What is Sheet Metal Fabrication?

Common Materials Used in Sheet Metal Fabrication

Various metals and alloys are employed in sheet metal fabrication, each possessing unique properties suited for specific applications. The most commonly used materials include:

• Steel: Steel is a popular choice due to its strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Carbon steel, stainless steel, and galvanized steel are commonly used in different applications.
• Aluminium: Aluminium is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and an excellent conductor of heat. It is widely used in industries like aerospace and electronics.
• Copper: Copper offers excellent electrical conductivity and is often used in electrical components.
• Brass: Brass, a combination of copper and zinc, is valued for its attractive appearance and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for decorative applications.

Bespoke metal splashbacks with a patina finish

 

Applications of Sheet Metal Fabrication

Every sheet metal fabrication business will have its own specialisms.

For example, our company, CSM, specialises in three main areas, always bespoke projects for each client. That is as opposed to mass production of low-cost products.

• Warehousing. We specialise in industries such as warehousing, producing gantries, staircases, shelving, racking, bespoke trolleys and material handling equipment, brackets and other custom pieces.
• Bar work. We also specialise in bar tops and architectural metal – for fixtures, fittings, walls, entrances and so on via our sister company Volund.
• General fabrication. This can include cones, brackets, arches, components for products, parts, gates, railings, and the applications are almost endless.

Brass bar front

 

However, there are many more areas in which sheet metal fabrication is present. Some other examples include:

• Construction and Architecture: In construction, sheet metal is used to create roofing, cladding, gutters, and HVAC ductwork.
• Automotive Industry: Sheet metal components are fundamental to the manufacturing of vehicles, including body panels and structural parts.
• Aerospace and Aviation: Precision-engineered sheet metal parts are extensively used in aircraft manufacturing.
• Electronics and Telecommunications: Sheet metal is crucial for housing electronic components and creating enclosures for telecommunication equipment.
• Medical Equipment: The medical industry relies on sheet metal fabrication to produce various devices and instruments.

 

The Sheet Metal Fabrication Process

The sheet metal fabrication process involves several key steps:

Step One – Design and Engineering:

The process begins with detailed design and engineering. At CSM we work with clients closely to develop drawings and specifications that will deliver the best results in terms of cost, efficiency and effectiveness. We don’t have order takers or sales people – jobs are planned with skilled and experienced metal fabricators.

In some cases where required, computer-aided design (CAD) software allows designers to create precise 3D models of the components.

Layout design

 

Step Two – Material Selection and Preparation:

The appropriate metal sheet is selected based on the application and requirements. For an aesthetic finish you may choose Pewter, for durability you may choose steel. It all depends on the outcome.

The sheet is then cleaned and prepared to ensure a smooth and defect-free surface and the sheet metal is cut to size and requirement, ready to be worked with.

Materials

 

Step Three – Bending, forming and rolling:

When it comes to working with the metal, there are several ways to work with metal:

• Forming: Forming involves shaping the metal sheet into the desired configuration.
• Bending: The metal is bent to achieve angles or curves using press brakes or rolling machines.
• Rolling: Metal sheets are passed through rolling machines to create cylindrical shapes like tubes or cylinders.
• Joining: Joining techniques are used to assemble multiple pieces of sheet metal. Common methods include –

Welding: Merging metal pieces through heat and often the addition of a filler material.

Riveting: Using rivets to hold metal pieces together.

Fasteners: Using nuts, bolts, and screws to join metal components.

Finishing: The finishing process involves cleaning, smoothing, and coating the fabricated metal to improve aesthetics and protect against corrosion.

Polishing: This is just one of the techniques used to give an aesthetic finish to projects.

CSM team member rolling metal

Sheet Metal Fabricators: Finding the Right Partner

Finding the right sheet metal fabrication supplier is essential for a successful project. Here are some tips to help you in the selection process:

• Experience and Expertise: Look for companies with good experience and expertise. Not just in general, but specifically in the areas you are looking for. For example, if you were looking for a bar top or bespoke warehouse fixings, CSM might be an amazing choice. If your interest is medical equipment, you may be better going to a specialist with experience in that area.
• Capabilities and Equipment: Check if the company has the necessary equipment and expertise to handle your specific project requirements. For example at CSM we have a lot of machinery needed to create the specific projects we work on, but not necessarily the machinery needed for micro-components.
• Quality Control: Inquire about the company’’s quality control processes to ensure that the final product meets your specifications. For example CSM is ISO 9001 certified and has CHAS accreditations.
• Location: If you prefer working with a local supplier, search for “sheet metal fabrication near me” to find options nearby. However, any UK based company, which is a good cultural match, would be better than choosing somebody just because of being local.
• References and Reviews: Seek references and read customer reviews to gain insights into the company’s reputation and customer satisfaction. You can even ask to speak to old customers. Any company that resists these sorts of questions ought to be a red flag.

 

Sheet Metal Fabrication – quick-fire FAQs

What is a sheet metal fabricator?

A sheet metal fabricator is a skilled professional who transforms flat metal sheets into various shapes and products for different industries.

What does a sheet metal fabricator do?

A sheet metal fabricator creates components and structures from metal sheets by cutting, bending, and assembling them.

How does sheet metal fabrication work?

Sheet metal fabrication involves cutting, forming, and joining metal sheets to create finished components and structures.

How do you fabricate a cone with sheet metal?

To fabricate a cone with sheet metal, cut a sector from a flat sheet, bend it into a cone shape, and join the seam securely. Great news, we’ve written about this before – read here!

How to fabricate a sheet metal bowl?

To fabricate a sheet metal bowl, cut a circle from a flat sheet, form it into a bowl shape using a press brake, and finish the edges.

How to fabricate a sheet metal plenum?

To fabricate a sheet metal plenum, cut and form the flat sheet into a box shape with an inlet and outlet for airflow.

What is precision sheet metal fabrication?

Precision sheet metal fabrication is the production of metal components with extremely tight tolerances and exact specifications.

What is the sheet metal fabrication process?

The sheet metal fabrication process involves design, material selection, cutting, forming, joining, and finishing to create metal components and structures.

Conclusion

Sheet metal fabrication is a fundamental process that has shaped the modern world in numerous ways. It is wide ranging, and we have learned that there is no such thing as “the right supplier”. More that there are better suited, or less well-suited suppliers.

Whether you need a custom sheet metal component, architectural fabrication, or precision parts, understanding the sheet metal fabrication process, techniques, and finding the right supplier will help you achieve successful and cost-effective results.

For more information on sheet metal fabrication please don’t hesitate to get in touch.