How Does Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication Work?

Originally posted on 01/22/

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Though we may be unaware of it, we probably use an item made up of some metal nearly every day. Metal is a huge part of our lives, whether it be the toaster oven that makes our breakfast or the car that takes us to work every day. Each part of these items is shaped differently and often requires a custom job. This is where custom sheet metal fabrication comes in.

Custom sheet metal fabrication involves using various methods to manipulate sheet metal to make machine parts for later assembly. In this article, we will go through several of the most common sheet metal fabricating methods.

Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication Methods

Here are some of the different fabrication processes:

Method #1: Laser Cutting

Using a high-tech laser machine, freshly made metal can be cut into fractions of the original size or cut into a custom shape depending on what it would be used to assemble later. The machines can also laser cut pre-made metal shapes, such as bars or panels.

Method #2: Punching

You would use this method to create holes in sheet metal. The metal would be placed under a die and have a drill punch through the piece. Punching holes are generally made with the following intentions: fastening latches and other parts or the pieces extracted would be used to make smaller parts.

Method #3: Bending/Folding

Bending is a complicated process where a high-tech machine would fold the piece of metal to meet a certain angle requirement. Since the process is quite complex, some opt to put two separate pieces of metal together at the request angle.

Method #4: Welding

Welding is one of the most common processes of custom sheet metal fabrication. It involves joining two pieces together by applying a high level of heat to the application points. You could also weld pre-made shapes to achieve your project goals.

Method #5: Stamping

Another process of manipulating sheet metal is through stamping. With this method, the goal is not to create a hole in the piece. Instead, the idea is to raise a portion of the metal to form a shape, word, or image.

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Work with Experienced Sheet Metal Fabricators

There are many different ways to create custom sheet metal pieces. However, most processes require large and expensive machines. Some are also complex and dangerous, such as bending or folding. If your project requires such methods, you must perform these at a facility equipped with the proper machinery to ensure your safety. Give our team a call today!

Have you ever wondered how these metal masterpieces are formed? Ones that provide functional benefits and others, which are intricate masterpieces. In this blog, we will unpack the common procedure that stays common for both – known as custom metal fabrication. We will discuss the procedure and what technology it uses.

What is Custom Metal Fabrication?

Custom metal fabrication is referred to as manufacturing raw metal. This involves the coming together of machine components as well as structural hardware. Custom metal fabrication is an umbrella term which combines everything from cutting, forming, edging and final assembly.

This process involves the use of high tech tools and equipment that can easily cut, bed, roll and assemble metal into the required specifications and customer requests. Most commonly used raw materials for metal fabrication are carbon steel, stainless and high strength steel, aluminum and copper.

Two Main Forms of Raw Metal Used In Custom Fabrication

The two forms of raw metal used in custom fabrication include: sheet metal and structural metal. Sheet metal, as the name has it, comes in rectangular sheets or rolls of various sizes and thickness.

Structural metal, on the other hand, is classified as a unique shape; which is usually defined by cross-section. The most commonly used structural shapes are beams, angular structures, channels and hollow ones. It may also include special metals such as readymade mesh.

Standard Custom Metal Fabrication Process

Anything that has custom in its name means that there is a need for personalized adjustments. In this section, we will outline some of the common steps of custom metal fabrication.

1. Cutting: The first of many is cutting the sheets into small pieces as required.
2. Forming: Metals are then bent depending on the type of design.
3. Welding: A solder is used to connect two pieces of metal by melting the targeted areal.
4. Processing: Various cutting and shaping tools are used to bring the desired product to life.
5. Drilling: If the project requires, press uses force to create holes where it can be connected.
6. Stamping: As we speak of customization, some metal products are stamped to mold and emboss on metal.
7. Casting: Molten metal is poured into a mold and allowed to solidify into the final design shape.

Use Of Technology and Equipment

Producing special metal necessitates the use of high power technology, precision, trained labor and attention to detail. Speaking of technology in specific, there are many tools during this process, including:

• Industrial machines such as specialized cutters are used to cut sheets of various sizes and configurations.
• Industrial plasma tables are also used to cut unconventional shapes. They are operated by computer numerical control (CNC).
• Laser cutting is also used at sites which produce clean and precise cutting – allowing intricate shapes such as ornaments to be created.
• A punch is used to drill into the metal to create holes of almost any shape of size. This again uses CNC, mechanical, hydraulic or electromechanical forces.

Final Words

Custom metal fabrication is a complex process. Imagine a raw piece of metal turning into a steel bed. Everything in between the process is known as custom metal fabrication from cutting, forming, welding, processing and drilling. Steps might differ depending on the scope of the project.