Punching is one of the important sheet forming processes. During sheet metal forming, the sheets are often punched in order to make the holes for multiple purposes. Traditionally, shear punching or drilling are the methods used for making holes in metal sheets. However, effective and error-free hole-making requires the consideration of multiple factors. The factors like sheet dimensions, drilling and punching equipment, method of hole-making, applied forces, etc are the factors that often impact the effectiveness of punching or drilling a sheet metal. This post offers guidelines for punching in sheet metal. Types of Sheet Metal Punching Operations There are several types of punching operations, each serving specific purposes: Blanking:… Read More
Continue ReadingDifference Between Welding and Sheet Metal Fabrication
Welding and sheet metal fabrication appear to be interchangeable concepts, although, they are entirely different. The welding is considered as a part of metal fabrication. Many times, people misjudge welding with metal fabrication because of metalworking. Considering the nature of both concepts, welding is a process where metal fabrication is a set of processes, they both differ in many ways. However, this post gives insights into the difference between welding and sheet metal fabrication. What Is Metal Fabrication? Metal fabrication is a process of forming products from sheet metal. Metal fabrication is a step by step process of designing, cutting, bending, shaping, and joining metals. Metal fabrication demands much more… Read More
Continue ReadingHow to Achieve a Perfect Sheet Metal Bend?
Sheet metal fabrication comprises various processes that facilitate the shaping of the metal in the required form and size. CNC machining has long been used for shaping and structuring of metals. This may involve deburring, forming, cutting, bending, and many such processes depending upon the requirement. Sheet metal bending can be challenging when it comes to bending pipes or cylindrical rods. Also, depending upon the quantity required, this may be a repetitive task which also requires precision. Although technology has evolved to overcome these challenges of workmanship, materials and tools used needs to be precise to be able to achieve a perfect sheet metal bend. This post offers some tips… Read More
Continue ReadingSheet Metal Fabrication: Popular Techniques and Tools Discussed
Sheet metal fabrication has been around for several years and is widely employed across various industries. It is the process of forming, shaping and joining metals or parts to create the desired product. Sheet metal is one of the common forms of raw materials wherein the fabrication process is used. In this process, various tools and techniques are used to cut, join, and shape the metal. Would you like to know what they are? This post will introduce you to some important techniques and tools used for sheet metal fabrication. What are the Common Sheet Metal Fabrication Techniques? The following are the common fabrication techniques using metal. The choice of… Read More
Continue ReadingDifference between Sheet Metal Fabrication and Ironwork
Sheet metal fabrication and ironwork may sound synonymous or interchangeable terms, but they are not. Each of this requires a unique skill set, materials, and equipment. The similarity is that both of these are metal fabrication techniques and comprise a variety of metals and machinery. Fabricating a metal implies cutting, bending, rolling, deburring, sawing, or more to give it a certain shape and size and use it in assembling a component. So, it is more functional in nature. Ironwork includes making railings, bridges, bank vaults, and other constructions of iron. Hence, this is more structural in nature. Be it sheet metal fabrication or ironwork, right kind of tools and equipment… Read More
Continue ReadingTop 4 Sheet Metal Industry Trends
The sheet metal fabrication is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. Although considered traditional in its approach, still it has experienced the influx of emerging technologies. Earlier manual tools were mainly used for sheet metal fabrication processes such as cutting, machining, welding, as well as the assembly of the final product. However, today many of these tools are replaced by advanced and effortless versions. The growth of the sheet metal fabrication industry is fueled by two factors – improved supply chain practices, and technology advancements. After reading all these, you might be intrigued to know about the major trends in the sheet metal industry. Isn’t it? If… Read More
Continue ReadingWorking with Sheet Metal? Know These Safety Guidelines
Sheet metal is a thin sheet of metal, which is widely used in a wide range of metalworking applications. Its property to bend, and being formed into a variety of shapes is one of the reasons for its increasing popularity in many industries. To bend, or cut a sheet metal requires using different machines or equipment, and so the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) advises to take into account many safety and health issues. What are the different safety considerations that one must follow, while working with sheet metals? Are you interested to know? Well, the following post is aimed at giving out some safety tips for those… Read More
Continue ReadingAchieve Astounding Results with Woodward Fab Metal Fabrication Equipment
Woodward Fab is the trusted source for a wide range of metal fabrication equipment that are known for their quality craftsmanship and optimum performance. With the high-quality equipment, you can execute several simple to complex metal fabrication tasks easily and safely. Their range of sheet metal fabrication tools is made to perform to the highest standards even in the harsh industrial environments. Product Offerings of Woodward Fab Under the category of metal fabrication equipment, Woodward Fab manufacturers and sells the following equipment: English Wheels: Also known as wheeling machine, this metal fabrication tool allows producing different types of curves in sheet metal. This simple and easy-to-use machine helps shape metals… Read More
Continue ReadingWoodward Fab’s Wide-ranging Metal Fabrication Equipment
Metal fabrication is a process in which a metal is cut, bent, and made into different structures. Now, in order to carry out this process, one needs to have all the necessary machinery and equipment. In other words, metal fabrication process is only possible, when a company has a well-equipped machine shop with all the required equipment. There are several manufacturers of these equipment in the US. However, when it comes to manufacturing good quality machinery, there are very few manufacturers. Now let us discuss the different Woodward Fab’s equipment from the above video. What are the Various Types of Equipment for Metal Fabrication Available at Woodward Fab? At Woodward… Read More
Continue ReadingMachines Used & Techniques Implemented for Sheet Metal Fabrication Process
Sheet metal fabrication is one of the most widely carried out manufacturing process, today. It is basically the process of shaping a sheet metal to get the desired part. This is done by removing the material or deforming it. Sheet metal is a special type of material with extreme flexibility. It can be bent, cut, or stretched to form different shapes. In order to do this, a wide range of machines are used, and different techniques are implemented. Are you interested to know what these machines and techniques are? If so, then read the following post, which explains in detail, all the different types of machines and techniques used for… Read More
Continue ReadingSafety Tips for Sheet Metal Fabrication
Metal fabrication is the process of creating metal structures by cutting, assembling, grinding, and bending metal sheets. Various types of hand tools and machines are used during the metal fabrication process. These tools and machines are precision designed to offer desired results. Hence, it is important to take safety into consideration while working on metal fabrication projects. Many injuries in the sheet metal fabrication industry is a result of carelessness. Severe injuries can occur due to improper handling of tool or machines or other reasons. These injuries can be easily controlled by adopting various safety measures. What are they? Read the post to find answers. It discusses four important safety… Read More
Continue ReadingHow to Choose Between Sheet Metal Fabricated and Ironwork Equipment?
Although sheet metal fabrication and ironworks seem similar, there is a list of fundamental differences between the two. Before you choose between sheet metal fabricated and ironwork equipment, it is important to keep in mind your needs. While sheet metal fabrication is more functional, ironwork is more structural. Both the techniques demand different machinery, equipment, skill sets and raw materials. So, how do you know what’s the best option for you? In this post, we will try to help you with more information so that your choices become easier. Sheet Metal Fabricated and Ironwork Equipment: The Difference Let us take you through a few features of sheet metal fabricated products… Read More
Continue Reading6 Safety Tips When Using Metal Fabrication Tools
When using sheet metal fabrication tools, some safety precautions should be followed. Tools like English wheels can be hard to manage if you are not proficient at using them. Hence, some basic rules should be followed by all amateurs. If you are a professional sheet metal fabricator, read on, you might find something useful. Also, we will be discussing common metal fabrication injuries. Areas of Concern for Metal Sheet Fabrication Projects: Before proceeding with safety tips for metal sheet fabrication projects, here is a list of injuries, which can occur if proper safety measures are not taken: Injuries from Material Handling: Improper material handling is one of the main causes… Read More
Continue Reading6 Essential Tools that Ease Sheet Metal Fabrication Tasks
Applications of sheet metal are numerous. They find immense applications when assembling home appliances, transportation systems, construction equipment, and oil and gas machineries, and more. For use in applications, sheet metal undergoes several processes, including shearing, bending, shaping, blanking, and punching. To perform such activities, sheet metal fabrication shops utilize several tools. This blog is meant to familiarize you with some of the essential sheet metal fabrication tools. Must Have Tools in a Sheet Metal Fabrication Shop Usually, a sheet metal fabrication shop stocks the following tools to get the job done easily and safely. These tools greatly contribute in conducting sheet metal forming activities promptly with extreme accuracy. •… Read More
Continue ReadingKey Differences between Tools Used to Stretch Metal
Which Metal Stretching Tool is Right for You? Several tools like English wheels, shrinker stretchers, and planishing hammers are used to shape sheet metal. These tools allow the user to stretch the metal, curve it, or create interesting shapes. This is extremely useful when creating components for automobiles, HVAC systems, and other structures. Three Main Tools Used to Stretch Sheet MetalFor various applications, sheet metal needs to be stretched into shape. To do this effectively and efficiently, three main types of tools are used: 1. Planishing HammersThese hammers are used to form metal as well as to smooth metal after it is formed. Metal is placed on a hard surface… Read More
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