Sheet metal fabrication is a manufacturing process that involves the transformation of raw metal materials into intricate parts or structures through various techniques such as cutting, bending, and welding.
In this article, we will explain the key elements of metal fabrication, touching on its processes, applications, and the crucial role it plays across many industries.
Understanding Sheet Metal Fabrication
Sheet metal fabrication encompasses a variety of techniques, each contributing to the creation of a final product. At its core, the process involves working with sheets of steel or other metals, which are then cut, shaped, and assembled to form the desired end product. The versatility of sheet metal fabrication allows for the production of items ranging from hand tools and car parts to industrial-grade equipment.
Numerous tools contribute to the fabrication process, including CAD design software, laser cutters, CNC punching and forming machinery, welding technology and a range of precision manufacturing equipment.
At FSM Manufacturing, we offer a complete end-to-end sheet metal fabrication service – guiding you through the process from start to finish. Our use of parametric solid modelling software ensures that we can offer a bespoke design process, backed by a team of sheet metal fabrication and specialist engineers.
Our Sheet Metal Fabrication Process: A Step-by-Step Overview
- Designing & Prototyping: The journey begins with the design phase, where precise specifications are established. This collaborative stage often involves clients working alongside our design and engineering teams, ensuring we deliver a completely bespoke metal fabrication solution.
- Fibre Laser Cutting: Laser cutting, known for its accuracy, takes centre stage in this phase. High-intensity lasers follow programmed designs, effortlessly and precisely cutting through the metal.
- Punching: For components requiring specific perforations or forms, CNC punching machines use specialised tooling to process the metal sheet accordingly.
- Bending: The CNC folding process employs various machines, such as press brakes, to shape the part by applying pressure between a top tool and die, achieving the intended form.
- Welding: Various welding techniques, including MIG, TIG, spot, projection, and stud welding, join components to create a cohesive structure.
- Finishing: As part of a complete service, we use a range of finishing techniques. Our partners provide powder coating, polishing, blasting, anodizing and plating processes, dependent on your requirements. At FSM Manufacturing, we also offer an in-house polishing service using hand held equipment, fixed pedestal machines and our Grinding Master linishing and deburring machines.
- Assembly: From simple welded assemblies to more complex electro-mechanical integrations, the assembly stage varies based on the final product's complexity and customer requirement.
Types of Sheet Metal Fabrication
Sheet metal fabrication is not a one-size-fits-all process; we adapt to the specific needs of our customer. Here are some typical examples:
Industrial Sheet Metal Fabrication
Serving companies requiring components for: Lighting, manual handling, packaging equipment, office and laboratory furniture, electrical enclosures, control boxes, agricultural equipment, food handling & packaging machinery and general sub-contract services.
Commercial Sheet Metal Fabrication
Focused on more inclusive products requiring partial or complete assemblies, such as access control products, security doors, leisure/lifestyle equipment, communications products, shop fittings and finished items for original equipment manufacturers.
FSM’s sheet metal manufacturing services are applicable to a range of other sectors and industries, showcasing our flexibility and dedication to providing the right solution for the right clients.
FSM Manufacturing – Your Sheet Metal Fabrication Partner
Selecting the ideal fabrication partner for your project is crucial. It’s important to consider factors such as the company's capacity, in-house services, staff expertise, and capabilities.
At FSM Manufacturing, we offer a full turnkey solution – meaning, we’re well equipped to provide an around the clock service for standalone laser tasks and complete metal fabrication projects. In particular, our acquisition of the advanced Trumpf Fibre Optic Laser Cutting Machine places us at the forefront of sheet metal fabrication technology and ensures we’re well-quipped for any project you may bring our way!
For more information about our fabrication services or to discuss a project, please contact us via our website contact us form. Alternatively, if you would like to speak directly to a member of our team, telephone 01440 762561 or e-mail [email protected].