Manufacturers are winning with precision sheet metal fabrication
If sheet metal fabrication were easy, everybody would do it. It’s not—and the handling, cutting and manipulating of sheet metal can be especially challenging when manufacturers require thicker material, as commonly used in agriculture, transportation, construction and other industries.
When you partner with custom sheet metal fabricators using world-class laser-cutting technology, large-capacity press brakes and automated material handling systems, you can relieve many of the headaches that come with shearing and other traditional fabrication methods. And that can help you win an advantage over the competition.
Here are five common pain points manufacturers can meet head-on with precision sheet metal fabrication:
1. Cutting and handling of thick materials
Working with chunky sheet metal can be a major challenge and it’s required for lots of applications. In the world of agriculture for example, thick sheet metal often is needed for everything from buildings, silos and feeding equipment to balers, seeders and tractors. This work typically requires a fabrication partner with specialized equipment to empower sheet metal laser cutting services beyond the norm. To illustrate, Wald utilizes a 9K laser inline with a 4K laser and a 15-shelf automated tower system so we can cut stainless steel and aluminum sheets up to an inch thick.
2. Forming and shaping difficulties
In the aerospace industry, sheet metal is shaped, bent, ironed, stretched formed, deep drawn and beyond to create perfect aircraft and spacecraft components. A sheet metal fabricator equipped with three 220-ton CNC press brakes, for example, can offer the capacity to form a wide range of complex bends in a variety of materials and thicknesses. Add the expertise of engineers and operators laser-focused on the relationship between materials, thickness and radius and your precision sheet metal fabrication projects go to new heights.
3. Project inefficiencies
As those in the automotive industry can attest, sometimes speed is a necessity. When that’s the case for a job that requires cutting of thick sheet metal, fiber lasers can be like a secret weapon. For example, Wald’s 9K Amada fiber laser can cut 4 to 7 times faster than our 4K Amada CO2 models. For high-volume runs, the integration of these lasers and a 15-shelf automated tower system puts the pedal to the floor on our floor, opening up the possibility for around-the-clock operations and lights-out results.
4. Project-specific challenges
Each job has its own unique qualities. When fabricating products that allow for ventilation or light penetration, for instance, a louver might be necessary. That’s when a custom sheet metal fabricator can harness the power of equipment like our 55-ton Amada Vipros 568, CNC 62-station turret punch press, a more efficient way to execute simple, repetitive cuts or punches. Other possibilities include embossing or the use of CNC saws.
5. The need for a perfect finish
Applications in agricultural, automotive, marine and other industries often need a finishing touch. Options typically include a long-lasting metallic coating, such as chrome or zinc, or a painted finish. Chrome provides a glossy look with superior protection. Zinc defends against the elements and is budget-friendly. Choosing and perfecting the right finish can be tricky, but the right precision sheet metal fabrication partner has you covered from beginning to end, with unbending results.
Above and beyond precision sheet metal fabrication
From the need for thick sheet metal to time constraints to project-specific requirements, many obstacles can stand in your way when you need sheet metal done right. Finding a partner with specialized equipment, optimized processes and skilled workers can help overcome these challenges.
Do you have a question about sheet metal fabrication challenges and solutions? Let us know.