Sheet metal processing

Redexpart sheet metal fabrication capabilities

Sheet metal fabrication is a general term for many processing techniques used to turn flat and thin sheets of metal into quality end-use parts. Sheet metal refers to thin sheets of metal no more than 0.25 inches thick."

Cutting materials

Sheet metal cutting is a process used to cut thin, flat pieces of metal into specific shapes and sizes.

Bending

Sheet metal bending is the process of using a machine to bend thin, flat sheets of metal into desired shapes.

Welding

It is the process of joining two or more pieces of sheet metal using heat and pressure to create a permanent connection.

Surface finishing

Surface quality can affect the appearance, durability and performance of the final product.

Sheet metal cutting process

Laser cutting

Laser cutting speed, high quality, dimensional accuracy of parts up to ±0.05 mm. Smooth surface, surface roughness is only a few tens of microns, no machining required, parts can be used directly.

Plasma cutting

Plasma cutting machine does not require preheating the workpiece, melting speed, the cutting surface is smooth, not easy to cause deformation of the workpiece; When cutting workpieces less than 40mm thick, both quality and speed have obvious advantages.

Waterjet cutting

Waterjet cutting can cut workpieces randomly and is little affected by the texture of the material. With low cost, easy operation and high productivity, waterjet cutting is gradually becoming the mainstream industrial cutting technology.

Sheet metal bending type

V-shaped

The upper part of the workpiece is compressed, and the lower part is adjacent to the walls of the mechanism and stretched.

U-shaped

The program is almost identical to V-Shape, the only difference is in the number of processing steps.

Polygon

Allows you to form complex shapes, and to create a structure you can use one or several elements.

Radius

Allows for a smooth bend, used to create loops, clips, etc.

Welding process in sheet metal fabrication

The manufacturing method usually depends on the size of the part, the complexity of the design, and the type of finish.

Gas tungsten arc welding

This process uses a tungsten electrode to create an arc that melts the metal and filler rod. This is a very precise welding method that produces high quality welds with minimal distortion and spatter. TIG welding is typically used for welding thin sheet metal.

Gas-metal arc welding

This process uses a wire electrode that is fed through a welding gun into the weld pool. The wire melts and fuses both metals. MIG welding is faster than TIG welding and can be used to weld thicker sheet metal.

Resistance spot welding

This process uses two copper electrodes that apply pressure and heat to the metal. The heat melts the metal at the point of contact, forming a weld. Spot welding is a fast and efficient process that can be used for high volume production.

Resistance seam welding

This process is similar to spot welding, but instead of welding at one point, it creates a continuous weld along the seam of two sheets of metal. It is commonly used for joining metal sheets in the automotive industry.

Laser welding

This process uses a high-powered laser to melt metal and create a weld. This is a very precise and fast welding method that is commonly used for welding sheet metal in the aerospace industry.

Sheet Metal Materials

Aluminum

Stainless steel

Copper

Mild steel

Aluminum

Aluminum's combination of lightness, strength, corrosion resistance, ductility, recyclability and cost-effectiveness makes it a popular choice for sheet metal fabrication.

Subtypes:

5052 5754 7075

Stainless steel

Stainless steel is a popular sheet metal material due to its corrosion resistance, strength, aesthetic appeal, hygiene, heat resistance, machinability and cost-effectiveness.

Subtypes:

304 316 316L 410
416L 420 430 440

Copper

Copper is a highly plastic material that is easy to form and does not crack or break. This makes it an ideal material for sheet metal processing. Due to its high electrical conductivity, it is often used in the electronics industry.

Subtypes:

C110 C102(T2) C103(T1)

Mild steel

Steel is the most common material used to make sheet metal. It is a strong and durable material that is easy to mold and manufacture. Steel sheets are often used in the construction, automotive and aerospace industries.

Subtypes:

Mild steel 1008 Mild steel 1018 Mild steel 1020
Mild steel 1025 Mild steel 1045 Cold rolled steel

Sheet Metal Fabrication Surface Finishing

Name	Image	Materials used	Color	Descriptions
Alodin		Alodin Aluminum, Copper	Transparent, Yellow	Alodine creates an oxide layer on sheet metal that increases corrosion resistance and improves adhesion to coatings or finishes. It is widely used in industries such as aerospace and automotive where high levels of corrosion resistance are required.
Anodizing		Anodizing Aluminum	Transparent, Yellow, Green-blue, Black, Orange, Purple, Red	Anodizing is a surface treatment process that is primarily used on aluminum parts. One of the key benefits of anodizing is its ability to create a variety of vibrant colors that not only enhance the appearance, but also provide added protection.
Black oxide		Black oxide all materials	Black	Black oxide is a chemical treatment process that transforms the surface of sheet metal parts into a layer of black iron oxide, providing a smooth and attractive appearance while increasing the metal's resistance to corrosion and wear.
brush		brush Aluminum, stainless steel, mild steel	N/A	Brushing is a physical process that involves using a brush or abrasive material to create fine lines or scratches on sheet metal parts. This creates a textured appearance and can hide surface imperfections or scratches.
Chrome plating		Chrome plating Aluminum, stainless steel, mild steel, copper	Chromium	Chrome plating has several benefits for sheet metal, including high durability, resistance to corrosion and wear, and an attractive appearance.
Passivation		Passivation Aluminum, stainless steel, mild steel	N/A	Passivation is a chemical process that creates a protective oxide layer on the surface of sheet metal parts to prevent further oxidation or corrosion.
Powder coating		Power coating Aluminum, stainless steel, mild steel, copper	Can be customized	Powder coating provides sheet metal with a number of benefits, including durability, resistance to corrosion and fading, and the ability to create a uniform finish.
Bead Explosion		Sand explosion Aluminum, stainless steel, mild steel, copper	N/A	Shot blasting can be used to create a matte or textured surface on sheet metal parts or to improve the adhesion of a coating to a metal part.

Design Considerations

Wall thickness		Wall thickness in the manufacture of sheet metal parts The wall thickness of a sheet metal part is an important design parameter that depends on the application and material used. For sheet metal fabrication, thicknesses typically range from {{0}}.005 inch to 0.25 inch (0.13 mm to 6.35 mm).
Bend radius		The bending radius (or bending radius) is the distance from the outer edge of the part being bent to the central axis of the bend. When bending sheet metal, it is important to consider the minimum bending radius for the material being used. If the bend radius is too small, the material may crack or warp, which can negatively impact the strength and durability of the part.
Hole size		The size of the hole depends on the specific application and material used. In general, the diameter of the hole should be at least as large as the thickness of the material to avoid distortion or cracking.
Hole spacing		The spacing of holes is also important as it can affect the overall strength and stability of the sheet metal. In general, the distance between holes should be at least twice the diameter of the hole.
Tolerance		When drilling holes in sheet metal, it is important to maintain close tolerances to ensure uniform size and spacing between holes. Typically, a tolerance of +/- 0.005 in. is recommended for most applications.
Hole shape		The shape of the hole can also affect the strength and durability of the sheet metal. Round holes are the most common, but other shapes such as square or rectangular holes may be used for certain applications.

Sheet Metal Applications

Redexpart offers a range of sheet metal processing capabilities to meet the needs of various industries and applications.

electronic

furniture

Auto parts

Consumer

Health care

FAQ about sheet metal working

Q: What is sheet metal fabrication?

A: Sheet metal fabrication is the process of creating parts, components and structures from sheet metal.
Sheet metal fabrication involves cutting, forming, welding, painting and finishing the material to create a final product that is attractive and durable.

Q: When should the sheet metal process be used?

A: It can be used to create furniture, industrial equipment, automotive and aerospace structures, medical equipment and much more. Sheet metal fabrication is often used in applications where the size and shape of a product must be precise so that it fits perfectly with the rest of the system.

Q: How much does sheet metal working cost?

A: The cost of sheet metal processing depends on the complexity and size of the project. Typically, larger projects that require more complex parts will cost more than smaller, simpler projects. Additionally, there may be additional costs for painting and finishing processes. It's best to consult a professional to get an accurate estimate for your specific project.

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