You probably walk past structures made with sheet metal fabrication every day, but how much do you know about the process?

Keep reading for our guide to sheet metal fabrication, including what it is, the ins and outs of the process, and what sheet metal fabrication can be used for.

 

What Is Sheet Metal Fabrication?

Before we delve into the ins and outs of sheet metal fabrication, let’s talk about sheet metal. It’s essentially a flat sheet of metal that is quite versatile – which is why it’s often used in metalworking.

Sheet metal can be shaped to form various different products and structures, from buildings to transport and gates.

The sheets of metal can vary in thickness, with some as thin as 3mm, and thicker sheets that are generally used for structures.

A variety of metals can be made into sheet metal, including copper, steel, aluminium, titanium, pewter, and brass.

Sheet metal fabrication is the act of creating products out of sheet metal. This can be done in a variety of ways, but usually, it requires skill, hard work, and high-tech machinery.

The machinery will bend, cut, and create shapes out of metal to fit extensive designs – however, we’ll discuss the process in more detail further down the line.

To ensure that everything goes to plan, draftsmen will create technical drawings from the preliminary designs. This is often done using design apps on a laptop or computer – and then a 3D simulation of the desired final product will be created.

The 3D files are then changed into code, which the machine follows to create the desired shapes.

This helps the fabrication process result in a quality product that meets the clients’ expectations.

 

What Is The Sheet Metal Fabrication Process?

At Astra Engineering, we’ll ensure that we understand what you want, and follow the process to reach your desired outcome. We’ll take the time to explain the process to you, as we believe it’s important that you know what we are doing.

Once we’ve determined the design and the plan, we’ll operate the machines to follow the relevant coding.
There are countless processes to manipulate the sheet metal – including:

  • Forming – essentially reshaping the metal without losing volume
  • Bending – usually in a v shape, u shape, or a channel
  • Welding – this is basically fusing metals together using heat
  • Rolling – this is used when the final product should be curved or round
  • Punching – creating holes in the metal
  • Embossing – creating raised or sunken designs into the metal
  • Cutting – cutting the metal with precision using either a saw, laser, plasma torches, or water jets

 

What Can Sheet Metal Fabrication Be Used For?

Sheet metal fabrication is used to create many different products and structures. You can hire sheet metal fabrication services for practical and functional objects or for architectural purposes to create structures.

Sheet metal fabrication can be used to upgrade your shop front, to create gates, aluminium glazing, or even sliding or bi-folding doors.