SHEET MUSIC & ACCESSORIES

Sheet Metal Fabrication

There are many processes to cut and shape metal. Among the usual processes employed by many industries is sheet metal fabrication. Sheet metal can be used as material to create various forms, shapes and sections. Tools used in metal fabrication include simple hand tools as well as sophisticated power-operated pieces of equipment and machines.

Among the basic functions of machines and tools involved in sheet metal fabrication are cutting tools or shears. A simple hand scissor may be used to cut thin sheets of metal. Heavier industries that are into large production, however, prefer larger machines as power-operated bench shears. Power-operated shears are equipped with either moveable or fixed blade.

Permanently applied in sheet metal fabrication is punching. Punching utilizes a punching tool or press to place holes into metal sheets. Meanwhile, clipping is the method which is the removal of excess metals.

Another essential process in sheet metal fabrication involves the shaping from the metal sheets. Examples of shaping operations include folding, bending, grooving, seaming, stamping, coiling, flanging, cupping embossing, seaming, crimping and beading. Various designs are created depending on the function of the metal sheets or the preference of the creator.

Bending and folding are done in various ways depending on the angles and sections applied on the metal sheets. Coiling is done with the use of a coiling tool. Edges of metal sheets are coiled to include durability to the metal sheets. Rolling that is typically like coiling is also completed with the use of rolling tools to create tubes and cylinders. Cupping is done by shaping metal sheets into cups. Embossing is the imprinting of patterns, shapes, letters, and other designs on the metal sheets. Another shaping way is the seaming, which is done by joining several pieces of metal sheets. Flanging is the forming of flanges on metal sheets. Meanwhile beading is creating depressions, hollows, impressions on metal sheets. Like embossing, beading is done not only for purposes of stiffening the metal sheet but also for aesthetic purposes.