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 may be used as material to create many forms, shapes and sections. Tools utilized 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 with sheet metal fabrication are cutting tools or shears. A simple hand scissor may be used to cut thin sheets of metal. Heavier industries which are into large production, on the other hand, prefer larger machines as power-operated bench shears. Power-operated shears include either moveable or fixed blade.

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

Another important 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 even the preference of the creator.

Bending and folding are done in various ways depending on the angles and sections put 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 which is typically like coiling is also completed with the use of rolling tools to form tubes and cylinders. Cupping is done by shaping metal sheets into cups. Embossing may be the imprinting of patterns, shapes, letters, along with other designs on the metal sheets. Another shaping way is the seaming, which is done by joining several bits 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.