Sep. 30, 2024
Sheet metal fabrication includes a variety of processes and can be used to create simple to complex shapes in anything from prototypes to high-volume productions. When combined with CNC machining or surface finishing processes like powder coating, it is a versatile option for any industry. Whether you choose progressive stamping, deep drawing, or laser cutting, sheet metal fabrication has numerous benefits.
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Sheet metal parts offer several benefits that make them a popular choice in various industries. The following are some of the major benefits of sheet metal fabrication that make it so appealing for many different product applications:
Here are some key advantages of using sheet metal parts:
Metal, especially steel, offers excellent structural integrity and can withstand heavy loads and harsh environments. Sheet metal parts are ideal for automotive, construction, and industrial equipment.
Sheet metal is easy to mold and form into various shapes, and also maintains its structural integrity when undergoing the fabrication process. Sheet metal is very popular for use in applications requiring ample malleability, such as building designs.
Sheet metal materials are also capable of holding high-pressure levels, with the added ability to resist corrosion and degradation resulting from exposure to sun, water, moisture, and corrosion in all types of environments.
In spite of their robustness, sheet metal components exhibit a relatively low weight when compared to alternative materials such as solid metal blocks or castings. This makes them advantageous in applications where weight reduction is crucial, such as aerospace or automotive industries, as it can contribute to improved fuel efficiency and overall performance.
Sheet metal fabrication allows for great design flexibility. Sheet metal can be easily cut, bent, and shaped into complex forms, offering designers the freedom to create parts with intricate geometries, creating customized and aesthetically pleasing components.
Raw materials, such as steel or aluminum sheets, are generally less expensive than solid blocks or castings. Additionally, sheet metal fabrication processes, such as laser cutting and CNC bending, have become more efficient and automated, reducing labor costs and increasing production rates.
Sheet metal fabrication techniques have advanced significantly with the use of computer-aided design (CAD) software and computer numerical control (CNC) machines, allowing precise cutting, bending, and forming operations. This accuracy ensures consistent dimensions and tight tolerances, which is crucial in industries where precise fit and functionality are required.
With computer-controlled machines and efficient production setups, it is possible to quickly produce prototypes or small batches of sheet metal parts. This agility is particularly beneficial for industries that require fast product development cycles or have changing design requirements.
Sheet metal fabrication covers a range of processes. Working with a full-service contract manufacturer that handles fabrication, finishing, and assembly can drastically shorten your lead times.
Sheet metal parts, especially those made from materials like steel or aluminum, are highly recyclable. These parts can be recycled and reused to produce new sheet metal components, reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability.
Source International&#;s sheet metal fabrication capabilities can cover any project. Our full-service contract manufacturing model means we handle your project from product development all the way through shipment monitoring using our Source Information System (SIS). We will even develop a new process for you if we don&#;t have one that fits!
Our experienced team will work with you every step of the way to develop a product and create a process that fits your needs &#; all wrapped up nicely in our Product Tech Pack. This ensures you have all of the information on your product such as bill of materials, technical drawings, performance testing, sample schedules, and packaging labels.
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If you&#;re looking to make your own products, you have numerous options regarding the materials that you can use for fabrication. There are many different factors you must consider when determining what material is best for your product, and it is important to find opportunities to streamline your manufacturing processes with the materials you choose. You must evaluate how the material will behave under stress, over time, and when it&#;s subjected to chemicals or environmental conditions. You must also consider the nature, function, and performance of your project; its end-use will play a large role in dictating what material you use to build it. When you take the proper time to ensure you select the right material for your product, you&#;ll save both time and money.
A current popular material option is plastic, and casting metal also has some positive benefits. However, there are several reasons (depending on your project) why sheet metal could prove to be the superior material choice.
Sheet metal is strong and durable, and sheet metal parts are often able to withstand greater pressure and heat than those made with plastic. In addition to this, aluminum, stainless steel, or surface-treated steel are all resistant to pressure, corrosion, and wear and tear. While a method like casting will share these benefits, plastic will not hold up as well with the passage of time.
In addition to being durable, sheet metal is also malleable. With the right equipment, it can be bent into numerous shapes, while still retaining its strength and structural integrity. Sheet metal also has the ability to be compressed or stretched without breaking or cracking. When a part is cast or molded, you get a very specific shape, but you also had to pay for a very specific, and usually expensive, mold. If you decide to change your part at all, it can be very expensive to invest in a new mold, and tooling for plastic can be very expensive as well. With sheet metal, it&#;s as simple as bending the part in a different place to create a new and unique shape. The malleability of sheet metal allows it to be effectively and efficiently used in custom, complex, or highly specialized applications.
One of the biggest advantages of using sheet metal is that the parts are replaceable. If several metal parts are used to make an assembly, instead of making the whole part out of one substance, the individual components can be removed and replaced without having to replace the entire assembly. This can save money on repairs and even allow for modifications and upgrades.
As far as materials go, metal is by far one of the most sustainable materials. Metal is a natural resource that is both environmentally and economically strategic. When the parts are no longer needed, they can be recycled indefinitely and turned into other parts. Plastic has a limited ability to be recycled and cannot be easily and safely disposed once it reaches its end point. Metal manufacturing is a much more responsible and sustainable option.
Tooling costs for plastics can be very expensive, making sheet metal a more economical choice. Many companies move from cast or molded parts to sheet metal because of the overall reduction in costs and material waste. Material lifespan and longevity must also be considered when evaluating the cost of material. The cheapest material is not necessarily the most cost-efficient option if it will not serve you well for a long period of time and has to be consistently replaced or maintained. The strength and durability features of sheet metal make it a more cost-effective option.
Deciding if sheet metal is right for your project is a complex decision with many factors to consider. Before you invest time and money in design or tooling, work with an experienced partner like Estes Design and Manufacturing. With decades of experience and cutting-edge fabricating equipment, Estes will ensure the right material is used for your project and is manufactured with consistent quality and competitive pricing. Our experts are here to help you make the right choices for your products. Contact us to find out if sheet metal is the right material for your project and learn how we can take your product to the next level.
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