Sheet metal processing procedure

The core of sheet metal processing lies in the four major steps of "cutting - forming - joining - surface treatment", which transform the metal sheet into the target structural components.

1. Cutting (obtaining the basic blank)

This is the initial step of the processing, aiming to cut the required shape of the blank from the entire metal sheet.

Common methods include laser cutting, plasma cutting, punching (pressing with a punching machine), and shearing with a shearing machine.

Laser cutting has the highest precision and is suitable for complex shapes; punching is efficient and suitable for batch processing of simple shapes.

2. Forming (shaping the target shape)

By applying external force, the blank undergoes plastic deformation to form bends, arcs, and other three-dimensional structures, which is the key step in sheet metal processing.

The core process is bending, using a bending machine to bend the sheet at a specific angle (such as 90°, 135°).

Other forming methods include roll bending (for cylindrical or arc surfaces), stretching (forming box-shaped or curved structures), and stamping (pressing out specific protrusions or depressions with a mold).

3. Joining (assembling into a complete component)

Fix multiple formed sheet metal parts or accessories together to form a complete product.

The main methods include welding (such as argon arc welding, spot welding, suitable for high-strength connections), bolt/boltless connection (removable, facilitating maintenance), and snap-fit connection (quick assembly, no additional fasteners required).

Simple structures can also achieve no-fastener connection through the design of bent snap-fit.

4. Surface treatment (improving performance and appearance)

This final step is for corrosion prevention, appearance enhancement, or enhancing specific functions.

Common processes include spraying (electrostatic spraying, powder spraying, forming protective coatings), electroplating (galvanizing, chroming, enhancing wear resistance and corrosion resistance).

Other treatments include acid washing and phosphating (pre-treatment, enhancing coating adhesion), and anodizing (for aluminum alloys, enhancing hardness and corrosion resistance).