Sheet Metal Forming: How Does Sheet Metal Forming Work?
What Is the Purpose of Sheet Metal Forming?
The purpose of sheet metal forming is to create parts made from thin sheet metal for use in a wide range of applications. Sheet metal forming is an extremely versatile process that takes advantage of the strength and malleability of sheet metal to create durable parts that are lower in cost than comparable manufacturing processes such as forging.
What Thickness of Metal Is Suitable for Sheet Metal Forming?
Sheet metal forming is suitable for metal thicknesses of 0.6 mm to 6.35 mm. This is a general guideline, and the actual suitable thickness will change depending on the type of metal used, the manufacturer’s capabilities, and the complexity of the metal part to be fabricated.
Sheet Metal Forming: How Does Sheet Metal Forming Work?
What Equipment Is Used in Sheet Metal Forming?
Sheet metal forming makes use of a wide range of equipment depending on the design of the part and the process being applied. The following list highlights some of the equipment used in sheet metal forming:
➤ Punches and dies are commonly used for shearing and cutting operations whenever specific shaped holes are required.
➤ Bending machines are used for bending operations.
➤ Rollers are used for shaping sheets into conical or cylindrical shapes.
➤ Shearing tools are used for shearing in a straight line.
What Are the Materials Suitable for Sheet Metal Forming?
Sheet metal forming can be applied to a wide variety of metals, depending on the application and specific properties required from the sheet metal part. Some common metals used in sheet metal forming are:
➤Stainless Steel: Widely used in the medical and food industries. It has high strength, corrosion resistance, and good formability.
➤Aluminum: A number of properties make it ideal for sheet metal forming, including good malleability, corrosion resistance, thermal and electrical conductivity, and an excellent strength-to-weight ratio. It is used in applications such as: household and industrial appliances, components for the aerospace industry, and in power lines.
Sheet Metal Forming: How Does Sheet Metal Forming Work?
➤Hot-Rolled Steel: Relatively easy and cheap to produce. It is commonly used whenever price is more important than precision, such as structural components in the construction industry, automotive chassis components, and railroad tracks.
➤Cold-rolled steel: Goes through more manufacturing steps than hot-rolled steel, which increases its tensile strength. It is usually used in home appliances, structural components, and the aerospace industry.
➤Galvanized Steel: Durable metal with good corrosion resistance. It is commonly used in roof structure applications, air conditioning, and refrigeration.
➤Copper: Very malleable, which makes it a good option for sheet metal forming. It has good electrical and thermal conductivity and is usually used for electrical applications.
Can Galvanized Steel Be Used in Sheet Metal Forming?
Yes, galvanized steel can be used in sheet metal forming. It is commonly selected for its high durability and corrosion resistance, as well as its relatively low cost of production. Some common applications of galvanized steel parts include: roofing applications, air conditioning, refrigeration, and industrial machinery.
Is Tool Steel Suitable for Sheet Metal Forming?
No, tool steel is simply not suitable for sheet metal forming. Tool steel is extremely hard and brittle, and it would break if subjected to the common metal-forming processes. Sheet metal forming relies on the ductility and malleability of metal sheets to form them into metal parts. Tool steels are generally hard with low ductility and malleability. This makes them less than ideal for sheet metal forming.
