Heavy sheet metal forming refers to multiple processes used to produce components from material over 6mm thick. The exact processes involved will depend upon the design's requirements, but can include techniques such as cutting, bending and folding, as well as finishing processes such as powder coating and anodising.
A range of different materials can be used, such as aluminium, stainless steel, mild steel and carbon steel. Depending on the processes involved, there may be a need for the buyer to invest in tooling, although this is not always the case.
Whilst individual processes can be addressed through the use of their respective categories, heavy sheet metal is used for projects where there is more than one process involved. Sheet metal fabrication companies often have a range of capabilities and will usually be able to satisfy most design requirements under one roof; however, there may be occasions when more than one supplier needs to be involved.
Used to produce
Designs made from sheet metal material over 6mm thick that involve more than one engineering process.
Materials
A range of different materials can be used, such as aluminium, stainless steel, mild steel and carbon steel.
Advantages
Includes a number of different sheet metal forming techniques such as cutting, bending and folding.
Most sheet metal forming suppliers have a range of in-house capabilities and will be able to satisfy most projects under one roof.
Disadvantages
Depending on the processes involved, tooling may be required.
Multiple suppliers may need to be involved in the manufacture of more complex designs.
Working with thicker materials may sometimes be seen as a specialist process.
