall under forming. Stamping uses dies to press metal into shape, while stretching pulls metal apart. Bending, often done with press brakes, and roll forming, passing metal through rolls, yield the desired shapes.
Cutting:
Two types exist—shear and non-shear. Shear cutting suits nonindustrial products, while non-shear, precise and industrial, includes methods like plasma, waterjet cutting, laser beam, and machining. Laser cutting, using a focused light beam, stands out for its precision in cutting and engraving metal materials.
Joining:
The joining category encompasses welding, riveting, brazing, and adhesives. Welding fuses metal sheets by melting and adding a filler. Riveting relies on embedded metal parts to join sheets, while brazing melts a filler without melting the sheets. Adhesives hold metal sheets together alone or in conjunction with other joining methods.
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