Sheet Metal Machining Materials and Their Differences with Cutting Sheet Metal

Sheet metal machining is a comprehensive cold processing technology for metal plates. It is a relatively general concept. Sheet metal is also what we usually call sheet metal processing. It includes shearing, punching/cutting/compounding, folding, welding, riveting, splicing and forming.

Ⅰ. The difference between sheet metal machining and cutting processing

There is a slight difference between sheet metal cutting and sheet metal machining. Sheet metal cutting is an important process of sheet metal processing and forming. Sheet metal cutting includes processes and parameters such as traditional cutting, blanking, bending and forming methods; it also includes various cold stamping die structures and process parameters, various equipment working principles and operating methods, as well as new stamping technologies and new processes.

Simply speaking, compared to sheet metal machining, sheet metal cutting service has some more processes; the feature of sheet metal machining is that the thickness of the same part is the same. There are many materials commonly used in sheet metal processing, including galvanized steel, ordinary cold-rolled steel, hot-dip galvanized steel and stainless steel.

Ⅱ. Materials needed for sheet metal machining

1. The base material of galvanized steel sheet for sheet metal processing is ordinary cold-rolled steel coil. After the continuous electro-galvanizing production line undergoes degreasing, pickling, electroplating and various treatment processes, it becomes an electro-galvanized product. It not only has the mechanical properties and similar processability of general cold-rolled steel sheets, but also has superior corrosion resistance and decorative appearance. It is highly competitive and replaceable in the market of electronic products, home appliances and furniture.

2. Ordinary cold-rolled sheet for sheet metal processing refers to the continuous rolling of steel ingots through cold rolling mills into steel coils or sheets of required thickness. There is no protection on the surface, and it is easily oxidized when exposed to air, especially when wet. The oxidation speed is accelerated in the environment of high temperature, and dark red rust appears. When in use, the surface should be painted, electroplated or other protection.

3. Hot-dip galvanized steel coil for sheet metal processing refers to the semi-finished product after hot-rolled pickling or cold-rolled, washed, annealed, and immersed in a molten zinc bath at a temperature of about 460°C, so that the steel sheet is galvanized, then quenched and tempered, leveled and chemically treated; stainless steel is widely used in sheet metal processing and has many excellent properties.