Sheet metal fabrication is the construction of three-dimensional structures by cutting parts from metal sheets and machining them through brake and die presses to form angled bends and shapes. Sheet metal services feature stamping to produce these parts quickly. In fact, stamping is faster than any other metalworking process.

Mode of operation

The press cuts and bends parts from sheet metal. The worker supplies the press with cuts or coils of sheet metal, and the machine straightens the metal as it is fed into the press. The strategic application of force enables manufacturers to adjust the shape of a part, bending to apply force at an Angle, such as the Angle required for manufacturing in the part. Manufacturers use bending machines in this process, which are available in different sizes and lengths to meet manufacturer needs. Sheet metal parts can be welded or riveted to create structural elements. PEM isobaric inserts can directly add fit features such as bosses and threads without the need for custom machining.

Sheet metal material

Sheet metal is usually made of aluminum, copper, or steel. Sheet metal is also available in a variety of finishes, including anodizing, electroplating, powder coating and spray painting.

Use cases and industries

Stamping makes sheet metal manufacturing highly scalable in any industry and is ideal for high volume, low unit cost, and high-volume functional parts such as enclosures, cases, and brackets are often made of sheet metal.

But the die cost of stamping is usually higher than other processes. Still, manufacturers make hundreds of millions of parts each year in the electrical, electronics and automotive industries. Sheet metal and stamping are also the best choices for robotics.