Sheet Metal: The Art of Metal Shaping in Industrial Manufacturing (2)

3. Forming Processes: Bringing Three-Dimensional Life to Sheets

Bending: Press brakes are used to bend flat sheets into specific angles (such as 90°, U-shaped, or V-shaped). The "bend factor" (the effect of material thickness and bend radius on the unfolded length) must be calculated to avoid dimensional deviation.

Stretching: Press brakes are used to stretch sheet metal into concave or convex shapes (such as automobile fuel tanks or kitchen sinks). The stretch ratio must be controlled to prevent cracking or wrinkling.

Rolling: Roll bending machines are used to roll sheet metal into curved structures such as cylinders and cones. This is commonly used in the manufacture of pipes and pressure vessels.

Spinning: Pressure is applied to a rotating sheet metal to form it into a mold. This is suitable for producing symmetrical parts (such as lampshades and pots).

4. Joining and Assembly

Welding: This includes argon arc welding (suitable for stainless steel and aluminum alloys), CO2 shielded welding (carbon steel), and laser welding (for high-precision thin-walled parts). Heat input must be controlled to minimize deformation.

Riveting: Mechanically connecting parts through rivets, compression nuts, and other methods, eliminating the need for welding. Suitable for non-detachable structures or dissimilar materials.

Threaded connections: Processing threaded holes (such as self-tapping screws) or inserting nuts into sheet metal facilitates later assembly and maintenance.

5. Surface Treatment: Achieve both functional and aesthetic improvements

Anti-corrosion treatments: Galvanizing (cold-dip/hot-dip), powder coating (electrostatic powder coating), and anodizing (aluminum alloys) enhance rust resistance.

Decorative treatments: Brushing, polishing, electroplating (such as chrome plating), and silk screen printing (for logos) meet design requirements.

Functional coatings: Conductive paint (for anti-static electronic equipment), insulating paint (for electrical components), and wear-resistant coatings (for mechanical contact surfaces).